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The best eSIM for international travel (and how to use it)

How do you use your phone overseas without it costing a fortune while you travel? After all, you’ll need it for maps, making bookings, checking flight times, catching public transport, as a translator and calling home. It’s a travel essential and according to the ABS, there was 1.7 million departures out of Australia. The Continue reading…

Australian Smartphone Statistics

Over 90% of the population owns a smartphone, according to Deloitte Australia. That’s almost 24 million people! Another report says we spend an average of five hours a day on our phone. And while they let us connect to loved ones and capture memories, there’s also some downsides to our phone addiction. This includes Continue reading…

Optus’ Amazing New AI Voice Assistant

Optus is leveraging Artificial Intelligence With the launch of ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a mainstream technology that many Australians have used. Now, AI is becoming even more mainstream with Optus’ new in-call Voice Assistant, which allows customers to vocally state their reason for calling Optus’ customer care line, and get routed to the Continue reading…

Optus Partners with Pentanet to Bring Cloud Gaming to Australia­

Optus and Pentanet bring Cloud Gaming / NVIDIA GeForce Now to Australians Optus has partnered with Pentanet Limited, an Australian internet Service Provider (ISP), to offer its customers NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service. The popular cloud gaming service enables users to play video games in the cloud – that is, without the need to Continue reading…

Opensignal ranks Optus 5G Speeds Ahead of Telstra, Vodafone

Which telco has the fastest 5G network in Australia? Optus remains ahead of the pack regarding 5G download speeds in Australia, according to Opensignal’s latest report. Telstra takes a close second, while Vodafone ranks a distant third in 5G download speeds. Since Australia’s commercial 5G launch four years ago, Opensignal’s analysis has seen a head-to-head Continue reading…

Australians Sue Optus Over Data Breach

100,000 customers sue Optus for failing to protect personal data Late last year, Optus lost over 10 million customers’ sensitive information to hackers during one of Australia’s most significant data breaches. Public outcry followed Optus’ botched handling before and after the data breach, leading to a class action suit by 100,000 former and current Continue reading…

Telcos are the Most Distrusted Industry in Australia

Australians now view telcos as the most distrusted sector in the country A 2017 WhatPhone survey suggested a correlation between fair treatment and trust when. The survey concluded that customers trust telcos that treat them fairly more than their counterparts. The same study concluded that more than 20 per cent of people don’t trust their Continue reading…

Australia’s Carbon-Neutral Telcos and Phone Plans

Telstra mobile phone plans are now carbon neutral As climate change becomes widely accepted as our new reality, many Australians have become interested in how much they individually contribute to environmental decline. One of the areas where Aussies contribute to climate change without knowing is through their phone usage. As a result, telcos are Continue reading…

How eSIM Technology Lets You Have Two Numbers on One Device

eSIM phones come with many benefits WhatPhone has written about eSIM technology for several years before becoming a mainstream feature on flagship phones. Thankfully, eSIM devices are now widely available in Australia, and customers have several eSIM plans choose from. But what exactly are the benefits of owning an eSIM device? The benefits eSIM technology Continue reading…

Optus’ new plan to get the gamers

There is a section of the Australian population that many Telcos overlook- gamers! But, Optus has teamed up with Pentanet to attempt to get some of the millions of gamers to sign up for their services! Here’s the story… You’re wrong about gamers. When you think of a “gamer”, what do you think of? Continue reading…

How Visitors Impact Mobile Infrastructure

Tourism is great for the economy but not so great for our 4G networks. With the increase in tourists using 4G internet whilst they’re here, can we come up with a solution that benefits our guests and our own? Network congestion is real at peak times, but there’s 3 groups who are tackling the problem. Tourists Continue reading…

Into the bush: How Telstra is giving 5G to rural Australians

Most Australians don’t have or need 5G. However, recent experiments between tech giants Telstra and Ericsson have shown that 5G could be the technology we need to connect the 0.5% of people Telstra currently doesn’t cover. Australians’ take-up of 5G has been slow. It’s been about five years since the first 5G internet came Continue reading…

Optus and Mastercard join forces to increase security.

