Pros
- No excess data charges on postpaid plans
- 5G network is increasingly available across Australia
- One of the better priced roaming add-ons around ($5 for 5GB per day on postpaid plans)
Cons
- Plan prices are slightly higher than average
Optus is Australia's second-largest network, covering 98.5% of the Australian population (Telstra covers 99.5% and Vodafone covers 96%). Optus may not have Telstra's extensive coverage, but it should be more than enough for most people.
While Optus doesn't offer the cheapest entry-level plans, it does have options that come with generous data inclusions and the ability to pay off new phones over 12, 24 and 36 months on postpaid plans.
Plus, its range of perks, including access to its 5G network and access to Optus Sport (for an additional cost on postpaid plans), might justify the premium price for some.
Optus may be the right choice for you in the following situations:
However, it's worth keeping a couple of things in mind:
Optus Flex plans are pretty simple: $1 a day for 4G or $2 a day for 5G, billed daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annually or annually so you can control how and when you use it. Prepaid Flex includes 1GB a day (which can roll over up to 200GB) and unlimited calls and texts.
These Flex plans are okay since they hit the benchmark of $1 per GB, but aren't anything too special.
If you need more data, Optus's Epic plans come as 28- or 365-day recharges.
Its longer expiry 365-day plans offer about 10GB–25GB a month and are great value if you're willing to commit to the plan for a full year.
Things get more reasonable with Optus's 100GB for $59 plans and higher, with data getting cheaper the more you're willing to spend on your plan.
Optus has the second-largest network in Australia, narrowly behind Telstra and covering a decent amount more than Vodafone.
Optus Sport is the exclusive broadcaster for the English Premier League in Australia. Access is discounted at $6.99 for Optus customers on all postpaid plans.
Non-Optus customers can watch for $24.99 a month.
You can share data between Optus plans under the same account. This can be handy for families looking to bundle all their plans under one account.
Optus Sport Fitness is also included with your Optus Sport subscription and will give you access to a variety of video workouts you can follow from home.
With Optus, you can roll over up to 200GB on most prepaid plans.
Postpaid plans: For $5 a day, in "Zone 1 countries", you get unlimited calls as well as 5GB to use per day. Alternatively, you can pay $35 for 35GB over 7 days. The add-on expires once inclusions are used up.
Prepaid plans: For $5 per day, you can get 1GB of data, 100 texts and up to 100 minutes to use in Zone 1 destinations. Other options include 7GB for $35 over 7 days or 10GB for $20 over 14 days.
Optus has some serious rivals, especially considering it shares its network with so many smaller providers.
For more coverage:
Telstra is Australia's largest network with the best coverage. Just remember that you'll pay more for that improved service.
SpinTel operates on the full Optus network, with a couple of 5G plans that cost less than Optus's.
For cheap and big data:
Circles.Life has mobile plans at ridiculously low prices on the Optus 4G network. Its $45 plan includes 100GB of data, which is far better value than Optus's $49 for 30GB plan.
If you're after a prepaid or postpaid plan, just click the "Go to site" button in our comparison tables, which will take you straight to Optus where you can purchase the plan directly.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Absolutely. If your number is in your name, just notify Optus you want to transfer it when you sign up. All you have to do is fill out a form.
If your number isn't currently in your name (perhaps under that of a parent or partner), let Optus know and they'll give you an extra form for you and the owner to fill out.
You can also check out our guide on how to transfer ownership of your mobile number for more information.
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