What Carrier Do You Use?? Why??

LRosymo on 07/06/2019 - 14:55

Previous posts don't really have answers to my questions do I'll ask here.

When shopping for a sim-only mobile plan (my phone isn't broken), the big carriers like Optus or Telstra offer plans that start at $30~ and can range to $60 and above. For their cheapest plans of these companies, other companies like Aldi mobile and Kogan offer basically the same, if not in excess, of the data provided and talk/text for much cheaper.

My question is, is it worth it to get a more expensive plan? How do these smaller companies seemingly undercut the prices while providing more data and *using the same network?

What are your experiences with phone services with data/customer service/reliability?

Poll Options expired

  • 4
    Vaya
  • 17
    Lebara
  • 25
    Amaysim
  • 38
    Vodafone
  • 44
    Other (comment)
  • 62
    Aldimobile
  • 72
    Kogan
  • 112
    Boost
  • 142
    Optus
  • 226
    Telstra
Mobile Phone Plan Prepaid Mobile Plan

Comments

  • SDF05 on 07/06/2019 - 15:02
    +2

    Vodafone, since it's cheap and i'm on a family plan. And also it supports my phone pretty well so far.

  • GG57 on 07/06/2019 - 15:02
    +13

    We switched from Voda to Aldi; cheaper, more data, Telstra network.

    The big players such as Telstra offer 'extras' (e.g. live AFL etc.), the smaller players just offer core services.

    • zerocritical on 08/06/2019 - 07:27
      +1

      +1.

      But off late, the data speed on Aldi is struggling a bit. Is it just me or others facing this too?

    • Kranbone on 09/06/2019 - 08:43
      +1

      I'm also with Aldi for the same reason. Offers excellent value on the service we need and uses the Telstra network.

  • spackbace on 07/06/2019 - 15:03
    +14

    Telstra - reception, plan was a good deal when I got it

    • ItsMeAgro on 08/06/2019 - 22:01

      Telstra - reception.

      Phone reception was so bad on everyone else we switched to Telstra years ago and haven't looked back. They tell me even Aldi and others who use the Telstra network don't have access to all the bands.

      Not sure if they have any real competition yet (Optus is still much slower internet).

      • nikey2k27 on 09/06/2019 - 10:11
        +1

        Your right about aldi not have access to all bands i find at time aldi will be out and Telstra work phone will still powering along

      • macrocephalic on 09/06/2019 - 19:38
        +1

        Boost is a subsidiary of Telstra, so it has access to it's entire network - not just the 'wholesale' network which other MVNO's have.

  • obit11 on 07/06/2019 - 15:07
    +4

    Telstra, got one of those $49 with a Galaxy S8 back a while back. contract up in November or something, hopefully something similar pops up.

    • splishy on 08/06/2019 - 23:34

      Wait… it was $49? I pay $59

      • Kangal on 09/06/2019 - 12:05
        +1

        No, it was $59.
        The $49 was the loaner contract. JB Hi-fi also had the same deal but you had to pay something like $5/month for the S8, but in turn you got $300 voucher.

        A few of us got the Telstra Rep to stretch the 4G+ data to 20GB's per month.

        I still find Optus 4GX is slightly faster and slightly better reception. But as soon as the 4G signal fades, the connection drops on the 3G bands, whereas on Telstra it's still quite decent.

        For my use (and most others) this service is more than enough. I can only think of upgrading to 5G at say:
        $120/monthly to have 100GB/month, on 10ms ping, and 1,000Mbps/100Mbps Down/UpLoad speeds on a 5G connection… and then completely getting rid of my NBN-100 connection. Hopefully we will see this in November 2020 (or sooner).

        As a comparison with NBN-100 you can expect to get $80/month, Unlimited Data, 5ms ping, and 70Mbps/45Mbps. Whereas 4G+ typically costs $40/month, gets you around 20GB/month with 20ms ping and 60Mbps/30Mbps.

      • obit11 on 11/06/2019 - 14:45

        I got a $10 credit added to mine. Lots of persistence. Got someone to guarantee it. Then had to carry on to some Complaints people.