Since the hack in 2022, Optus has upped its game with its security. Their latest innovation, a team effort with MasterCard, might be the next stage of cyber security for all industries. Why is Optus so keen to increase security? In case you hadn’t noticed, Optus is currently trying to convince its customers that Continue reading…

These Are the Best NBN Plans With 4G Backup

Sometimes, it can be incredibly frustrating when the wi-fi cuts out. Especially when it’s while you’re on an important call, doing work, or finally being able to relax. There’s nothing worse than getting up to that juicy scene in your new Netflix show, and you get the dreaded error message Thankfully, some plans come Continue reading…

Does Too Much Data Make Your Phone Heavier?

Phones are getting lighter, but can data affect their weight? Mobile phones have come a long way from those ridiculously heavy brick phones of the 1980’s. Cell phones have been miniaturized for today’s standards, but they pack a lot more punch and features than their bulky ancestors.  But while your sleek flagship device looks Continue reading…

The Optus Hack: How It Happened

In late 2022, Australia was shocked when one of the biggest Telcos, Optus, was hacked. During the data breach, someone hacked into Optus’ internal system and stole sensitive data about their customers. Although they have since deleted their post, they posted the leaked information online for anyone to view. This article will examine how Continue reading…

What is a CIS?

Have you ever heard or read the term “CIS”? Ever wondered what it stands for? Or what it is? This article will look at what a CIS is and why it can be helpful when looking at phone plans. What does CIS stand for? I’ve asked several people this question, many of whom have Continue reading…

How is iOS better than Android?

Apple’s iOS is now the King of Australia If you live in Australia, you probably know someone who owns an iPhone – there’s a good chance you own one yourself. That’s because Apple’s flagship devices are Australia’s most popular mobile phones. New research by Statcounter indicates that iOS, the iPhone’s operating system, captured 59.75 per cent Continue reading…

Optus’ Data Breach

Optus has exposed millions of customers’ data to hackers Optus announced a significant cyber-attack in September, compromising the personal data of almost 10 million customers, including contact details, addresses, names, and dates of birth. The telco later confirmed that at least 2.1 million ID numbers were exposed, including data from 150,000 passports and 50,000 Medicare numbers. Continue reading…

Which Australian city has the best 5G Coverage?

How strong your 5G coverage is depends on various factors. Some are within your control; those inside will get better service than those outside. Nature can control other factors; lots of rain can impact a signal’s strength. But another key player in the signal strength of your 5G is its provider. This article will Continue reading…

What Does Convert To eSIM Mean?

Technology is always changing, and the eSIM is the way of the future for smartphones. Let’s look at what it means to convert to an eSIM. What is an eSIM Before we dive into how to switch to eSIM, it’s worth understanding what one actually is. As you probably already know, a SIM card Continue reading…

Trade In Schemes – Optus, Telstra, Vodafone

You can trade in your old device with Australia’s major telcos Trading in your phone is easy if you’re a Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone customer. Australia’s three major telcos offer both trade-in and trade-up schemes for cash credits.  Here’s the difference between trade-in and trade-up schemes: Choosing the best option depends on your needs. If Continue reading…

Amaysim Will Have Access To Optus’ Full 5G Network

In 2020, Optus bought 100% of Amaysim shares, meaning the MVNO is now more of a subsidiary than a traditional MVNO. But, in November, all Amaysim customers will have full access to Optus’ 5G network. This article will look at how the deal happened and what it means. About Amaysim. When it first started Continue reading…

Vodafone Trade In Schemes

You can exchange your device for cash credits toward your Vodafone bill or the latest device Why leave your old phone to die in a drawer when you can easily trade it in? Many Australian telcos offer trade-in and trade-up schemes, exchanging your old device for cash credits. If you’re a Vodafone customer, then Continue reading…

Telstra Trade-In Schemes

Can you trade in your device with Telstra? Why hold on to that old phone when you can take advantage of Telstra’s trade-in scheme? Telstra has partnered with Kingfisher to allow consumers and business customers to exchange their old devices with the telco for cash credits towards their bills. Here’s a brief look at how to Continue reading…

Optus Trade In Schemes

What is Optus’ trade-in scheme? Did you know that Optus has a trade-in scheme for customers who want to get rid of their old phones and tablets? The telco allows users to exchange their old devices for credit toward their bills. Optus’ trade-in scheme is convenient – you can either walk into an Optus Continue reading…

What is Optus’ Network Pulse?

