May 18, 2010
Telstra and Optus have both released aggressive data plans for the Apple iPad. Compared with the cost of data for mobile phone plans the iPad plans are roughly half the price. For example 2GB of data costs $20 for the iPad. In comparison, Telstra offer 1GB of data for $39 on a mobile phone plan.
This is obviously good news for consumers and may spark further price wars for data mobile data downloads. Vodafone and 3 Mobile will be revealing their iPad Internet plans shortly.
The iPad can’t be use to make calls so the plans only have a data component, no voice component. Additionally the iPad SIM card cannot be used in other devices so consumers signing up for an iPad product will be counted as new subscribers rather than existing customers. Gartner research director Robin Simpson offered this as one explanation for the very aggressive pricing of which he said he was surprised and mystified.
With the competitive plans the iPad is cheaper to use than the smallest iPhone. The iPad can be bought unlocked from mobicity for $879.
Feb 5, 2010
Optus has seen a huge growth of 240% in mobile broadband customers over the last 12 months and a growth in 3G services of 43%. On the back of this, Optus has agreed to purchase additional 3G spectrum which, if approved, will double the spectrum available for mobile services in capital cities.The deal is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).The managing director of Optus Products and Delivery, Andrew Buay, said Optus would use the additional spectrum “to support retail and wholesale customer demand for Optus’ increasing range of data services.”
Optus has seen a huge growth of 240% in mobile broadband customers over the last 12 months and a growth in 3G services of 43%. On the back of this, Optus has agreed to purchase additional 3G spectrum which, if approved, will double the spectrum available for mobile services in capital cities.
The deal is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The managing director of Optus Products and Delivery, Andrew Buay, said Optus would use the additional spectrum “to support retail and wholesale customer demand for Optus’ increasing range of data services.”
Jul 4, 2008
There was a flurry of excitement yesterday when Optus announced its iPhone plans prior to the launch on July 11th.
It seems like the plan details were generally well received judging by comments across popular forums and blogs. As expected the main gripe is that people want more data included in the plans. Average phone data usage for people web browsing occasionally, checking emails and using chat software is in the ball park of 200MB but the iPhone will make it easier to consume data so its likely that uasage will creep up.
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