Telstra v Optus

[apmedia]

I've finally relented and am purchasing the Blackberry Bold (have up until now run my businesses on a mobile phone, but can see the benefit of on the go email)

The trouble i'm having is justifying why to spend the extra monthly spend (around $25/mth in extra handset repayments) going back to Telstra.

I'm not a huge fan of Optus and my one and only experience hasn't endeared to them and i'd like to go back to Telstra, but i'm wondering if anyone can enlighten me as to what as far as blackberry usage goes are the advantages of Telstra over Optus, at least so I can justify the extra dollars on the bottom line with something?

Thanks in advance for your help, its most appreciated.

APMEDIA

[Gregmyers]

Hi and welcome,
Myself, I am on Optus with an unlimited BIS plan. Telstra however will offer wider coverage, faster speed and more professional call centre (Optus has recently sent theirs offshore...or so it would seem).
At the end of the day, personal choice and prior experience will make your choice for you but if I had a choice then I would have to say Telstra would be the pick of the bunch. (Let the tirade of objections begin )
Hope this helps and please post back if you have any further questions.
Kindest Regards,
Greg Myers

[Tfer]

Originally Posted by Gregmyers

Hi and welcome,
Myself, I am on Optus with an unlimited BIS plan. Telstra however will offer wider coverage, faster speed and more professional call centre (Optus has recently sent theirs offshore...or so it would seem).
At the end of the day, personal choice and prior experience will make your choice for you but if I had a choice then I would have to say Telstra would be the pick of the bunch. (Let the tirade of objections begin )
Hope this helps and please post back if you have any further questions.
Kindest Regards,
Greg Myers

From my partner's experience (Optus) and my experience (Telstra) it would appear Telstra have the better service (customer, as yes, Optus' has seemingly gone offshore), better reception in geographical areas.

But personal preferences usually win out.... and hey, you can always pose the question to Telstra to see what plan they can make up for you (They did this for me about 1.5 years ago, to retain my business).

My 2 cents...


Thomas

[apmedia]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your feedback.

[dgrover]

I have been with optus for about 12 years and have started using blackberry's this year.
As a technician that reccomends carriers for wireless connection, I tend to offer the blow advice.
Telstra are about 20-30% dearer and for that you get a bit more speed and a more professional call center, and a larger are covered by cell towers.
Optus are a bit cheaper and have dont have as mutch coverage.

If you travel in the country and extreme outer suburbs then telstra is for you, but if you are consistently in just the outer subburbs then optus suffices.
As far as call centers go, If you need to call them that much as to be worried about there service then you have more to worry about than call center professionalism.

Im using a Blackberry bold 9000 on Optus and have had no troubles what so ever , execept for understanding there on line bills, they have not got it right yet.

[Dabin Oakes]

Originally Posted by apmedia

I've finally relented and am purchasing the Blackberry Bold (have up until now run my businesses on a mobile phone, but can see the benefit of on the go email)

The trouble i'm having is justifying why to spend the extra monthly spend (around $25/mth in extra handset repayments) going back to Telstra.

I'm not a huge fan of Optus and my one and only experience hasn't endeared to them and i'd like to go back to Telstra, but i'm wondering if anyone can enlighten me as to what as far as blackberry usage goes are the advantages of Telstra over Optus, at least so I can justify the extra dollars on the bottom line with something?

Thanks in advance for your help, its most appreciated.

APMEDIA

Well don't feel limited to Optus and Telstra. I am on Vodafone on their $99 plan unlimited emails and attachments and i think 600 mins of mobile calls a month. Coverage does get ropey in the country and 3G coverage is limited to big cities but 2g will still give you emails and attachments. Throw off optus and telestra!

[apmedia]

Thanks for that, I had considered Vodafone, but had heard bad reports about their reception which I rely on for business.

Anyone had any experience with 3?

[grrrr03@gmail.com]

i have just signed to Vodafone myself. they are far cheaper than optus and telstra (telstra is VERY expensive). they also offer 1 year contracts as opposed to 2 year which i great.
My sister and her husband have both been with Vodafone for about a year and ahve had no probs with coverage. And so far i have had great help on the phones with their customer service!

[altadr]

I am with Optus for my Bold as well

The main decider for me was that Optus unlimited data plan not only includes blackberry data but also wap and packet data which means i can tether my phone for use with my laptop and not have to worry about any nasty surprises on my bill at the end of the month.

As i understand any of the other service providers restrict unlimited data to specifically blackberry data so when tethering all data is charged additionally.

[Tfer]

And this is the whole advantage of a number of different carriers.... choices for the individual.


Thomas