Optus Network Pulse is the latest feature on the Optus Living Network The Optus Living Network has launched several innovative features to allow users to take control of their plan and how they use it, right from the My Optus app. For instance, the Optus Living Network enables you to donate devices you don’t Continue reading…

Network Sharing Could Boost Competition in Regional Australia

Telstra and TPG Telecom could bring more SIM plans to the bush Australia’s telco market has been uncertain since Telstra and TPG Telecom (Vodafone) announced their agreementto share mobile networks for ten years. Optus has clarified its opposition, arguing that the deal would strengthen Telstra and weaken Optus, thereby reducing competitive pressure. The Australian Continue reading…

Is Trading In Your Phone A Sensible Thing To Do?

Your old phone might be worth trading in So you’ve had your phone for a while, and you’re thinking of getting a newer model. Should you keep using your current phone until it gives up the ghost? Or should you trade it in for some cash savings instead? Deciding what to do with your Continue reading…

Why Three Lenses Are Better Than One

Look at the front of your phone. How many lenses do you have? If your phone was made after 2017,  the answer is probably 3 or 4. But why? We’ll examine why most phones come with three lenses on the front instead of just one. The history of the camera phone Let’s start at Continue reading…

Telstra Customers can now add Five Bundle Plans

Share data and save with Telstra Bundle Plans Telstra now allows customers to add up to 5 Bundle Plans to one account. Telstra’s Bundle plans offer customers a way to share data across multiple SIMs while managing their plans on a single account. Telstra’s Bundle Plans also provide savings on both mobile and data plans. Continue reading…

Telstra TV – Is it here to stay? Or just a passing fad?

What is Telstra TV? So, let’s kick things off by establishing what this “Telstra TV” is. Despite what it might sound like, Telstra TV is not a TV channel dedicated to talking about all the latest Telstra deals and talking to the board members of the company.It’s a device that allows you to watch Continue reading…

Which Phone Company Is Best For Environmental Impact?

Telcos are going carbon neutral Research indicates that Australian telcos’ mobile data networks account for over 500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. To put this into perspective, that’s more than the amount of carbon emitted if you fly from Melbourne to Sydney over 3 million times a year.  Not surprisingly, however, most Australians are unaware of Continue reading…

Telstra smartphone’s screenshot – How To

Using smartphones, Telstra phone According to Statista, smartphone ownership in Australia is about to hit 23.6 million by 2026, accounting for over 87 percent of the population. This high adoption rate is due to the many functionalities of a smartphone that have made it become an extension of many (if not most) Australians. Need Continue reading…

Activate SIM – Optus

Optus SIM / eSIM Optus is the second largest telco in Australia, boasting over 10 million mobile subscribers. All Optus customers get the choice of either a traditional SIM card or an eSIM plan. Traditional SIM cards must be physically installed into your device to connect with your SIM plan. eSIM plans, on the Continue reading…

Optus’ Strategic Shift – Premier League Price Increase

Optus Sport jacks prices Footy fans have become accustomed to paying Optus to stream live major league matches like the English Premier League. And now, those sports fans have to pay even more. Optus Sport owns exclusive rights to broadcast live EPL matches, and the service offers a wide range of other football leagues, Continue reading…

Vodafone Australia Free Unlock Code

Is your phone locked? Has your phone ever rejected a SIM card from one provider, even though it works with your Vodafone SIM card? If so, then you might have a locked phone.  Locked phones only work with SIM plans from the provider who sold them to you. This is usually the case when Continue reading…

Wi-Fi Calling: helpful new technology?

