Telstra doubles data for free on mobile broadband plans
Telstra's upgrades make mobile broadband more tempting than ever.
To help people who may be working from home or who may need more reliable Internet thanks to current circumstances, Telstra is increasing the data on its mobile broadband plans until 30 June. Mobile broadband can be an excellent substitute or back-up for a fixed-line connection to the NBN, especially for those working from home or learning remotely.
Mobile broadband can assist you when your Internet goes down, or help avoid night-time congestion when everybody else is using the network at the same time. With Telstra, you bring your own device, although you can also purchase a device from Telstra and pay it off over 24 to 36 months.
How does mobile broadband work?
Mobile broadband functions using the exact same network your mobile phone does, namely signals from communications towers. It taps into the 3G, 4G, or 5G networks that already exist to deliver high speed Internet connections.
Telstra's mobile broadband plan offers
Three of Telstra's mobile broadband plans have had their data allowance upgraded, while its cheapest offering, 5GB for $15 monthly, has stayed the same. Here's what's changed:
| Plan | Price (per month) | Old data allowance | New data allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small data plan | $25 | 10GB | 20GB |
| Medium data plan | $50 | 50GB | 60GB |
| Large data plan | $75 | 100GB | 200GB |
Telstra's offers come at a great time, with these new data limits being very handy if you find yourself needing an extra boost of Internet to handle the number of Zoom calls you're taking. 20GB of data should give you enough for at least 20 hours of standard definition video calling and around 10 hours at high-definition.
Let's take a look at how Telstra's Small and Large data plans (which are the ones offering double the amount of data) compare to a couple of other mobile broadband plans on the market.
Interested in grabbing Telstra's plans? Click here to jump down and see its offers
Telstra's $25 mobile broadband plan compared
| Provider | Price | Data | Additional features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testra | $25 | 20GB |
|
| Optus | $30 | 15GB | Data rollover up to 50GB |
| Southern Phone | $25 | 15GB |
While Telstra is commonly associated with having premium prices, its new mobile broadband offers have meant they're now more affordable than ever. Compared to other options on the market, you'll be getting more bang for your buck, plus a couple of extra features which really drive up the value.
Telstra's $75 mobile broadband plan compared
| Provider | Price | Data | Additional features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra | $75 | 200GB |
|
| OVO | $79.95 | 250GB | Can earn 10GB bonus data by streaming on OVOPlay |
| amaysim | $80 | 240GB |
With Telstra's highest data limit plan, you might not be getting as competitive a value compared to a couple of other providers, but its bonus features might just push it over the line. If you're lucky enough to access the 5G network, you'll be looking at speeds that could rival the NBN, which is a great way to avoid lagging conference calls.
Telstra extra features for mobile broadband
On top of simply giving you an Internet connection via the mobile network, Telstra adds the following onto its mobile broadband plans:
- Potential 5G access. All mobile broadband plans come with Telstra's 5G network trial. The cheaper two options will cost you $15 a month to extend past the 30 June, while the more expensive two give ongoing 5G access. Your ability to get 5G speeds will depend on your device and where you live.
- Data-free sports streaming. You can watch the AFL, A-League, Netball and other sports without chewing through your data.
- Data-free music streaming. Stream Apple Music to your heart's content as much as you please, so long as you have an Apple Music subscription.
- Telstra Air. Get access to the Telstra Air national Wi-Fi network, with thousands of hotspots available across Australia.
- Telstra Plus. When you spend money on Telstra bills, you earn Telstra Plus rewards points which you can spend in the Telstra online rewards store for many different things.
Telstra's mobile broadband deals are currently available for new and existing customers, and you can compare them in the table below.
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