Hi all. I have been a Telstra customer for many years due to their more extensive mobile coverage, especially in remote/regional areas. I am researching a new mobile plan, and find that Optus is much cheaper and give larger data allowances, but how is their coverage? I understand they have improved their service to remote areas, but is it good enough? Looking at the Coverage Maps it would appear Optus is still lagging behind. What is your experience? What is everyone using out there?
Penny
vanman said
05:22 PM Apr 13, 2018
Hi Penny and welcome.
I personally use a Telstra 4Gx wireless modem when travelling for internet on a $35pm plan with 10GB, but I use a Aldi SIM in my phone. I don't use my phone very much so a plan with 365 day expiry suits me. Sorry can't comment on Optus as I haven't used them.
Chris
-- Edited by vanman on Friday 13th of April 2018 05:24:48 PM
Meredith said
05:57 PM Apr 13, 2018
In remote areas the only choice is still really Telstra.
We each have a phone, my husband is on a Telstra plan so we can use his when in more remote areas. My phone is on a Kogan 12 month prepaid which runs on the Vodaphone network and was much much cheaper for unlimited calls and 6gb data than Telstra would be. We find that works well for us.
-- Edited by Meredith on Friday 13th of April 2018 06:03:41 PM
fwdoz said
06:13 PM Apr 13, 2018
We switched to Telstra when we started to caravan to more remote areas to ensure we had coverage. Could not be happier & have had excellent service from the start.
Was glad to say goodbye to Vodafone & knowing some people who had used Optus was never going to go there.
Jamjar said
06:20 PM Apr 13, 2018
I live in Central West NSW and recently changed from Telstra to Aldi. Aldi is Telstra network. I pay $15pm for unlimited calls and text messages.
J.
oldbloke said
06:24 PM Apr 13, 2018
Jamjar wrote:
I live in Central West NSW and recently changed from Telstra to Aldi. Aldi is Telstra network. I pay $15pm for unlimited calls and text messages.
J.
Yeah, Aldi deals are great. They use about 98% of the telstra network. Just compare all of the coverage maps.
Aus-Kiwi said
06:37 PM Apr 13, 2018
WA west coast is pretty good . Nullarbor is ok if you check signal . Down the centre is only great in towns . With Telstra . Donât expect signal in remote areas .
jgb said
06:40 PM Apr 13, 2018
was told a blue tick phone , not blue tooth will give you a better chance of getting a signal than one that's not and Telstra still be the one most likely to get a signal with over the others in most areas, by no way am I endorsing Telstra customer service wise they are useless, but also had trouble with optus to, just what be told Telstra your best chance of getting a signal
Dougwe said
06:50 PM Apr 13, 2018
I have found it's not just the dealer but the phone as well. I had a iphone blue tick a few years back and had no problem but two years ago changed to a Samsung Galaxy blue tick but cover is not as good. I have since discovered wifi calling and has improved things heaps without using my wifi data. Just a couple of things to keep in mind.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Izabarack said
07:21 PM Apr 13, 2018
Try2findus wrote:
Looking at the Coverage Maps it would appear Optus is still lagging behind.
Take a drive around the NT and you will confirm what the coverage maps suggest. Recently spent 18 days without Optus coverage while Telstra phone boomed in. A SIM from each may be one solution.
Iza
Dickodownunder said
10:05 PM Apr 13, 2018
Try a plan from this supplier.
Telstra Network at half the price.
As Dougwe said above, you will need a phone that works with modern technology
Boost uses PART of the Telstra Network, not the whole Telstra network. If you compare their coverage maps Boost - https://boost.com.au/coverage-map/ and Telstra - https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage you will see in remote areas Boost does not have anything like the same coverage.
Desert Dweller said
06:06 AM Apr 14, 2018
If you travel extensively in the bush & you're not with Telstra, you're nowhere.
Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.
