Latest news with #CarolBennett
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Telstra's announced another round of price hikes for its internet and mobile plans — and just days after network coverage accusations
Just days after being accused by Vodafone of providing misleading cellular network coverage claims to customers, Telstra has announced a new round of price adjustments across its postpaid mobile, mobile broadband and NBN plans. Price hikes seem to be increasing in frequency at Australia's largest telco, with Telstra's last mobile plan price hike rolling out just 7 months ago, in October 2024. The newest changes, set to take effect on July 1, will see increases of up to AU$7p/m on some plans, however, Telstra is also lowering the price of its two fastest NBN plans. Unfortunately, all of Telstra's mobile broadband plans will become more expensive, though the Medium plan will get a larger data allowance. The prices of only three plans will remain unchanged, with the Premium and Starter mobile plans, as well as the entry-level (12Mbps) NBN plan escaping unscathed. For a complete rundown of Telstra's upcoming price adjustments and how they compare to current pricing, simply check out the tables below. Postpaid plans: Current price Price as of July 1 Mobile bundle (25GB) AU$52 AU$57 Basic plan (50GB) AU$65 AU$70 Essential plan (180GB) AU$75 AU$80 Mobile broadband plans: Current price Price as of July 1 Data bundle (10GB) AU$10 AU$15 Small plan (30GB) AU$25 AU$30 Medium plan (100GB, up from 75GB) AU$58 AU$65 NBN plans: Current price Price as of July 1 Basic (25Mbps) AU$89 AU$93 Essential (50Mbps) AU$105 AU$109 Premium (100Mbps) AU$110 AU$113 Ultimate (250Mbps) AU$130 AU$129 Ultrafast (1,000Mbps) AU$150 AU$139 Given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in Australia, you could be forgiven for wanting to look elsewhere for a cheap mobile plan or cheap NBN plan. As expected, Telstra's decision to increase pricing has been met with pushback from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), which released a statement saying "the price increases will place an impost on millions of Australians already under financial pressure." ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett also encouraged Australians to "assess their data needs and compare major telco offerings with smaller providers" and pointing out that these "may offer better value while still using the capacity of a major network.' So if you're feeling the pinch from Telstra's mobile plan price hikes but still want access to Australia's largest network, you may want to consider some Telstra network mobile plans from alternative providers. For convenience, we currently think these two plans from more-affordable Telstra network providers are particularly good value: Belong 160GB SIM Only Plan | 160GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$55p/m Wholly owned by Telstra, Belong is an excellent option for those looking to access Australia's largest network for less. For just AU$55p/m, this plan gets you a massive 160GB of monthly data, which works out to just AU$0.34 per GB. On top of that, you also get 5G network access (capped at 250Mbps). Total minimum cost is AU$55 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$660 Tangerine | 150GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | No lock-in contract | AU$58p/m This SIM-only plan from Tangerine offers 150GB of data each month, with a double data bonus on the first three months for new customers. It uses parts of the Telstra 5G, 4G and 3G network and speeds are capped at 250Mbps on 4G and 5G, but for just AU$58p/m, this is a cracking deal. Total minimum cost: AU$58 | Yearly cost: AU$696 Of course, if an alternative mobile broadband or NBN source is what you're after, you should know that the best-value internet plans are generally much more affordable than Telstra's pricing. You can find our reader's favourites in those categories below.
