APC - Tagged Articles - Optus

Telstra CEO: iPhone tethering for Next G (finally) coming soon!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:03 GMT

Better late than never, Telstra boss David Thodey says the carrier is working with Apple to enable Next G tethering on the iPhone.

As Telstra sits on Next G, Optus starts 4G trials

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:40:51 GMT

Optus will trial Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile technology from next year. Let's hope it's better than their current 3G network.

HTC’s challenge: what price a Hero?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:16:22 GMT

Will HTC’s decision to sidestep the subsidised handset plans of mobile phone carriers and sell the Hero and Tattoo outright help or hinder its new Android smartphones?

HTC sets its Hero free!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:38:46 GMT

In a turnabout move HTC side sidesteps all four Australian mobile carriers to launch its Android-powered Hero and Tattoo smartphones unlocked and for outright sale.

Psst: want a Dell Mini 9 netbook with inbuilt unlocked 3G modem for $549?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:09:14 GMT

It’s not the newest netbook on the market but at $549 with an inbuilt and unlocked 3G modem the pint-sized Mini 9 is a pretty sweet deal...

Turn your name into your phone number

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:12:05 GMT

A new Aussie Web site allows you to find what mobile number corresponds to your name – and if you’re so inclined, auction off your number to the highest bidder.

Best deals on the BlackBerry Bold 9700

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:57:15 GMT

BlackBerry fans eager to upgrade to the new Bold 9700 are scooping them up from overseas stores and back-channel importers – and at less than $700, who can blame them?

HTC’s Hero and Tattoo Android-phones to live on, and be locked to, Optus network

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:40:08 GMT

Optus or one of its virtual mobile network operators will be the sole Australian carrier for HTC’s new Android-powered Hero and Tattoo smartphones.

HTC sets Aussie launch of Hero and Tattoo Android-phones

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:03:49 GMT

The aptly-named Hero and the more mainstream Tattoo smartphones will make their Australian debut next week on Optus' dual-band 3G network.

BlackBerry Bold 9700 set for late November debut

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:01:44 GMT

Telstra, Optus and the Vodafone-3 alliance now known as VHA are all lined up to carry the new Bold 9700, a smartphone described as “the best BlackBerry ever”.

BlackBerry Bold 9700 debuts next week, Vodafone confirmed as launch partner

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:51:03 GMT

The slimmed-down yet souped-up smartphone makes its Australia debut next week, with Vodafone among the launch carriers – but public release isn’t expected until late next month.

RIM readies broad release of BlackBerry OS 5.0

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:50:58 GMT

The fresher, faster and funkier BlackBerry operating system 5.0 is just around the corner, with new builds leaking at a rate of knots – but it's not for every BlackBerry handset.

Optus pulls a swifty with new mobile broadband plans

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:39:31 GMT

Lower prices, more data and cheaper modems – Optus’ revised wireless broadband plans are all good, until your monthly data allowance is halved after 12 months...

RIM unveils BlackBerry Bold 9700

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:54:32 GMT

Take the best BlackBerry to date, trim the size but spec up the features, and you’ve got the new BlackBerry Bold 9700.

New budget-minded BlackBerry Curve 8520 kicks off on Vodafone

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:43:51 GMT

RIM’s BlackBerry for first-time users pares back the features to hit a more affordable pricing level, with availability this week on Vodafone’s $59/month plan.

Aussie home broadband connections tip past the 50% mark

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:13:24 GMT

Despite one in every two Australian homes having a fixed broadband connection, we barely make it into the Top 20 list of countries with the highest penetration of home broadband.

Sydney-wide iPhone test: which carrier has best speed and coverage?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:54 GMT

Four networks, 150 locations and one sprawling city - Sydney’s most thorough testing of iPhone carriers reveals the winners and sinners for speed and coverage.

First Look: HP’s Mini 5101 ‘business class’ netbook

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:22:43 GMT

HP amps up the netbook recipe with a larger keyboard, bigger (and faster) hard drive and optional SSD, high-res HD display and inbuilt 3G modem.

