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Free Telstra Essential Plus Smartphone for Customers with Phones That Lack 850MHz 3G

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Free Telstra Essential Plus Smartphone for Customers with Phones That Lack 850MHz 3G
Go to Deal
StrayfireX on 20/12/2018 - 19:48 say.telstra.com.au (7451 clicks)
Last edited 21/12/2018 - 15:40

Telstra is giving away new smartphones for people stuck with devices that lack 3G 850mhz on Telstra prepaid.

In March 2019, Telstra is refarming the 2100mhz band to 4G. Hence, if your phone is outdated enough, Telstra will give you a new Essential Plus and SIM for free.

Many Optus and Vodafone locked phones are 2100mhz/900mhz 3G only, so it might pay off to put your Telstra SIM into that and see if it triggers the offer.

Telstra's website seems to be smart enough realise I have a Nokia 8 with 3G 850mhz, so no freebie for me :(.

Edit: I got a shipping confirmation email from Telstra despite not having an eligible phone, thanks to realfancyman's hack (see below)

Incomplete list of eligible phones for the free Telstra upgrade

I have a Pre-Paid service: Please complete the web form here so we have your most current details. A care pack will be posted to you within 14 days, otherwise you can call 1800 112 722 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or visit a Telstra store to find suitable replacements.

What is the device included in the care pack?

A 4G capable Telstra Essential plus Smartphone will be provided

edit, realfancyman might have a way around this website

Was a bit suspicious that the website went to the "ineligible" panel so quickly, so I had a look at the Network Tools to see if the input was actually submitted - and it wasn't. Turning off javascript and using "document.getElementsByName("CustomerSurveyForm")[0].submit();" in console to submit the form gets me this response:

Thank you. Your order has been submitted.

Mobile Mobile Phone Telstra Android

Related Stores

Telstra
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closed Comments

  • alvian on 20/12/2018 - 19:55
    +1

    Mobile number (Must be 10 digits and the same number that received the SMS)

    Targeted offer. No use without the SMS.

    • StrayfireX on 20/12/2018 - 20:00

      I have no idea how to flag it as targeted.

      With any luck, people might be able to trigger it by inserting their SIM into an older phone.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2018 - 20:04

    Many Optus and Vodafone locked phones are 2100mhz/900mhz 3G only, so it might pay off to put your Telstra SIM into that and see if it triggers the offer.

    • TeddyBear on 21/12/2018 - 01:26

      Just to clarify, this wouldn't apply to phones currently locked to Optus and only to newly unlocked phones?

  • DU99 on 20/12/2018 - 20:04

    does that affect there wholesale..aldi/boost

    • StrayfireX on 20/12/2018 - 20:06

      Nope, not to my knowledge. Might work with Boost since it is same as Telstra retail.

      • INFIDEL on 20/12/2018 - 20:45

        Put a Boost SIM into an old Telstra 3G phone (900 / 2100) to see if it works😉

        Checked site…Unfortunately you are ineligible for this offer
        Hopefully will receive the SMS & try again.

  • Clear on 20/12/2018 - 20:21
    +5

    This phone if anyone is curious that already has a good deal going here.

  • TheDukeOfNukem on 20/12/2018 - 20:54
    +7

    Activated a Telstra SIM I had floating around.

    Clicked the link, using that number, on the phone (BlackBerry Bold 9900, one of the listed devices that won't make the cut), got told I was ineligible.

    Rang the number you got there, sat on hold for just over 10 minutes, got a guy, talked him through it, he went off to get another dude, after just under 20 minutes it basically boiled down to this,

    "Dylan, I love BlackBerry too, but we're shutting down 3G in March next year, and you gonna need to upgrade your shit. Keep retrying the form and if you're eligible, it will hopefully work for you"

    So official advice of Telstra: Just keep trying until we give you a free phone.

    I've gotta hit the shops tomorrow anyway, so I might bop into the Telstra store and see if they have a clue, might end up skipping the 2 week delivery time if I'm lucky, fingers crossed.

    • jackofspade on 20/12/2018 - 21:07

      Aren't you suppose to wait for the SMS?

