Data wars just got nuclear: Optus launches 100GB smartphone plan

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 27 March 2017

We often use the phrase "data wars" as shorthand for the increasingly fierce competition between telcos when it comes to data allowances, but with its latest plans, Optus has dropped a veritable a-bomb. Priced at $160 per month on a 24-month contract, Optus' new "Premium" plan offers 100GB of data. Notably, you're able to get all put the priciest of smartphones on the plan for no additional monthly repayments - the 128GB and 256GB iPhone 7 Plus, and the 256GB iPhone 7 - seem to be the key exceptions.

In addition to truckload of data, the plan includes data-free streaming through Spotify, Google Play Music, Pandora, Netflix, and Stan. Not that you need data-free streaming when you have that much data. You'll also get an Optus Sport subscription, unlimited overseas calls, unlimited talk and text while roaming, and 1.5GB of data per month to use when roaming.

Optus says you can pool and share data from the Premium plan with up to five other mobile broadband devices or smartphones, which we'd say would be one of the better use cases for such a whopping huge plan. Of course, you're still looking at a minimum of $30 per month more for each extra phone SIM in the family.

While Optus' Premium plan is potentially overkill, it could also be robust enough for those wanting to cut the cord and ditch a fixed line broadband connection. 100GB isn't a huge amount when compared to what you normally get in a broadband plan, but depending on your use case, could still be enough to make the change worthwhile.

Optus also introduced a new $130 per month plan with 30GB of data, and the majority of the inclusions found in the Premium plan. Two key differences are you only get 750 minutes of international calls per month, and 1GB of roaming data per month.

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Launch Plus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $600 value over 24 months. SIM plan costs $59/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth. Ends 12 Nov 2026. T&C apply. $59.00/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59.00/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Launch Plus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $780 value over 36 months. SIM plan costs $59/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth. Ends 12 Nov 2026. T&C apply. $59.00/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59.00/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#8	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#9	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#10	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site

Needless to say, we're very interested to see how the competition reacts to these new plans.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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