What unlimited data plans does Telstra offer?
Telstra first introduced unlimited data plans back in May 2018 with a single plan. But today, the telco giant offers multiple plans with unlimited data inclusions, as the demand for them has grown phenomenally. Unlimited data plans basically offer you a monthly data allocation, and then slow down your speeds when that allocated data is exhausted.
Currently, Telstra’s unlimited data plans come in three tiers of postpaid month-to-month offers: the Small Plan, which comes with 30 GB data at $50 per month; the Medium Plan, which provides 60 GB data at $60 per month; and the Large Plan, which offers 100 GB at $80 per month.
You can upgrade or downgrade your data plan every month. You can also cancel your plans midway through the month, and you’ll be eligible for a pro-rata refund for the rest of the month.
Most Australians don’t know what telco’s mean by throttled speeds in unlimited data plans.
Customers who exhaust their data allowance before their billing cycle will still be able to browse for the remainder of the month, but at a capped speed of 1.5Mbps. The capped speed still allows you to stream videos in standard definition, listen to music, and engage on social media. But you won’t be able to watch HD videos or use high-speed applications. And during peak periods, your capped rate might just take a further dip. I actually spent a month living on 1.5Mbps, so read all about it here.
What bonuses come with Telstra’s unlimited data plans?
Besides unlimited browsing, Telstra’s unlimited data plans also come with a several bonuses and inclusions. The plans also include unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS to standard Australian numbers. You’ll also get access to unlimited Wi-Fi data at over one million Telstra Air Hotspots across the country. You’re allowed to personalize your pick of extras for your unlimited plan, including entertainment, live sports, and many other services. Unlimited data subscribers on the network can get live access to entire games of AFL, NRL, and netball for free this season.
What’s more, the plans also offer free trial access to Telstra’s 5G network to trial for home broadband – that is, if you have a 5G-enabled phone and are within the coverage of one of Telstra’s select 5G sites. The free access will run until 30 June 2020, after which you’ll have to pay $15 per month to opt into the 5G network, or buy a data plan that includes 5G access.
Are there any charges for extra data after plan data is exhausted?
The only thing you need to worry about after exhausting your monthly allowance is browsing at throttled speeds. Some web pages and media content may take longer to load, and you’ll not be able to watch HD videos. In some instances, users may still enjoy faster and more decent speeds due to a combination of factors such as location, the number of users, and the sources of media files.
Nonetheless, you can rest assured that you won’t be incurring any unpleasant extra costs as you continue to browse for the rest of the month after your data is used up. That way, you’ll get to focus more on your work and keeping in touch with loved ones and friends rather than get worked up over excess data expenses.
Final words – Getting Telstra’s COVID-19 bonus data
During the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, mobile data has become almost indispensable to millions of Australians who are staying at home to avoid the spread of the virus. Telstra, along with other top telcos, is looking to ease the financial burden of staying connected for all their mobile broadband users through generous data bonuses. With Telstra’s data bonus offer, home broadband customers (ADSL, NBN, Cable) are eligible for an unlimited data bonus beginning from 19 May until 30 June. All postpaid mobile customers are eligible for a bonus data allowance of up to 25 GB. Prepaid mobile customers who recharge with at least $40 can access up to 10 GB extra data.
Customers can apply for these postpaid and prepaid bonuses through the Telstra 24×7 and My Telstra apps. Once approved, the bonuses will be activated within 24 – 48 hours and will remain valid for 28 – 30 days.