This was posted 15 years 10 months 23 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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$19 for $29 3 CAP for over 24 MONTHS!

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Note: For more discussion on this deal or Three in general can go to this forum discussion. (Added by scotty)

Three is offering their $29 (20 dollar minimum spend) for $19 dollars ($10 credited every month for over 2 years)!

Unfortunately there's limited selection of mobile phones.

Potentially you could be paying only $10 month (please tell me if i'm wrong) provided that you don't go past the $20 minimum spend.

Also!
You can get more credit onto your bill by getting referred! <b>$25 can be added onto your bill after a successful referral.<b>

If you would like to be referred <b>feel free to ask me</b> or any other three customers.

EDIT://
There appears to be a moneyback offer on Three purchases over the net! If anyone has had success with this please let us know. :D
Thanks!

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  • Arrgggh bugger! I just renewed my contract yesterday with the normal plan.

    Can anyone know if its possible to cancel the current plan and sign up to this deal?

  • yes, you should be able to cancel your plan without charge - within the first 14 day cooling off period
    if three don't honour this contact the telecommunications ombudsman to get an idea of your rights and advice as to what you can do

  • Also if you go through 3 Direct, you can get $100 credit if you are motor club members (NRMA, RACQ, etc). Not sure whether it will work with this deal though. The phone selection is quite limited —

    • Sony Ericsson K800i
    • Sony Ericsson K610i
    • Sony Ericsson K770i
    • Nokia 6288

    Which one is the best buy?

    • Just wondering how do you get this?
      I've looked on 3 and can't find any details about $100 credit for being a NRMA member.

      • There you go — it is not on 3's website but on NRMA's.

        Member offer
        $100 welcome bill credit when you sign up to 3.

        • whats the terms and conditions of the 100 bucks?

          I think u have to use it in the first month ;/

    • cant find any info about $100 credit in RACQ site, anyone tried?

    • Unfortunately, the K770i is now part of the $49 cap :-(

      SO it looks like the K800i is the "best" phone on the list.

    • I called the 3-Direct, he said all sony ericcson phones sold out, nokia 6288 only left out to deliver in 2 days. (for stocks i think, as website allows to order anything but may need to wait for delivery).

      Cant believe SE popular then nokia - may be 6288 is not feature rich.

  • If you dont mind purple, i think the K770i is the best buy. Camera is fantastic on both the K770i and K800i - 3.2 Mgx Cybershot branded Camera. I'd steer clear from the Nokia and K610i.

    Not too keen on '3' though…

    • K800i & K770i … which 1 is the lastest model?

      • K770i was released at least a year after the K800i

  • hi there just wondering about the procedure on 3 contract..

    i am with 3 for last 16 month on 24 month contact paying $29 cap + $36 for the handset… now i was wondering if i want to get a new handset and renew my contact RIGHT NOW can i do that?? if i can will i have to pay off the rest months of payment for the handset ($36 x 8 month )straight away or it will add with new contact to pay off monthly??

    the summery of my question is how often they allow to change handset??

    thanks

    • They usually would allow you to renew the contract after about 18 months without having to pay off the previous contract. They tend to honor you for renewing a contract with them.

      Anyway they are pretty flexible and they will try real hard to keep you as a customer. So keep pushing for a best deal.. because I know they can do it. My friend got a free bluetooth headset and GPS.. plus three made a mistake by sending him 2 mobile phones.

  • I don't understand how $20 minimum spend per month equates to $10 payable per month…

    Is it because you get $10 credit for free to begin with?

    • The $10 credit is separate from the $20 minimum spend. I checked the Terms and Conditions and the minimum spend over 24 months is $240 which equates to only $10 a month. So technically you can potentially be paying only $10 provided you don't spend over $20.

  • The handset will be lock with 3?

    • In the terms and conditions it says: 3 will supply your unlock code free of charge.

      • But I don't think they'll give you the unlock code straight away, you have to use the phone for few months or so. Can any 3's user confirm this?

        • I've unlocked all my phones from 3, as soon as I received them. Make sure you make a good excuse for unlocking it such as 'i'm going to lend this phone to my friend' otherwise they may not unlock it for you.

          In conclusion: you definitely can unlock it right away!