Try2findus said
08:34 AM Apr 14, 2018
Thanks for the replies! This has given me some food for further research
villatranquilla said
10:00 AM Apr 14, 2018
For outback use I would not change from Telstra. Most service providers say they use the Telstra network but dedicated Telstra users are given preferential access if the service is remote or it if gets extremely busy. Typical example is Lakes Entrance over Xmas when the town grows by thousands. I am with both Telstra and Aldi and sometimes had no access for internet using Aldi while Telstra worked fine.
sometimes we have to use an external aerial which improves connectivity
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 14th of April 2018 10:03:50 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
10:05 AM Apr 14, 2018
Not many providers have friendly service . But unfortunately Telstra have the best coverage .
the rocket said
10:33 AM Apr 14, 2018
Hello try2 findus, with all the rain the last few months and i am on, then i am off, we use A dongle. Do you have coverage map for qld that u could put on here. Will watch this thread. Thanks.
Dickodownunder said
10:34 AM Apr 14, 2018
Hi Penny,
This topic comes up quite regularly on here and while what most are saying is correct that Telstra has a better coverage than Optus in Australia at the present moment there are other options.
The rumour is rife particularly on here that Boost does not operate on the full Telstra network. It is unfortunate that many making the comment actually have had no experience with Boost.
Boost started in Australia in 2000 and operated on the Optus network. In 2013 the owner of Boost wisely changed over to Telstra to provide a better service and currently he has negotiated with Telstra to use the entire Telstra network.
In another recent topic on here re phone services I stated that I currently run both Telstra and Boost side by side and I have found no difference in access to service over 4 states. That being said your equipment has a bearing on this as well if it is old technology.
I have always agreed thar Telstra currently offer the best service, my only varyiation to this is that you don't have to pay the exorbitant fees that the big Telco charges. The data roll over is great as well, particularly for someone like myself and my wife who use Netflix and Iview quite regularly.
Anyway Penny the final choice will be yours but if you have a read of this link it may help you make your decision.
Their use of Telstra is highlited in Bold Type on the first page of information.
Good luck with your final choice and enjoy travelling.
the rocket said
01:52 PM Apr 14, 2018
Boost. Will not let me see their map as i have an ipad not a desktop computer. Can someone take a picture of it for me please or tell me how i can do it. Thanks
Dickodownunder said
02:41 PM Apr 14, 2018
the rocket wrote:
Boost. Will not let me see their map as i have an ipad not a desktop computer. Can someone take a picture of it for me please or tell me how i can do it. Thanks
Hi rocket,
Unfortunately most of the service maps that are available on the internet are old dated info.
I am like you and cannot access the current Boost map on my Ipad
here is a link to a map although it is almost twelve months old that will work on your Ipad.
I live in Central West NSW and recently changed from Telstra to Aldi. Aldi is Telstra network. I pay $15pm for unlimited calls and text messages.
J.
But it doesn't have the coverage Telstra does - I went from Telstra to Aldi, and lost coverage. Once we leave here (no coverage from anyone here), I'll go back to a Telstra prepaid, and stay there. I've had Optus before, and found coverage super-spotty.
HandyWalter said
04:55 PM Apr 14, 2018
In remote areas the only thing that is guaranteed to work is a Satellite phone. I have one with an Australian mobile number. Cost is $15 rent and for my calls $1 a minute, but can be used anywhere in the world, other than Americas. People who ring me are only charged mobile rates. Overseas my costs are the same, as is if anybody calls me(ie local mobile call). Telstra is OK if you are near towns or Aboriginal communities, but no mobile phone will work when on the road in remote outback other than satellite. Phone cost me $550. to buy outright.
BAZZA44 said
04:56 PM Apr 14, 2018
Geoff I think it is a lost cause. It seems most people are confused by other well meaning people giving non factual information.
You have explained the matter very well but I think you are driving down a dead end road. Good luck.
Barry
Jamjar said
05:04 PM Apr 14, 2018
RosieW wrote:
Jamjar wrote:
I live in Central West NSW and recently changed from Telstra to Aldi. Aldi is Telstra network. I pay $15pm for unlimited calls and text messages.
J.