        • obit11 on 11/06/2019 - 14:45

          I got 20gb data as well

      • krishnabhargavt on 15/06/2019 - 18:41

        I pay $59 with the intl dialling pack included and 30Gigs of data.. spoke to chat support couple of times and increased the data :P

  • ykwon10 on 07/06/2019 - 15:08
    +7

    Previously with Optus and reception is choppy in certain areas. Some shopping centres have 0 reception. Moved to Telstra and no more issues since. Please note that most carriers out there that promotes "using Telstra network", they don't actually have full access to Telstra network. Boost might be a good alternative for you if you want to access full Telstra network.

    • nikoris on 14/06/2019 - 22:49

      Please note that most carriers out there that promotes "using Telstra network", they don't actually have full access to Telstra network

      How does Boost have full access and Aldimobile doesnt? 0_o

      I have been using aldimobile and optus lately and aldimobile is waaaaaaay better because it uses telstra network, even though it doesnt have the full speed and no volte-vowifi.

      But we are talking insignificant difference in speed, it's like Aldi gets 80mbps and telstra gets 120 (numbers are random to make a point, i dont remember actual numbers )

      • ykwon10 on 14/06/2019 - 23:05

        simply because Aldimobile is Tesltra network reseller while Boost is subsidiary of Telstra

        • nikoris on 14/06/2019 - 23:16
          -4

          simply because Aldimobile is Tesltra network reseller while Boost is subsidiary of Telstra

          So?
          Boost has the same limitations (doesnt use 4gx network and has 100MBps cap)

          • ykwon10 on 15/06/2019 - 04:03
            +1

            @nikoris: Go do some research yourself re Boost coverage and access to full Telstra network

  • JimB on 07/06/2019 - 15:11
    +7

    Telstra

    Best reception, not too expensive these days compared to the other carriers. I get reimbursed from work anyway.

    Boost mobile for my wife.. Same as Telstra but cheaper. Good value. $150 for 12 months 80GB data.

    • ykwon10 on 07/06/2019 - 15:12

      ^^This. Negotiated to get extra 2GB and extra month of expiry for my wife on Boost for the same money.

      • JimB on 07/06/2019 - 15:28

        How did you negotiate with Boost?

        Extra 2GB?

        I purchased the $150 voucher for $135 (Coles) so I guess it's like an extra month free.

        • ykwon10 on 07/06/2019 - 15:30
          +3

          Yep via Coles $135 deal. My sim card was faulty and unable to self activate for whatever reason. So jumped online and chat with them, then able to negotiate extra 2GB and extra month expiry (13months) for the inconvenience so to speak.

          Note: Boost online chat is the same team as Telstra online chat. so they are quite a nice bunch.

          • JimB on 07/06/2019 - 15:36

            @ykwon10: Good one about the extra month credit.. but 2GB when you have 80 isn't much lol..

            • ykwon10 on 07/06/2019 - 15:38
              +1

              @JimB: LOL!! True…i tried for 5GB but was turned down so 2GB is still better than nothing. hahahaha! I love Telstra to bits. I managed to obtain various discounts/offers from them for all my services and such good value.

              • JimB on 07/06/2019 - 15:43

                @ykwon10: Telstra is good value these days.

                Back in past, they were very expensive and losing market share.. now they are not much more expensive and have the best coverage by far.

                10 years ago, even though I wasn't paying for my mobile plan, I couldn't justify paying a lot more than Optus for Telstra, but these days it's very different.

                • ykwon10 on 07/06/2019 - 15:48

                  @JimB: Cannot agree more mate. I am in fact quite a recent Telstra customer. Started to join Telstra because of this deal and since then i have moved all my services to Telstra. All my deals with Telstra are unreal and value for money considering the service.

      • Rosymo on 07/06/2019 - 15:32

        On productreview, ratings for Boost mobile seem to be low (2.5/5) but still this is higher than the bigger carriers. The value for that Boost deal seems amazing. Do you know any differences other than price and extras like sports/streaming between Boost and Telstra??

        • ykwon10 on 07/06/2019 - 15:35
          +1

          Boost also gets free AFL/NRL, data rollover, data-free Apple Music streaming etc as per Telstra just cheaper. And full access to Telstra network too.

