Alice Noble

Hi

Just a couple of random questions - who are the main mobile phone telephone companies in Australia? And who are the best? I am on contract here but was thinking of going on pay as you go.

Also, I am used to having broadband at home but heard it is not as widespread in Australia (I will be in Sydney) - is this true? Also, we pay a monthly fee and do not have a download limit or anything like that. What are the deals like there and how much does it tend to cost for connection and monthly fees?

Really boring questions - sorry!

Thanks
Alice

Jonahs_mummy

Hi Alice

For Broadband or Mobile Phones try:
http://www.telstra.com/index.jsp
http://mobile.optus.com.au/portal/site/WOCA/

and the "3" Network are in Aus too: http://www.three.com.au/

Happy hunting!

Alice Noble

Thank you!

Pollyana

Broadband is less widespread, also its not as quick as UK broadband (so I;ve heard). Most packages have a downloand limit; I use Dodo dial-up, $70 for 3 months , unlimited access and downloads, but Telstra/Optus arent generally as accommodating!
If you are on dialup you have to pay for each time you connect too......that can really mount up if you are with somone like Optus that disconnects when idle. Thats another reason I'm on Dodo - no time limits.

ABCDiamond

To check your your broadband options look here:
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-plan.cfm

This is an example of the results (for Sydney):
Inspired Networking
1500k/256k w/$60 calls $89.95 /mo No Download limit
I'd not seen this one before, but it has something about $60 worth of calls, it may be worth looking into http://www.inspired.net.au/

You also get a lot that offer "shaped" plans. ie: They may offer 1 gig download then after you reach the limit, the speed reduces to maybe 56k for the rest of the month.

Watch out for the excess charges with some plans, as it can vary from $3 per Gb to $150 per Gb. This happens a lot with the cheaper plans.

A cheap one curently on offer is:
Exetel
256k/56k, $20 /mo, 1 GB, then $3 /GB
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp.cfm?id=340&s=1&p=4570

The fastest speed they offer is 6,144k / 640k, but it's expensive

bondipom

For broadband avoid Helstra. I now use www.aanet.com.au but used to use www.swiftdsl.com.au . I churned for a good deal on a 1500/256 which no longer exists.

If you are near an iprimus exchange I would go with them as they are offering some high speed services few else can provide at good prices. Check out www.iprimus.com.au.

iinet and internode get good feedback.

For optus check out how they peddle porn
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_...E15306,00.html


Anyway avoid helstra and you are on the right track. As ABC says the cheapest plans usually have a small download limit and high excess charge. I would avoid them. My advice is to go for a 1GB - 4GB plan. Unless you are a heavy filesharer or downloader you will not need anymore.

For mobiles I use www.virginmobile.com.au. The plans are straightforward unlike the ones where you get free call when the moon is full and you do not want to call anyone.