But it doesn't have the coverage Telstra does - I went from Telstra to Aldi, and lost coverage. Once we leave here (no coverage from anyone here), I'll go back to a Telstra prepaid, and stay there. I've had Optus before, and found coverage super-spotty.
I havent had any problems at all, with it in my iPhone. Im off inland to QLD next month and then across the Nullabour in July, so guess that will put it to the test.
Jamjar
-- Edited by Jamjar on Saturday 14th of April 2018 05:05:24 PM
-- Edited by Jamjar on Saturday 14th of April 2018 05:05:49 PM
Jamjar said
05:07 PM Apr 14, 2018
I did put the apostrophes in my words, but they did disappear.
Jamjar
Dickodownunder said
08:05 AM Apr 15, 2018
As has happened on here before the 2 maps above ARE NOT comparing apples with apples.
If anyone cares to look at the menus on each map the first one which is claimed to be Boost only shows 4G coverage.
The second map which is claimed to be Telstra is showing 4GX, 4G, 3G, and even 3G with an extended aerial. Based on this, of course the colours appear more favourable for the Telstra map.
It is a shame and very dissapointing that the whole exercise in ACCURATE COMPARISONS for both service and cost per gig is consistently being warped by incorrect information being stated by many who are only operating on here say.
To anyone that does mind paying an exorbitant amount for their phone and data service consider Boost which does operate on the full Telstra service as opposed to all the others that either operate on part of the Telstra service or another service altogether.
The original question of Telstra or Optus......at present Telstra appear to have a more extensive coverage in Australia
Anyone that does claim a lesser service by any provider should first of all check their equipment rather than run off and blame the service provider in the first instance.
Your phone may not have a suitable specification to operate on some levels of service.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Sunday 15th of April 2018 08:11:31 AM
Hi all. I have been a Telstra customer for many years due to their more extensive mobile coverage, especially in remote/regional areas. I am researching a new mobile plan, and find that Optus is much cheaper and give larger data allowances, but how is their coverage? I understand they have improved their service to remote areas, but is it good enough? Looking at the Coverage Maps it would appear Optus is still lagging behind. What is your experience? What is everyone using out there?
Penny
Hi Penny and welcome.
I personally use a Telstra 4Gx wireless modem when travelling for internet on a $35pm plan with 10GB, but I use a Aldi SIM in my phone. I don't use my phone very much so a plan with 365 day expiry suits me. Sorry can't comment on Optus as I haven't used them.
Chris
-- Edited by vanman on Friday 13th of April 2018 05:24:48 PM
In remote areas the only choice is still really Telstra.
We each have a phone, my husband is on a Telstra plan so we can use his when in more remote areas. My phone is on a Kogan 12 month prepaid which runs on the Vodaphone network and was much much cheaper for unlimited calls and 6gb data than Telstra would be. We find that works well for us.
-- Edited by Meredith on Friday 13th of April 2018 06:03:41 PM
We switched to Telstra when we started to caravan to more remote areas to ensure we had coverage. Could not be happier & have had excellent service from the start.
Was glad to say goodbye to Vodafone & knowing some people who had used Optus was never going to go there.
J.
Yeah, Aldi deals are great. They use about 98% of the telstra network. Just compare all of the coverage maps.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Take a drive around the NT and you will confirm what the coverage maps suggest. Recently spent 18 days without Optus coverage while Telstra phone boomed in. A SIM from each may be one solution.
Iza
Try a plan from this supplier.
Telstra Network at half the price.
As Dougwe said above, you will need a phone that works with modern technology
Boost uses PART of the Telstra Network, not the whole Telstra network. If you compare their coverage maps Boost - https://boost.com.au/coverage-map/ and Telstra - https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage you will see in remote areas Boost does not have anything like the same coverage.
If you travel extensively in the bush & you're not with Telstra, you're nowhere.
Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.
