Originally 100GB for $38.
Using code: "DATAFRENZY" reduces cost to $28/month for maximum 12 months, then reverts back to $38/month after.
This equates to 3.57GB per $1, while competitors offer in the low 1GB per $1.
NOT LOCKED IN!
Critical Information Summary
https://circles-legal.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/au/cir…
Both referrer and referee get $5 bill credit for 6 months and bonus 5 GB for 6 months.
I don't want to speak out of turn but I just left telstra and decided on optus, I kept reading customer service for this mob did not exist.
I ported to them from TPG, after being with them for a decade, and Circles have better reception and speeds where I live. Their customer service is easiest with online-chat. Way easier to resolve issues than TPG, because TPG tell you to come back later or disconnect you when calling up the support line.
The app and data usage reporting is best I've seen around. Also they bill you pro-rata and AFTER the end of the month. I prefer it this way, because at least I don't have to fight to get money back that you would have pre-paid on other providers, and I have time to dispute if something goes wrong.
I think another example of shitty payment system is Catch Connect burying the renew option in their settings, and reports of people getting billed after turning it off. I was worried they would do this to me so I asked them to remove my credit card details but they said said they can't while my service is still active, which is just a lie.
This is just my experience though. Like danny1213 said below, in general, no one cares to share good news about a company. Only when something goes wrong do people complain and hope to get it fixed.
I'm a current customer and am very happy with their service. If you're OK with online chat for customer service, they're great, in my experience; each encounter was pleasant and productive. Everything to do with your account can be done through their app. Auto-renewal is easy to find and disable.
Some complaints, can't personally comment on it myself as I am not with them:
Can concur on all the above.
I feel like every where you go people will complain about these things. Having worked for Optus, I can't say the network is amazing - but we left with some pretty happy (and not so happy customers). At the end of the day, it's more likely the people that are unhappy will complain than boast about it (you don't hear much when a port goes through in 10 seconds right?!? - but you'll hear about it when there's a delay beyond the providers control…). Your experience will depend on where your located, if you're an ass (we'd probably be an ass back) and what your expectations are. The TIO is on your side for any major issues, so mehhhhhh, don't believe everything you read.
I'm not particularly down on the Optus network but I had issues with Circles that I've not had on any other network. What was most problematic was their complete disinterest in establishing anything about the nature of the problem.
When it came time to port out, same deal - they write and say a bunch of words that make it appear as though they understand what you're saying, insist they're all over it but as time passes it's like you don't exist. Even telling them if they don't actually do what they say they're going to do the TIO will be involved had no effect, I had to actually engage the TIO.
I'd personally prefer to avoid the TIO, it's generally a painless process but it's frustrating and stressy dealing with a situation that requires it.
@0jay: When you port out, you don't need to engage with Circles? The take-over carrier deals with them and moves your number over.
Are you referring to porting into Circles?
@danny1213: No, they continued to bill me after transfer (including for a month that was supposed to be complimentary).
Wow .. thanks for sharing
Don't care enough to take time out of my day,
But Circles were (profanity) terrible, and a NIGHTMARE to port back out of. If I didn't need this number for important legal calls I'd have just started a new SIM elsewhere and told them to blow me.
(profanity). Terrible.
I was with them for a couple of months on this same deal.
Left a few weeks ago to port to the P30 JB Hi-Fi deal.
Personally I never had an issue dealing with Circles. Porting into them a few months back took a few times and that was coming from Telstra. No idea why but after the 3rd time it worked.
Never had to contact them after that so can't speak of their customer support but its all online chat.
I was worried that porting out would be an issue after reading all the problems other had, especially since they begin their account numbers with letters.
When I went to Jb Hifi to port into them as soon as I started gaving them my account number the staff looked at me funny and said "no it should start with a number". But it went through straight away with no issues.
It also helped that the day I ported was my last billing day of the cycle too. So later that day I just got a termination email from Circles and that was the end of it. Maybe I got lucky or they've sorted their shit out.
Edit. Also I actually found Circles (Optus) reception better in some parts of my workplace compared to Telstra's.
I had issues cancelling. I ported my number from Circles to Kogan and Circles were STILL charging me. After contacting them, they had no idea that my number had ported on their end, and I had to provide them proof to show that. Absolutely ridiculous. I am staying away from them!
This service runs on Optus 4G+. You will receive the same speed and reliability as on the original network.
I did a speedtest at 11:38AM on 12/5 (S9+) 275 down, 29.5 up 13ms ping 7ms jitter. Blazing fast.