        • JimB on 07/06/2019 - 15:40
          +5

          Boost is quite good…

          I take those reviews with a grain of salt… People rarely post good reviews but happy to post bad reviews. Why? Because good service/products are expected. Posting bad reviews make them feel better.

          Telstra has a 1.5* rating, yet is by far the best network.

          You would think with a 1.5* rating, they would have few customers left..

        • coin saver on 09/06/2019 - 08:19
          +1

          With Boost you get the same range as Telstra. The only difference is Boost does not use Telstra’s full 4GX speed capacity, and has a speed cap on the 4G network of 100Mbps.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2019 - 12:08

      Actually $135 for 12 months🤣

    • boku on 09/06/2019 - 14:14

      Any idea if JB hifi has full access to full Telstra network as well?

      • Staary on 09/06/2019 - 23:09

        Yes, it's a Telstra contract in every way, but they can only be processed through stores.

  • aspirepranesh on 07/06/2019 - 15:13
    +2

    Was with Vodafone for over 11 years, no real issues. Never paid over $60 for a plan with a phone! But their plans are ridiculously expensive now.

    Currently with telstra. Better value for money on the plan I signed up.

    Cost was the main factor.

  • Suzique on 07/06/2019 - 15:19
    +7

    I switched from Virgin to Aldi….got their $99 prepaid for a year deal. Brilliant….includes all calls and texts, only 12 GB of data, but you can use it as slowly or quickly as you like. I use it all the time when out and about and in the car and 9 months into the plan, I've just used half of it. I save any big downloads for when I'm home. Network has been great. Think that works out to about $8 month??

    • Worf on 09/06/2019 - 08:54

      I switched from Optus prepaid to the same Aldi $99 prepaid year deal. Unlimited calls and text (within and to Australian numbers) + 12gb data. Coverage has been great. Data is a bit low, but you can add an additional ‘data pack’ if you run out. I’m hoping to be able to ‘recharge’ when the year expires.

    • payless69 on 09/06/2019 - 10:07
      +1

      amazing when you do not have to pay for damaged shopping trolleys and checkout staff can actually sit down! No need for free bananas…

  • nocure on 07/06/2019 - 15:23
    +5

    Woolworths to Telstra and back again, every month.

    • Presence on 07/06/2019 - 15:43

      Can you explain why?

      • nocure on 07/06/2019 - 16:34
        +3

        Cheap sims

  • SnowDragon on 07/06/2019 - 15:37
    +2

    Boost.
    Sister bought me a Boost phone way back when I was a young'un and been with them since.
    Currently paying $40/m for 30gb and unlt. calls and texts. Telstra towers.

    Only reason I'd go to Telstra was for NRL/AFL streaming, but 30gb covers that fine.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/06/2019 - 18:10

      um, Boost gets free NRL/AFL streaming just like Telstra

  • Quantumcat on 07/06/2019 - 15:37
    +17

    Belong. No excess data charges. Don't get cut off if you go over, just shaped. Unlimited data gifting. Loads of half price or better sims to get cheaper rates. Decent price even if you don't use half price sims. No commitment, it's month to month cancel anytime.

    I gave been on $10/month for ages and the extra data I built up early on has never run out.

    • janezzy on 08/06/2019 - 17:11
      +2
      • 1 for Belong

      Similar boat - stock up when $40 recharges are on sale, with data rollover haven’t I’ve been on the $10 plan for a while

      • McFly on 16/06/2019 - 09:42

        Same here.
        Just waiting for them to set up voicemail. They seem to have nobody there who knows how to do this for the past year!

  • FireRunner on 07/06/2019 - 15:37
    +1

    Aldi Pay as you go - don't do much texting or use data

  • tassieeagle on 07/06/2019 - 16:35
    +3

    Amaysim $10 plan. Good coverage where I live, 1gb data is all I need as I use my home or work wifi for net, unlimited calls and text. Cheap and effective

  • oscargamer on 07/06/2019 - 16:52
    +3

    Aldi - cheap and they use the Telstra network

  • EFC94 on 07/06/2019 - 16:56
    +4

    Kogan, they're cheap, have solid data and despite being the vodafone network I've never had any issues.

