Money Hack: Get free Wi-Fi on your Telstra plan
Suck down that sweet, sweet data without paying - here's how.
Telstra's 4G network claims the broadest coverage of any Australian mobile network. But that doesn't mean you should burn through your mobile data allowance unnecessarily. Telstra also runs a nationwide network of Wi-Fi hotspots branded Telstra Air, and most mobile customers can use that for nothing. Here's how to take advantage of it.
The hack
To use the Telstra Air network, which comprises more than 900,000 hotspots, you need to be on a Telstra plan. Contract, prepaid, SIM-only and mobile broadband customers are all covered. (You also qualify if you have Telstra home broadband, but we're mainly concerned with phone customers here.)
To access the service, you need to install the Telstra Air app (available for both Android and iOS), then connect to the Telstra Air Wi-Fi network. While that network doesn't exist absolutely everywhere, you'll be able to access it in most larger public places. Every Telstra phone box serves as an Air hotspot, for instance. There's a checker online which shows you where hotspots are located.
Telstra Air was originally introduced back in 2015, and free access for mobile customers was originally supposed to be a limited time deal. However, it has been extended several times since. Currently, you can get free access until 27 March 2018.
Unfortunately, this trick only works if you're on a Telstra mobile plan from Telstra. It doesn't work with other providers who buy access from Telstra, such as ALDImobile or Woolworths Mobile. Need more help? Check out finder's detailed guide to the service.
finder money hacks is a bi-weekly roundup of the latest tips and tricks to improve your finances. Check back every Wednesday and Saturday for new hacks.
Picture: Olga Kashubin/Shutterstock