Ever wondered whether Wi-Fi calling is worthwhile? This article will explain everything you need to know about this new technology. What is Wi-Fi Calling? Before we can get into the benefits of Wi-Fi calling, we must first establish what it is. Wi-Fi calling is a “voice over internet protocol (VOIP)”, meaning you can send Continue reading…

Vodafone Opens 5G to MVNOs

Lebara, iiNet, Kogan, and TPG now have 5G plans. Vodafone is the latest Australian telco to announce 5G access for MVNOs, kicking off a 3-month 5G trial for select Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO). Customers who want a 5G plan can now trial the fifth generation mobile network on select plans from the following Continue reading…

ACMA Requires Telcos to Identify, Trace, and Block SMS scams

New rules could reduce the number of scam text messages. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will require telcos to identify, trace, and block SMS messages from scammers. The new rule goes into effect on Tuesday, 18th of July, and requires all telcos to comply or face up to $250,000 in fines. The Continue reading…

Get access to the Telstra network…for less!

It’s no secret that Telstra has the best mobile network in Australia, but it comes with a hefty price tag. If you want to get access to the Telstra network, but don’t want to pay Telstra prices, then a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is worth a look. MVNOs are smaller phone companies that Continue reading…

Why Australians are ditching Telstra and Optus for MVNOs

Most Australians know that Telstra and Optus are the country’s two biggest telcos. Therefore, you would have thought they have an almost duopoly on mobile phone contracts and SIM-only plans. However, whilst this is still the case, MVNOs are slowly but surely on the rise, and we predict this trend will continue. In 2011, Continue reading…

iPhone 14, Will It Have a Full-Screen Display?

The iPhone 14 is likely to come before the end of 2022. And one source says it may very well have a full-screen; the notch will become a thing of the past. Let’s explore what the iPhone 14 will be and why Apple users are keen to ditch “the notch”. About the latest iPhone: Continue reading…

iPhone 16 Pro and the Rumored All-Glass Screen

iPhone sales continue to grow Even though worldwide mobile phone shipments fell, Apple, one of the leading mobile phone manufacturers, increased its market share by releasing new models of its flagship products. Owing to the sustained high performance and features of most of its top-notch iPhone models, Apple’s volume has increased by 16% in the last Continue reading…

What is Packet Sniffing on a Mobile Phone?

Is your connection private? We might believe nobody is spying on us when no cameras are around. Unfortunately, if you’re online, you could be getting spied on without knowing it.  Cyber-attacks have become part of our lives, thanks to the widespread penetration of the Internet. Most recently, the Optus data-breach has highlighted the severity Continue reading…

Where to Buy a Dodo SIM Card?

About Dodo If you’re looking for a basic, straightforward SIM plan for your mobile, you might want to check out Dodo. Dodo resell the 4G network from Optus, stripping the extra features to create basic phone plans that cost much less. Get your Dodo SIM Online Dodo is a great place to start if you’re Continue reading…

What are WhatsApp Communities?

How WhatsApp Communities work You might know how groups work on social media platforms like Facebook, where people can connect over common interests. In 2022, WhatsApp rolled out its own groups feature with a ton of flexibility to create groups and sub-groups, share files, take polls and more. What’s different about WhatsApp Communities? Users Continue reading…

How to Activate Telstra SIM

Telstra SIM card availability Telstra is Australia’s largest telco, and has been for a long, long time. They sell a wide range of telecommunications services to both personal and business customers, and they have the widest mobile reach, covering 99.4 of the Australian population. As the leading telco in Australia, Telstra SIM cards are widely Continue reading…

How to Activate Optus SIM Without ID

Optus SIM card requirements Getting a SIM card from Optus is a simple process, but things can change quickly when you decide to activate it. For instance, you could easily have a SIM card sold to you from several online merchants, but in order to actually use it, you’ll have to activate it. That’s where the Continue reading…

Which Network Does TPG Use

Who are TPG Mobile? TPG Mobile is a subsidiary of TPG Telecom Limited, which was created following the merger between TPG Mobile and Vodafone. Both telcos were allowed to join forces after a federal judge approved their $15bn merger in 2020, despite opposition by the ACCC. After the merger, TPG Telecom became the second largest Continue reading…

­­­Apple iPhone 14 Rumours

What to expect from the iPhone 14 Apple is expected to release their iPhone 14 lineup this September, and as we’ve become accustomed to, a plethora of rumours about the upcoming flagship phones have followed. But how do you know which rumours to believe? Apple fans love this time of year – with the Continue reading…

