gillnbri

Can anyone give us an idea of what network to use once we get to Brisbane. We're taking our own phone because we've heard they're quite expensive in Oz, but would like to know which is the best PAYG network.

Thanks
Gill

datamile

It'll depend on how many friends you have, same network etc, and how many calls you make.

The larger prepay you buy, the longer it lasts ( 120 days .. )

We've got virgin as it cheap to call each other

http://virginmobile.com.au/rates/prepaid.html

You can go monthly plan, which they call a cap plan here. You pay $49 a month, get $230 days of calls, but no carry over.

Most stores are tied to one network, but there are ones like 'all mobiles' which will do all. Just add the Sim, and go.

Make sure you're phones are unlocked from the network b4 you get here.

Bonnybute

I would buy a Bubble card initially, call home alot cheaper..

Centurion

Go online and have a look at the packages for PASYG from Optus, Vodafone and Virgin.

Realistically there isnt much difference between them I reckon. Its different flavours of the same. What one gives you the other takes away.

I wouldnt bother getting tied into a contract though until you've really decided your needs.

Personally I've never run out of credit on the $49 maxicap from vodafone. Get something silly like $250 of calls and 300 texts included per month.

themerlin

I use exetel www.exetel.com.au it's not prepaid but has not contract and only a min $5 a month spend.

silver

We have switched to three ( and if you are on three in the uk you can bring you calling rates with you.) But for $49 a month we get calls and 500mb mobile broadband which is great connected to the laptop.

I also have truphone installed on my nokia e65 and call the uk for free using this with great quality.

mark213

More likly depends on what coverage you need. If you are in the Metro then alll the above are ok, outside the metro and Telstra has better coverage.
Best network for cost depends on your useage and call types. VF and Optus/virgin Prepay are all good. VF are changing their Prepay Maxi-Cap on the 1st sep and looks very attractive

discobay

So does that mean a non-Telstra connected phone may not be able to receive and make calls at the Sunshine Coast?

mand8002

We are on the three network too. On the $49 cap you get $300 of calls and 200 mins free calls to other three phones. You can also use these minutes to call anyone on the three network in the UK, and failing that you can use up to $120 of your cap on international calls. This is invaluable to me as one of our daughters lives in France.

themerlin

Caps are just a marketing con. $300 worth of calls maybe, but the calls are overpriced.

mand8002

They may be overpriced but with the free calls to other three mobiles it costs me less than my vodafone pay as you go ever did which is all I am bothered about.

mark213

So are the plans! And there you are paying real dollars $$$ every time you make a call not just a "cap dollar"

themerlin

My mobile bill is $5 a month, so getting $300 worth of calls for $50 a month is still going to cost an extra $45

tictac

The Apple iPhone will be arriving in Oz next year so, depending upon your data requirements, this may also be an option

Having said that, based on US and UK pricing and tarifs, I suspect most people will not be in a position (myself included ) to come to the iPhone party

BTW I'm currently on Vodafone $29 cap which offers $130 worth of calls and 100 'free' texts. Good value for money IMO

themerlin

lol I'm tight, pay $5 a month wife is on the same network so we can ring each other for free (first 2 mins of each call).

The screen looks a bit fragile on those iphones, I would worry about breaking it.