    • khangu on 10/06/2019 - 15:38
      +1

      Same, but also for other reasons.

      They were one of the few who stuck with a 'monthly' billing cycles whilst many others opted for a 28 days month.

      They are able to give great pricing on yearly plans which was great in a set and forget type of arrangement.

      They had a hard cap on data, and not one of those $10 per Gb where you had to tread carefully at the end of ever month whilst almost all other providers were happy to keep on feeding you data at exorbitant costs.

      They passed on extra data increases automatically whenever a new offer came along. Doesn't matter if you are a new customer or not. I recall signing on a 1 or 2Gb per month, and over a year, that increased twice to 4/5 Gb without prompting.

    • gezza90 on 10/06/2019 - 17:20

      +1
      been using Kogan for almost a year now and the only trouble I've had is 2bars at work (Burwood, NSW) and bit of a struggle during PM peak train rides. If I desperately need access to internet, I revert to my iPhone 8 telstra work phone provided by work. But even without it, super happy with Kogan.

  • knightslay2 on 07/06/2019 - 17:09
    +1

    My first phone started with Virgin mobile on prepaid, went to Optus then 3 Mobile to Vodafone. Vodafone was horrible when they had Vodafail. Then I went back to Virgin mobile and now currently with Optus on a Sim only plan. I'm on a $40 plan with 15gb data but I pay $20 because I got a phone + internet on the same account holder. I know you can get more data but I don't even use up the 15gb.

  • niknah on 07/06/2019 - 17:16
    +1

    Catch connect, which is on the Optus network. The data lasts for 365 days. If I went away for holidays or had a month where I could get wifi data from elsewhere, then the data would accumulate.

  • jimdotpud on 07/06/2019 - 17:21
    +1

    regarding "cheap" providers - Read this (old news but I think it holds true as well as for Optus/Voda resellers), you are not getting the full network service/coverage, that's how they offer it cheaper.

    https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/04/aldi-mobile-woolworths-ge…

  • [Deactivated] on 07/06/2019 - 17:27
    +1

    Work pays for my business phone which is with Telstra. I've just realised that the missus pays for my personal phone which is with Optus. She was a student when she signed up for it and received the 10% student offer on top of the 25% F&F discount.

  • firedragon on 07/06/2019 - 18:11
    +1

    Virgin Mobile, sad they're leaving.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/06/2019 - 18:13
    +3

    Boost. All the perks of Telstra with cheap prepaid prices. Boost/Telstra 4G is essential when you travel a far bit from civilization like I do.

  • buckster on 07/06/2019 - 18:22
    +1

    Aldi, cheap enough, good reception.

  • Clear on 07/06/2019 - 18:22
    +4

    Telstra because of the coverage. When you travel regularly into rural areas like I do you'll find that most towers are Telstra aaaand B28 ;)

  • apsilon on 07/06/2019 - 18:43
    +3

    Telstra because work pays for it so they get to choose.

  • WreckTangle on 07/06/2019 - 20:11
    +1

    Virgin.
    Why oh why did you leave me…

  • Bystander on 07/06/2019 - 20:40
    +2

    Hang about! This is OzB.

    Catch Connect. 3.5GB/mth. $7.50/mth.

  • wombat81 on 07/06/2019 - 21:18
    +1

    Telstra. I love just outside a regional centre and telstra is the only provider with coverage at my house. I also do a fair amount of camping so maximising coverage is important to me. Essentially, since i spend basically no time in metro areas, the is no other choice for me.

  • WaffleCrusader on 07/06/2019 - 22:50
    +1

    Using Telstra at the moment only because I got a really good deal. Will switch to boost or aldi in November. Optus speeds near my house and work are terrible and Vodafone isn't much better. Telstra is always consistent.

  • ozbjunkie on 08/06/2019 - 08:14
    +1

    Lebara because I'm embracing my ethnic side more and more as age.

    It was cheapest at the time. I'll be happy to go kogan or catch if they are the price leader when it's time to renew.