Spoofing Phone Number

What is spoofing a phone number? Like most people, you probably screen your calls by checking caller ID. People do this to avoid spam calls from marketers, as well as other reasons. But what if someone disguises their phone number to avoid being detected as spam, just to get you to answer the call? That’s Continue reading…

How to Turn on Caller ID Telstra Landline

What is caller Call Number Display (CND)? These days, nearly half of all phone calls get ignored. This is especially true amongst teenagers, who prefer SMS and social media to phone calls as a means of communication. There are several reasons why people have strayed away from phone calls, and one of the most common Continue reading…

How to Change Optus Prepaid Plans

Prepaid plans vs postpaid plans Purchasing that flagship phone is only the first step. In order for you to take full advantage of your smartphone’s bells and whistles, you’re going to need a SIM plan.  In Australia, there are a ton of telcos to choose from when searching for a SIM plan for your Continue reading…

How to Turn Off Telstra MessageBank

What is Telstra MessageBank and what is it used for? You can’t answer every call, and even if you could, there’s a good chance you might now want to. These days, people simply prefer text messages to phone calls, especially teenagers and young adults. So what happens if you do get a phone call? Continue reading…

What is Telstra? Company Overview

Telstra overview Telstra is the largest telco in Australia, offering retail services such as mobile Telstra SIM plans, Internet plans, voice plans, Pay TV, and more. But Telstra is bigger than Australia – the giant telco has a presence in over 20 countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Continue reading…

How to Screenshot on Telstra Phone

What is a screenshot, and what is it used for? A screenshot captures your computer or mobile phone screen. It’s known as a screengrab or screencap in some cases, and they all refer to an image of your display screen that is created instantly. While screenshots are basically pictures of your screen, they have Continue reading…

What Network Does Dodo Use

Dodo as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) There are three major mobile networks in Australia – Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom (Vodafone). These telcos are Mobile Network Operators (MNO). If you purchase a mobile SIM plan from any other provider, they are simply reselling one (or more, in some cases) of the telcos’ Continue reading…

What is Telstra Velocity

What is Telsta Velocity You have a ton of options for connecting to the Internet in Australia. Telcos offer everything from fixed line home Internet to mobile SIM only plans and many other options in between. The nbn has become the popular go-to option for fixed line broadband, while the major telcos – Telstra, Continue reading…

Who Owns Dodo

All About Dodo If you’d like your energy service, Internet plan, and mobile plan from one company, then Dodo can give you that. They offer all three services to customers at some very competitive price points. Dodo is under the Vocus Group umbrella which has been around since 2008. However, Dodo was established back in 2001, Continue reading…

Who Owns Optus

Optus overview If you live in Australia, then it’s more than likely that you’re familiar with Optus. The telco is the second largest in the country, boasting of over 10 million subscribers for services ranging from mobile SIM plans to home Internet, TV entertainment packages, and more. After over 30 years of “YES” Optus Continue reading…

Optus Launches Donate Your Device Program

Gift that old phone to someone who needs it If you have an old smartphone you’re not using anymore, you have several options. You can give it away to a friend, sell it on eBay, trade it in for an upgrade, or just leave it in a drawer and forget it even exists. But Optus now gives Continue reading…

Optus Sport Wins New English Premiere League Contracts

Optus Sport will remain the sole EPL broadcaster thru 2028 If you love footie, then you’ll have to continue to pay Optus. The telco’s Optus Sport just added an additional six years as the sole live broadcaster of English Premiere League (EPL) matches in Australia, extending their contract to 2028. Optus Sport also struck Continue reading…

Optus, When Can I Upgrade?

