Coles Mobile Plans Review: The Verdict
Despite limited plan options, Coles still provides decent value. It is a provider angled towards budget friendly, and budget-data users. So if you're a more data-intensive kind of mobile customer this might not be the right call for you.
What we love
- International call inclusions on all plans
- Straight forward support options
What could be improved
- Limited plan options
Overall:
When it comes to picking a phone plan you probably think, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. But when it comes to doing your groceries its more likely Woolworths, Coles, or ALDI. Well, you can now get connected through your grocery store of choice and here we will go through whether Coles Mobile is the best choice for you.
In this review we'll look at value, support options, and the extras you can get by choosing Coles as your next mobile provider.
Before we start, here's Coles' current range of SIM-only mobile plans:
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#1
|
Coles Mobile
Prepaid $30 for 28 Days - Starter Pack
$10.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
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#2
|
Coles Mobile
Prepaid $25 for 28 Days
$25.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#3
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Coles Mobile
Prepaid $30 for 28 Days
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#4
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Coles Mobile
$35 Mobile Plan
$35.00/mth
Min. cost $12
Link not supplied
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#5
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Coles Mobile
$45 Mobile Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
Link not supplied
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#6
|
Coles Mobile
Prepaid $220 for 365 Days
$169.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#7
|
Coles Mobile
Prepaid $280 for 365 Days
$189.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#8
|
Coles Mobile
Prepaid $240 for 365 Days
$240.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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Coles Mobile plans: Value
When it comes to mobile reviews, we look at the average amount of data Aussies use each month. Based on extrapolated data from the ACCC, the average Australian uses about 30GB per month.
Ordinarily we would look at how much a telco charges for its cheapest plan that meets that criteria, excluding discounts, promos, etc. However no Coles Mobile plan allows the minimum 30GB per month. If you're an 'average Aussie' then you'll need to top up twice per month with Coles Mobile in order to satiate your data needs. In order to judge Coles fairly against every other telco we have reviewed, we have based the Value score off recharging the cheapest plan, twice per month.
For reference, here are a range of plans that do offer at least 30GB per month. Keep in mind that to get this with Coles Mobile you'll need to pay $40 per month through two top ups:
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#1
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Moose Mobile
Moose 23 SIM Only
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
Link not supplied
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#2
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Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
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#3
|
Coles Mobile
$35 Mobile Plan
$35.00/mth
Min. cost $12
Link not supplied
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#4
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Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#5
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Everyday Mobile
$40 SIM Only
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
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#6
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Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
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#7
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Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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While paying $20 for 15GB is pretty good value, doubling that to make the minimum 30GB we use to judge this category becomes less so. While the value isn't great in this instance, it is clear from the available plans that Coles Mobile is targetted more towards lower data users.
We are big advocates for not paying for more data than you'll use, it doesn't benefit you to pay more when you don't have to. So for some people 15GB of data will be plenty for the month, but according to the numbers it might be problematic for most.
Coles Mobile coverage
Coles Mobile is powered by the Optus network, which currently reaches 98.5% of the population. It only has access to Optus' 3G and 4G connectivity currently. Coles does not offer 5G phone plans.
If you want to check if a certain address has Optus coverage, you can use our coverage checker tool to do so.
All you need to do is punch in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, 4G in the medium shade, and 3G in the lightest.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Coles Mobile plans: Support
When looking at support, we consider how many channels a telco has to help its customers, rather than quality. Support quality is hard to quantify; across the team, there are times we've had a fantastic experience with a telco, but times it's been rubbish As such, we're looking at the avenues a telco has in order to try and gauge its investment in support.
Here is how Coles Mobile's support options compare to the competition:
Woolworths Mobile Support Options Compared
| Provider | In-store | Call | Chat | Social | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | - | - | |||
| Telstra | - | ||||
| Optus | - | ||||
| amaysim | - | ||||
| Circles.Life | - | ||||
| Coles Mobile | - | - | - | ||
| ALDI | - | - | - | - | |
| Boost | - | - | |||
| TPG | - |
Coles Mobile doesn't have many support options, but they are straight forward. Customers have two choices, either call or use the online chat.
Support through both avenues is open from 9am - 8pm on Weekdays, and from 10am - 6pm on weekends and public holidays. To get in contact with Coles Mobile call 1300 265 370 or find the chat button on its website.
Coles Mobile plans: Extras
Coles Mobile is relatively no frills, but it does have international calls as standard. Here's how the available extras compare to other mobile providers:
Coles Mobile Extras Compared
| Provider | Perks Program | International Calls | 5G | Discount Bundles | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | - | ||||
| Telstra | - | ||||
| Optus | - | ||||
| amaysim | - | - | - | - | |
| Circles.Life | - | - | - | - | - |
| Coles Mobile | - | - | - | - | |
| ALDI | - | - | - | - | |
| Boost | - | - | - | ||
| TPG | - | - | - |
Unlimited international calls to 15 destinations come standard with every Coles Mobile plan.
International destinations are: Canada, mainland China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.
Customers can also purchase Extras Credit in increments of $5 or $15 to be used for international calls to other destinations, but these are charged at PAYG rates.
While Coles doesn't offer any other notable extras, the provider does include data rollover up to 50GB. If you recharge before the expiry date, any leftover data will rollover to be used the next time you run out.
Coles Mobile plans: Devices
Coles Mobile is a prepaid, SIM-only provider. It does not offer any devices.
Coles Mobile FAQ
Who is the carrier for Coles Mobile?
Coles Mobile is powered by Optus' 3G and 4G network.
Can you buy Coles Mobile SIMs instore?
Yes, you can buy a new Coles Mobile SIM, or top up your current account instore at Coles.
Can I use Coles SIM in Optus phones?
As Coles Mobile operates on the Optus network, you will be able to use any Optus locked phone with Coles Mobile. Or, you can choose to unlock your phone from Optus.
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
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