High Speed Internet Access (HSIA): Mobile Internet » Optus Mobile Broadband

Aggressive iPad Data Pricing from Telstra and Optus

christine — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:24:31 +0000

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.

Optus to Double 3G Spectrum After Huge Growth in Mobile Broadband Customers

christine — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:00:41 +0000

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.”

Optus iPhone Plan Details

christine — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:17:08 +0000

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.

The range of plans looks like there will be something for everyone. The fact that you can buy the iPhone unlocked and use it with any carrier and any plan has been met with approval. More details are included on the Optus iPhone website but here are some of the highlights:

Cheapest Optus iPhone plan
$19 cap plan â€“ 100MB of data, monthly handset repayment of $21 for the 8GB iPhone on a 24 month contract, $50 of calls and messages

Mid-Range plan
$79 cap plan â€“ 700 MB of data, no charge for handset on a 24 month contract, $550 of calls and messages

Top of the Range plan
$179 cap plan â€“ 1 GB of data, no charge for handset on a 24 month contract, $1500 of calls and messages

Unlocked iPhone
$809 for the 8GB iPhone
$929 for the 16GB iPhone

Unlocked with pre-paid sim (purchase the handset with an Optus pre-paid sim and unlock it for free after 6 months or for $80 any time before then)
$729 for the 8GB iPhone
$849 for the 16GB iPhone

All plans have a choice of a 12 month or a 24 month contract.
Optus have a launch offer of free data for the first month.