To all my aussie mates!! Which mobile service provider should i go for?

Question

Hey,

I am an international student looking for a good mobile service provider.I am confused between 3G, optus and telstra.Can you guys guide me as you know better than me.

I am ready to spend around 30$ per month.I also need a mobile along with the connection as i am not gonna carry my old phone with me to aus.

Please help me! help me! help me! :) :)

PS: I am going to be in melbourne if that helps.

Answer 1

I'm with Telstra.  The reason being is that I do a lot of travelling, and (especially in country/remote areas) Telstra is the only carrier that I am almost guaranteed to have coverage with.  So I suppose it depends on what you're requirements are.  If you are staying within the confines of the city, then money's probably the main criterion.  But if it's coverage... then Telstra's the go.

Answer 2

I'm with telstra and i'm happy with that. I have heard good things about optus too. Maybe you should get some brochures from the phone shops, they may have some specials or what not. I'm glad you're not going for vodafone. nothing but strife, high bills, bad customer service and cheap phones that dont work from them!!

Answer 3

All of the mobile sets you have mentioned in your question are good enough, but as per my liking, I would choose Telstra, out of them.

Answer 4

You cant beat vodafone.  I travel a lot and rarely loose coverage and when you ring their help desk you get someone in Australia who speaks English, that makes a pleasant change.

Answer 5

I have been with Telstra for years and never had any trouble with them. I'm currantly on a $20 plan and signed up for 2 years but only have to pay $10 plus calls but also have a free hour to call any phone in Austrtalia for up to 20 minutes  at a time. But if you want a phone from Telstra you will have to be on the 2 year plan and pay $20 and have a choice of bonuses as well. All the companies have their deals but really I've been so happy with telstra and the others plans and prices where not as good for me.

Answer 6

I'm with Optus and are happy with their service.  I'm on prepaid talk and text.  I buy a $30 recharge voucher and that lasts me for two months - and I only have to buy a new one then because that's when my credit will expire.

Answer 7

I've been with both Telstra and Optus and can't stand either of them. About 4 years ago, I changed to Vodaphone pre-paid. My problems stopped and my telephone costs are less than half what they were before.

EDIT:

I agree with JJ's comment about their help desk - it's so nice to talk to someone who speaks good English (because they're actually here, not in Mumbai or somewhere like that).

Answer 8

Telstra. The best coverage in rural areas.

Answer 9

Telstra pre-paid,,only one that has coverage in the bush where I live.

Answer 10

It depends, if you use a lot of credit, then go with optus or vodafone and get on a cap plan! other wise if you use your mobile rarely then go with telstra and like 1cent texts. I am with Telstra and its pretty good!