  • the handset will be locket to 3 under they do provide the unlock code for free…thats writen the the term and condition

    • I got the unlock code for free.. :)

      Its wrtten on the website that they will provide it free. ;)

  • Damn I am 4 months into my new contract!

  • got some questions

    Q1. I just picked one of the four phone and went to checkout to test. It still say $20 a month minimum. Below it where it say "hotdeal", it say $10 CREDIT a month. Does this mean $10 CALL credit or $10 off your bill. It does look like it is call credit but if you check the term and conditions, it says "Total minimum cost over 24 months is $240" (ie 240/24 = $10 a month).

    so is it $10 CALL credit or $10 off your bill?

    Q2. If it is $10 off your monthly bill, how will they deduct it? deduct $10 when you bill comes? (eg if $26 that month you will only pay $16?)

    Q3. How does the $29 cap work? from $0-20 = $120 worth of calls, how much call time do you get from $20.01-$29 approximately? and after $29 its the normal standard call rates?

    • Q1 - It means '$10 off the bill' because like you said it says in the T&Cs that the minimum spend is 240 dollars over 24 months. If it doesn't come up in the final checkout or on your bill, you can always call them up and argue and from my experience they will issue the credit.

      Q2 - They will just deduct it whatever you spend is. So you spend 40 dollars in total, it'll end up being 30 dollars. Spend only 20 dollars, then it'll be reduced to 10.

      Q3 - There are 4 different scenarios.
      1 - Spend between $0-20, the total cost will end up as $20. So even if you spend 0.15 cents, you will still need to pay the minimum spend (or if you take up this offer $10 which is the minimum spend)

      2 - Spend between $20-29 dollars, that's what the total will be. Eg: Spend 24 dollars, you will pay up $24 dollars.

      3 - Spend between $20-120 dollars, you will pay only $29 dollars.

      4 - Spend over 120 dollars, you will pay $29 dollars + your excess charges (calls, sms etc..)

      Remember you have to check whats included in the cap and whats not. Most of the time only voice calls, sms, international calls are included. But video calling is not included and extra content.

      Hope that's helpful!

      • 2 - Spend between $20-29 dollars, that’s what the total will be. Eg: Spend 24 dollars, you will pay up $24 dollars.
        If you spend under $20 do you get free call ($70) to 3 mobiles or only after if you go over $29 (29 cap)?

        • Yes, you do get the 100 3 to 3 minutes :D, that is not billed in anyway. So if you spend $20, you can use all your 100 mins up without paying a cent extra :)

          • @cloudbox: Ah good. Thanks for your quick response. 1 of my contract is run out the end of this month. I may take up this offer (end midnight Wed. 25th June) :(
            If I bring my number over to 3 do I have to pay any penalty fee (6 day early before contract end) with my current provider? Or I just pay my last month?

            • @POWERevolution: I think it would really depend on your carrier. I suggest you order the phone and the plan from 3, and when the phone arrives don't activate it until your phone contract ends. They will issue you with a temporary number until you transfer the number over.

  • I can never understand how the caps work. Can someone please explain?

    • 1 - Spend between $0-20, the total cost will end up as $20. So even if you spend 0.15 cents, you will still need to pay the minimum spend (or if you take up this offer $10 which is the minimum spend)

      2 - Spend between $20-29 dollars, that's what the total will be. Eg: Spend 24 dollars, you will pay up $24 dollars.

      3 - Spend between $20-120 dollars, you will pay only $29 dollars.

      4 - Spend over 120 dollars, you will pay $29 dollars + your excess charges (calls, sms etc..)

      Remember you have to check whats included in the cap and whats not. Most of the time only voice calls, sms, international calls are included. But video calling is not included and extra content.

      • thanks

        my main concern is Q1, it just sounds too good to be true $10 a month?

        if you are right, it really is a EXCELLENT bargain :)

        • It's an awesome deal whether it be a high-usage spender or just for low-spenders.

          T$Cs
          3 will supply your unlock code free of charge. Total minimum cost over 24 months is $240. If the service is disconnected within 24 months $10 credit will not be applied and $20 per month for remaining months of contract is payable and you must pay all outstanding charges. Credit offer ends 25.06.08. Connections only available to customers who live or work at an address within 3's Broadband Zone.

          ==
          Yep it's definitely $10 bucks a month! As long as you don't go past the $20 mark.

