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iPad 3G Data Plans – Australia Roundup

Posted by James Eunson | May 10, 2010

UPDATE: Optus plans have been released, check after the break for details.

If you’ve decided on getting an iPad 3G then the next logical question is what data plan do I need to sign my life away to. Well firstly, if you weren’t already aware, the iPad is the first platform to have pay-as-you-go data plans, so there are thankfully no contracts to deal with.

The second and most important question is how can get I get value for money and who is providing the best deal?

Yesterday, both Telstra and Optus’ data plan pricing was released and is surprisingly competitive compared to what we’re usually subject to. The Telstra information is final and sent out in a press release yesterday, while the Optus press-released dropped today – earlier than expected.

Optus iPad 3G Pricing

Post-paid plans

Pre-paid plans

Telstra iPad 3G Pricing

$20 p/m – 1GB
$30 p/m – 3GB
$60 p/m – 6GB
$80 p/m – 9GB
$100 p/m – 12GB

Observations

Both plans provide decent allowances over a 30-day renewable period. Telstra has explicitly stated the data expires after a month and we can safely presume the same about Optus.

Continuing their tradition of providing a slightly better deal than Telstra, Optus is providing double the data for their entry level plan with 2GB for $20 p/m. At the $60 p/m price point, Optus also trounces Telstra, providing 8GB over 6GB.

Optus has also provided a 1GB sweetener for a not insignificant amount of time – something which Telstra has not and likely will not match. The ultimately allowance difference is small but as with the iPhone 3GS deals, may spell the difference between otherwise very similar plans.

With the release of the iPhone 4 in the next few months, hopefully we will see really competitive deals like these available on the iPhone platform (and also for tethering).

Where to recharge

Recharge for Telstra 3G plans will be available at Telstra, Australia Post, Target, Big W, Dick Smith, Leading Edge Telecoms, WOW sight and sound, Woolworths, Safeway, Coles Fone Zone, K Mart, Retravision and Newslink.

Information for Optus plans is forthcoming on where to recharge. We also await the data deals of other providers and will update this post as they come in.

Optus has provided a registration site for first information and access to the new data plans – view that site here.

UPDATE: Telstra microSim starter kits will retail for $30 each.

Which plan will you go with? Which provides the best value for your needs? Post in the comments!