  • HeWhoKnows on 08/06/2019 - 09:24
    +3

    Here are your cheapest mobile plans:

    Amaysim: unlimited calls and SMS/1GB data $10 per 28 days
    HOWEVER RIGHT NOW you can get 8 x 28 day renewals for just $9.95 all up on Groupon

    Belong: unlimited calls and SMS/1GB data with unused data rollover $10 per calendar month

    Exetel unlimited calls and SMS/2GB data $8.99 per month

    Kogan current have a super discounted offer if you want lots more data:
    unlimited calls and SMS/7GB data per 30 days
    $152 for the whole year up front ($12.50/mth)

    And there are more $10/mth plans with 1GB data and calls included through some are not unlimited

    • Gaz1 on 08/06/2019 - 14:33
      +1

      Great summary - thanks!!

  • jetblack on 08/06/2019 - 10:45
    +1

    I recently switched to Spintel. I read horror reviews, but haven't had an issue, and the porting was pretty quick.

    $16 for 5GB and unlimited calls/texts. Since I have a short commute, I don't find myself in too many situations where I don't have WiFi.

    The reason these guys clinched it for me, over some of the other comparable deals with other resellers, was they offered voicemail, international roaming, and access to premium numbers. Those things I don't use often, but when I do it's usually because I need to.

    Been about a month or so for me now, no complaints.

  • kaleidoscope on 08/06/2019 - 14:04
    +1
    • kogan (over vodafone)
    • costs around $120-150 per year.
    • coverage is shit. but mainly use wifi
  • Jonski on 08/06/2019 - 14:44
    +2

    Catch mobile - Costed $205 and I get 375gb for the year + unlimited calls/txt + limited international
    Reception is better than Telstra and Vodafone for my area.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2019 - 14:51
    +1

    Boost 10 GB/mth around $16.66 per mth (100 Dollars for 6 months).

    Good coverage and speed. ROAMING $5 for 28 days is pretty decent, for just receiving 2FA text for some tricky services which doesn't support OTP.

  • Okayy on 08/06/2019 - 14:56
    +1

    Telstra but it’s been playing up since last two days in Waterloo/Alexandria area.

  • parcus on 08/06/2019 - 15:05
    +1

    Telstra prepaid. Obvious tangible benefits re coverage and speed, but also good value considering the longer expiries (42 days on a $50 recharge saves over 3 typical recharges a year), add in data bank and the current bonus data promotion, pretty happy with them for now.

  • Jugganautx on 08/06/2019 - 15:08
    +1

    Telstra because i work in regional SA no other coverage out here

  • ATangk on 08/06/2019 - 16:14
    +4

    Vodafone $5 roaming is incomparable for peace of mind data usage overseas.

  • BrokeB-tch on 08/06/2019 - 16:27
    +1

    These cheaper companies use larger networks (Optus, telstra) however they do not have access to all towers making their range considerably worse. If you do not leave the city or suburban areas than go with kogan or aldi but if you live remotely or travel often probably stick with optus or telstra.

    • coin saver on 08/06/2019 - 17:11

      All the Optus resellers have full access to the Optus network only Boost has access to near full Telstra network.

  • yycan on 08/06/2019 - 16:30
    +3

    I have a dual SIM. One for data, which I change every week and one to keep my number, which I change every six months. Total price is average $5 a month for 30GB. I don't have internet at home, and rely on hot spot.
    Currently using catch and amaysim.

  • IKEA LADDA on 08/06/2019 - 17:07
    +3

    Jeenee: cheap, optus network, no problems so far

    • koplik8 on 18/06/2019 - 23:39

      I'm with Jeenee too. Been with them almost 3 years— thanks to an OzBargin post. I pay $9.90 a month. it is so cheap. I've got myself, Mum and Dad on one bill and it only costs $45 a month! Mum uses the most data. We get free calls to each other. It's the best value for the service. There are about 4 of us at work now that have switch over to them. You can save hundreds a year if your savvy about shopping around for mobile and internet deals.

  • coin saver on 08/06/2019 - 17:17
    +1

    If travelling in more remote areas you really need to have both Telstra/Boost and Optus or one of their resellers.

