•    MVNO on the Vodafone network
•    Covers 94% of the Australian population
•    SIM-only plans and plans with handsets available

TransACT is a Virtual Mobile Network operator, which means it offers plans over the Vodafone 3G network. The Vodafone network covers 94% of the Australian population but plans to expand its coverage. TransACT offers a range of plans from low-cost SIM-only plans to plans with unlimited calls, so would suit almost any customer.

Pros

Good range of affordable plans
Includes handsets
Australian customer service

Cons

Vodafone network not as comprehensive as Optus or Telstra

History

TransACT was established in 2000 as a telecommunications and subscription TV operator in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). TransACT was the first provider in Australia to build a FTTC (fibre to the curb) network, which is capable of 100Mbps broadband speeds.

Although this fibre service was originally built for Canberra and some surrounding suburbs, they have since expanded their cable operations into Victoria following the 2007 purchase of Neighbourhood Cable.

TransACT was a privately owned company until 2011 when it was acquired by Internet Service Provider (ISP) iiNet.

Marketplace

TransACT is a privately owned company, so does not release revenue and customer figures for its mobile phone division.

Future plans and development

TransACT uses the Vodafone network, and Vodafone has big plans for 2012. Vodafone is upgrading its existing infrastructure and building new towers in more areas, giving customers better coverage.