Telstra build new freeway (but you can only drive on it 1 hour a month)

Submitted: Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:20
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A bit of info for all you digital travellers.

In January I upgraded my CDMA mini-max mobile data modem to the new NextG network equivalent device. This was called the Telstra Turbo modem and is a little orange usb device.

It worked a treat and I was very happy with it. The old CDMA one was very good and this one was just as good only faster. I signed up on the 20 hours for $49 timed data plan on the old device and my understanding was that the new device would be on the same plan. When I changed it over the sales bloke put it all in the computer, presented me with several pages of the usual Telstra guff which I signed and off I went. (I knew I should have read it more closely!)

This month I got the bill and found that the guy had stuffed up and had placed me on the $49 volume data based plan that has a monthly data allowance of just 200 megabytes. No worries I thought - I will just go to Telstra shop and get them to switch me onto the correct plan.

Well - on 22nd Feb Telstra withdrew the time based plans on the Turbo Modems and you can only have this device on a volume based plan:
$59 gives you 200Mb a month
$89 gives you 500Mb a month
$109 gives you 1Gb a month
$179 gives you 2Gb a month

Because they stuffed it up back in January and put me on the wrong plan they now could not change me to what I originally wanted (the 20 hours plan) as they cannot retrospectively connect me to a withdrawn plan.

This brings me to the main point of my topic. Why would you build a high speed data network and produce posters that say "Download 1 Megabyte in 7 seconds!" and then include such pitful data allowances in the monthly plans? To maximise customer revenue of course!

On the $59 plan (which is getting to the limits of affordability for most normal people) you can technically download your entire month's allowance in under 10 minutes! I did a pretty major virus update and it was 27 megabytes in one go. That is over 10% of my monthly allowance gone before I even open my web browser!!!

As I said - it is like building a 6 lane freeway and then saying that you can only drive on it for 1 hour a month before we whack you with MASSIVE fees.

Once you use your 200Mb you then get charged 25 cents for every additional megabyte that you download or upload. You could rack up some serious charges pretty quick.

After pointing this out to the Telstra Shop manager he suggested that if I wanted to stick with a time based plan then I should move over to the Bigpond Wireless Broadband plans (also a part of Telstra) as they still do the 20 hour plan, however the price increased on 22 Feb from $49 a month to $54.95.

"OK" I says - "seems like a solution. Move me over to Bigpond".

In order to do that we need to change your data device to the Bigpond model. It is the same device but has different software drivers and stuff. It also has an upfront cost of $299. After I turned blue and then purple..... I politely told him what I thought of paying another $299 and he politely waived this charge for me (though I was stuck with the extra $5 a month!).

The upshot is that I now have the Bigpond USB wireless data modem (it is blue in colour whereas the Telstra Mobile one was orange) and am all operational again on a timed plan where I can download to my hearts content within the allotted time at really good download speeds.

When any of you digitally enhanced travellers are assessing your options for mobile data I suggest you look at the time based plans if you intend to do "burst" type data sessions (pull up in a place with reception and logon to quickly download/upload emails and stuff) and only look at the data volume based plans if you are the "always on" type that has the connection going for hours and hours but don't upload or download huge amounts of data.

Hopefully my experiences help someone in not getting screwed by Telstra.
Great product but BOY do they make you pay for it!!!!! If they made it more sensibly priced maybe more people might actually use it and they would make just as much money!

Cheers
Muddy
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Reply By: Bonz (Vic) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:29

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:29
Sol Trujillo's address a little while ago mentioned maintaining or growing RPU.

RPU=Return Per User

Looks like they'll be doing that
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:37

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:37
OOps he said SUSTAINS itself

Look here for Red Symons tribute to the inanity of his comments
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Follow Up By: Muddies Doe(Trippn) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:50

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:50
Hi Bonz

Having a drop of good old S.A. red wine there are we? :)

Cya
:)
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:52

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:52
hehe Just back from a day trip to melbourne to an engagement party of Kates best friend xx
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Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:45

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:45
okay Muddy,
Quote: "A bit of info for all you digital travellers.

In January I upgraded my CDMA ................."

I understood you up to that point, but then you lost me.............hahahaha. Feel free to explain it to me again. On 2nd thoughts........DON'T!!!!!!!!!!! hahahaha

(I'm pretty sure that stuff in the jar they gave me at the hospital is actually a significant section of my _brain_ ......and has nothing to do with my spine at all.....LOLOLOL)
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:49

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:49
Muddy
I got hooked with a little green mine-max piece of crap, Bought it out-right for $499 , wasn't told there was a charge every time I connected, the first bill was over $420 , i complained and had it reduced to $65 , because I owned i could opt out at anytime so at end of month I did , It went in the bin last month ,
Big pond is what you should have got second time, So how's the Rabbits in China now , damn fast and better eh,

Doug
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Follow Up By: Muddy doe (SA) - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:56

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 22:56
Yeah - run rabbit run, until they hit that Great Wall..... lol

Probably should have got the Bigpond one first up in hindsight but you can only go on what the 'experts" at the big T tell you!

