I don't know if this is the best option because I don't use a tablet or smart phone.
What we do use is 2 Telstra mobile phones, these are on Telstra post paid plans and cost $15 monthly after pensioner discount.
Both have our free hour, one at 3:00pm one at 5:00pm.
We also use a pre paid Telstra wifi device that can connect both laptops simultaneously if we so desire.
If you pay for 12 months it works out at about $17 per month.
I'm not Telstra's biggest fan by a long shot but Telstra is the only way to go when travelling outback. None of the other carriers are worth 2 bob other than in big towns and even then sometimes not available or nearly useless.
We have found a auxiliary antenna (Called a broom stick) can be an advantage but this is only with fairly old phones. Most newer models do not have an antenna port to plug it in. I saved an old Samsung and change the sim card to it when signal strength is visible but very low. It certainly makes a difference. The wifi picks signal up better than any of the phones, mind you we could use Skype, it's available when on line but I don't like the delay when using it. We have just completed a 9 month Australian trip and frequently do the North West. We have also done the Grt Central Rd, Stuart H/way, Grt Ocean Rd and most of Qld. Most of the time we have been very happy with Telstra coverage.
I hope this helps in some way.
We have been traveling for 5 years now and we use a combination of Phone, Facebook and email. It all depends where we are and what the coverage is like. For Facebook we use an iPad but it's used for all sorts of other reasons that support our travels, GPS, MAPS, NEWS, FINDING SATELLITE FOR TV, ETC.
With these devices we can stay in touch with family and friends along with others
hope that helps
Brian,
briche
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I use a smart mobile phone and email to keep in contact with family and friends. I also have a Wifi device and can use personal hotspot on the smartphone for Internet use. I have a Telstra Plan. I was in the playground part time since 2011 and now full time full time since this time last year.
All works for me.
Edit......Oh! and this great forum.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 25th of September 2015 05:08:45 PM
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We have Skipe and Viber .. We have friends section on Facebook .. When we can get free wifi.. Also when we are overseas.. Have smart phones and iPads ...
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Friday 25th of September 2015 07:15:06 PM