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Vodafone alleges Telstra inflated its coverage claims
Australia's biggest telecommunications company is facing allegations it misled customers by inflating claims of how far its network reached. In claims levelled by rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40 per cent for more than a decade. Vodafone, along with parent company TPG Telecom, said Telstra advertised its coverage based on a signal strength customers could only get if they used a special external antenna and a powered repeater that is usually installed on a vehicle or building. Its rival said network coverage claims should be based on signal strength a mobile phone would usually get without any extra devices. TPG group executive Kieran Cooney said the allegations were "alarming" and would have cost his company customers. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," he said. "We are calling on them to make it right ... Telstra's conduct could have misled consumers into believing they can get coverage in places that require special equipment." Specifically, TPG alleged Telstra claimed its mobile network was around one million square kilometres greater than it was because it based its figures on the use of an antenna and repeater. It also said the network covered 99.7 per cent of the population based on using those same devices. Telstra recently updated its coverage claims to note that the 99.7 per cent mark required an external antenna. The telco has been contacted for comment. TPG has reported Telstra to the consumer watchdog, called for a regulatory investigation and threatened legal action to stop the practice and potentially force a compensation payment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it is considering the claims but would not confirm an investigation into Telstra. "Mobile operators do not have a standardised or consistent approach to the coverage maps they publish via their websites and in advertising," a spokeswoman said. "We continue to urge mobile operators to provide comparable coverage maps … there is no legal requirement for mobile network operators to provide this, but the ACCC has been advocating for more transparency for consumers for some time." Australians living in regional and remote areas would pay extra for Telstra service because they believe it is the only option for reliable coverage, a consumer group said. "If this allegation is true – and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe – regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed," Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said. "When consumers are misled, markets are distorted, and trust is eroded." Australia's biggest telecommunications company is facing allegations it misled customers by inflating claims of how far its network reached. In claims levelled by rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40 per cent for more than a decade. Vodafone, along with parent company TPG Telecom, said Telstra advertised its coverage based on a signal strength customers could only get if they used a special external antenna and a powered repeater that is usually installed on a vehicle or building. Its rival said network coverage claims should be based on signal strength a mobile phone would usually get without any extra devices. TPG group executive Kieran Cooney said the allegations were "alarming" and would have cost his company customers. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," he said. "We are calling on them to make it right ... Telstra's conduct could have misled consumers into believing they can get coverage in places that require special equipment." Specifically, TPG alleged Telstra claimed its mobile network was around one million square kilometres greater than it was because it based its figures on the use of an antenna and repeater. It also said the network covered 99.7 per cent of the population based on using those same devices. Telstra recently updated its coverage claims to note that the 99.7 per cent mark required an external antenna. The telco has been contacted for comment. TPG has reported Telstra to the consumer watchdog, called for a regulatory investigation and threatened legal action to stop the practice and potentially force a compensation payment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it is considering the claims but would not confirm an investigation into Telstra. "Mobile operators do not have a standardised or consistent approach to the coverage maps they publish via their websites and in advertising," a spokeswoman said. "We continue to urge mobile operators to provide comparable coverage maps … there is no legal requirement for mobile network operators to provide this, but the ACCC has been advocating for more transparency for consumers for some time." Australians living in regional and remote areas would pay extra for Telstra service because they believe it is the only option for reliable coverage, a consumer group said. "If this allegation is true – and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe – regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed," Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said. "When consumers are misled, markets are distorted, and trust is eroded." Australia's biggest telecommunications company is facing allegations it misled customers by inflating claims of how far its network reached. In claims levelled by rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40 per cent for more than a decade. Vodafone, along with parent company TPG Telecom, said Telstra advertised its coverage based on a signal strength customers could only get if they used a special external antenna and a powered repeater that is usually installed on a vehicle or building. Its rival said network coverage claims should be based on signal strength a mobile phone would usually get without any extra devices. TPG group executive Kieran Cooney said the allegations were "alarming" and would have cost his company customers. