•    Dodo is a virtual mobile network provider using the Optus network, which covers 97% of Australians
•    Wide range of postpaid, prepaid and bring-your-own phone plans
•    Operates on the 2100MHz frequency

Dodo is a virtual mobile network provider, which means it does not use its own infrastructure to offer mobile plans. Instead, it uses the Optus network, which offers coverage to 97% of Australians.

Apart from offering budget plans with subsidised handsets, they will provide SIM-only plans and prepaid mobile plans. Special offers crop up from time to time, with free games consoles, tablets and laptops often bundled in as extra incentives.

Pros

Covers 97% of Australians

Offers great value plans with or without handsets

Frequent special offers

Cons

Customer service is offshore

Some plans contain hidden charges

History

Dodo was established in Australia in 2001 as a telecommunications company and was the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to offer a dial-up service at the same price nationwide. Their mobile service was launched in 2004, with no-commitment plans.

Dodo aims to be a 'one service provider' offering not only broadband, fixed-line telephone and mobile services but also electricity and gas.

Great value plans and a successful marketing campaign led to rapid expansion for the company, but their customer service and billing processes could not keep up with customer demand. During 2005 and 2006, complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) soared and many customers left. In 2008, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) fined Dodo $147,400 for illegally calling 67 telephone numbers listed on the Do Not Call register.

Dodo's reputation suffered during this period and the company took action. A $5 million investment in new systems to handle customer calls and billing, and a new contact centre in the Philippines, helped turn the tide. With a new focus on offering a good customer service experience and state-of-the-art communications system, Dodo has been rebuilding its reputation and customer complaints have been steadily dropping.

Marketplace

As a non-listed company, Dodo does not release figures relating to market share, revenues and customer numbers.

Future plans and development

Dodo plans to continue expanding as a utilities reseller and has confirmed it will offer internet plans on the National Broadband Network (NBN).