Australian operator Telstra has announced new mobile plans, essentially increasing prices just a few months after unlimited data was introduced on the Australian market. Telstra said this is the first in a planned series of changes to simplify its offer, after the profit warning issued by the company in May. The company also plans to introduce in October more options for customers to assemble their own fixed and mobile plans.
Under the new Sim-only offering, plans start at AUD 49 for 15 GB and go up to AUD 69 for 30 GB and AUD 89 for 60 GB. That compares to the company's 'unlimited' offer introduced in May for 40 GB at AUD 69 and then a reduced speed of 1.5 Mbps for the rest of the month. Under the new plans, which all come with unlimited calls and SMS, additional data at the reduced speed is available on both the M plan for AUD 69 and the L plan with 60 GB at top speed.
Customers can add more data at top speed on all three plans for AUD 10 per GB. Foxtel Now and 2 GB roaming data is also included on the L plan, and both the M and L plans include international calls and texts. All prices are based on a 12-month contract.
For customers leasing a phone, Telstra will charge an extra AUD 10 per month to add the 'peace of mind' offer of unlimited data at 1.5 Mbps after exceeding the monthly bundle. Only the top XL plan at AUD 129 per month with 60 GB at top speed will include the 'unlimited' data at no extra cost, as well as the new 'Ultimate' plan at AUD 199 per month for truly unlimited data. The other plans in the range, offered on 24-month contracts, come with unlimited calls and texts and 3 GB for AUD 59, 10 GB for AUD 79 and 30 GB for AUD 99. The top three plans (from AUD 99/month) include Foxtel Now and international calls, and the top two plans have a data roaming allowance.
Telstra said the next step in its new pricing strategy will be unveiled in October. Customers will be able to select a core connectivity service and add their choice of companion mobile plans, home and mobile devices, and entertainment packages. The company said this is in response to customer feedback that they "don’t want to pay for things that they don’t use". The new offer will highlight a range of entertainment choices, with new options building on Telstra's sports, entertainment and music services.