Cheers
Muddy
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 07:57

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 07:57
Wasnt that during the reign of Emperor Nasi Goreng?
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Reply By: Willem - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 23:00

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 23:00
Yer Muddy...they're out to get us.

I have a NewG phone. Was advised by mate to disconnect Messagebank which I did. You cannot even think of pressing the wrong button on the phone as it will cost ya!!

Maybe we will all go back to the jam tins in the future as Telstra and others try to screw us at every turn. I am very wary of them.
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Reply By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 23:05

Saturday, Mar 17, 2007 at 23:05
Muddy, you troglodyte.

A techo, who works for aunty techo and who can't defend himself either ... what a sorry state.

I have a $450 credit on my account from phone charges arising in a very similar situation to yours.

You just need to ask nicely...

Telstra shops though, have no power... you've got to get the indians on the phone.

Cheers
Andrew who has a CDMA phone with a $49 data plan which is 'nuf for him.
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Follow Up By: Member - Crazy Dog (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 12:32

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 12:32
Ain't that the truth "Got to get the INDIANS on the phone"

Goody arvtoonoon - How may I be helping you.....

Grrr!!!
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Reply By: CLC50 - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:18

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:18
Hi Muddy do & all.

All I have to say read this last Data Bill. I received.
I have this service for convenience only,The Account is by the kp 22cents, as I do not use it much usual about $20 to $30 Per Month. Well they just gave me a heart attack,
This bill was for 4 Days only. They have charge me one day 19Feb $1566.15 for been on the Lap Top 4hours 18 min. 78292 kb. same day 13030 kp $260 1Hour,& again 9574K $191.81 1 Hour 36 min, 5049Kb $101.22 for 18 min.
So far they have reduce bill by half, I told then I am not paying only my average Account for the Last 12months which would be about $25 .Also this day I was returning from Yamba.

<img scr="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r259/CLC50/Telstra.jpg"=
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Follow Up By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:51

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:51
Ask nicely.

Tell them you were not fully informed.

Tell them why you though you would be paying $25.

And ask to have the help of his supervisor if s/he doesn't take it to them first.

You should get it credited - at least I did.

Cheers
Andrew.
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Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:33

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:33
Glad you didn't actually plug it in for a demo at Terang Muddy. I got their leaflet a week ago and it all sounded interesting until you realised it was got the first months of a longer contract. Telstra are out to pay my dividends, no doubt. I will just buy datapacks when I need them for a phone I think. Hope Jude is well mate.
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Reply By: Ozboc - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:50

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 08:50
Dont trust Tel$tra never have - never will --

Boc

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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 09:15

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 09:15
OK, seeing were are Telstra bashing, it's my turn.

I have a Telstra land line account and have coupled my mobile account to it so I get one bill. OK so far.

My mobile account is (was) $10/month with $9.00 of free calls which suited me fine.

Well last week I received a letter in the post advising that Telstra were changing the Plan structure. My "new" plan would be $10/month but with no free call option. I didn't need to do anything as the changeover would be automatic. WFM.

So I rang the Customer Service number and the young piece of fluff advised me that my existing plan was "very old" and they needed to change. (yeah right, to get more money out of me). I asked if the call was being recorded and proceeded to advise in a non threatening tone that I would be seeking alternative quotes from other providers. Good Afternoon.

I then decided to protest in writing via email and have received an acknowledgement of my complaint. So far, that's it.

Telstra don't seem to give a bugger about their Customers and loyalty seems irreverent.

I have investigated an attractive alternative $9/month account with $9 of free calls from Optus. I can also change over my land line account for a maximum of $69/month all calls included, no hidden charges.
I have advised Telstra of this alternative and am still waiting to receive their response before committing to the change.

The only reason I have hesitated so far, is because I also have a CDMA phone and was hoping to eventually change my mobiles over to the one NextG solution when they have got their act together. I also like the range I'm getting from my GSM phone.

