telstra ftw

If money isn't an issue and you are looking for the best coverage, Telstra.

If you want value for money, TPG.

Also, Telstra.

im with telstra and im happy that i moved to telstra. they dont really throw anything in only there bigpond stuff.

Telstra has more coverage, but at a particular remote spot you may find for example that optus has one bar, but telstra with a rural blue tick phone gives you nothing :/ YMMV.

Telstra if you want any sort of coverage.

TPG are very cheap but use the Optus Network:

http://www.tpg.com.au/mobile/plans.php

Just watchout that if you call any 13 or 18 numbers (most companies have 13 numbers these days) on TPG mobile you get pinged $1.24 a minute and is not included in your cap. Its fkn retarded as 13 numbers are supposed to be free.

Is the coverage really that bad?

Yes, its shit. Calls often drop out or it decides not to even ring in metro areas. Even in the CBD.

Does anyone know if there are any cheap plans that use the Telstra network?

Like what everyone else said, for coverage and reliability Telstra NextG. Otherwise pick the cheapest one at your peril. :)

Its fkn retarded as 13 numbers are supposed to be free.

Wrong. 1800 numbers are free on a fixed line. 13/1300 numbers aren't free, your carrier sets the price (usually the cost of a local call on a fixed line). For a mobile, your carrier can charge whatever they like for either.

Here's some handy info on the subject: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1721

telstra. it's a no brainer.

Telstra, If you go anywhere else expect to run into reception issues.

Pro Tip - Every carrier leases whatever picks-up the signals at exchanges off Telstra.Sure they might install their own gear but the basic infrastructure is all Tesltra's. Telstra have priority over all the other carriers because the own the entire infrastructure so at times of load on the exchange Telstra customers will get priority over everyone else.

IMO Telstra 4TW, you pay for quality but that's what you get.

Optus BYO plans seem *alot* cheaper. Is the coverage really that bad?

Yes it is. I was with Optus a few years ago and my calls would always drop out on the way into work. I'm not talking about an outskirt suburb either, I'm talking going past the MCG in Richmond which is essentially CBD. Same spot, every day, without fail.

optus seems hot/cold for a range of customers. If it works for you, companies like TPG/LC are really good value.

Mission: that sounds like a phone issue.

Yeah I was thinking maybe it’s the phone. It’s a Galaxy 1.

The phone can be right beside me, like on my bedside table, and then all I’ll hear is the SMS sound – thinking I’ve got an SMS I check the phone and I have a missed call from one minute ago and then an SMS saying I have a voicemail (only of caller has left a message). If they don’t leave a message I won’t find out that I’ve missed a call until I check the phone and see the visual indicator on screen.

So I get the SMS sound, but not the ringing. When this happens I’m pretty sure the screen doesn’t activate either as I have my phone on my desk (on silent) and I don’t see the screen light up when someone’s calling but it lights up when I get the sms saying I have a new voicemails (again, assuming a message is left). Other times it works fine.

I just wasn’t sure if the network was busy, and therefore not forwarding the call through properly and sending the call to message bank, or a phone issue – might give them a call and suss it out because it’s getting annoying..

I'm also with Live Connected. Coverage is perfect for what I need, it's on the optus network and waaaay cheaper than everyone else. Have been with them for over a year or so now

Hilarious looking at those prices for what I use. Even the most expensive option on Live Connected ($35 a month):

$3,000 Talk to Anyone
$90 International Calls
Unlimited Text
4GB Data
13,1300,1800 included
Unlimited Social

I spend $12 a month and am extremely satisfied

I'm also on the $12 Live connected plan. no complaints at all, been about 6 months now. Doesn't get much cheaper except maybe Pay as you go with Amaysim and never use your phone..