Samsung preps Android smartphone for Aussie launch

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:45:12 GMT

Next month sees Samsung roll out its full line of touchscreen ‘Icon’ mobiles, among them the Android-powered Galaxy Icon.

Vodafone cuts prepaid mobile broadband, adds 2GB bonus

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:54:41 GMT

Vodafone drops the price of its Prepaid Mobile Broadband Starter Pack to $119 and extends the promo date for its bonus 2GB of data to get you started.

Sony Ericsson’s ‘Rachel’ set to join Android friends

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:12:24 GMT

It’s codenamed Rachel but we’ll see this Android-powered smartphone debut as the Xperia X3 and sporting a custom Sony Ericsson UI.

Dell slashes Adamo notebook by $1,500

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:17:22 GMT

It’s a case of ‘better late than never’ as the ultra-portable, ultra-chic and ultra-expensive Dell Adamo plummets to the realm of affordability after a whopping $1,500 price cut!

3 slashes its own iPhone pricing but drops 500MB bonus for iPhone 3GS

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:43:08 GMT

Mere days after announcing its iPhone pricing, 3 has halved the monthly handset cost across most plans, but the 500MB bonus on the $49 cap has been dropped.

Laptop Connect offers short-term mobile broadband hookup

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:39:44 GMT

Innovative ‘short term hire’ program offers a Next G modem from $5 to $11 per day, including around 140MB of daily data.

3’s new iPhone 3GS plans to start at $57/month, free on $79/month with 1GB

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:02:45 GMT

The 3G-only carrier gears up for this Friday’s release of the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS with both prepaid and contract plans, but with an additional $200 to unlock your iPhone.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: iPhone 3.0 software update & tethering

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:23:55 GMT

Third time's a charm as Apple releases the long-awaited iPhone 3.0 software update, yet some telcos want to charge extra for tethering.

Telcos line up to launch iPhone 3G S on June 26

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:57:07 GMT

Vodafone and Optus are gearing up for Apple’s souped-up iPhone – but what will the deal be with upgrading to the new model?

iPhone 3.0 to support data tethering through Telstra, Optus and Vodafone

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:45:42 GMT

All three of Australia’s iPhone carriers will support iPhone-to-laptop data tethering through Apple’s new iPhone 3.0 OS.

Vodafone delivers ‘visual voicemail’ to Aussie iPhone owners

Wed, 27 May 2009 18:55:34 GMT

It’s about time a local carrier gave us the coolness that US iPhone customers have enjoyed for the past two years.

Sony Ericsson: “We’ll wait for Android 2.0”

Mon, 25 May 2009 22:33:50 GMT

Sony Ericsson is staying away from Google’s smartphone OS until it’s better at multimedia, which it says means waiting until Android 2.0 is released.

Optus admits slow broadband problem

Mon, 25 May 2009 22:14:00 GMT

Optus has admitted that it has been "shaping" internet connections to a slower speed than advertised.

HTC ‘Magic’ Android G2 smartphone set for Aussie launch next week, exclusive to Vodafone

Mon, 18 May 2009 22:42:56 GMT

HTC will unveil its G2 ‘Magic’ Android smartphone to the local media next week, with the smartphone offered exclusively through Vodafone.

Optus and Vodafone discount their iPhone contracts as Apple preps new model

Fri, 08 May 2009 18:03:31 GMT

UPDATED: Optus and Vodafone both drop their cheapest 'free iPhone' plans to $49 per month to clear stocks ahead of a possible third-gen iPhone in July.

WARNING: diabolical fine print in Optus' new "monster caps"

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:43:08 GMT

$680 worth of calls for $49 looks like a great deal, but Optus is again using dodgy fine print to cheat customers.

Prepaid wireless mobile broadband: Optus, Telstra, Three and Vodafone compared

Mon, 04 May 2009 21:38:16 GMT

Vodafone has joined its rivals in offering 3G wireless broadband to prepaid customers. So which telco offers the best value for your ‘pay as you go’ mobile broadband buck?

Samsung UltraTouch is ultra-sneaky

Mon, 04 May 2009 16:23:51 GMT

What other phone lets you fake an incoming call, complete with pre-recorded dialogue, so you can escape from a boring meeting or social situation?

