Telstra has announced their new Freedom® Connect Plans which include larger credits and a higher amount of data than some of the previous Next G caps. The new plans will be available from March 29th.

The new plans also bring a $2.20 administration fee if customers choose to pay their monthly bills in a Telstra store, Post Office or by cheque. The new caps aim to encourage customers to pay their bills online.

"We're seeing more people doing more online these days. These are plans that appeal to online-savvy people," Telstra spokesperson Craig Middleton said.

The new plans also introduce one-minute call blocks, which could see customers billed slightly more than on the previous 30-second block billing as on previous caps. The standard call rate is 90c per minute, plus a 35c flagfall. Customers on a $49 or $59 cap will need to pay for voicemail retrieval at the standard call rate. 

The monthly bonus MRO credit can be used toward paying off the cost of a new handset. These credits are lower than those seen on previous Telstra plans, however this is balanced out with the added value in standard call credits and data.

“We’re continuing to offer the most popular price points of Telstra’s Next G® Cap Plans for the new Freedom® Connect Plans but they feature extra call inclusions, a larger data allowance on the $99 plan and a new $59 plan with generous call and data value and unlimited SMS,” Gerd Schenkel, the new Executive Director of Telstra Digital said.

The new Freedom® Connect Plans are available on a 12 or 24-month contract.

$49:
$450 credit, 1GB, up to $10 monthly MRO bonus

$59:
$550 credit, 1.5GB up to $15 monthly MRO bonus

$79:
$800 credit, 2GB up to $20 monthly MRO bonus

$99:
$1200 credit, 2.5GB up to $25 monthly MRO bonus

$129:
Unlimited standard calls and text, 3GB up to $30 monthly MRO bonus, bonus $50 for eligible international calls.