High Speed Internet Access (HSIA): Mobile Broadband

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 – 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 – 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 – 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.

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