Left Kogan to come to Circles and has been the biggest mistake.
I don't know what's it is but when tracking data use in their app it is fine and instant all month until you get to about 2-3 days out and it just doesn't update. I get usage warning messages all in one day saying I've used 50% then 70% then 85% despite having used all of them way before the messages
Horrible company to deal with. In my experience with Circles Life there are serious issues beyond reception and speeds. They continued to invoice me and my partner (two separate plans) for an additional 3 months despite requesting to cancel our accounts on numerous occasions. They confirmed that my account had still been active over the past few months despite providing me with written confirmation on three occasions that my account was closed. I told myself a long time ago I would never give my money to companies that conduct themselves in this way. I would not recommend them however good of a deal it may seem.
that sounds horrible, especially considering they tout themselves as the "peoples" phone company with the best customer service.
Sorry to hear that. Had I had known that I wouldn't have posted this since I don't want others to go through the same crap you had to go through. I guess you really do get what you pay for.
Same here I had to pull out hairs trying to get them to refund a next month's charge after canceling the month prior. Stupid errors they make you run rings to sort out.
I ported my main number to them on the 4 month free plan from Oct last year and I thought I read you had to contact them to cancel, so I did a live chat and they asked why and I said "cost" as it was going to be $28 for 20gb. They didn't try to offer me anything, even though they had $18 for 20gb promo for new customers.
They then asked to confirm cancellation as i would lose my number and I went "nooooo!" I then explained I wanted to keep my number and they said just port out which I did a week before the end of the last month and didn't get charged anything from Circles.
I was with Telstra before porting to circle life.
Reception and speed is no match with Telstra for sure.
I'm staying because it's cheap (also on $28 for 100gb), and am working from home hence no need for high speed 4g
I'm considering to switch back to Telstra when there is a good deal and start using it outside
Been with them since January, it's been fine. Since Covid I haven't been using the mobile data much, but and around inner Melbourne it's OK.
I want to know speeds aswell ty
If only they used the Telstra network. Optus is no good where I live.
I guess Belong is the equivalent.
Belong is Telstra wholesale network. Boost would be the equivalent
Except Boost belong to Telstra.
@0jay: No they don't…they just inked a deal to use Telstra's network before Telstra created a second tier wholesale network.
@BarryBargain88: Funny how Belong (a subsidiary of Telstra) only has access to the wholesale network while Boost has got the whole package…I'm with Belong mobile, can't say I can tell the difference where I live anyway.
@jezza p: I'm on Boost and receive alerts from a Telstra service. Emails also are sometimes graphed with Telstra logos.
In fact the recent Telstra corona data bonus could be applied to Boost numbers as well.
@0jay: I heard that promo applies to belong too? I haven't tried yet…so not sure if it's actually true. lol might jump ship to Boost after I use up my free credit.
@jezza p: Not sure about Belong but I guess if so then it's confirmation that it's just a matter of numbers on the Telstra network.
I'd thought the Telstra/Boost ownership was a settled matter, seems like that's not the case.
@0jay: Yea I thought Telstra owned them as well and then I found this on Boost: https://community.boost.com.au/t5/Setup-Phone-Support-Knowle….
I know Belong is owned by telstra as it says on their own website. “A division of Telstra” on the bottom
Although to us end users, I don’t think it matters really. The fact is Boost has got access to the whole network while Belong has got the wholesale one. Boost also allows international roaming, would be great for receiving SMS security codes etc while traveling.
I heard that promo applies to belong too?
It doesn’t.
Source: I have boost and the wifey belong. I get Telstra air and all other related benefits while she doesn’t get any. Boost is incredible value.
@hashtagbargain: Oh well. Haha I only mentioned it because someone mentioned it on that ozbargain page. Haha I guess now we know for sure it doesn’t.
Boost is definitely great value. Was going to get a 12-month sim, but then I got $100 free credit with belong.
Strewth
Is this for new customers only or can I have a second service?
A second service is a new service. New number.
Perfect, thanks!
I wonder what will happen after 1 year, $28 is justified but $38 for the shitty network is just a NO. I will probably port mine services as well after $28 package is over.
They're really decent with great support :)
If I wasn't with Boost due to other factors, I would've been with circle!
Not as cheap as their 100gb/20$ deal, but still good!
I'm actually confident if you'll try to ask through the live chat, an operator will give some sort of onetime or bill discount :P
I'm on this deal now from last year. I wonder if there's a way to "refresh" it using this code.