          ==
          You can get $25 credit by getting referred by a three customer as well. Ask me or any other 3 customer :D

          • @cloudbox: i think even if you go over $19 a month MAX isnt too bad. i dont think i will like my friend she has the $99 cap and goes over all the time. =P

            deserves a +

            • @numnut: I don't quite get this second one:

              "2 - Spend between $20-29 dollars, that’s what the total will be. Eg: Spend 24 dollars, you will pay up $24 dollars."

              Let's say I spend $25, does that mean (with the $10 bonus) I will only pay $15? And if I spend $29 I will just pay $19. Just want to confirm this! Cheers!

              • @euskadi_warrior: Yes, spot on!

                • @cloudbox: Okay, one last question.

                  What happens if I spend $35 worth of calls? Since its capped at $29 does that mean I will only pay $19? Or will I pay $25? Cheers!

                  • @euskadi_warrior: It's capped at $29, only if you spend between 29-120 you will end up paying only 29 dollars (before the credit is applied).

                    So after the $10 is applied it'll be $19 dollars.

                    If you spend $35 dollars, it'll come up as $29 dollars. But after the credit it'll be $19.

                    • @cloudbox: Sound like a really good deal except for the limited selection of mobile phones.

  • this is not very straight forward, is it?

  • The Refer a Friend program is currently being upgraded, during which time you will be unable to submit new referrals. No need to worry though - all existing referrals will continue to be valid until their expiry date.

    The Refer a Friend program will relaunch later this year, so watch this space for further information.

    We thank you for your patience during this time and we look forward to hearing from you and your friends soon.

    If you have any questions call 3 Care on 13 33 20 or 3 Prepaid Care on 13 19 21. We're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    http://www.three.com.au/cs/ContentServer?pagename=Three/Page…

    :(

    • Actually the program is now available through My3 Online :) And it's much more user-friendly than before!

      • thats good :)

        btw do you know if i buy online, can i bring my number? or do i have to go to a store?

        • Yes, you can still bring your current number in if you buy online.
          But after receive your phone and sim card, you have to call up 3, and confirm the birth date displayed on the number.

          They might not even offer this deal in stores XD

  • L.E.G.E.N.D.A.R.Y Bargain :)

    It pretty much works out to be

    A phone + $480 ($20 a month x24) worth of calls ALL FOR =========$240!!!!!!! if u use $20 worth of calls a month :P

    ^^

    • Sell the phone on ebay after unlocking it for a free $10 plan!

      • yeh i checked already haha

        you can sell the nokia 6288 for 210-230 bucks on ebay ^^

        • Don't think you can get that high. Lucky if you can sell @ $200.
          If you sell the phone how you gonna use the sim? Coz couple yr ago I tried using 3 sim with optus handset and it didn't work.
          Maybe they change now?

          • @POWERevolution: nope u can even sell the k770i for up to $250 bucks on ebay, i've checked the ones that ended recently :P

            i'm pretty sure it will still work with the sim, it just won't have 3g if ur using on a 2g phone. Your phone was probably locked to optus? :P

            • @neosin: No the handset wasn't lock.

              • @POWERevolution: an interesting thing about SIM locking is that it's not locked to a particular SIM-card, but a network — so you can use any locked phone with any SIM from that network or any of its partner networks.
                eg. I bought a phone in the USA locked to T-Mobile and it worked with my Vodafone SIM here, without any unlocking. another phone I bought here locked to Soul(Optus partner) works with SIMs from Globe in the Philippines and Singtel in Singapore. locking is actually not so restrictive as it turns out… only the GSM compatibility is a real issue.

                for those who are interested in taking advantage of this offer and sell the extra locked handset — most phone shops do unlocking for $30-40, whilst the telcos charge many times that for the same service (rather than wait 6 months for a free code).
                alternatively you can buy a suitable cable for $10 on ebay and just google for the right software (for the specific phone model) to do it yourself.

                • @kristo: I borrow my friend 3's sim card last night to do the testing…
                  I can confirm that 3's sim won't be able to use on 2G handset, its only work on 3G handset. So think twice if you take this offer & resell the phone :)

            • @neosin: NO WAY! That much be last month price.
              The recent one, K800i just around $150 (postage included)

  • edited: read the comment wrong

  • We went in store today and got this deal. They did it there an then and knew about this deal. No probs at all.