  • icetwice on 08/06/2019 - 17:31
    +3

    Spintel for me and Jeenee for my folks.

  • nignucial on 08/06/2019 - 18:07
    +5

    Porting monthly between Catch Connect, Amaysim, and Kogan at $1 - $5 per month.

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 09/06/2019 - 00:53
      +2

      You Sir or Madam are a true Ozbargainer

  • NigelPearson on 08/06/2019 - 18:27

    Related question, does anyone know a list of carriers that let you easily port existing number into them?

    I'm on Telstra, but want cheaper (and better coverage - bad reception at home).
    Am assuming the cheaper ones are usually disposable pre-paid SIMs,
    and trying to port via an under-resourced overseas call centre sounds horrid :-(

    Most of the comparison engines seem to just list all carriers:

    https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans/compare-sim-only

    • jennkei on 10/06/2019 - 02:42
      +1

      Uh, even the cheaper ones have online registration and porting.

      I've tried everything on this list but Boost and haven't had any issues with porting. Though you probably do have to contact cust service if you run into issues, but I haven't had unresolvable cust service either.

  • cheesecactus on 08/06/2019 - 18:28
    +1

    Depending how much you use:

    Exetel - $9 per month for 2gb
    Spintel - $16 for 5gb
    Catch connect is pretty good if you want to buy a years worth in one go, but then have to remember to port out at the end of the year (bit too messy for me, i like a more 'set it and forget it' approach)

    But personally i use telstra because my work takes me to some real strange corners of australia (where even my colleagues on Aldi - telstra wholesale, dont have any signal)

  • Plug on 08/06/2019 - 18:36
    +1

    Telstra. Was with Virgin and prob still would be. Forced to look around after they quit. Not much to choose between Optus and Telstra at the time so though I'd give T a try. TBH I'm not noticing any real difference.

  • dwillia on 08/06/2019 - 20:54
    +2

    Telstra - Coverage. I hated telstra with a passion back in the day, I deliberately was with Hutchinson, 3 (remember them!!??) then optus but coverage was always an issue leaving the metro area. When I started travelling/camping more, switching to telstra was a no brainer.

  • nomoneynoproblems on 08/06/2019 - 21:08
    +2

    Once you go telstra/boost it's hard to go back to anything else really.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 08/06/2019 - 22:01
    +4

    Optus = Optussports

  • dmgdx on 08/06/2019 - 22:25
    +3

    Currently waiting out an Optus plan to move to Telstra as the reception has just gotten worse and worse. Half of my train trip to work I get no reception, and can't even load google searches in my gym.

  • superuser on 08/06/2019 - 22:26
    +1

    $5 a year, beat that.

    • coin saver on 09/06/2019 - 08:09
      +1

      Two phone numbers FREE.. Dual sim phone running one telstra sim (that doesn't expire until 2026)for incoming calls and in the other sim slot i am presently using Optus $10 sims that OTR were giving away 2 with any purchase on a couple of occasions last year.Presently getting 28 days with 35gb from these. (i think that plan expires today)

  • So Was Red on 08/06/2019 - 23:42

    Voda $35, no cheapies I've tried seem to have good coverage in my home. WiFi unreliable so need that 4G at home to stream shit and feel like I'm living in the present

  • SecondSkoll on 08/06/2019 - 23:55
    +4

    I use Jeenee mobile and have done since they were a not for profit (they are not anymore). They're relatively cheap and have good coverage in most cities that I have experienced and they are a social enterprise that helps people with disabilities.

    They're probably not as good as I think they are, but ignorance is bliss so I'm not going to check up on them too much. I pay $22 a month for unlimited texts / calls and 6 gigs of data (it's a slightly outdated plan). They have a $9 plan as well.

  • bmerigan on 09/06/2019 - 00:01

    Telechoice, which is on the Telstra network.
    $16 for unlim calls and SMS, + 4GB data, per month

  • stewy on 09/06/2019 - 01:36

    Telstra.

    Got a good deal for the Pixel 2 XL at JB Hifi before (thanks to Ozbargain) and also need them for their better coverage in my current area.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join