Currently on the 20GB for $18 no lock in
Transferred my number from optus (these guys use the same network) haven't had anything to complain about service wise.
Accidently clicked on a monthly add on in the app, when I tried to get a refund they said I couldn't have done it on accident and refused. Not bothered though since it was only $5 and was my fault.
I’ve been with them for 6 months and no issues at all. Love how cheap my bill is
great shall have been used this instead of Boost
It works out slightly more expensive but if you want 100gb go to this deal via amaysim https://studentedge.org/au/deals/details/amaysim-student-dis…
More reliable and also discount won’t disappear after one year
This is actually far superior
Prepaid
International call included
Big company
Only for students?
Anyone with edu account can get it.
Both use Optus - Amaysim is $2 extra and only gives 28 days v/s calendar month for Circles (so over a year you are paying for an extra month to Amaysim).
I +1'd this comment, but be aware that it's per 28 days, so effectively $32.50 a month.
Yes. That’s why i said more expensive however it’s a much better deal than circle imo
Amy direct link without signing up student edge?
No direct link unfortunately. Try to look up here, maybe you can get it that way https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ozbargain.com.au/node/52075…
Thanks for this signed me and the missus up don’t mind forking out the extra month. Amaysim was pretty good from previous experience plus don’t have to worry about cancelling circles in 12 months time.
No worries. We are light users in my family so no use (mind you my 17yo wouldn’t mind having this lol). But we have nbn at home and probably use about 30-40 between 4 Of us a month so no use
Got it, thanks!
So much data for so little dough.
Using this as home broadband from last November deal, no issues yet but I am using this in a router only for internet.
Have been with them since the last deal, no complaints here at all I often tether to my phone when the home broadband turns to shit.
Seems a good deal but just concerned with their service based in above comments ..
been with them for a few months, no complaints. just wish they had e-sim for my apple watch
Just personal experience. .. they continue to draw on your credit card after you port away from them. Had to get my bank to resolve the issue as couldn't be assed with their non existent customer service. .. the speeds were ok for me in Melbourne but I had regular drop outs.
Do they have some dodgy way of counting the data usage? I remembered people complaining about not actually getting 100GB
I personally used circles life and it was horrible. internet speed is very slow and their customer service, argh, I can't even begin to describe.. they are useless.. this is a feedback I have never left for them. if you are planning on porting in/out, good luck. especially they will do anything to stop you porting out..
For those who have problems with termination. Was there no option to disable auto payment in their system?
I want 5g LTE with 300 gig a month for $80 or $99
The company and support are good. But during the 4 month promo, they deducted payment in the 4th month, even it was free. However, after complaining on support, they refunded it. I had couple of services with them. I left them after the promo ended as it was very expensive.
The problem with post paid is they can charge you $$ if you use a service not bundled in the plan by mistake. I personally prefer Boost prepaid 1 year plan, its very cheap and gets me enough data and unlimited international calls for around $12 a month.
they charged me for those free months as well. But not once. they charged me every month and i had to chat with customer service and convince them for hours to fix it.
Happy user here.
I was apprehensive about Circles.Life as well based on reading many comments from disgruntled users. In Nov 2019 they had a $28 for 100GB month deal, but with no lock in so I took the punt. Same as this deal. I figured that if it was terrible I could port to someone else.
I assumed online chat support would be terrible but it was fine. I actually prefer it as you can multitask instead of waiting on hold!
Ported in with no problems. Service is used as a home internet replacement. Had no issues.
Moved from Kogan-fone, and prior to that was with Aldi. Another risk factor was I hadn't ever been on the Optus network so didn't know how it compared. But no issues with service in inner metro Melbourne.
I acknowledge that other people have had problems, but based on my experience I wouldn't dismiss them, and would recommend for those who are adventurous and who have a bit of patience to deal with online chat help!
Took me 10 business days to port-out. Not sure who to blame.. circles or the new company. Circles told me that normal port out cannot be done because i have letter in my account nr. There for new provider has to ring Circles to port me out. data speeds where same as normal Optus.
I’ve been using them for my home internet with the last $28/100gb sim deal they had in November or December, no complaints. Don’t do a lot of streaming but occasionally I’ll play an on demand show on Foxtel and it streams fine.
Will grab this sim and close out the last one, which will be expiring soon anyway as it was only 6 months @ $28 pm.
