Okay, so the new iPhone’s already on sale, but Telstra held their cards pretty close to their chest this week, failing to officially announce their 3GS pricing until last night. Here’s what to expect:
If you were hoping for a bargain, Telstra probably isn’t the best place to look. They’re offering a range of plans, but if you want to get a 32GB for $0 upfront, you’ll need to sign up for a $150 a month plan, which includes 150MB worth of data. If you’re prepared to settle for the 16GB version, which also only has 150MB of data.
The 8GB iPhone 3G fairs a little better – you can grab that for $0 upfront on the $60 plan.
Also worth noting is that the new phones are also available on Telstra’s cap plans, if that’s your thing. But ultimately, the lack of bundled data is really going to hurt Telstra’s iPhone sales. Sure, you may get free access to Telstra Wi-Fi hotspots, but 150MB completely misses the point of what makes the iPhone such a great device.
For a closer look at the pricing, head over to Telstra’s iPhone pricing page.
Hamish
June 26, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Holy crap. Not free until you spend $150/month and then you ONLY get 150MB?? Telslut just doesn’t f’ing get it.
Report PermalinkDaniel
June 26, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Telstra don’t really aim to be competitive, instead they offer us the most premium products and services..
Report Permalinknesh
June 26, 2009 at 2:44 PM
As an ex-employee, Telstra do not compete on price as the other carriers do not compete on the range of products & services offered.
Sure it’s corporate-speak for “always have always will (charge more)” but as some of the other posters here have attested, in most regional areas, Telstra is the only carrier to have a proper network.
And someone has to pay for that premium.
Report PermalinkDalvin
June 26, 2009 at 10:24 AM
of course they get it! they want people with lots of money who don’t care and/or want the best coverage. and they want people that have no idea how to shop around and just pay the money!
Report PermalinkHamish
June 26, 2009 at 10:29 AM
That might be the case but for those with a vested interest in the money they spend and the tech savvy among us, TLS will be avoided like the plague, fast network or not.
Report PermalinkDaniel
June 26, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I completely agree with you. Lets just say I know where they’re heads are at.
Report PermalinkSam
June 26, 2009 at 11:26 AM
I’m as much against Telstra as most, but as soon as I’m off contract, I’m swapping to them.
Optus have been painfully slow and unreliable for me, and Vodafone don’t have the coverage I need.
May cost more for less, but I’ll actually be able to use the phone.
Report PermalinkNamarrgon
June 26, 2009 at 11:44 AM
The really annoying part is that, iPhone being 2100/850MHz only, NextG is the only network that’ll give you 3G outside the cities.
But, since I won’t be touching Telstra ever again, that’s a deal-breaker for me right there – no iPhone for me.
Report PermalinkMatt
June 26, 2009 at 11:59 AM
So who is offering the best deal so far?
Report PermalinkShay
June 26, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I just can’t believe they’re also saying ‘No’ to tethering. And they’re lying about why. Apple leaves the decision up to the carriers, and then Telstra this morning was quoted as saying they won’t be tethering because “it was an Apple decision.”
They should have been the perfect network for anyone who wanted to take tethering seriously. Instead they’re acting like a joke.
I was sorely mistaken when I had a glint of hope when Sol left. Same old Telstra…
Report PermalinkJB
June 26, 2009 at 12:49 PM
What Telstra also realise is that a large portion of the population (myself included) don’t really have a choice when it comes to which carrier we want.
Report PermalinkI live in regional Vic, and while Optus have 3G in town, go anywhere else, and you’re stuck with 2G.
Mael
June 26, 2009 at 3:09 PM
The problem for most people will be that the only network that offers 850/2100 3g is Telstra.
All the other telcos are 900/2100 and the ‘expansions’ being touted by Optus & Voda are all 900 3g, so the iPhone won’t be useable as a 3g device in most places.
So the Australian customer has a choice, choose a cheaper network with lots of data, but very few places to use it, or a network where the iPhone will work as a 3g device everywhere but have next to no data or a data pack that is astronomically priced.
Quite frankly it is a lose/lose unless you never venture out of the CBD.
Report PermalinkPhil
June 26, 2009 at 7:26 PM
the problem is Telstra treats its customers like idiots, $10 browsing pack gets you 150MB, but 300MB sets you back $30 WTF, sounds like something that cadbury or mars confectionary would do. I would think that now Telstra has a new CEO they would have some more sense to treat customers with the respect the deserve.
So take note telstra, we don’t mind paying a little more for voice, but when it comes to data, 300MB should be around the $18 or less (preferably or less)
Report PermalinkPhil
June 26, 2009 at 7:30 PM
HAHAHA,
When I skimmed the article initially I tought you wrote ‘Telstra’s crap plans’
Report PermalinkGareth Dobricic
June 27, 2009 at 1:49 PM
once again telstra screw the pooch, i so wanted an iphone 3gs but alas im with telstra and to get it for free i need to cough up $150 for free, so disappointed
Report PermalinkJT Marlin
June 27, 2009 at 9:18 PM
Typical Telstra rort!!! Competitive as always! NOT!!!
Report PermalinkMathew Merryweather
June 28, 2009 at 4:07 AM
uuurrrrrgh, i HATE TELSTRA! they are seriously pathetic, i live in Brizzy so you no what F*** you telstra, im switching to someone else, maybe even optus >:-(
Report PermalinkLee
July 5, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Telstra are dogs, always have been always will be!
Report PermalinkStephen Lane
August 13, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Its true… Telstra are a bit of a RIP….. But they have the coverage in the areas I am most…. so I have no choice but to pay thru the ring hole for a service that others cant provide… I guess thats called Monopoly of the Market :)
In saying that, Vodafone now have their 3G network up in the places I need them… hrmmmm but will it have the coverage I need??
THE QUESTION I HAVE is :
Is there anything on the iPhone (apps) that stay open and therefor chew up money???
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