Knockers of the National Broadband Network (NBN) are quick to point out that Australians prefer to get their data wirelessly, negating the need for an expensive fixed-line network. Apart from the fact that this overlooks what most Australians think ‘wireless’ is (that is, short range Wi-Fi links to modems attached to fixed lines), the big telcos themselves are encouraging customers to use less mobile data, to defeat the crunch on their networks.
Optus’ increase on their Fusion and Bundled ADSL/Cable plans grabbed plenty of headlines, but many overlooked that there are now no peak and offpeak splits, effectively doubling the amount of data on their plans. TPG has made ‘Unlimited’ DSL popular, and now Primus, Club Telco, Dodo and others can offer it as well. All of this points to Australians being encouraged to do their heavy downloading via a fixed line connection.
Meanwhile, plans from Optus, Vodafone and Telstra, for mobile broadband and for data included with mobile phones have held steady or decreased in the amount of data offered. Last year, Optus offered 5GB of data on their highest mobile plans; that has come down to 3GB.
Why do I need a lot of mobile data?
Simply put, applications that use a lot of data are impractical to use on mobile phones. Streaming hi-def movies, downloading large files and online gaming are all hard to actually do on a mobile handset, let alone impractical on a mobile network.
But there are options to use that data more fully. You can tether your handset to work a portable modem to a larger computer (more on that here), and it doesn’t cost you any extra. Carriers tried to do that originally, both here and abroad. The US communications regulator (FCC) came in with the samckdown, telling telcos over there that you can’t charge people to use data that they’ve bought and paid for. Though no similar strong hand was used here, telcos quickly changed their tune and allowed tethering, free of charge, on most plans.
For situations where your normal internet connection is unavailable, a generous mobile data plan can keep you sane while your service provider gets you back online.
Recommendations
SIM only – got your own phone? Try these excellent value plans.
Amaysim – Amaysim’s $39.90 Unlimited plan offers unlimited calls, text, MMS and a massive 4GB of mobile data. Call 1300 302 942
Dodo – Dodo’s similar $39.90 Magic SIM plan comes with everything the Amaysim plan does, but with 5GB of data. Call 1300 136 793
Need a new handset
iPrimus $39 No Worries – Comes with $700 value and 2GB of mobile data, with most phones between $0 and $15 a month. Call 1300 137 794
iPrimus $89 No Worries – 4000 minutes to any number and network, free text, a whopping 5GB of data. Pretty much every phone is free.
For more great tips and recommendations, call us on 1300 106 571!