Yahoo Finance What Optus and Telstra’s free data means for you
Millions of Australians will find themselves with better online connectivity after major telco players Optus and Telstra announced they would boost broadband and mobile plans with free data as well as provide free phone calls.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, thousands of workplaces across Australia and the globe have mandated their staff to work from home in order to minimise the likelihood of getting the virus.
“These are unprecedented times, and we want to help Australians who find themselves having to self-isolate or work from home to stay connected,” said Optus CEO designate Kelly Bayer Rosmarin.
“Access to data is critical, so we are playing our part in helping the community with our additional data offer.”
Telstra CEO Andy Penn also said: “COVID-19 is a global challenge, we are all affected, and we all need to play our part in the response.
“We want to help our customers, who find themselves having to work from home, stay connected.”
Here’s what you'll get depending on which telco you’re with:
If you’re a Telstra customer…
Broadband customers and mobile customers will get additional data, while pensioners will get unlimited phone calls. Here’s how you’ll benefit:
Consumer and small business home broadband customers (ADSL, NBN, Cable) will get unlimited data for free until 30 April.
Post-paid mobile customers will get an extra 25GB of data to use within 30 days.
Pre-paid customers who recharge more $40 or more will get an extra 10GB data to use within 28-30 days.
From this Thursday and until 30 April, pensioners with a Telstra home phone plan will be able to make unlimited national and 13/1300 calls as well as calls to Aussie moviles from their home phone to stay in touch with friends and family.
To apply for the extra data, you’ll need to visit the Telstra 24x7 app or the My Telstra App between Thursday 19 March to 31 March. The bonus data will not roll over.
Penn also encouraged customers to make use of the self-service tools on the apps.
This allows customers to check account information and pay bills while easing the burden on our call centres.
If you’re an Optus customer...
Pre-paid and post-paid mobile customers will benefit:
Eligible post-paid mobile customers will get an extra 20GB data as a one-off during April 2020.
Eligible pre-paid customers that recharge $40 or more in April will get an extra 10GB of data.
You’ll have to activate your extra data through the My Optus App.
If you’re unsure whether you're eligible for the free data, get in touch with optus at 13 39 37 or Telstra on 13 22 00.
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