The mobile data market is more competitive than ever before
In today’s highly competitive mobile data market, we have a glut of highly competitive prepaid mobile data plans at our fingertips. With the click of just a few buttons, you can avail yourself of the most suitable prepaid mobile data plan for you. Read on to find out how.
What to expect from prepaid mobile data plans
Besides highly attractive mobile data inclusions, competitive mobile broadband data plans come with many other perks. The offers from the big three telcos – Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom – are the most well-rounded, though they may have relatively lesser data inclusions than those of MNVOs. We’ll focus mainly on these three in this guide.
- Telstra
When you recharge a Telstra data plan, you’ll enjoy the data-free streaming of many different sports, from AFL to NRL, Netball, and Apple Music, for as long as your data subscription is valid. You’ll also have access to Telstra’s data bank, where you can store up to 200GB of unused data (but you have to recharge before the current plan expires first).
When you recharge on the Telstra network, you’ll also have access to any one of the many Telstra Air Wi-Fi hotspots dotted across the country. What’s more, you also earn Telstra Plus points for every recharge that you can redeem in Telstra’s loyalty reward store.
For select prepaid plans, you’ll get free international talk time to call certain countries on every recharge.
- Optus
Optus comes closer to matching Telstra’s prepaid data plans. They offer recharge bonuses of up to 10GB for streaming Netflix, Stan, ABC Kids, and other exclusive channels. You can also save up to 200GB of unused data for up to 84 days, though you have to recharge ahead of your current plan’s expiry date.
In addition, you can opt for various add-ons like sports streaming, talk packs, data roaming, travel credit, extra credits for international calls, data roaming, and other premium services offered by the network.
- TPG Telecom
Besides fabulous data inclusions, there aren’t so many attractions in TPG Telecom’s (formerly Vodafone) prepaid data plans. But you can expect to get free international talk time to call certain international locations in certain prepaid plans.
How to recharge your prepaid data plans
Recharging your prepaid plan is similar across all telcos, except for some variations here and there. Here’s a quick guide for each of the three major telcos:
Telstra
- Using Telstra’s App:
Download and install the app from Telstra’s official website, launch it, and then sign in with your Telstra account (you can register for one on Telstra’s website if you haven’t done so yet). Inside the app, you’ll find links for recharging and managing your data plans. First, select a prepaid data plan, then select “Recharge”, and then pick a payment method, and then select the amount you want to recharge. Confirm the transaction, and you’re on. - Using a USSD code:
Another simple way to recharge your prepaid data plan on Telstra’s network is by dialing the code #100#. This will bring up prompts that you can easily follow to recharge or check your data balance. You’ll even find prompts for setting up an auto-recharge so your recharge keeps rolling in after a plan expires.
Optus
- Recharge vouchers:
If you’re close by a ‘Yes’ Optus store, simply stop by to buy a recharge voucher, and then follow the simple recharge steps on the voucher. - Optus’ official website:
Visit the Optus official online recharge Enter the number you want to recharge and then choose to pay either through credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Confirm the transaction, and that’s it.
How to recharge using Optus’ official online recharge portal. src
- My Optus app:
You can also recharge and manage your Optus prepaid data plan using the My Optus app. The app also gives you access to special promotions but you need an active data plan to participate. Simply download the app, log in with your Optus ID (you can sign up for free on the network’s official website), navigate to the recharge section of the app, and then follow the simple prompts.
TPG Telecom (formerly Vodafone)
- My Vodafone:
The easiest way to recharge your prepaid plan on Vodafone is through the My Vodafone app. Simply follow the directions on the app and voucher. - USSD code and self-help centers:
Alternatively, dial 1300 650 410 from your phone and follow the voice prompts, or send an SMS to 1511 and then follow the prompts. But you’ll need to provide your debit and credit card details in both instances.
In Summary
Prepaid plans are great for several reasons, and that’s why they make up almost half of the phone plans bought in Australia. For instance, they give you the ability to control your plan’s inclusion usage and avoid overage charges. There are also many prepaid plans to choose from with the many telcos and MVNOs that offer them, meaning you can find one that fits your needs perfectly, and at an affordable recharge price.