Telstra Increases Data Download Limits

In a move sure to up the ante with its rivals, Telstra has released increased download limits on most data plans on its Next G network. Long the bane of tech aficionados, the increase in amount download is sure to get a reaction from Optus and Vodophone.

Click to enlarge

Telstra Consumer Marketing and Channels Executive Director, Glenice Maclellan, said that with more than four million 3G customers, Telstra had increased its understanding of mobile data use, as well as enhanced network capacity and spectrum following the closure of the CDMA network in late April.

As well as access to faster internet and in more places, Telstra also offers a host of mobile BigPond content such as 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, BigPond TV, Mobile FOXTEL from Telstra, Yellow Mobile search, breaking news, weather forecasts, coverage of AFL and NRL including exclusive full match replays and more.

Changes include:

• $10 mobile data packs will now include 150MB of data – up from 20MB.
• $29 mobile data packs will now include 300MB of data – up from 80MB.
• Excess data usage rates have been reduced on these two data packs.

Telstra customers already using a $10 or a $29 browsing pack will automatically have the additional data allowance added to their plans over the coming months.  Customers who don’t have a browsing pack can visit their local Telstra Shop or dealer to discuss their data needs.

Customers are sent a reminder SMS when they are getting close to their included data allocation (at 80 per cent) and again when the data pack is finished (100 per cent). They can also check their data use on the web.

It will be interesting to see how Optus and Vodophone react to the new pricing scheme and whether they will meet or better Telstra’s offering.