Long time lurker but finally found somethingish i haven't heard of.
I was in Telstra today looking at their plans as might need the reception. Still a bit pricey but got offered a student deal on the Basic and Essential plans was $10 off each for 12 months but needing student ID with ID number. Was told it was for new numbers or bringing your number across from another provider. Not the best for me but hope this helps if you're looking to sign up.
Belong uses Telstra Wholesale network, which means not full Telstra network coverage, lower priority data traffic (which lots of Telstra Wholesale folks experience in congested areas) and speeds are capped to 150mbps on 5G.
Not comparing Apples with Apples here.
I switched from Boost to Aldi a few months ago and the difference is shocking. Aldi data is so slow that you can't load a web page half the time. I think I'm going to try a vodafone mvno because it can't be worse than Aldi.
Only full Telstra provider is Boost which is now arguably close to Telstra prices anyway - and wouldn't be surprised if Boost traffic is deprioritised.
I think JB Hi-Fi Mobile and Good Guys are also the full Telstra network now.
I thought the Telstra plans they sell are full Telstra, but JB Hi-Fi mobile (as in SIM packs) are wholesale but could be wrong.
@pennypincher98: Can’t say about the Wholesale vs Total coverage, but in case others aren’t aware jbhifi is a white-labeled Telstra experience.
A lot of the app is just the Telstra app rebadged in yellow.
Plus, they allow smartwatch eSIM (One Number) for Apple Watch for $5 monthly, which Belong and Boost don’t offer
@pennypincher98: I don't think they sell Telstra plans now; they sell JB Hi-Fi postpaid and pre-paid plans which use the full Telstra network (and this extends to TGG). The JB Hi-Fi plans apparently live in Telstra's billing system, making them technically not an MNVO - they just take some of the Telstra perks away. This at least seems to be the consensus on Whirlpool: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/98mq7nn3?p=126
Assuming this is true, JB Hi-Fi Pre-Paid is worth considering over Boost Mobile (monthly). Both cost $39 per month, 25GB vs 30GB with JB, previous month data rollover only vs 200GB data bank with JB.
JB Hi-Fi postpaid and pre-paid plans which use the full Telstra network
+1
JB Hi-Fi Mobile Upfront Plans
Our 5G coverage now reaches 80% of Australians. Compatible devices required. For 5G coverage information, see Telstra.com/coverage
All JB Hi-Fi Mobile Pre-Paid, Upfront and Mobile broadband plans are powered by the full geographical coverage of the Telstra Mobile Network.
Check Telstra’s Coverage Map
Access to the full geographic coverage of the Telstra mobile network offering 5G, 4G and 3G where available.
You need the price $79 instead of $99. A $20 discount. 300GB per month.
Students shouldnt be paying that much anyway, prepaid is the best.
Makes my Felix plan at $20 per month with unlimited data look like a bargain.
Belong or Boost would probably be better
More is also Telstra 5G and cheaper. Combank customers get $10 off per month for 12 months then 10% off thereafter.
https://more.com.au/personal/cba-yello-everyday-mobile
Having said that since recent Vodafone upgrade, I found several outer ring suburbs where their 5G signal reception is better than Telstra and Optus.
:0 might actually go for this one, as was needing eSIM. Thanks for the recc.
It is Telstra Wholesale 5G, not the full Telstra 5G network like Boost has. Belong, aldimobile and more have access to almost all of the network, but not all.
$20 off per month if CBA Yello Homeowner. up to 2 mobile plan. been using it since last week, can't fault it. bonus data first 3 months with banking. Coming from Voda/Lebara port-in and out, pretty quick porting.
Been having serious issues with Boost the past couple of months. It sometimes drops out for 5 to 10 minutes at a time in Melbourne. Doesn't seem to be effecting Telstra customers so I'm not sure what's up with it but I suspect Boost customers are being much more heavily deprioritised since the acquisition.
i bought a Boost SIM in December. They still haven't activated it. Something to do with me having duplicate customer IDs in a Telstra system. Their customer support is as completely awful as was expected.
There's no way I'd give them money if other networks had the same coverage. They need a massive kick up the bottom from a regulator with teeth.
If Vodaphones your thing, especially now Vodaphones coverage has doubled with the Optus deal, $20 first 3 months then $40 unlimited data/calls/text with Felix.
Woolies Telstra plans are also pretty good, coupled with 10% off one shop a month, pretty much pays for the plan. I haven't felt the lack of speed of reception, and I work rurally and need to be on the Telstra network
![[VIC] $10/M off for 12 Months on Basic Plan 50GB $55/M or Essential Plan 180GB $65/M - Student ID Required @ Telstra, Chadstone](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/14/893214.jpg?h=2ce1b9d8)
If you want good Telstra plans, go with Belong as they are 5G and great prices.