Comparing Optus’ And Telstra’s Data Sharing
It’s hard to overstate the importance of data in the mobile phone plans of today. Often, data inclusions are the first thing queried by customers when they do in to a phone company retail store. Numerous reports, for years now have shown that the amount of data customers is using is doubling year on year. As a result the ability to better manage multiple SIMs and the data made available, by the phone companies, on those plans, has become a critical differentiator.
With everything connecting to the internet and every consumer device from cars to fridges to children being connected, wirelessly, with a SIM, this is a step in the right direction. Finally, Optus have recognised the huge strategic importance of data in their plans, and finally moved to match Telstra, including data sharing capability in their plans.
Key points of the change
- Optus will now offer smartphone / tablet users a the ability to split their data allowances across multiple SIMs for a flat set up fee of $5 per mobile device.
- This is not in effect for users who wish to share data across different devices.
- Telstra has long maintained a price of $10 per mobile device per month for the same data services now offered by Optus.
- Those who already under contract with Optus will be able to switch to the new plan.
- The company has plans to contact all existing customers, aiding them in the process.
- Optus’ self service portal has also been improved and streamlined to help customers better manage the new plans.
Telstra has maintained in the past that they have no need to participate in pricing wars, believing that their superior networks and track record of quality service exempts them from that sort of decision. They also have not yet seen the need to risk losing significant portions of their profits in order to compete with what they feel to be lesser companies. However, charging $10 per month to enable what will soon become a fundamental facility for people might start to turn people off signing up or staying with Telstra.
Remember, in their own strategically significant announcement, Telstra announced their substantial investment into a large national Wi-Fi network. For existing broadband mobile customers, this would allow them free Wi-Fi access at hot spots all over the nation.
Data is where the action, the customers, the revenue and the growth is at for both Optus and Telstra. It’s hard to overstate how significant this shift is and how presciently both companies are acting.