For outback use I would not change from Telstra. Most service providers say they use the Telstra network but dedicated Telstra users are given preferential access if the service is remote or it if gets extremely busy. Typical example is Lakes Entrance over Xmas when the town grows by thousands. I am with both Telstra and Aldi and sometimes had no access for internet using Aldi while Telstra worked fine.
sometimes we have to use an external aerial which improves connectivity
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 14th of April 2018 10:03:50 AM
Hello try2 findus, with all the rain the last few months and i am on, then i am off, we use A dongle. Do you have coverage map for qld that u could put on here. Will watch this thread. Thanks.
Hi Penny,
This topic comes up quite regularly on here and while what most are saying is correct that Telstra has a better coverage than Optus in Australia at the present moment there are other options.
The rumour is rife particularly on here that Boost does not operate on the full Telstra network.
It is unfortunate that many making the comment actually have had no experience with Boost.
Boost started in Australia in 2000 and operated on the Optus network.
In 2013 the owner of Boost wisely changed over to Telstra to provide a better service and currently he has negotiated with Telstra to use the entire Telstra network.
In another recent topic on here re phone services I stated that I currently run both Telstra and Boost side by side and I have found no difference in access to service over 4 states. That being said your equipment has a bearing on this as well if it is old technology.
I have always agreed thar Telstra currently offer the best service, my only varyiation to this is that you don't have to pay the exorbitant fees that the big Telco charges. The data roll over is great as well, particularly for someone like myself and my wife who use Netflix and Iview quite regularly.
Anyway Penny the final choice will be yours but if you have a read of this link it may help you make your decision.
https://www.canstarblue.com.au/phone/boost-mobile-vs-telstra-phone-plans-compared/
Their use of Telstra is highlited in Bold Type on the first page of information.
Good luck with your final choice and enjoy travelling.
Boost. Will not let me see their map as i have an ipad not a desktop computer. Can someone take a picture of it for me please or tell me how i can do it. Thanks
Hi rocket,
Unfortunately most of the service maps that are available on the internet are old dated info.
I am like you and cannot access the current Boost map on my Ipad
here is a link to a map although it is almost twelve months old that will work on your Ipad.
https://community.boost.com.au/t5/Setup-Phone-Support/Mobile-Coverage-Map-How-to-check-the-coverage-in-your-area/td-p/20718
If no one responds with a screenshot of the Boost map then next time I have my laptop out I will try to get a screenshot for you.
Its the first time I have tried this. I think I am attaching a screen shot of the Boost Coverage map as requested....
OK, That one worked!!!! I'm on a roll
This attachment is the Telstra coverage map screen shot
But it doesn't have the coverage Telstra does - I went from Telstra to Aldi, and lost coverage. Once we leave here (no coverage from anyone here), I'll go back to a Telstra prepaid, and stay there. I've had Optus before, and found coverage super-spotty.
You have explained the matter very well but I think you are driving down a dead end road. Good luck.
Barry
I havent had any problems at all, with it in my iPhone. Im off inland to QLD next month and then across the Nullabour in July, so guess that will put it to the test.
Jamjar
-- Edited by Jamjar on Saturday 14th of April 2018 05:05:24 PM
-- Edited by Jamjar on Saturday 14th of April 2018 05:05:49 PM
Jamjar
As has happened on here before the 2 maps above ARE NOT comparing apples with apples.
If anyone cares to look at the menus on each map the first one which is claimed to be Boost only shows 4G coverage.
The second map which is claimed to be Telstra is showing 4GX, 4G, 3G, and even 3G with an extended aerial.
Based on this, of course the colours appear more favourable for the Telstra map.
It is a shame and very dissapointing that the whole exercise in ACCURATE COMPARISONS for both service and cost per gig is consistently being warped by incorrect information being stated by many who are only operating on here say.
To anyone that does mind paying an exorbitant amount for their phone and data service consider Boost which does operate on the full Telstra service as opposed to all the others that either operate on part of the Telstra service or another service altogether.
The original question of Telstra or Optus......at present Telstra appear to have a more extensive coverage in Australia
Anyone that does claim a lesser service by any provider should first of all check their equipment rather than run off and blame the service provider in the first instance.
Your phone may not have a suitable specification to operate on some levels of service.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Sunday 15th of April 2018 08:11:31 AM
In a word - Telstra
Graham