Samsung releases Android smartphone

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:22:08 GMT

The consumer electronics powerhouse is adding its muscle to the Android platform with the touchscreen i7500.

Optus releases two-headed ‘Total Cap' plan for voice, broadband and 3G wireless

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:37:01 GMT

The ‘Total Business Cap’ is actually a combo of two separate capped plans – one for voice, the other for data – but at least they come on a single bill.

Internode adds 3G wireless data to its broadband menu

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:53:29 GMT

The popular ISP’s new NodeMobile Data plans repackage Optus 3G from $15 per month for 250MB, with excess usage blocks starting at $10 for 250MB.

Mobile broadband busts loose from the city

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:23:10 GMT

Vodafone’s new 900MHz 3G network and Three’s roaming deal with Next G help mobile broadband stay connected beyond the ‘big smoke’.

Google polishes Android in 1.5 update

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:55:16 GMT

In Android’s most significant update yet, this month’s 1.5 upgrade gets a slicker and more streamlined interface plus the ability to delete or archive multiple Gmail messages.

“No BlackBerry Curve 8900 for you!”

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:30:29 GMT

Don’t go looking for the just-launched BlackBerry Curve 8900 at your nearest Vodafone store – the carrier is restricting sales to ‘big ticket’ corporate customers.

Apple to unveil third iPhone upgrade

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:24:40 GMT

Apple will introduce version 3.0 of its iPhone OS, and new development tools on Tuesday, fueling rumors that the launch of a new phone will come within months.

The bare facts on Optus’ naked DSL

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:25:31 GMT

Optus becomes the first major league telco to strip down for naked DSL, but punts on mobile rather than VoIP as its landline replacement.

HTC and Vodafone unveil second-gen Android G2 phone

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:37:54 GMT

New touchscreen HTC ‘Magic’ phone ditches the slide-out keyboard for a virtual QWERTY keypad – along with better browser, bigger battery and 900MHz HSDPA.

THE DEFINITIVE IN-DEPTH REVIEW: Optus HTC Dream with Google Android

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:53:25 GMT

When APC gets the latest smartphone we don't just have a cursory play with it. We give it a thorough roasting, a grilling, a pounding with our thumbs... heck, a few flecks of spittle may even land on the device. Here's our in-depth review of the Australian HTC Dream.

BREAKING: Internet filter to go live… without iiNet or Optus

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:41:23 GMT

Australia's second and third largest ISPs, Optus and iiNet, won't be included in the government's internet filter test upon its launch.

Optus: free mobiles for bushfire survivors

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:19:30 GMT

Optus says it is giving out free prepaid mobile handsets loaded with $1,000 in calling credits to stranded bushfire survivors who were Optus customers.

FULL PLAN DETAILS: Australia to get Google phone on Optus

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:32:31 GMT

Australia will get the world’s first Android phone outside the US when Optus launches HTC’s Dream on Monday February 16th.

Optus convicted of spamming, fined $110,000

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:19:00 GMT

The country's second largest telco has been fined $110,000 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority for sending out spam.

Optus threatens customers over VoIP calls

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:43:26 GMT

Optus customers got a nasty Christmas present from their telco: a warning that they would be billed international rates if they attempted to make VoIP calls on their mobiles.

Telcos slash mobile broadband prices for Christmas

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:25:25 GMT

As Christmas fast approaches some telcos have taken the opportunity to make substantial cuts to their on mobile broadband offerings. They've also rejigged iPhone pricing too.

Telstra rejects govt internet filtering trials

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:11:24 GMT

If the nation's biggest ISP doesn't have anything to do with them, how much reliance can be placed on tests of the controversial "clean feed" proposal?

Telstra Next G network hit by software glitch

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:23:13 GMT

Telstra execs may have been rubbing their hands in glee at Optus' 3G misfortunes, but now its own Next G network has been hit by a software glitch.

Banned iPhone ad shown in Australia

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:39:14 GMT

Did you buy the iPhone based on promises of "really fast' 3G, only to find it was a dog speed-wise? You've been sucked in by iPhone ads, banned overseas for false advertising.