Great on paper, service is crap. What's the most basic service to offer next to receiving a standard phone call or text message? Answer; RETRIEVING A VOICEMAIL. These losers don't offer it. So, unless your caller knows you're with circles and can wrap up a voicemail inside 9 seconds, you'll have no idea who called or what they were trying to say. Their service is really average as well, they kept charging me after porting out. Like most telco's, they will lack accountability when you have an issue and look after you, so you're buggered if you don't catch them on the live chat each time. I moved across to Boost for the first time inside the last few weeks….
Weird people can leave me super long voicemails (although don't think I've had anyone do it longer than 40 seconds).
Wow, that sounds really pathetic.
I ported to these guys last year when they had their free 6 months. I came over from Optus and found everything just the same. I found their billing during my free period pointless, but I have no complaint from these guys QoS wise.
If this circles offer is for 100 GB per month, please ignore the rest of this message. But if it's for a year, then…
Boost prepaid offers 240 GB for $300 a year.
Plan cost per month:
Boost = $25
Circles = $28
Cost per GB:
Boost = $1.25
Circles = $3.36
Besides, boost also offers unlimited international calls and text to select countries and uses full Telstra network.
It's per month.
Thanks for that.
I was with optus for about 13 years before porting over to circle around 3-4 months ago when they had 20gb for $18/month. Mobile data and receptions feels the same as optus. One small issue I had is that the activation email to activate the sim didn't work however they fixed pretty quickly when I called up. I found the phone line customer service is pretty good and online support chat is pretty good too however you have to be patience as online chat replies can be slow (aren't they all??)
I would say I'm pretty happy with circles
How does this compare to Amaysim? I’m on $30 100gb student plan but the reception is a bit choppy at times. The amaysim deal is valid for life so that’s seems too good to leave 😂
Ported to them last year. Bit of a regret, speeds can be super hit and miss
I ordered a sim a while back for a promo here it showed up and I couldn't even activate it so I called up and they said it had been cancelled. they couldn't even explain why and kept on sending me invoices to pay. took about 3 emails before they said just to ignore the invoices. not even sure if I got a refund or it affected my credit score. but no thanks I wont ever try and sign up with them no matter how good the deal.
Just be aware these guys do a credit check when applying. Not an issue, but it will stick on your file.
I guess each to there own really! I myself just signed up with these guys - https://www.letsbemates.com.au/mobile/
Telstra network and get 15gb data for $15 per month and data bank upto 50gb
The plan I'm on is normally $25 per month however if you bundle a nbn service you get $10 off per month! I'm happy :)
100/20 NBN $69 Unlimited
Is the $10 off the internet or mobile plan as well ?
It's off the internet plan so I pay $69 for the nbn instead of $79, sorry I should have worded it better!
I still reckon it's a good deal, I've been doing speed test during morning lunch and dinner times and no slowdowns so it's a plus from me, they also offer the first month fully refundable if you aren't happy
I use to pay $60 for unlimited NBN 100/40 with MyRepublic but the prices went up a lot. The price is good with Mates when bundled when comparing to others. I’m currently with Boost so get 6GB for $11 per month. The NBN is just too expensive for me and will wait until they are sold off next year for a fire sale before considering going back. I’m not sure who will end up paying for the $7 internet tax being introduced on July 1, hopefully current contracted NBN members will be excluded. 4G data/mobile plans are to be exempt which is why I was looking at Circles deal here.
Thanks for the info and feedback about Mates.
@db1: I love Mate! I have different offers for me and my family but seriously thinking of having one sim on either $10 (5gb) $15 (15 fb) for myself or $20 (25gb) for my daughter once I finish the different offers.
I also have nbn 100/20 (which is 100/40 in reality) at $79 and last month we used 839gb so no sim would cope with our internet usage at home 🤣
@fozzie: how are you tracking your internet usage? Mate doesn't seem to have an online portal that shows usage
Do they have esim functionality?
I was with Optus before moving to this deal at the start of the year. In terms of reception and speed, haven't noticed any major differences or issues. I have travelled to Canberra and the NT for work with no issues. I go through about 20-30gb a month with heavy video use and haven't felt like the data measurement is much different to Optus. I did have issues with customer service and initially getting set up. Overall, very good value for money for me.
I found this amaysim 100gb $30 with rewards if cant get edu account. I havent tried it but looks ok
https://www.plusrewards.com.au/theweeklytimes/offers/30-amay…
Update you have subscribe to a mag
bummer
Wow thats pretty damn good, currently with Telstra $40 for 40gb but this might just bring me over. Ozbargainers on this plan atm how is reception and speeds?