Absolute Cheapest Receive-Only Phone and Sim Setup?

hahaitme on 23/09/2024 - 09:46

For context, work won't provide a phone/sim, wants us to use personal phones. Majority of calls are on Teams anyway but some people still prefer to use mobile.

I don't like having work shit on my personal phone. What's the absolute cheapest way I can set myself up with a work phone?

Can I buy this phone: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/optus-x-start-4-smartphone-…
Activate it once with the cheapest Optus prepaid plan ($10 it appears) and once it runs out of credit just never recharge it again while continuing to receive calls?

Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • djsweet on 23/09/2024 - 09:54
    +1

    If they don't pay for it then they can't expect you to have/use it. Unless its in your contract as a tool of the trade or whatever.

  • Protractor on 23/09/2024 - 10:13

    Either you have a dodgy job, or work for the wrong ppl. If it's a tool of the trade, make them do the leg/$ work.

    Your problem may get complex if they are ringing you about work shifts with the new laws.

  • bio on 23/09/2024 - 10:38
    +1

    I don't see a long expiry Optus prepaid for $10 (there is a 7-day one), but Amaysim has a $10 prepaid plan that expires after 365 days:

    https://www.amaysim.com.au/sim-plans/28-day-sim-plans/as-you…

    You don't have to recharge this for a year to be able to receive calls.

    You may potentially use that Optus locked phone because Amaysim uses the Optus network too.

    • hahaitme on 23/09/2024 - 10:50

      Cheers, just checked online and it seems as though it does work on Optus phones. Will go this route

      • bio on 23/09/2024 - 10:52

        No worries. Also note that Amaysim has eSIM support, so if your personal phone supports a second SIM or eSIM you can use a single phone for both personal and work numbers.

  • shxhshzhz on 23/09/2024 - 11:38
    +2

    https://catch.com.au/event/catch-connect-offer-50-off-phone-…

    Nokia 215 Unlocked $28 using SAVE50

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/844288

    Lebara PAYG plan $7 365 days

    Total cost = $35

    • WatchNerd on 23/09/2024 - 13:08

      Can't you do better than that?

      • shxhshzhz on 23/09/2024 - 13:25
        +1

        Optus X Lite 4 $9 delivered with OnePass and a $10 amaysim PAYG. However, it's only better if amaysim actually works with locked phones.
        For $16 more, the unlocked dual sim Nokia is still better overall.

  • cloudmonk on 23/09/2024 - 21:00

    Doubt that will run teams with 2GB memory

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 24/09/2024 - 01:44

    If you have any old unlocked phone, personally I would go for the $15 (or might now be $17) Aldi 365-day SIM. Their website is functional/easy to negotiate, and I've not had a problem with this service in ~10 years (two different phones).

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