Internode inks Telstra ADSL2+ wholesale deal

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:27:10 GMT

Internode has announced it will soon be reselling Telstra ADSL2+ services, giving it broader coverage than Telstra itself.

Internode launches Ultra Naked

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:47:27 GMT

Just when you thought ISPs couldn't strip off any more costs, Internode hands us a big fig leaf...

Virgin Broadband pulled from general retailers

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:53:55 GMT

Virgin Mobile has pulled its wireless broadband service — provided via the Optus 3G mobile network — from general retailers like Dick Smith.

Why I switched to Telstra

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:10:26 GMT

OPINION | I think Optus' 3G network is just screwed, to be honest.

NAMED AND SHAMED: the most complained-about ISPs

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:44:54 GMT

The results are in: the top 10 ISPs in Australia. But they won't exactly be popping champagne corks.

Telstra chops wireless broadband prices - again!

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:15:27 GMT

Telstra has scrapped excess usage fees and bumped up download allowances on a selection of its Next G mobile broadband plans.

Optus set to launch BlackBerry Pearl Flip

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:44:38 GMT

The hippest BlackBerry to date will make its Australian debut next week as RIM pushes more into the mainstream market.

Vodafone locks up BlackBerry Storm

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:42:08 GMT

EXCLUSIVE | Despite not supporting Vodafone's new 900MHz 3G network, the new touch-screen BlackBerry Storm will only be available from Vodafone.

DOUBLE THE PRICE: Optus hikes wireless charges

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:23:59 GMT

Optus has hiked the prices of its prepaid wireless broadband service -- up to double the price on some plans -- just weeks after launching the service.

Telstra's new prepaid wireless broadband - be careful with the top-ups

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:34:26 GMT

Telstra becomes the second Australian telco to offer prepaid wireless 3G broadband -- but like its rival Optus, offers a potentially nasty pricing twist in its plans.

Optus dumps wireless Fusion bundles due to 3G network congestion

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:11:08 GMT

As criticism of its 3G service mounts, Optus has quietly ditched the 3G wireless version of its Fusion broadband and telephony plans.

Congrats, Optus: you're the world's worst for 3G

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:45:03 GMT

A global survey has concluded that Optus offers the slowest network speeds of any carrier selling the iPhone worldwide and that Aussies get the slowest 3G speeds in general.

Optus expands 3G network: ‘yes’, no, maybe?

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:54:28 GMT

Optus's Next G-challenger network sounds exciting, but the telco looks set to force customers into new contracts if they want to be able to use it.

Optus slow to block stolen phones, say angry customers

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:48:37 GMT

Number two telco Optus appears to be dragging its feet on blocking stolen phones from its network, causing some users to question Optus's motives.

Telstra to sue Optus; wants to remain evil #1

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:10:12 GMT

BLUESCREEN | Telstra to sue Optus for providing crappy service, devious pricing with hidden catches and poor network quality. Telstra claiming exclusive rights.

iPrimus announces 12GB mobile broadband

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:09:52 GMT

OPINION | iPrimus has announced a mobile broadband package with enough data to displace ADSL broadband services. But will the service quality be adequate? Probably not.

iPhone users hit with huge bills for ... home WiFi

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:05:17 GMT

Think your iPhone usage at home on WiFi is free? Think again...

Telstra jacks up line rental prices -- yet again

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:53:40 GMT

Telstra has yet again jacked up line rental again, just after announcing a record-breaking company profit of $3.7 billion — up 13.5% from the previous year.

It's a miracle! BigPond slashes wireless prices

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:05:21 GMT

It was miraculous enough when Telstra's controversial PR chief Phil Burgess announced he was leaving; now Telstra has dropped pricing on wireless broadband significantly.

Optus releases cheap 6GB iPhone plans

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:34:05 GMT

Optus has started offering iPhone plans with a 6GB allowance -- but as always with Optus these days, there is a catch.

Is the Optus 3G network stretched to breaking point?

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:46:42 GMT

Continuous problems with Optus' 3G mobile network, from call dropouts to disastrous wireless broadband speeds have customers seeing red.

