This is my first post, too hard not to share… If you're sick of Vodafone, make the move I made today!
I recently had data usage charges dispute with Vodafone and decided to look for better deal. After some research, I found the following, but only applicable to existing Vodafone customers who will port their number to Virgin mobile.
Until 11th May 2014, if you port your Vodafone number to Virgin, join the Virgin BYO30 plan.
You only pay $20/month, you get $200 free calls, 1.2GB data (usually 200MB, but you get a bonus 1GB every month).
The free calls can be rolled over for one month, but data usage CANNOT. The bonus 1GB doesn't expire, unless you change plans or upgrade handset. Or if Virgin finds it not profitable to maintain, which means losing a lot of customers!
Of course you should enquire about the nitty gritty details such as call rates etc, which are pretty much similar to other providers. They use Optus network. I can't comment on coverage or quality or speed of Virgin, there's many differing reviews. But at least I know I've got more quota and it can't be worse than Vodafone.
(I better revise this post a little, I'm getting a lot of replies saying the website doesn't mention the bonus nor Vodafone customers….. This deal isn't advertised bcoz it's an under the table deal, as advised by Virgin dealer. But it is 100% true bcoz I changed yesterday arvo. I guess for legal or competition reasons, they can't advertise openly on their website…. I don't know, just sharing what I know.)
I was paying Vodafone $15/month for $20 free calls (no rollover), 700MB data and was told its a great deal which is no longer offered. I did look at Telstra and Optus, but they don't really have low usage plans for people like me. Then there's Vaya, Live Connected, Amaysim, Lebara who provide similar low usage plans, most using Optus network too. But I just couldn't get past insecurity of these smaller providers. At least Virgin is one of big 4 and some professional reviews say they have better stats than Optus themselves.
I changed over today and it was done within 1/2 hour, connection was almost instant. But please double check if you have any outstanding obligations with Vodafone, any cancellation fees etc.
1.Telstra
2.Vodafone
3.Optus
4 The rest including Virgin
There is only the big 3. Virgin doesnt have their own network ;). Optus's network (which Virgin uses) is pretty crap for a bunch of people out there (hello congestion!!) - reseller's aren't much better imho. Plus unless things have changed they charge their data in 1MB blocks — chews through any usage especially in poor signal/congested areas :/. As always will depend on your area…..