UPDATE:
The original blog post regarding the change to Optus’ broadband plans stated that the company will no longer offer both Naked DSL and its ‘yes’ Fusion bundles to new customers. Since the post’s publication, Optus have informed us that ‘yes’ Fusion and Naked DSL will not be scrapped, and both options will still be available to new and existing customers (although there will be pricing changes). Fusion plans, however, are undergoing a name change, and will now be called Home and Broadband Bundles. The rest of the information below is correct at the time of this update.
As of October 2nd, Optus is shaking up its fixed broadband plans in order to streamline pricing structure and simplify the options it provides to customers.
As Optus had previously offered a near-overwhelming amount of broadband plans and bundled packages, this will hopefully ease confusion for customers when it comes to selecting a plan and understanding Optus’ pricing structure.
The big changes Optus is introducing include:
- Replacing peak and off-peak data allowances on new Cable and ADSL2+ plans with ‘anytime’ data allowances.
- Removing Premium Speed Cable Broadband plans and bundles, as Premium Speed will now be included in all Cable Broadband plans at no extra charge.
- Renaming ‘yes’ Fusion plans Home and Broadband Bundles.
- The number of ADSL2+ plans and Cable Broadband plans will be reduced.
- Offering additional inclusions such as Optus Internet Security Suite and Optus Fetch TV on selected plans.
The decision to no longer divide 24 month plans into peak and off-peak data restrictions is a huge win for customers, as Optus’ plans previously favoured off-peak usage (12am to 12pm) far too heavily. By removing these restrictions, Optus is enabling its customers to get much more value and use out of their broadband plan.
The changes mean some of the ADSL2+ and Cable plans previously available through WhistleOut will be scrapped entirely, although many will be unaffected by the restructure.
Plans that will remain unchanged:
ADSL2+
- 120GB Broadband ADSL2+ at $75 per month
- 300GB Broadband ADSL2+ at $85 per month
- 500GB Broadband ADSL2+ at $100 per month
ADSL+2 Bundles
- $85 Phone & Broadband Bundle with 120GB of data
- $110 Phone & Broadband Bundle with 300GB of data
- $140 Phone & Broadband Bundle with 500GB of data
- $60 Classic Phone & Broadband Bundle with 10GB of data
Cable
- 120GB Broadband Cable at $75 per month
- 300GB Broadband Cable at $85 per month
- 500GB Broadband Cable at $100 per month
Cable Bundles
- $85 Phone & Broadband Bundle with 120GB of data
- $110 Phone & Broadband Bundle with 300GB of data
- $140 Phone & Broadband Bundle with 500GB of data
- $60 Classic Phone & Broadband Bundle with 10GB of data
All of Optus’ Mobile Broadband and Data Plans and Prepaid Mobile Broadband Plans will stay the same, as will all National Broadband Network plans currently offered.
While the new plan structure will allow for greater simplicity in selecting the right plan for new customers, there will be added costs for anyone currently on a ‘yes’ Fusion (now known as a Home and Broadband Bundle), Naked DSL or on/off peak broadband contract. From November 1st monthly access fees will rise by between $1 and $6 for each of these plans, and some 13/1300 call prices and inclusions will also change. Affected customers are to be notified by mail at least 21 days before the changes take effect (for more information visit Optus’ website).
Optus has assured its customers that the changes will not affect their data allowance, and is offering to waive cancellation fees for existing customers if they decide to cancel their contract due to the price increase. These price changes will not affect National Broadband Network, Home Advantage or Seniors plans.
To compare the newly launched plans, check out our Optus broadband page.