Sting in the tail for Optus prepaid wireless broadband plans

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:24:10 GMT

Optus' new prepaid wireless broadband plans look good on the surface but come with a nasty sting in the tail.

User anger: iPhone 3G problems emerging

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:49:51 GMT

The iPhone is not all it was cracked up to be, say some frustrated early adopters.

Best value Australian iPhone plans revealed!

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:13:57 GMT

UPDATED | Want to buy an iPhone 3G? We've gone through all the plans from all the telcos to find the best of the best.

Virgin Mobile to announce iPhone plans

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:57:10 GMT

Virgin is poised to release the iPhone 3G this Friday. Read our story to see the rumoured price plans.

RIM's iPhone competitor launched: Blackberry Bold

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:02:46 GMT

It’s finally here – well, sort of. Despite today’s official launch, the 3G smartphone won’t land in our hands for at least another three weeks.

Best global roaming deals for iPhone travellers

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:12:51 GMT

Travelling with your iPhone overseas? Here's the best value for your data-roaming dollar!

Watchdog warns on telco tricks and iPhone fees

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:49:16 GMT

The ACCC is warning iPhone purchasers not to get burned by telco billing tricks.

What's included and excluded: Optus Timeless unlimited mobile plans

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:30:34 GMT

What's the catch with Optus' new unlimited mobile plans? We interviewed Optus consumer marketing chief Michael Smith to find out.

iPhone 2.0 hack: it took just nine days

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:13:14 GMT

Got a cheekily imported original iPhone that you want to upgrade to iPhone 2.0 firmware? Or an iPhone 3G you want to jailbreak? Well, now you can.

Optus introduces unlimited mobile plans, 2GB iPhone plan

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:25:13 GMT

EXCLUSIVE | Now you can really dump your home phone: Optus has revealed a range of new unlimited mobile plans.

PHOTOS: crazy iPhone queues

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:03:06 GMT

I admit I was sceptical people would really queue up at 6.00am to buy an iPhone. How wrong I was.

CONFIRMED: Vodafone AU releases full iPhone plan pricing

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:20:11 GMT

UPDATED | Vodafone has finally confirmed its iPhone plans, and the news isn't great -- Optus has vastly better pricing and value.

ANALYSIS: How much data do you need for iPhone 3G?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:41:59 GMT

With the news that not all iPhone plans are created equal, the big unanswered question for newly minted iPhone 3G owners around the world is: how much data is enough?

Please hold for the iPhone

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:30:45 GMT

The new 3G iPhone may face a slower than expected take-up as Apple sets its sights on the mainstream markets outside the US.

iPhone 3G to be sold unlocked in Australia

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:42:13 GMT

For some people, it's a dream come true: the ability to buy an iPhone 3G in Australia totally unlocked and without a contract.

BREAKING: Optus announces detailed iPhone plan pricing

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:07:52 GMT

Optus today became the first telco to release comprehensive iPhone 3G pricing, including plan information.

Mobile telco 3 protests inability to obtain iPhone from Apple

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:45:03 GMT

3 isn't feeling the love from Apple: it is asking customers to petition to let 3 sell the iPhone.

Huawei readies sexy new mobile broadband modems

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:07:13 GMT

A thumbdrive modem with microSD slot and a home HSPA-to-WiFi gateway may soon be offered by Australian telcos.

Telstra hits Optus with iPhone legal threat

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:15:32 GMT

Telstra has threatened Optus with legal action over its claims that the iPhone will be able to use Optus' upcoming HSDPA network with 98% coverage.

Now you can take your home phone line with you: Optus

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:42:01 GMT

Optus is extracting maximum value out of its mobile network to offer home phone lines without the 'line'.

DEAD: Aust govt kills national WiMax plan

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:37:51 GMT

The Australian Government has pulled the plug on its $1billion national WiMax plan, citing inadequate coverage.

Optus, Vodafone, Acer: I've had it with dishonest tech marketing!

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:32:47 GMT

Why don't tech companies just say what they mean? As a journalist, I'm sick of receiving essentially dishonest announcements from big tech companies.