Optus offers 50GB of mobile data for $70
Optus’ latest deal is for the fixed-line broadband deprived.
In the mobile world, data is historically expensive stuff. Matters have trended downwards in this respect outside of some roaming charges, but given that it’s easy to score unlimited calls and texts on a number of plans, data remains the one profit centre for telcos to make real money on.
Optus is obviously feeling bullish about the quality of its "4G Plus" network, with a new plan that offers home broadband users a hefty 50GB of 4G data for $70 per month. You’ll have to pass an eligibility test, which essentially checks if Optus figures the signal quality is sufficient at your home for proper high speed access.
Not surprisingly, if you aren’t in a qualifying area, Optus’ location checker will then suggest other eligible Optus products as an alternative.
| Optus Home Wireless Broadband | No Contract | 12 Month Contract | 24 Month Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $70.00 | $70.00 | $70.00 |
| Device payment | $240.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 |
| Minimum cost | $310.00 | $960.00 | $1680.00 |
| Additional 10GB Data | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
The $10 for 10GB of additional data charge gives you a little flexibility for busier months, but you can only buy one additional data pack per monthly billing cycle, after which you’ll be speed limited to 256Kbps for the rest of the month. The SIM is also hard-locked to the Huawei E5186 modem, so you can’t order the service and drop it into your smartphone or tablet for a data binge.
For folks who can’t get ADSL, cable or NBN connections, whether that’s a question of renting property or simply no available ports this might be a useful kind of deal, and it’s without doubt the cheapest way to get a lot of mobile data for a set price. Vodafone also offers a 50GB/month plan for those who can't get fixed line connections, but with a monthly cost of $140.
What about if you can get ADSL or other services? In that context, it’s less compelling given that it’s effectively tethered to your premises, unlike a mobile 4G hotspot. Here’s a snapshot of competing services at or around that $70/month price point. We've opted for ADSL2+ connections for comparison, as that still represents the majority of available connections across Australia right now.
| ISP | Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Included Data | Minimum cost (24 months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optus | Home Wireless Broadband (4G) | $70.00 | 50GB | $1680.00 |
| Optus | Basics Bundle (ADSL2+) | $70.00 | 200GB | $1805.00 |
| iiNet | ADSL2+ 150GB Anytime (ADSL2+) | $59.95 | 150GB | $1518.75 |
| Telstra | S (ADSL2+) | $75.00 | 100GB | $1859.00 |
| TPG | Superchat Bundle (ADSL2+) | $69.99 | Unlimited | $1789.71 |
| Dodo | ADSL2+ Unlimited Metro (ADSL2+) | $59.80 | Unlimited | $1435.20 |
If Optus' deal still makes sense for your circumstances, you can check your eligibility here.
I am living on base and wanting to find best provider in rural nsw for data & mobile which can be used for movies & Xbox etc
Thank you
Hi Karn,
Telstra is usually the best option for people living on base, but it also depends on where you are based. If you could provide me with the suburb/town I could look up your coverage and work out which provider would best suit you.
Thanks,
Brodie