Our verdict: While you have the option to choose between plans on the Telstra or Vodafone network, Think Mobile plans represent poor value across the board.
Think Mobile plans might give you the unique option to choose either the Telstra wholesale or Vodafone mobile network, but its plans aren't very good value in general.
Its Ultimate plans on the Vodafone 4G network are passable, but only if you're prepared to lock yourself into a contract for up to 12 months.
Think Mobile could be right for you if:
You value local support. Think Mobile's customer care team is based in Queensland on the Gold Coast.
Big data users will see better value for money, with an 80GB plan for under $50.
But keep in mind that Think Mobile:
Restricts payments to direct debit only with no other payment methods available.
Has no online chat features and has limited set operating hours.
Only has international roaming available on a pay-as-you-go basis, so it's better to pick up a local or travel SIM to avoid high roaming expenses.
Doesn't allow online purchases. You have to ring the customer service team or email to sign up to a Think Mobile plan.
Think Mobile has 3 categories of mobile plans: Classic, Super and Ultimate. Its Classic plans run on the Telstra 4G wholesale network, with Super and Ultimate on the Vodafone 4G network.
There's no other way of putting it – Think Mobile's Classic plans offer some of the worst value in the entire mobile market.
Good to know: Think Mobile's Classic plans average $24.17 per 1GB, which is extremely poor compared to a benchmark of $1 per 1GB.
If you thought the Classic plans were bad, Think Mobile's Super plans are even worse. These average out to $43.34 per 1GB and don't include unlimited calls in Australia. You'll only get $200–$500 worth of credit depending on which Super plan you get.
Its Ultimate plans perform a little better as you can choose a monthly plan or a 6- or 12-month contract. The value gets better the longer the contract lasts.
Good to know: The longer the contract you sign up for on a Think Mobile Ultimate plan, the more data you'll get for the same price.
Things to watch out for:
You can only make payments by automated direct debit.
Early termination fees on contract plans are equal to the full plan fee multiplied by the number of remaining months.
Coverage
Think Mobile uses parts of the Telstra 4G mobile network for its Classic plans and the Vodafone 4G network for its Super and Ultimate plans.
The Telstra 4G wholesale network reaches 98.8% of the population – more than Vodafone or Optus but not as wide as Telstra's own 99.7% coverage.
On Super and Ultimate plans, you'll get identical coverage to a plan bought directly from Vodafone, reaching 98.4% of the population.
On all Think Mobile plans, you shouldn't have too many problems in metro areas, but you might have some loss of reception in rural and regional areas, especially on the Vodafone network.
Customer service
If you want to reach Think Mobile with a comment or question, its customer care team is available from 7:30am to 6:30pm AEST, Monday to Friday. You can contact support using the following methods:
Ring up the customer support line.
Send an email with your enquiry.
Good to know: Think Mobile has a local customer support team based on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Ready to sign up to Think Mobile?
Unfortunately, Think Mobile is not available for purchase through Finder. You'll need to visit thinkmobile.com.au and email or call its customer service team to grab a phone plan.
Otherwise, you can continue comparing mobile plans on Finder to find a plan better suited for you.
What if I want to keep my current phone number? You can choose to keep your current number at checkout or by contacting Think Mobile's customer care team. While Think Mobile doesn't list how long it will take for transfers, most number ports are completed in about 24–48 hours after activation.
Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney. See full bio
Cameron Micallef is a personal finance journalist with eight years of experience, specialising in investing, property and household bills. He has written for Smart Property Investment, nestegg and Investor Daily. Cameron holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies and Commerce, as well as a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification (RG146), ensuring compliance with ASIC standards. See full bio
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Cameron has written 158 Finder guides across topics including:
i am 82 years old and i want a mobile phone plan only want to make 2or 3 calls a week
Finder
JoanneSeptember 22, 2017Finder
Hi Ted,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
You can visit our list of mobile phone plans for seniors to compare which plan would be suitable for your needs. On that page, you have the option to modify the results and select prepaid sim only.
Alternatively, as you plan to make about 2-3 calls a week, you may also want to check on plans under $20.00.
Save your unused data for later with data banking and rollover. Find mobile plans that let you keep what you don’t use!
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i am 82 years old and i want a mobile phone plan only want to make 2or 3 calls a week
Hi Ted,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
You can visit our list of mobile phone plans for seniors to compare which plan would be suitable for your needs. On that page, you have the option to modify the results and select prepaid sim only.
Alternatively, as you plan to make about 2-3 calls a week, you may also want to check on plans under $20.00.
Cheers,
Joanne