    • toasty on 20/12/2018 - 21:09

      Good luck and let us know how you go. :)

    • Windows7forever on 20/12/2018 - 22:38
      +7

      You must value your time over a 10 dollar phone

      • TheDukeOfNukem on 20/12/2018 - 23:44
        +3

        Yo, I was gonna sit still and watch YouTube for a couple hours anyway, may as well put the phone on hold to see if I can get some free shit while I do it.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2018 - 22:39

      desperate Cel

    • TheDukeOfNukem on 20/12/2018 - 23:56
      +7

      Thought I'd try one last time before heading to bed, and out of instinct I used Opera Mini, rather than the built in browser on the BB as I did before, and it worked fine on that supposedly. Said I'll be getting a text when the phone is dispatched, and it should hit me within 2 weeks or so.

      Screengrabbing everything just to be on the safe side anyway if I get shit and have to deal with support down the line.

    • TheDukeOfNukem on 21/12/2018 - 13:28

      Checked my email and apparently I had a duplicate order, that has now been cancelled…it had no name or order number either. Weird.

      Rang Telstra up and he said yeah it's cancelled, I ask if the original was still going, he said yeah but had no real idea what the order was, which probably means the request didn't go through properly anyway.

      In any case. They record all their calls, don't they? I'll have them check their logs for the call I made at 13:20 on December 21 (writing it here for my own memory, tbh) confirming it should still be coming.

      Looks like there's gonna be some hoop jumping, boiz. I'm not even fibbing to the thing like some of the people below (though hat's off for figuring that one out, realfancyman), I'm doing it on a proper phone that they themselves have said won't be supported after March next year, so if I'm having issues, I can't imagine it will be perfect for everyone.

      • TheDukeOfNukem on 21/12/2018 - 18:11

        Got a message on the email from my first attempt yesterday, order's on it's way apparently, awesome.

        Here's hoping I get that same email on my second email, as I tried using a couple different ones last night to see if that was the problem. As much as I don't need multiple spares, if they're willing to throw them at me, I'm willing to take them. They gave me 3 Telstra TVs when I signed up to the internet a couple years back with them, didn't even want one of the things.

        • PvsNP on 24/12/2018 - 21:21

          Can you throw one Telstra TV my way :p

          • TheDukeOfNukem on 24/12/2018 - 21:33

            @PvsNP: Passed 2 of them onto fellow OzB'ers a while back, gave the other to the old man to watch the Wolf Creek show on Stan. Sorry, dude.

            They were first gen anyway, supposedly pretty shit to use.

  • oznik on 20/12/2018 - 20:58
    +5

    Also free in a roundabout way if you want a google home mini - the phone is $49 with a free home mini which is also worth about $49

    https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/prepaid-mobiles/tel…

  • rye on 20/12/2018 - 21:37

    I have a Vodafone wifi modem - from this deal which has my Telstra sim in it - from this JB hifi deal.
    Filled out the form but says I’m ineligible.

  • realfancyman on 20/12/2018 - 22:18

    What does the text say?

  • realfancyman on 20/12/2018 - 22:38
    +24

    Was a bit suspicious that the website went to the "ineligible" panel so quickly, so I had a look at the Network Tools to see if the input was actually submitted - and it wasn't. Turning off javascript and using "document.getElementsByName("CustomerSurveyForm")[0].submit();" in console to submit the form gets me this response:

    Thank you. Your order has been submitted.

    We will get in touch with you if we have any questions about your order.

    An SMS will be sent to the mobile number you provided when your order is dispatched. You should receive your order within 14 business days.

    • uk3000 on 20/12/2018 - 23:04

      This is glorious, mate. And way to go Telstra! They should send their devs to a bootcamp or something.

    • StrayfireX on 21/12/2018 - 00:28

      I just did this with No script and Firefox console.

      Fingers crossed! :)

      • realfancyman on 21/12/2018 - 00:30

        Worth a shot!

        • StrayfireX on 21/12/2018 - 13:55

          Did you get the shipping confirmation too?

          • ozrex on 21/12/2018 - 16:41

            @StrayfireX: I got a shipment confirmation today using this hack :)

            • realfancyman on 21/12/2018 - 18:44

              @ozrex: Same! So good

            • kvt on 21/12/2018 - 23:33

              @ozrex: How much time it took to receive the confirmation email?

              • realfancyman on 22/12/2018 - 02:53

                @kvt: I got it the next day after it was shipped with a tracking number:

                Hi {First Name},

                Thanks for placing your order with the Telstra Online Shop – order no. {Entered Phone Number}.

