Please Advice a new Mobile Phone Carrier

Bappy on 22/08/2013 - 13:49
Last edited 22/08/2013 - 14:01

Hi Guys

Our Vodafone contract has expired (Thanks God) - so want to switch provider ASAP.
I was preferring Telstra network (Boost/AldiMobile) but its out of our budget. So I guess Optus 3G network is my only option.

Our requirements:

  1. Budget: ~$20/month (No Contract)
  2. Phone Usage: Medium/Light
  3. Data Usage: ~500MB
  4. Overseas call allowance

I guess my options are Vaya or TPG. Problem with Vaya is overseas calls are not included in the allowance. So I believe TPG is my best bet at this moment.

However I am hearing lots of horror stories about TPG (e.g. their network is getting congested, customer service is shocking etc). Also they have introduced the new plan with new T&C which means an additional cost of $20 per sim ("Mobile Prepayment Outside Included Value" which is non-refundable).

Do I have any other alternatives or carrier that I'm missing?
Or stick with Vodafone (I'm currently getting 40% discount for next 4 months)
I can still go with Via and use VOIP/SIP to make overseas calls but not sure if that will be a good option (budget wise)…

I have already checked Whirlpool forum and their spreadheet - but unable to find any other suitable deals within my requirements…

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Any LiveConnected users please share their current experience?

Mobile

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 22/08/2013 - 15:08
    +1

    Liveconnected and Vaya are essentially the same. (Vaya 100% own LiveConnected)

    I've had no issues whatsoever with LC

    Woolworths mobile could be your best match, cause they include International in their allowance.
    $26.10/45 days ($17.64/month) if you have Everyday Rewards. ($19.60/month if you don't)

  • pyramid on 22/08/2013 - 15:12
    +2

    Did you try Amaysim. It fits into all of your requirement.

    • tassie Pete on 22/08/2013 - 15:23
      +1

      I'd second that vote for Amaysim in particular their Flexi plan for $19.90 per month. It includes 500MB data (which rolls over for 1 month), credit rolls over (for 1 month), and calls and sms are 9 cents each (free to other Amaysim users), etc.

      www.amaysim.com.au/mobile-plans/amaysim-flexi.html

    • retiredfeline on 22/08/2013 - 15:25
      +1

      +1, don't rule out providers like Amaysim or Aldimobile without looking at the rates first. Just to take one example, on Amaysim it's actually cheaper to call Malaysia than to make a local call on AYG (6c/min vs 12c/min). Depending on which country you are calling you may get a good deal. Not all providers charge the high per minute rates of Telstra/Optus/Woolies.

  • KBZ on 23/08/2013 - 00:29
    +1

    However I am hearing lots of horror stories about TPG (e.g. their network is getting congested(?!?!?!), customer service is shocking etc).

    They are an MVNO using Optus network.
    I currently use TPG, fine for my area been using for over 1+ years, the overseas call allowance is a huge plus for me.
    Customer service I find okayish, albeit I never had a major problem and one time I had a problem with refunding a deposit I called twice and was sorted.

    Also they have introduced the new plan with new T&C which means an additional cost of $20 per sim ("Mobile Prepayment Outside Included Value" which is non-refundable).

    That is a huge bummer, even existing customers like myself got switched to this absolute BS of a fee. You can't spend it all cause it auto tops up, if you cancel your card or direct debit, it will cancel your service since it can't recharge it.
    But in the long term view I can let go of the $20 fee.

    But my view may be biased as I'm grandfathered on the old plan of $550 1.5GB and unlimited social etc.
    If you can skype/viber/kakao talk over 3G is still pretty good over any other carriers.

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