Virgin Mobile or Optus?

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  JordanM on 19/06/2014 - 06:14

  I have been on Virgin for almost 2 years now, very happy. Optus coverage is the exact same. Virgin Mobile Australia is actually owned 100% by Optus.

  Does Virgin Mobile only use some towers?
  No, Virgin Mobile customers have exactly the same network access (including all the towers) as Optus customers. As such we cover the same percentage of the population as the Optus network - 98.5% of the Australian population.

  Are Virgin Mobile customers de-prioritised against Optus customers for network access?
  Absolutely not. At a network level, with most Virgin Mobile customers using Optus APN settings, the network has no ability to even distinguish the difference between a Virgin Mobile customer and an Optus customer. They’re treated exactly the same. The part where customers are distinguished is on the application level where billing and data rating occur. This allows us to have customer benefits like Free Virgin to Virgin, Free Voicemail and Rollover on your unused included call and text value.

  Can you access 4G with Virgin Mobile?
  Absolutely. As Optus continues to roll-out 4G and 4G Plus coverage across the country, this will become available at the same time to Virgin Mobile customers. All you need is a compatible handset. If you already have one and you’re not on the 4G or 4G Plus network, you can dial 275 to enable.

  https://community.virginmobile.com.au/t5/General-knowledge-b…

  Also new customers can get a $35 credit on signup being refered, if you dont have any friends with Virgin feel free to PM me for a referal http://www.virginmobile.com.au/rewards

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  akd on 19/06/2014 - 08:25

  Virgin Mobile has another advantage - international calls are included in $450 credit while Optus does not have this facility.

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  ESEMCE on 19/06/2014 - 08:28

  +5

  Gotta ask
  Why are you dying to switch to a worse network (these days)?
  Vodafone's network is faster and nowadays geographically pretty much identical provided you have a suitable handset (850, 900 and 2100MHz 3G compatible).
  If you're truly desperate to switch, consider the budget Optus MVNO's.. I used to be on Virgin, now on Live Connected and notice no speed difference despite paying less than half the price for the same or better inclusions.

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    JediJan on 19/06/2014 - 10:24

    Have to agree. Whilst we were with Virgin (for wifi Broadband) for many years, our area has become congested… always waiting for upgrades on towers. Very pleased with Virgin customer service; I give them a big thumbs up there. Regrettably we switched to Vodafone 4G … much faster and reliable than Virgin 3G was in our area, but pay extra $20 per month now. I would have preferred to stay with Virgin; perhaps switch back at a later stage if they get the 4G happening here too. I could suggest they contact old customers if they do; may find they actually get us back then.

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    malkakas on 19/06/2014 - 11:59

    scubacoles,
    Live Connected seems to include a lot in their plans. Do they give free calls to other live connected numbers or do they charge for those calls at the same rate?
    http://www.liveconnected.com.au/mobile-plans-4g-2 shows that Talk to Other live connected numbers as N/A.

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      ESEMCE on 19/06/2014 - 12:34

      Pretty sure LC to LC is the same rate, but gets counted against a different "bucket".
      ie if you have $500 calls included value, you get $500 calls to "other networks" and $500 calls to LC numbers.
      Look at Vaya too, same owner, slightly better packages, but round up data usage to the Mb.

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    pyro love bird on 19/06/2014 - 17:36

    I've been with voda for ages now (was with 3 before they switched to voda) and I've had so many issues with their network not working, dropouts, repeatedly sending texts, overcharging us and just flat out lying. Their customer service is a joke.

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      ESEMCE on 20/06/2014 - 08:17

      +1

      And your handset is suitable for Vodafone's "hodge-podge" network?
      If it's an old 3 handset, it likely wont receive 900MHz 3G.. Similarly if it's an old Voda handset it likely wont receive 850MHz 3G..
      Virgin's Customer Service is pretty good, but Optus network is the poorest in terms of performance these days. Just making sure, you're not jumping from one sinking ship to another, when the one you're leaving is actually looking better and better!

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        pyro love bird on 21/06/2014 - 06:17

        I have an old handset yes, but my mom has an iphone (recently upgraded) and that's still getting crappy network. Voda's been promising for years now that their network will work, but my calls and texts dont go through/get sent! You can probably understand how frustrating that is at times. Thankyou for looking out for me though, I appreciate it!

        I actually thought Optus was better in terms of performance in comparison to Voda and Virgin?

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  stevednj48 on 19/06/2014 - 09:07

  +1

  Im on the prepaid $29 cap best part is credits and data roll over if you recharge within 28 days and it is 4G also

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    JediJan on 21/06/2014 - 13:15

    I recharge my son's prepaid $20 international plan; we make use of the unlimited Vodafone calls (OnNet) and yes, we also recharge prior to month end to roll over any credit … Usually is $s left over too :o)