OK, so the final decision is mine, but Telstra do not seem to want to respond to a counter offer to keep my accounts with them. Good business hey! Glad I'm not a Telstra shareholder.
Bill


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Follow Up By: hl - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 09:51

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 09:51
Hi,
Whatever you do, it's going to cost more....
Having said that, I have just upgraded my trusty CDMA Nokia to one of the new Telstra NextG jobbies, I must say it is very nice. Haven't tried it in the back blocks yet, but if the coverage matches CDMA it will be good. This one came with a free car kit, a proper one with external antenna connection.
I also figured out how to use it as a modem to my laptop and that works very well, but it is definitely something where you have to watch your usage like a hawk, unless you are on a higher plan. This month Telstra are including up to $100.00 usage for the first 2 months if you select the $8.00 data plan which normally gives you 3 Meg!!!
With the speed of the connection available, you can do the 3 Meg in a few blinks if you use you laptop. It is better with the phone.
I intend to pay for a bigger allowance when we go away, say the $59.00 one is good for 200Meg and then only $.25 a Meg over that. The advantage is it is easily turned on and off as one requires it and there is no need to sign for a big $ plan.
Cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - Effie C (ACT) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 21:33

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 21:33
Had Telstra try this one on with our mobile plan, asked the Telstra account manager we have for works telephones and he advised to tell them (Telstra's other division) to go away and that you do not wish to change your plan. Apparently they can not change you off the existing plan unless they have your permission, we still have wife's mobile on a $5 / month plan which Telstra has not offered for over three years now, pays to able to access advice from within sometimes.

Telstra are changing over cdma's for next g's now for nothing to existing customers, they are also changing out all works pc modem cards to nextg units for nothing as well, suppose they should do something when the average telephone bill is $22k a month.
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Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 21:59

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 21:59
That wasn't the answer I got - I was told that I would have to pay the full cost of a NextG phone, since my CDMA is not on a contract.

My brother-in-law drowned has CDMA - they gave him a free NextG - he is on a contract !
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Follow Up By: Member - Effie C (ACT) - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 23:06

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 23:06
Ah contract is the answer, we kept ours going just for that reason, now we get the new units for nix. Mind you the company has about 30 odd mobile phones going at the moment, contracts on most what credits aren't used on some is balanced off against the others.
Some you win and some you loose:((
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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 08:33

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 08:33
Just for reference, this is the reply I got from my complaint:-

"Unfortunately, your plan will be changing and you won't be able to stay on the current rates. We can make changes to Our Customer Terms without getting your agreement after giving you reasonable notice of the changes. This is a right that we have under Our Customer Terms which is the contract we have with you. We have given you at least 30 days notice of the change which gives you time to decide what you would like to do with your service. If you don't want to change to the new plan we have nominated in our letter, then you can select another plan or move to a pre-paid service if you prefer. You can also disconnect your mobile service. Obviously, we would like you to keep your mobile with us so if we could find a solution that best suits you, let's do that."

I obviously replied that I would be disconnecting the service by moving to an attractive alternative with Optus (and moving my current mobile number over too).

Maybe I end up losing out on something, but it is my only form of protest and it feels good to shove their arrogant attitude up their rear end.
Bill


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Reply By: Brew69(SA) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 12:52

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 12:52
Telstra = worst company in the country.
Never again will they get a cent off me.
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 22:33

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 22:33
Don't forget that everyone else wholesales off Telstra so even if your with Optus they are paying Telstra for your service in most instances.

Bottom line Telstra is still getting your money :-)
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Follow Up By: Brew69(SA) - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 06:25

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 06:25
Well indirectly we all put money to places we would rather not. I know the scum rent their lines to the others. Wonder how it is that they all seem to be able to undercut Telstra?
What used to be a mighty company has gone to the dogs.
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Reply By: lmkbm - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 12:39

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 12:39
wow, sounds like i'm in for some fun when i change over to the the next g network.
i currently have a nokia 6225 cdma with a external antenna. i have been very happy with the coverage, especially in the "sticks", this i think is mainly due to the aboriginal communities having this coverage.
Now have a new laptop and are going to get a new phone. i do know people who have changed over from cdma to next g that now cant get coverage in some areas that they were able to with cdma.
what are your suggestions?. i wish to be able to use my laptop to access the net, sounds like i would be best of with the $59/month plan rather than download quotas. i don't know if i should use the phone to access the net then put that thru the laptop or get a mobile card for the laptop.
has anyone used the new N95 nokia?. apparently it has inbuilt gps.
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Reply By: Im.away - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 04:37

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 04:37
Tel$tra. I was going to write a long, whingy, diatribe about these ripoff merchants but recently someone chipped me for being too "negative" in my posts. So I'm not going to say anything!
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Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 09:07

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 09:07
It's a bit like the Victorian electoral promise Muddy. It's become a Toll way.
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