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," he said. "We are calling on them to make it right ... Telstra's conduct could have misled consumers into believing they can get coverage in places that require special equipment." Specifically, TPG alleged Telstra claimed its mobile network was around one million square kilometres greater than it was because it based its figures on the use of an antenna and repeater. It also said the network covered 99.7 per cent of the population based on using those same devices. Telstra recently updated its coverage claims to note that the 99.7 per cent mark required an external antenna. The telco has been contacted for comment. TPG has reported Telstra to the consumer watchdog, called for a regulatory investigation and threatened legal action to stop the practice and potentially force a compensation payment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it is considering the claims but would not confirm an investigation into Telstra. "Mobile operators do not have a standardised or consistent approach to the coverage maps they publish via their websites and in advertising," a spokeswoman said. "We continue to urge mobile operators to provide comparable coverage maps … there is no legal requirement for mobile network operators to provide this, but the ACCC has been advocating for more transparency for consumers for some time." Australians living in regional and remote areas would pay extra for Telstra service because they believe it is the only option for reliable coverage, a consumer group said. "If this allegation is true – and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe – regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed," Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said. "When consumers are misled, markets are distorted, and trust is eroded." Australia's biggest telecommunications company is facing allegations it misled customers by inflating claims of how far its network reached. In claims levelled by rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40 per cent for more than a decade. Vodafone, along with parent company TPG Telecom, said Telstra advertised its coverage based on a signal strength customers could only get if they used a special external antenna and a powered repeater that is usually installed on a vehicle or building. Its rival said network coverage claims should be based on signal strength a mobile phone would usually get without any extra devices. TPG group executive Kieran Cooney said the allegations were "alarming" and would have cost his company customers. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," he said. "We are calling on them to make it right ... Telstra's conduct could have misled consumers into believing they can get coverage in places that require special equipment." Specifically, TPG alleged Telstra claimed its mobile network was around one million square kilometres greater than it was because it based its figures on the use of an antenna and repeater. It also said the network covered 99.7 per cent of the population based on using those same devices. Telstra recently updated its coverage claims to note that the 99.7 per cent mark required an external antenna. The telco has been contacted for comment. TPG has reported Telstra to the consumer watchdog, called for a regulatory investigation and threatened legal action to stop the practice and potentially force a compensation payment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it is considering the claims but would not confirm an investigation into Telstra. "Mobile operators do not have a standardised or consistent approach to the coverage maps they publish via their websites and in advertising," a spokeswoman said. "We continue to urge mobile operators to provide comparable coverage maps … there is no legal requirement for mobile network operators to provide this, but the ACCC has been advocating for more transparency for consumers for some time." Australians living in regional and remote areas would pay extra for Telstra service because they believe it is the only option for reliable coverage, a consumer group said. "If this allegation is true – and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe – regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed," Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said. "When consumers are misled, markets are distorted, and trust is eroded."
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Vodafone requests ACCC investigation into Telstra's 'misleading' network coverage claims
Vodafone has called for a regulatory investigation into competitor Telstra's mobile network coverage claims, alleging that the telco has misled customers for more than a decade. Vodafone and parent company TPG Telecom claim that Telstra has been engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct for the past 15 years by overstating the geographic reach of its network coverage by up to 40%. These inflated claims have reportedly been used to bolster the telco's network and unfairly contrast it with other competitors. Vodafone suggests that the telco and its subsidiary, Boost Mobile, have been exaggerating the network coverage most Australians receive by nearly one million square kilometres — which is roughly the size of New South Wales, Victoria and ACT combined. Vodafone theorises that Telstra used "a special external antenna and powered repeater usually installed on a building or vehicle". Vodafone bases this on Telstra's results, found in the ACCC's 2024 Mobile Infrastructure Report, in which the telco has used such additional equipment to record signal strength. According to its website, Telstra's advertised mobile network reportedly covers 3 million square kilometres or around "99.7 per cent of the Australian population". However, when you subtract the external antenna data, the actual coverage is around 1.9 million square kilometres, as recorded by the ACCC. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone. We are shocked that Telstra appears to have been overstating its coverage by so much for so long, and we are calling on them to make it right,' says TPG's Group Executive Consumer, Kieren Cooney. Vodafone wrote to the ACCC last week to report the misconduct and has repeatedly called for Telstra "to cease making the claims and to take corrective action". Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Telstra has already responded to initial assertions by Vodafone, changing wording on its website to remove references to the coverage claim. In a statement to IT News, a Telstra spokesperson confirmed that the telco is using an external antenna but argues "any suggestion that we've misled the public about the size of our network is completely untrue." Further, the telco claims that "many customers in regional and remote areas benefit from using external antennas to maximise their coverage. This is why we have used this as the basis for our coverage footprint." Backing Vodafone's allegations is none other than Australia's peak national consumer communications advocacy organisation (ACCAN), which has released a statement in support of the requested investigation. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett notes that the suggestion that Telstra has magnified its coverage for more than a decade is "serious and damaging." ACCAN research "shows 41% of consumers have limited faith in their telco to act in their best interest, and almost a third said the coverage they received didn't match what they were told to expect." "Many Australians, particularly in regional and remote areas, sign up for expensive plans with Telstra because they believe it's the only option for reliable coverage," Bennett says. "If this allegation is true — and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe — regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed." Only time will tell if ACCC will pursue this investigation into Australia's major telco, but until then, we'll keep you updated if more of Telstra's hidden secrets come to light.