  • Does anyone know if you venture outside the 3 coverage zone and revert to Telstra GSM - are these calls covered under the cap or are they considered differently?

    Thx…

    peter_k95 - I don't know anyone else on 3, mind referring me? You can contact me via here and the contact form. thx.

  • Anyone try to buy online on this offer? doesn't seem able to put in referral ID at all……….

  • ozzi

    Does anyone know if you venture outside the 3 coverage zone and revert to Telstra GSM - are these calls covered under the cap or are they considered differently?

    Thx…

    Yes its under the cap if you roam.

    As for referals, you need to wait 48 after the referal time before you can sign up to claim your referal credit. If you sign up 36 hours after the referal you wont get a cracker. This is what I was told today in store.

    • the customers service told me 24 hours… seems they don't even know by themselves how long should we wait :( but my friend joined before 48 hours and he got $25.

      • I signed up via web, also stated 24 hours. 72 hours later and still no contact. I called the number on the confirmation email and they had no idea what to do other than emailing three and waiting….24 hours for a response. Absolute morons. I guess I'll just wait.

  • Is 3 service good and reliable? How is it compared to Vodafone or Optus interms of coverage etc?

    • 3's coverage is pretty spotty and is only usable inside the metro area, but it does roam to other network in the regional area (Telstra?) and you get reduced functionalities. It's good if you are in the major cities most of the time because of its cost comparing to other carriers.

    • Assuming you want to know the normal voice coverage, like scotty said, it does roam to Telstra so the coverage is as wide as Telstra in reality. Sister's 3 can be used in underground carpark and in lifts but Vodafone and Optus can't do it.

      • I'm more interested in the normal voice coverage. As long as this is good that's enough for me since I don't need the 3G functionalities

  • Does anyone know do these phones have good quality in talking. As this will be my second phone i do not care about the functions at all. Excluding functions, i know the cheaper phones do have not so good quality as well and talking to people can really be annoying.

    I like the white k610i the best, its the smallest and most slim and looks the best.

    anyone? :)

    • Well, generally all 3G phones and networks have great voice quality as opposed to 2G networks.

  • Also, do you reckon I able to transfer my existing prepaid Virgin mobile number to the 3 prepaid plan?

    • Yes, you can take your current number to any network.

  • I got a referral code, can I use the code for online purchase? Could not find where to enter.

  • would love a referral code

    • send me an email via my contact form and I can help you out :)

  • what is the referral code for?

    • the referral code is to be quoted when you are signing up to a phone product from 3. If you don't mention the code you wouldn't receive the 25 dollar bonus credit.

  • With the new 3g iphone being released in a few weeks time - July 11th from US$199 - while this is a good deal, I don't know if I would want to be locked in to a 2 year contract. I think when it hits there maybe some very competitive prices out there from the other manufacturers/carriers. But like all good deals we'll probably find out too late.

    The wisdom of waiting vs the wisdom of grabbing the deal, will only be known with hindsight…. sigh

    • US$199 for iphone is only on the AT&T 24 month contract.
      I highly doubt it will be that cheap in australia. I'd probably expect the lowest price of 600$ for the 8gb model and 700+ for the 16gb model.

      Apple will no doubt price the iphone in accordance to their current product range in australia, and will obviously be priced more expensively compared to their ipod touch range.

      • i think u can jail break it without a sweat?

        • I heard there's a penalty involved if not activated within 30 days.

  • Even w/o a phone the deal is quite good imho. If you don't you can always sell it for a some gain.

  • When you guys are talking about not spending >$20 per month. Do you mean $20 of the $120 cap thats included? It just seems a bit confusing when $120 is included with the deal

    • I know i will not go close to the $120 + $70 Cap, so i will not spend more than $19 a month despite the rates being twice the price of my prepaid iSim (unless i use it to roam, which annoyingly isn't included in the cap and is pricey for the USA)

      If the Nokia 6288 had wifi i would have ordered plan ages ago, but i want a wifi enabled phone damn it. AS it is, im still umming and ahhing over it. Its a pretty good deal but 3, Telstra and Optus all over charge which is why they can have those ridiculous high caps for low upfront cost.

  • Does anyone know if RACV/RACQ members recieve the $100 welcome credit and if so, how?

    • Also wanna know if this apply to RAA for SA?