Optus postpaid plans Optus is the second largest telco in Australia, and their network covers 98.5 per cent of the population. You’ll find a range of both plans from the telco – everything from broadband plans to prepaid and postpaid mobile SIM only plans.  Optus also sells devices, and you can purchase them outright or on Continue reading…

What You Need To Know About Optus Internet

Your Optus Internet service Optus customers enjoy a variety of great services, but some might run into some issues every now and again – after all, no telco is perfect. But one of the most popular complaint about telco services has to do with slow Internet networks. In some cases, slow network issues might Continue reading…

How to Use Telstra TV, Price and Benefits

Telstra TV overview Telstra isn’t just about mobile and broadband plans. The giant telco also offers Telstra TV – a service that allows you stream content on your TV or mobile device through your favourite apps, using a set top box or the Testra TV app. But there’s a lot of competition out there when it Continue reading…

How to Talk to an Australian Telstra Representative

Getting in touch with Telstra Telstra is the largest telco in Australia, providing everything from mobile SIM plans to home phone and fixed line services. The telco boasts of 99.4 percent total network coverage, the widest in the country. Telstra also has the widest 5G reach so far, covering 75 percent of the population. But despite Continue reading…

How to check your Telstra prepaid balance

Stay on top of your prepaid data usage so you don’t run out of data or pay extra. The best way to track your prepaid balance on the Telstra network is through the Telstra app. You can also use built-in apps in your device settings or third-party apps, but Telstra will give you a Continue reading…

How to Check Your Optus Prepaid Balance

Importance of checking balance Your Optus plan likely comes with several inclusions. For SIM only plans, Optus offer inclusions like national call and texts, data, international calls, and so on. However, some inclusions are usually limited depending on the price you choose, especially data. And if you exhaust your inclusions, you could incur overage Continue reading…

How to Make Your Phone Ring Longer with Telstra

Does your phone ring tone cut off too quickly?  Have you ever gotten to your phone a little to late? After a few rings, you’re finally able to view your caller ID and tap or slide the answer button, only to find out you’re too late. If it’s an important call(er), all you have Continue reading…

Australia’s Carbon Neutral Telcos

Environmental concerns attract customers to Carbon Neutral companies With the realities of Climate Change becoming more and more apparent, companies are doing what they can to cut down on their carbon footprint. This is a great idea, not only for the environment, but for their bottom line. As consumers become more aware about how Continue reading…

Telstra Gateway

A gateway is a device that acts as both modem and router, connecting your devices to a larger network like the NBN. Whenever you access the Internet, you have to go through your service provider. In many cases, you need to latch on to a WiFi signal for this, or perhaps your SIM card Continue reading…

How to Cancel TPG Internet

TPG network coverage / speed Just a couple of years ago, TPG had plans to become the fourth largest mobile network. However, the telco later joined forces with Vodafone Hutchinson Australia through a $15bn merger to form TPG Telecom, which is now the third largest telco in the country. Here’s a look at TPG’s coverage for Continue reading…

Telstra Air WiFi

Intro about using WiFi Mobile data is great, but it has several limitations. In many cases, your SIM plan likely has a limited amount of data. Once that data inclusion runs out, you’ll either get charged to continue using data, or you’ll have to purchase more data. In some cases, your telco might allow Continue reading…

Who Owns Boost Mobile?

If you’re looking for some of the best prepaid SIM plans for your mobile, then Boost Mobile should be on your list. They offer affordable prepaid plans with both normal and long expiry intervals so there’s a chance whatever you’re looking for will match what Boost have to offer. But who owns Boost Mobile Continue reading…

How to Cancel Optus Sport

What is Optus Sport Optus Sport is an app that brings your favorite sport games to a wide range of devices. Optus have certainly dug a niche with this app – the telco cornered the market when they snatched the rights to the English Premiere League (EPL) from Fox Sports. After that deal, Optus Continue reading…

Vodafone Usage

How to check data usage on Vodafone When you sign up for a Vodafone SIM only plan, you get a lot of inclusions. Most likely, your plan includes voice and SMS services, as well as data for Internet and social media access. These are the basic inclusions of most SIM only plans, but there’s Continue reading…

Why Optus and Telstra are Selling their Networks

Mobile tower profits Last year, Optus announced their intention to sell their mobile towers, creating a whole new stream of profits that differs from the traditional telco system. After that, major telco rival Telstra announced the restructuring of their company into four divisions which included Infraco Towers – their network infrastructure holding including mobile Continue reading…