                It’s on its way
                We've processed your order and it will be arriving soon. Our courier will deliver it to the address you gave us or, if that's not possible, to your local Post Office.

                You can Track Your Delivery here.
                (The status of your order will be available on the StarTrack website via this link, from 9pm on the day this message was sent to you)

                Security check
                You'll need to provide valid ID (e.g. driver's licence, passport) to the courier to complete the security check. If you paid for your new phone, tablet or other device when you ordered it, for additional security you’ll need to provide the same photo ID you used when you purchased online. Once the courier confirms your photo ID you can take delivery of your order.

                What if you’re not available?
                The courier will deliver your package to your local Post Office and leave you a calling card with the details. You have 10 days to collect your order, otherwise the Post Office will return it to our depot.
                Remember you’ll need to provide the necessary photo ID at the Post Office to complete the security check.

                Other purchases
                If you’ve purchased one of our bundled offers, data packs or other plans, you’ll find these are automatically added to the telephone account you specified at the time of your order.

                Thank you for shopping online at Telstra. If you have any other queries you can contact us on Twitter (requires a Twitter account), Facebook, CrowdSupport® or CrowdSupport for business (login required) or Live Chat 24 hours, 7 days. You can also manage your services online or on the go with the Telstra 24x7™ App for your personal iPhone®, iPad® or Android™ device, available from telstra.com/apps.

                See you online soon,

                Fiona Hayes

                Head of Consumer Service and Contact Centres

                • kvt on 22/12/2018 - 09:31

                  @realfancyman: I entered a non Telstra number, as did not have one.

                  Let's see if luck prevails..

            • ozrex on 22/12/2018 - 12:29
              +2

              @ozrex: Shipment received today (Saturday), nice quick shipping Mr T. No free Google Home Mini bundled :(

              • StrayfireX on 22/12/2018 - 12:57
                +1

                @ozrex: Same here, got mine at 9am.

                Not bad for 10 minutes of time.

          • kvt on 21/12/2018 - 23:34

            @StrayfireX: Did u get the confirmation?

    • relentless on 21/12/2018 - 01:49
      +2

      Thanks, I had fun learning how to do this in my browsers.

    • amorn on 21/12/2018 - 17:54
      +1

      hi. can you please advise what is console and where to put that long text? i have microsoft lumia which is eligible devise, but still says ineligible :( Thanks.

      • forrester on 21/12/2018 - 18:38
        +1

        I can't help you as I am not eligible (and so won't be trying) but I'm guessing that having more specific details such as an exact step to step guide would possibly put people's orders in jeopardy (ozbargain searches show very high on search engines and also any sudden influx in orders may cancel existing orders).

      • relentless on 21/12/2018 - 18:44
        +2

        On Chrome right click and select inspect. There will be a tab across the top called console. Paste the text there and press enter.

        • INFIDEL on 21/12/2018 - 21:20

          Thanks. Worked.

        • tunzafun001 on 19/01/2019 - 10:59
          -1

          What do you do when the Inspect tab is greyed out / not selectable?

    • realfancyman on 21/12/2018 - 19:07

      I looked into it again now it's verified working, and you don't actually need to turn off javascript. Just fill out the form as normal, and to submit go to the url:

      javascript:document.getElementsByName("CustomerSurveyForm")[0].submit();

      • tunzafun001 on 19/01/2019 - 11:30

        The inspect tab is grey / isn't selectable for me in chrome?

        Tried using Firefox console, got this message "TypeError: document.getElementByName is not a function

        Could it be the naming of the form? ie. "CustomerSurveyForm" is not correct?

