What Mobile Phone Plan are you looking for?
TPG Telecom is the fourth biggest internet service provider (ISP) in Australia. The present day company is a result of a merger between SP Telemedia and Total Peripherals Group. TPG has been in the IT business for over 18 years and can now boast over 500,000 fixed line broadband and 192,000 mobile customers. The mobile service TPG operate is based on the Optus network which makes it a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). TPG therefore purchase bulk access to the Optus network on a wholesale basis and resell it to its own customers at a retail rate.
Top TPG Mobile Phone Deals
The mobile coverage provided by Optus is delivered to TPG on three different frequencies, these being:
- A 2G network that covers 96 percent of the Australian population. This network is on a single band at a frequency of 900MHz. It's quite suitable for people who are satisfied with only requiring SMS messaging features and the ability to send and receive calls. It's a good network to use if you live or travel frequently to regional areas.
- A faster 3G single band network that gives coverage to 80 percent of the population. The 3G network is available on a frequency of 2100MHz and it allows you to access the internet, download songs and check emails on your smartphone. Its coverage area is primarily suited to those living in major metropolitan areas. When you're not in a 3G coverage area you phone will automatically switch to a 2G network, if it's available, but this means you will only be able to send and receive calls and SMS messages.
- A dual band network that gives coverage to 96 percent of the population. Optus dual band on a frequency of 21000MHz/900MHz will allow you to connect to both 2G and 3G networks. This frequency also delivers a wide range of services that include internet browsing and wireless broadband. If you have the right mobile phone to take advantage of all it offers it'll give you much satisfaction.
TPG mobile phone connection to the Optus 3G coverage areas can not be used for instant messaging, presence, video calling or any other 3G service. The 3G offered by TPG simply means fast mobile internet downloading.
No Contract SIM Card Only Plans
TPG introduced its SIM card only no contract mobile plans in 2008 and its mobile business has grown steadily since that time. The company's Super Value plans introduced unlimited calls into its range of offers, a feature TPG believed had the potential to change the whole mobile phone landscape as at that time no other provider was offering unlimited mobile to fixed line at the same price TPG were doing. Super Value unlimited plans include regular calls, MMS, SMS, 1300 and1800 numbers as well as international.
How it Works
TPG mobile services are neither true prepaid nor post-paid. Their particular offer requires you to allow TPG to debit you $20 at the outset. A deposit kept for security reasons. This amount is then available to be used by TPG if you undertake any excess usage costs over your Super Value, Cap Saver, or Pay-As-You-Go plan quotas. Excess usage refers to any data, text or call over runs. If the deposit amount drops below $5 TPG will then debit an amount from your own account to top it back up to the $20 holding amount again. If TPG can't access any funds to top up your account your service will be deactivated.
When you enable DATA (GPRS/3G) on your mobile phone you can browse the internet, download maps, navigate, receive and send emails, plus any other service made available. The following notes regarding data are important to know and understand:
- If you exceed your chosen plans data quota you will be charged for the excess data you use
- Data usage includes both uploading as well as downloading
- Data usage is made available by default
- Any data balance unused at the end of the month will not roll over into any following month
- Data records that show in 'Your Account' section of your TPG website can be two days behind the actual amount used
To access TPG mobile you can order over the telephone or online. You will then receive your SIM card in the post. Once you receive your SIM card you place it in your mobile phone and activate it online. Any usage information is only available on the TPG website but as a means of helping you avoid excess usage charges, TPG sends out an alert when your allowed usage reaches 75% of quota. TPG uses a standard sized SIM card that is suited to most mobile phones. A Micro SIM card is available for iPad 3G and iPhone 4S.
How TPG Bill Their Mobile Phone Customers
TPG will debit your bank account during the registration process. This will include:
- Any equipment you might need such as the handset or modem
- Deliver costs to your home from TPG in NSW
- A $20 one off SIM card cost
- Your first months plan cost
- The $20 security deposit
From then on your account will be charged seven days before the monthly period is due for the following monthly agreed charge.
TPG mobile plans are attractive to many people simply because there's no locked in contract that can cost an arm and a leg if something happens, which makes it unable for you to continue and therefore have to cancel out. The month by month plan that is available gives you the freedom to opt out whenever you wish to do so. All you stand to lose is the amount you have already paid for the current month that remains unused. If you do find yourself in the position where you can't continue, make certain you do so at the end of a billing period, not at the beginning just after your account has been debited. You can also change to a higher or lower plan, depending on your circumstances at the time, any time you want to do so. You're can join up online or over the telephone and port your old number from another provider. Within 24 hours you'll be connected with TPG.
