Optus launches iPhone 3G prices in full at last – good value?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 03 July 2008 12:31

Your IT - Mobility

Sigh, there are so many plans. I guess choice is a great thing, but whatever happened to simplicity?

To start with, one alarming thing to note is that Optus says in its terms and conditions that "You are not able to view your monthly usage prior to receiving your bill. If you exceed the ‘included value’ of these services in any one billing period, standard rates of your plan will apply."

So, if you wanted to see how many calls you've made, or how much data you have left, it appears that is, at least for now, out of the question.

Optus also advises that "Additional data over and above the included amount below is charged at $0.35 per megabyte." However you are able to use Optus Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge if you fid yourself in a location that has one.

On to the cap plan details:

The $19 cap gives you 100MB data, $50 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 47c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

The 8GB iPhone is $51 per month for 12 months or $21 per month for 24 months, while the 16GB iPhone is $61 per month for 12 month or $26 per month for 24 months.

The $49 cap plan gives you 250MB data, $300 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 40c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

8GB iPhone is $37pm / 12 months, $7pm / 24 months. 16GB is $47pm or $12pm.

The $59 cap plan gives you 500MB data, $350 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 40c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

8GB iPhone is $32pm / 12 months, $2pm / 24 months. 16GB is $42pm or $7pm.

The $79 cap plan gives you 700MB data, $550 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 35c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

8GB iPhone is $32pm or $0 pm, 16GB is $37pm or $2pm.

The $89 cap plan gives you 850MB data, $600 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 35c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

8GB iPhone is $23 pm or $0 pm, 16GB is $33 pm or $0 pm.

The $149 cap plan gives you 1GB data, $1200 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 35c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

8GB and 16GB per month prices are the same as the $89 cap.

The $179 cap plan gives you with 1GB data, $1500 of calls, text and more, with calls charged at 35c per 30 seconds, a 35c flagfall and SMS messages charged at 25c each.

8GB and 16GB per month prices are the same as the $89 cap.

Are these the only options? No! There are Optus 'Yes' plans, too, which don't come with any caps but have some other benefits. Please read on to page 4!