Australia's Best Mobile Phone Plans – Optus vs. Telstra

Telstra and Optus are undoubtedly the largest telecommunication giants in Australia. Both services supply speedy and reliable mobile phone network coverage throughout Australia, with Telstra's 4G network providing 99.4% of Australia's population and Optus's 4G network reaching 98.8%.

When picking a mobile phone provider, there's no wrong choice - it boils down to which perks are more essential than others, such as cost, coverage, international deals and other benefits

Nevertheless, here are reasons why Optus's network is the wiser choice:

More Cost-Effective

Customers usually decide which mobile phone provider to pick once comparing prices. Optus is undoubtedly the cheaper option. For instance, its service offers customers 80GB of data per month for $55, whereas Telstra provides the same package for $65.

Surpassingly, Optus offers 200GB of data for $60 per month, while Telstra charges $85 for only 120GB.

Broader Network Coverage for MVNOs

It's important to note that smaller mobile plan providers operate using either Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone mobile networks in Australia. All MVONs typically offer much cheaper rates than the telecom giants themselves, due to not having to fork out costs to maintain the network, spending less on marketing, and not having a physical store presence.

However, when checking out MVNO mobile phone packages, it's vital to consider the network coverage the telecom giants are willing to share. For example, Telstra offers its

In contrast, MVNOs operating on Optus receive the same coverage as Optus' customers, ensuring all customers connected to the Optus network receive the best possible experience. For example, one of the cheapest networks running on Optus includes Catch Connect, which offers 60GB and unlimited calls/texts for $120 for the first 12 months. The prepaid mobile phone service is a considerably cost-effective option when compared to the cheapest Telstra network, costing a steep $45 per month for 20GB and unlimited calls/texts.

No Data Roaming Charges

Optus recently followed Telstra by scrapping excess data roaming charges and switching to more manageable data solutions by capping data speeds at 1.5Mps. Thus, customers won't receive unwanted payments once they reach their monthly limit.

Nevertheless, members of an Optus MVNO, such as Catch Connect, don't need to wait for next month's data allowance to use your mobile how you wish. Instead, they can top up the SIM and use their device instantly

International Deals

Optus and Telstra offer mobile phone plans that include free international calls. However, it is vital to consider which one provides the best deals for saving money in the long run and which MVNOs offer the best prepaid mobile discounts for international calling.

The best Optus plan for international calls is the $55 Optus Choice plan, available on either 2 or 3-year contract deals. It offers unlimited international calls from Australia to 35 selected countries, alongside 80GB of data.

Disappointingly, Telstra doesn't offer any plans with unlimited international calls. Instead, its Prepaid Complete Plan offers 1,000 minutes to Zone 1 countries for a costly $50 per month.

Nevertheless, if wanting to save as much money on international calls as possible, Optus MVNO Catch Connect's International Extra Plan offers 100 international minutes and unlimited international SMS/MMS from Australia to 32 different countries for a generous $5 for 30 days.

Other Extra Benefits

Both Optus and Telstra mobile phone plans have cancellation or exit fees when switching mobile providers before the contract ends. However, with Catch Connect, customers can instantly cancel their mobile phone plans without affecting their bank balance or credit rating.

While digging into extra benefits, Optus includes data-free Optus Sport streaming on most of its plans, whereas Telstra includes data-free AFLW and netball streaming.

Conclusion

Despite Telstra supplying more 4G coverage to Australia's population, Optus and its MVNOs skyrocket in terms of cheaper rates for better deals.

While both mobile service providers offer entertainment packs, Optus offers better data deals; thus, it allows customers to watch whatever they want at cheaper rates - rather than being stuck watching AFLW and netball over data usage concerns.

Moreover, it's worth considering Optus's MVNO plans rather than Telstra's MVNO plans due to Optus supplying all of its coverage and benefits to its MVNOs - unlike Telstra offering its MVNOs incomplete versions despite having the capabilities.

If looking for a cost-effective mobile phone plan, Catch Connect, powered by Optus's 4G network, offers generous data allowances, unlimited nationwide talk and text, and excellent international deals for one expiry period across 30, 90, and 365 days. Thus, it assists customers with various benefits regarding mobile habits and individual requirements.

Check out which Catch Connect prepaid mobile phone plan best suits you.