Telstra vs. Boost for $30 Pre-Paid SIM for Use in Melbourne?

LAvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 15:06
Last edited 15/06/2022 - 19:26

Hi folks, I'm trying to decide between Telstra and Boost for a 4G pre-paid service plan for use in Melbourne. I've done some research but I'd like your help in deciding and would appreciate any tips or comments. For reference, I've used Optus 5G, Boost, and now Aldi Mobile. Aldi mobile is on part of the Telstra network but I've noticed lag especially when using Google Maps within CBD.

Telstra Pros

  • Speed - Telstra has "4GX" while Boost does not. Maybe Boosts' eventual 5G rollout will make this irrelevant?

  • Continuous data rollover up to 200GB

  • Unlimited domestic calls and texts with limited international ones

Telstra Cons

  • Only 10GB of data per month. I am not a heavy data user according to my current and previous usage, but that's a very small amount of data, so I feel like I'm getting less for my $$

Boost Pros

  • Cost - $10 first month then $30 thereafter

  • Data - 40GB recharge first 4 months, then 20GB thereafter, but rollover only for the next month I believe

  • Unlimited domestic calls/texts and unlimited international calls to certain countries with some texts thrown in

Boost Cons

  • Data rollover limited to next month only

  • May not be prioritized for speed when Telstra network is congested

Cons of Both
* 28 day expiry so over the course of a year I will be paying for an extra month

I am mostly concerned about data capacity, speed, and rollover. Telstra is better in speed and rollover but only comes with a paltry 10GB a month. There is an add on but a massive rip-off IMO at $20 for 4GB.

If I'm not mistaken, Optus and Vodafone are generally slower.

Which one would you go for, or is there another provider that I should look into as well?

Mobile Boost Mobile Prepaid Mobile Plan SIM Card Telstra

Comments

  • JimB on 15/06/2022 - 15:16
    +1

    "Only 10GB of data per month. I am not a heavy data user according to my current and previous usage, but that's a very small amount of data, so I feel like I'm getting less for my $$"

    Get this https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/705548 Boost sim 365days plan 260GB $228.50

    That's over 21GB per month for under $20 a month.

    I was with Telstra post paid and then moved to Boost pre-paid. Did not notice any difference.

    • AvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 22:20

      Thanks for the link - I didn't realize that there were SIMs being sold by third party sellers. That is a good deal.

    • AvoArvo on 22/06/2022 - 18:15

      Hi JimB,

      Thanks again for posting that link. I eventually found a similar deal elsewhere but for the 140GB version. While that's only 11GB a month, I don't use a lot of data as I'm on WiFi always and I don't stream video over a wireless connection, it should be enough.

  • AndyC1 on 15/06/2022 - 15:25

    The one that works out cheaper for you as they both use the Telstra mobile network.

    • AvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 16:08

      Yes but there are differences in the plans and they are priced the same at $30. Also, I think Telstra prioritizes their own customers before MVNOs, which would make a big difference as I use it within the CBD.

      • AvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 19:25

        After doing some research, I could not find anything anywhere that states that Telstra prioritizes their own customers over that of their MVNO's, so unless someone can find a credible that says it but according to this, I would consider it not to be true. However, Telstra offers "4GX" whereas Boost does not.

        "However, where Boost differs is that it does not use Telstra’s full ‘4GX’ speed capacity, and has a speed cap on the 4G network – 100Mbps. So although you’ll still receive the same level of coverage on Boost as you would on a Telstra plan, your speeds won’t be quite as fast. Also, as the Telstra 5G network expands, you’ll only be able to access this network on a Telstra plan as it’s currently not offering 5G network coverage to any MVNOs."

        https://www.canstarblue.com.au/phone/boost-mobile-vs-telstra…

        • AndyC1 on 15/06/2022 - 21:21
          +1

          Telstra seem to have been playing in this area in that years ago MVNO did not have access to some things, but over the last 12 to 24 months things seem to have changes and the MVNO;s using the Te4lstra network have access to most of it, but not 100%. There are gaps and the 5G is where the issues seem to be and also in some areas the Telstra network does not allow MNVO access to some of the low (< 2GHz) bands (where Testra have multiple bands).

          Overall for < 95/97% of users they will see no differences no days unless they compare a Real Telstra SIM and a Telstra MNVO SIM.

          My MVNO mobile supplier moved from Optus to Telstra about 18 months ago and I swapped SIMS about 16 months ago and have not looked back.

  • blonky on 15/06/2022 - 15:51
    +1

    I'm on that $30 10GB Telstra plan and they activated 5G for me last week (also posted on ozbargain last week) if that makes a difference

    I originally took up their 12month 150GB plan for $225 (discounted from $300) and when it was due to end I moved to the $30 plan which allowed me to rollover all my unused data. I don't use a lot so I carry over around 90GB each month

  • spackbace on 15/06/2022 - 15:57

    https://boost.com.au/products/200-prepaid-sim

    11gb/month for $17/month

    Why would you spend $30/28 days?

    I am not a heavy data user according to my current and previous usage

    • AvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 16:07

      Thanks - not too keen on being locked in to a plan for that long.

      • spackbace on 15/06/2022 - 16:09
        +1

        After 5 months or so it's paid for itself, vs $30/28 days (159 days to be exact = ~5.3 months)

        You could literally scrap it at the 6 month mark and you'd still be ahead

        • AvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 19:09

          Fair enough, that's a good point.

  • WreckTangle on 15/06/2022 - 17:03

    Is it still a 30 or 31 days with Boost rather than every 28 days if I auto recharge?

    • AvoArvo on 15/06/2022 - 22:31
      +1

      Unfortunately still 28 days. I used them until a month or two ago.

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