        I get this from Firefox Inspector

        <iframe style="display: none; visibility: hidden;" src="https://3603226.fls.doubleclick.net/activityi;src=3603226;type=mt;cat=mt011;qty=1;ord=5152072007019370;gtm=2od170;auiddc=1932963161.1547856326;u4=;u5=78259405209482735801852980103743178326;u6=https%3A%2F%2Fsay.telstra.com.au%2Fcustomer%2Fgeneral%2Fforms%2F3G-network-update;u7=;u10=;u12=;u13=;u14=991191111911300.4;u17=;u19=https%253A%252F%252Fsay.telstra.com.au%252Fcustomer%252Fgeneral%252Fforms%252F3G-network-update%7Cundefined;u20=;u21=;u22=;u24=;u25=;~oref=https%3A%2F%2Fsay.telstra.com.au%2Fcustomer%2Fgeneral%2Fforms%2F3G-network-update?" width="0" height="0"></iframe>

        Any ideas? Cheers

    • d2joy on 27/12/2018 - 12:29

      still work?
      i got following:
      "optimisation.js:435 The page has already been loaded, can't write marker
      dynamite @ optimisation.js:435
      43G-network-update:1 Mixed Content: The page at 'https://say.telstra.com.au/customer/general/forms/3G-network-update' was loaded over HTTPS, but requested an insecure script 'http://www.telstra.com.au/misc/my-account-sorry-page.htm'. This request has been blocked; the content must be served over HTTPS.
      surveys.js?x=0.1810.0.2:414 Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read property 'submit' of undefined
      at Object.submitForm (surveys.js?x=0.1810.0.2:414)
      at HTMLButtonElement.onclick (3G-network-update:533)"

      am i done something wrong, or could you show us step by step?

    • slowFTL on 10/01/2019 - 15:38

      Thanks to your real fancy eye and effective hack I scored a free Telstra 4G phone! Great job mate! You are a credit to the Ozb community! Happy New Year!

    • Ozsaver88 on 10/01/2019 - 18:02

      Thanks mate. I have a non-Telstra mobile and still got the shipment. Really I cant complain about the quality because it is completely free item!

      Unfortunately my partner's shipment arrived with a damaged phone with a broken screen. Thanks to Star-track. Any suggestion on how to get it replaced by Telstra because we are not subscribed to Telstra now?

      https://photos.app.goo.gl/aAtcd1TcZ3WqnWVU6

      • Zazer on 18/01/2019 - 20:23

        Just get another one. Form still works. I just got one for myself. :D

  • batrarobin on 21/12/2018 - 09:41

    Just did that for mine and partner's account, hoping for the best. :)

  • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2018 - 10:22

    care to share the trick with some detail?

  • suchis on 21/12/2018 - 10:48

    I have old Telstra phone that takes the big SIM card. My present phone (unlocked) has a micro Telstra SIM. My question is how do I put my micro SIM card that I have at present and get it to work on the oldbig SIM card slot?

    • batrarobin on 21/12/2018 - 11:44
      +2

      Just use the sim adapter.

    • relentless on 21/12/2018 - 18:54

      You don't need to put the sim in, just enter the phone number on the site if using realfancyman's method.

  • batrarobin on 21/12/2018 - 12:00
    +2

    Just got shipping confirmation for my order.

  • Djlegzy on 21/12/2018 - 16:58
    +1

    Just followed readfancypants steps and it worked for me. Just waiting for the confirmation email to come through.

    • Djlegzy on 27/12/2018 - 16:52

      Still waiting for the one i processed for dad on friday night. Hopefully it turns up tomorrow.
      Also processed mine today with different details so see if one comes to me.

  • rye on 21/12/2018 - 17:20

    Also followed readfancypants instructions. Not confirmation email or text yet.

    • rye on 24/12/2018 - 09:28
      +1

      Just got my confirmation email

      • Monty1089 on 24/12/2018 - 09:54

        Excellent. What time did you complete the form?

        • rye on 24/12/2018 - 09:57

          About 4pm on 21 Dec

          • Monty1089 on 24/12/2018 - 10:02
            +1

            @rye: OK so still a chance for me. I did it on 21st as well but at 8pm. So is probably yet to be processed.

            • rye on 25/12/2018 - 11:00

              @Monty1089: How did you go?

              • Monty1089 on 25/12/2018 - 11:29
                +1

                @rye: I still have not received an email or sms yet :(
                I reckon they have caught on now. However i do have an eligible phone that i use daily (lumia 532) so if they try and cancel the order i will call up and complain :D

  • Shamwow01 on 23/12/2018 - 15:47

    I get to the thank you message on the website. How long did it take for the confirmation email or text message to be received?

    • realfancyman on 23/12/2018 - 16:47

      I got it the next day

    • Monty1089 on 23/12/2018 - 17:15

      I did mine on Friday at around 8pm Sydney time but still have not received a text or email as of yet. So you are not alone. Hopefully they haven't fixed the loophole yet :(

      • INFIDEL on 23/12/2018 - 20:13

        Same.

