Optus mobile network providers raise prices – are they still worth it?
Smaller providers that use the Optus network have either hiked up prices or overhauled their plans and promos. Here's how the changes impact you.
The rising cost of living is extending to your mobile, with a number of Optus mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) including Aussie Broadband and Dodo announcing price changes for their plans.
This follows similar movements from Telstra and its MVNOs at the start of the new financial year.
Aussie Broadband hikes up prices by $5 a month
Four of Aussie Broadband's mobile plans are now $5 a month more expensive. There's been no changes to its 2 entry level plans plus they've added a new plan this month called 'Data Wise'.
Here's a rundown of its plans including a before and after view where applicable:
| Plan | Old price and data limit | New price and data limit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pack (4G) | $15 for 3GB | No change |
| Stay Connected (4G) | $20 for 10GB | No change |
| Aussie Saver (4G) | $30 for 30GB | $35 for 30GB |
| Fast Track (4G/5G) | $45 and 30GB | $50 for 30GB |
| Tech First (4G/5G) | $60 and 80GB | $65 for 80GB |
| Future Now (4G/5G) | $70 and 220GB | $75 for 220GB |
| Data Wise (4G) | $55 and 60GB | No change |
Are Aussie Broadband's mobile plans still good value? Despite the price changes Aussie Broadband's plans still remain mostly favourable when we stack them up against our $1 per GB benchmark, especially if you choose a larger plan.
However, if you are looking for more data for less and don't mind ditching 5G, Southern Phone's 75GB for $35 a month could suit your needs.
Dodo revamps its mobile plans
Dodo mobile hasn't exactly announced a price rise but instead it's done a complete overhaul of its mobile plans.
Here's how they look now:
| Plan | Old price and data limit | New price and data limit |
|---|---|---|
| $10 Mobile Plan | $5 for 1GB | $10 for 2GB |
| $20 Mobile Plan | $20 for 20GB | $20 for 15GB |
| $25 Mobile Plan | $30 for 40GB | $25 for 25GB |
| $35 Mobile Plan | $40 for 40GB | $35 for 45GB |
New customers to Dodo can get double the data for the first 3 months. For example, you can score 90GB for $35 a month for the first 3 months. After that, the data limit reverts back to 45GB a month.
Are Dodo mobile plans still good value? This one varies depending on how much data you're after. For the most part, Dodo's plans remain decent value against other smaller providers that run on the Optus network.
Southern Phone, Moose mobile and AGL also announce updates
Southern Phone's biggest mobile plan is now $5 a month more expensive meaning you'll now pay $35 a month for 75GB of data instead of $30. When it comes to value for money, this plan is still one of the strongest options on the Optus network.
Similar to Dodo, Moose Mobile has also reshuffled its plans. In most instances they'll be simpler from an accounting standpoint as they are now rounding up their plans to the nearest dollar, instead of charging you dollars and cents. Prices are more or less the same barring a $1 difference or so.
Finally, we have AGL mobile. This isn't exactly a price rise, but you'll be getting a little less bang for your buck. AGL's shortening its 12-month discount to just 6 months instead.
Are mobile plans getting more expensive?
In a world where seemingly everything is rising, your mobile plan is unfortunately also following this pattern.
Starting in July 2023, Telstra and its MVNOs lifted the price on a number of their plans.
Fast forward a month and you now have Optus MVNOs starting to follow suit.
Its yet to be seen if Optus itself or Vodafone and smaller providers that use its network will follow suit.
Check out this month's roundup of the best mobile plans on the Optus network if you're thinking of making a switch.