    • I had a look on the RACV site but it doesn't look like they have that deal

  • For those not understanding the cap…
    minimum spend is $20, capped at $120

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $1 - Bill is $20 - $10 credit = $10

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $5 - Bill is $20 - $10 credit = $10

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $10 - Bill is $20 - $10 credit = $10

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $20 - Bill is $20 - $10 credit = $10

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $25 - Bill is $25 - $10 credit = $15

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $28 - Bill is $28 - $10 credit = $18

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $29 - Bill is $29 - $10 credit = $19

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $35 - Bill is $29 - $10 credit = $19

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $50 - Bill is $29 - $10 credit = $19

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $100 - Bill is $29 - $10 credit = $19

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $120 - Bill is $29 - $10 credit = $19

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $121 - Bill is $30 - $10 credit = $20

    Make calls, sms etc in total of $150 - Bill is $59 - $10 credit = $49

    etc, etc.

    • Can you or somebody else explain why the caps work like that? I'm new to caps and contracts and whatnot since my mum used to read all that for me, but I'd like to understand this myself for once. Oh and please, explain it with the most simple terms possible please :)

      • It's a 2 year contract. If you cancel, you will have to pay out the remainder of contract. So you cancel after 18 months, you will have to pay out the rest (6 months x whatever minimum monthly is). 3 caps/contracts you can use you phone overseas, 3 prepaid you can't. Read the terms and conditions, they aren't too difficult to understand.

        What else do you need to know?

  • GUYS WHEN YOU SIGN UP AT THE SHOP, MAKE SURE THEY PUT YOU ON THE CORRECT PROMOTIONAL PLAN.

    I just checked my 3 toolbox and it shows i'm on the normal $29 cap plan. Spoke to the indians @ 3 care and they would refuse to put me on promo plan because there's no notes saying that I signed up for it. Even the supervisor seemed clueless about the plan, saying that it was only offered online. I told her to go read the terms and conditions. Mate they are incompetent.

    ALSO MAKE SURE TO ASK WHETHER YOU'RE SIGNED UP TO A STUPID ADDON PACK WHICH THEY DID TO ME WITHOUT NOTIFYING/EXPLANING to me.

    Damn I can't wait until 9am for the 3 store to open so I can go chuck a fit.

    • thanks for the heads up, i'm gonna get mine on friday lol!

      Chuck a fit ftw!!!!!

  • my current 3 contract expiry on 29th June, as this offer only till 25th.

    what is the best way to get this promo offer? online or at store?

    • They'll let you move to a new contract before your existing one is finished. Usually they can do this up to a couple of months before expiry. It's best to call 3 up.

  • If anyone would like to hook me up with a referral code, it would be appreciated. cheers guys

    • I'll gladly like to help you out. If you just pop me an email on my profile page i'll give you the details :)

      • hey man can you please send me one as well ^^ thanks

      • As a moderator …..

        I think you could post this in the forums - in the off topic section - so the emails don't get too daunting. That way those who want to take advantage of the referral code can.

        I see this as a response to a number of requests not as a touting for referral business.

        I maybe wrong and if so I will apologise in advance if Scotty or Geoffrey disagree. Worst case is the thread you create will be deleted.

  • This must be the longest post in OzBargain? :)

    • I will increase the count by one more :-)

      Which phone you tried to put the SIM?. 2G phone is GSM whereas 3 sims are USIM. Nokia 6288 and many models supports both sims (2G or 3G), but you cant expect this from a 2G phones.

      • Tried on old model 2G phone…Sony Ericsson P900, K700i

  • Looking at more bargain elcheapo way.. correct me if I am wrong here:

    +$100 NRMA credit
    +$25 Referral credit
    +$30 MBC Money back credit

    Total of $155 credit

    and minimum spend is $240

    so you only ended up paying $85 over 24 months ?

    • I don't think you would be able to combine the $100 credit and the $10 off monthly although I'd love to be wrong.

      Also..wow, didn't know we have multiple pages of comments.

      • I also suspect that they will only pay one affiliate, so either

        1. 3 Direct
        2. Your referral friend, or
        3. MoneyBackCo

        gets the credit so I don't think they'll pay all three.

        As of multiple pages — yes I think there's a 100 comments/page limit. Guys I think we should move on! :)

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