Oh yeah, there’s a new iPad on sale today. Which means that purchasers of the new 3G model will probably also need a MicroSIM to get their data fix wherever they go. Let’s take a look at the current state of the MicroSIM market.
Gus over at Lifehacker rounded up iPad Micro SIMs back in January, and for the most part those prices are still relevant:
But here are some of the most interesting updates.
• Optus have introduced a $0 SIM starter Kit for consumers with 500MB and 20 day validity in some stores including Harvey Norman, Dick Smith, Apple, David Jones and Myer, which is by far the most attractive introductory offer. Especially given that the iPad 2 is 900MHz compliant, meaning it’ll work on Optus’ whole network.
• Vodafone have a starting pack with 1.5GB for $15 a month and a 30 day expiry.
• Newcomer Amaysim has jumped on board with a $9.90 for 1GB rate for their MicroSIM prepaid offering.
• Telstra still has the most attractive option, with 12GB for $150, but with a 365 day expiry, meaning you only have to pay for it once a year and you’ll pretty much have data everywhere, all year around.
Daniel
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 11:45 AMWhat about Virgin
On Prepaid $5 for the Micro sim
they also have a $149 with 12 GB option that will last 365 days
Their Post Paid is
$19 – 1.5 GB a month
$29 – 4 GB a month
$39 – 8 GB a month etc….
Ben Evans
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 11:57 AMI use Telstra on my iPad and am very happy with the speeds – compared to Vodafone on my iphone it is like broadband vs dial-up. The $150 annual cost is great.
poedgirl
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 12:26 PMWith most carriers having a $150/year option (Optus has $160/year – 2x$80), you’d be stupid not to get Telstra here. Normally there’s a premium for using their services, I was really surprised when I checked recently and they were the same price.
Paddy
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 1:02 PMAre the prepay microSIM deals different from the SIM deals?
The reason I ask is that with a pair of scissors and a steady hand most SIMs will easily convert to micros. I have this in my iPhone and it work with no problems (for Vodafone and Telstra)
(The reason I did it is because the Telstra shop was a way away and I could get there to convert the SIM.)
Cam
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 3:08 PMThe microsim deals are different to the regular sim deals. I tried cutting down a voda and telstra sim, and whilst the ipad correctly read the sim, the data didnt work due to the carrier identifying the device as an ipad, and it was using a phone service.
Stephen
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:22 AMSo if that is the case that would mean the ipad is passing its ID to the carrier network during ‘handshake’, this just seems wrong to me and smells of #NetNeutrality issues…
Sunil Joseph
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:20 PMVodafone doesn’t do Unlimited anymore – http://vodafone.com.au/personal/ipad/index.htm
May need to update this excel spread sheet…
Sunil Joseph
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:21 PMhttp://shop.vodafone.com.au/all-broadbands?id=700008
M
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:22 PMI know everyone hates on Vodafone, but they do offer monthly plans, as well as the prepaids.
$15 – 1.5GB
$29 – 4GB
$39 – 10GB
$49 – 12GB
$59 – 16GB
All available on Month 2 Month plans.
Otokoyama
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 2:37 PMWhat’s the point of going with Vodafone when, and I quote, their customer service center has said to me “we cannot guarantee coverage in a capital city”.
With that I left Vodafone, my friends on Optus complain of similar inability to 100% of the time get 3G, and my move to Telstra has been nothing short of EPIC. It just works, a sentiment that compliments the iPad perfectly.
M
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 3:24 PMVodafone issues aside, do any telco’s actually guarentee service in area? I know Telstra’s is top notch and they had their campaign of “works just about anywhere”, but contractually I wonder if there are guarentees.
Steve Tran
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 7:01 PM“Telstra still has the most attractive option, with 12GB for $150, but with a 365 day expiry, meaning you only have to pay for it once a year and you’ll pretty much have data everywhere, all year around.”
I’m reading this and looking at the sheer volume of Telstra banners plastered around the article, and wonder if Giz was allowed to say anything else.
Mogwai
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 9:06 AMTelstra are making a massive loss on this and can’t maintain this for too long. They are just trying to crush their competition while they are down and then will jack up their prices at a later date.
optus employee
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 8:47 PMOptus MICRO sim starter packs are dropping to $15 for 1GB 30 day expiry starting tomrrow.