Telstra’s double data offer may be hard to resist

Telstra plan of $75 for 200GB of mobile broadband data may tempt users to ditch the NBN.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: A Telstra logo is seen as pedestrians walk outside the Telstra Melbourne headquarters on June 14, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. Telecommunications company Telstra is expected to cut up to 1400 jobs in an effort to reduce costs, as the company prepares to deal with a $3 billion earning gap expected because of the national broadband network. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Telstra has doubled the data allowances for mobile broadband data plans, a move that might excite consumers and business.

The $75 plan which now offers 200GB of data instead of 100GB might tempt some users to throw in the towel on using an NBN connection, especially if their fixed internet speeds are poor. For some, it might provide more than enough mobile broadband data for home and work use.

The small data plan costing $25 per month now offers 20GB instead of 10GB of data. The $50 plan offers 60GB instead of 50GB.

Telstra already has offered 25GB of additional data for use in Australia within 30 days for postpaid mobile and mobile broadband customers, and unlimited home broadband data until 30 June for customers with fixed connections.

Telstra also promises no excess data charges although speed will be slowed to 1.5Mbps.

Telstra has released new mobile broadband plans

Michael Ackland, Group Executive Telstra Consumer & Small Business says Telstra has seen a huge jump in mobile broadband sign-ups and usage across the country.

He says that in the third week of March, when many businesses went into hibernation in response to the COVID-19 crisis, Telstra saw the number of activations of mobile broadband data plans rise by almost 50 per cent in a week. The week after, the increase was nearly a quarter again.

He said existing users on these plans will automatically see this extra data from their next billing cycle, as will new sign-ups.

“Living and working in this new normal has been confronting for all of us. We have a range of support for customers and small business to make life a little easier as we all manage this disruption to our everyday lives – if you need assistance, please take a look at how we can help. “

Tech expert Angus Kidman at consumer comparison site Finder said a home broadband plan was still a better option. "While Telstra has made a big increase in its mobile broadband data allowance, it's still an expensive way to get connected when compared to wired broadband. $75 a month on mobile broadband scores you 200GB, but for that price you can easily get a home broadband plan which has an unlimited data allowance. If you're working from home, that's going to be a better choice."

"It might be appealing if you're waiting on an NBN connection or can't get wired broadband where you live, but even then it makes sense to compare and shop around. It's a month-to-month offer so you could trial it and then switch it off or change providers down the track."