        • Monty1089 on 23/12/2018 - 20:18

          They must have fixed it. We're doomed !!

          • INFIDEL on 23/12/2018 - 21:36

            @Monty1089: Or processing of requests are low priority over weekend before Christmas🎄

            Telstra has been slow to fix other loopholes - some remained in use for years with Telstra prepaid credit.

            • realfancyman on 23/12/2018 - 22:56

              @INFIDEL: Most likely.

              • slowFTL on 24/12/2018 - 10:54

                @realfancyman: T'is the season to be optimistic and for Telstra to be charitable! lol! Spend less and save more this holiday season fellow travellers on the ozbargain brick road… :-)!

            • Monty1089 on 25/12/2018 - 11:30

              @INFIDEL: Have you received any sms or email yet?

              • INFIDEL on 25/12/2018 - 12:39

                @Monty1089: Christmas Day & I'm on Santa's Telstra's "naughty" list - no news. Although others received theirs today!

  • dsp26 on 24/12/2018 - 12:35

    I didn't get a text nor was I originally targeted, am on Kogan mobile (Vodafone). And I got mine today :)

    • StrayfireX on 24/12/2018 - 12:47

      Wow so you put in a Kogan mobile number and it still have it to you?

      • dsp26 on 24/12/2018 - 13:00
        +1

        sure do!

        It came in an orange Telstra starter pack box with the phone inside and some paperwork. Delivered via Startrak today and did @realfancyman's trick around midday friday

        ***edit: now i just need to find a cheap unlock code

        • rimalala on 24/12/2018 - 13:12

          when did u receive your confirmation email?

          • dsp26 on 24/12/2018 - 14:14

            @rimalala: i didn't receive one. used @realfancyman's method friday.. no confirmation text or email. wasn't even targeted

            • rimalala on 24/12/2018 - 14:22

              @dsp26: wait, so u received nothing and they just deliver to you?
              they didnt even send you tracking number?

        • Associatediamnowhere24 @ Telstra on 27/12/2018 - 09:13

          Got mine today… Did you find an easier, cheaper way to unlock the phone
          Edit: I m not associated with the store, but not able to remove the tag

          • Moderatormoocher on 27/12/2018 - 09:28

            @iamnowhere24: Our records show that you've logged in from Telstra IP addresses so the system auto-flagged you. If this is incorrect please start a TWAM. Thanks.

            • Zazer on 18/01/2019 - 20:25

              @moocher: I didn't know that was a thing! Neat, thanks mr. moderator :D

    • rimalala on 24/12/2018 - 13:12

      Also on kogan mobile, did the @realfancyman's trick around 6 pm on Saturday, no confirmation email or text, nothing yet

      • dsp26 on 26/12/2018 - 01:01

        to answer your questions above since it sounds like you haven't received yours from your questions above. You ordered Saturday.. they will have sent it out on Monday so you will probably get yours Wednesday or thursday latest since it ships out via startrak

  • TheDukeOfNukem on 24/12/2018 - 19:46
    +1

    Got mine this morning a bit before 8. Cheers, OP.

    Gonna try activating the new SIM in my old BlackBerry and seeing if I can snag another one.

  • PvsNP on 24/12/2018 - 21:23

    Got one mine today …. }:)

  • i7-2600k on 27/12/2018 - 11:20

    got mine today too :)

    if you look on eBay it appears people have really taken advantage and these are selling for around 40 bucks shipped

    • Monty1089 on 27/12/2018 - 11:28

      When did you receive the email or sms confirmation?

  • PvsNP on 27/12/2018 - 16:01

    Well the phone is too slow for my liking :(

    • realfancyman on 27/12/2018 - 19:31

      Actually better than I was expecting, but still not suitable for daily use

  • PvsNP on 27/12/2018 - 22:27

    The care pack came with a new sim, and outside it mentions a different mobile number.
    Is it possible to use that number, instead of my old one?
    Or Can I sell that number?

  • rye on 27/12/2018 - 23:36

    Mine was delivered today

  • TrailerTrash on 28/12/2018 - 16:59
    +1

    Thanks @realfancyman looks like mine is waiting for collection too!

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