Which phone provider

What Alby said........get a Telstra prepaid sim for while you're travelling.

I buggered the charging socket in my phone and bought another as a spare. A Telstra T96 for a mere $49!!! Not a smart phone, but I don't use one.......at the moment. You could use a prepaid sim in it, and keep your normal phone for when, and if, you get service

Bob

I think you will find Amaysim runs on the Optus 3g network.

I live less than 5 k from an Optus tower and cannot get any worthwhile reception from an Amaysim.

Yes, Amaysim uses the Optus network, which has added cover in recent years in Western Australia in key places. Expect coverage in most towns near the coast, not all towns out in the wheatbelt, and only main towns once you get north of Geraldton.

As said, Telstra is the only way to go for travelling. If you need connection daily, satellite phone and/or internet is your only option if doing a lap or travelling through the centre.

Caveat Emptor. There's a bit missing there, Peter.

There are numerous MVNO's reselling Telstra network, with a big "BUT". Full Telstra network coverage is available ONLY from Telstra themselves or Boost Mobile. Every other reseller will say "uses part of the Telstra network" and the key word is PART. Aldi is just one of those.

Have a look at the coverage map from the Telstra site, and - as an example - in outbackish Qld there is coverage at Normanton/Karumba/Croydon/Georgetown etc which does NOT appear on the coverage maps shown on those "part" reselllers. The part is THE SAME for all of those.

This isn't a pick-on-anyone exercise, but it points out what Telstra wholesale do. They offer a "budget" deal for resellers giving part access, or a full fare deal which only Boost have opted to use.

If you want the best coverage you need the full Telstra network available to you. Depending on your circumstances will determine whether pre-paid or post-paid is the best for you. Considerations are standing/recurrent cost, data needs etc. Pre-paid avoids a long-term contract, while post-paid can give a better deal if you are a volume user (most of us here aren't) and the SIM can be used in certain satphones as mentioned in other threads on that topic.

Just my 2.2c worth.
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(I use an Optus reseller myself, but have Telstra pre-paid SIMs waiting to be activated for our next trip).

Zippy,

Agree, I use Boost which can't be faulted on the Cape, out to Isa and south to Mackay, I also have a Telstra Samsung blue tick flip phone prepaid, for travel, but anywhere Telstra works, Boost work, so the flip phone is relegated to the glove box.

Many have said Boost does not used the whole of the Telstra network. correct they do not have 4G. I would suggest that they compare the 3G coverage map for Boost to other carriers, including Telstra. @ $40 all calls Australia wide land line and mobile plus 2.5 gig of data it's a bargain.

I agree with Zippy. I use only Boost.
Boost use the Telstra network & I also use a Samsung Telstra prepaid blue tick phone.

For $40 unlimited talk n text plus 2.5 gig data you cannot go wrong.

At least now I don't get the shocking bills Telstra use to send me

I for got to mention you can apply to keep your existing phone number with Boost as well

Boost runs on their 3G not the later 4G network
I don't know if that matters a lot?
I think 4G is only in the larger cities

Not sure the big T is that exxy. The Simplicity prepaid call plan is 15 c per minute and no connection costs. 700 meg of data for $20 and that usually does me for a couple of weeks of checking road conditions, emailing and making bookings.

BB2, Telstra do not "100% own" Boost.

A fair bit of history and summary can be found at http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/boost_mobile

Note the part: "For the record, Boost is dealing directly with Telstra, which is why Boost enjoys full access to Telstra's 3G network. SIM sales, recharges and Customer Service are all handled by Telstra. As Boost is dealing directly with Telstra, customers are only subject to the Telstra FairPlay Policy."

Zippo. I can tell you that Telstra purchased about 50% when they changed fro Optus and more recently increased their ownership.

Regardless of what a forum may tell you!!!

Hi mate

The Boost $40 unlimited is 3gig of data till march and then cuts back to 2.5gig..

Cheers

Thanks Swaggie, Hey I thought it was only 1.5G Even better.