West Australian
19-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Vodafone alleges Telstra inflated its coverage claims
Australia's biggest telecommunications company is facing allegations it misled customers by inflating claims of how far its network reached. In claims levelled by rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40 per cent - for more than a decade. Vodafone, along with parent company TPG Telecom, said Telstra advertised its coverage based on a signal strength customers could only get if they used a special external antenna and a powered repeater that is usually installed on a vehicle or building. Its rival said network coverage claims should be based on signal strength a mobile phone would usually get without any extra devices. TPG group executive Kieran Cooney said the allegations were "alarming" and would have cost his company customers. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," he said. "We are calling on them to make it right ... Telstra's conduct could have misled consumers into believing they can get coverage in places that require special equipment." Specifically, TPG alleged Telstra claimed its mobile network was around one million square kilometres greater than it was because it based its figures on the use of an antenna and repeater. It also said the network covered 99.7 per cent of the population based on using those same devices. Telstra recently updated its coverage claims to note that the 99.7 per cent mark required an external antenna. The telco has been contacted for comment TPG has reported Telstra to the consumer watchdog, called for a regulatory investigation and threatened legal action to stop the practice and potentially force a compensation payment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it is considering the claims but would not confirm an investigation into Telstra. "Mobile operators do not have a standardised or consistent approach to the coverage maps they publish via their websites and in advertising," a spokeswoman said. "We continue to urge mobile operators to provide comparable coverage maps … there is no legal requirement for mobile network operators to provide this, but the ACCC has been advocating for more transparency for consumers for some time." Australians living in regional and remote areas would pay extra for Telstra service because they believe it is the only option for reliable coverage, a consumer group said. "If this allegation is true – and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe – regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed," Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said. "When consumers are misled, markets are distorted, and trust is eroded."
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Vodafone alleges Telstra inflated its coverage claims
Australia's biggest telecommunications company is facing allegations it misled customers by inflating claims of how far its network reached. In claims levelled by rival telco Vodafone, Telstra is accused of "dramatically" overstating its reach by as much as 40 per cent - for more than a decade. Vodafone, along with parent company TPG Telecom, said Telstra advertised its coverage based on a signal strength customers could only get if they used a special external antenna and a powered repeater that is usually installed on a vehicle or building. Its rival said network coverage claims should be based on signal strength a mobile phone would usually get without any extra devices. TPG group executive Kieran Cooney said the allegations were "alarming" and would have cost his company customers. "It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," he said. "We are calling on them to make it right ... Telstra's conduct could have misled consumers into believing they can get coverage in places that require special equipment." Specifically, TPG alleged Telstra claimed its mobile network was around one million square kilometres greater than it was because it based its figures on the use of an antenna and repeater. It also said the network covered 99.7 per cent of the population based on using those same devices. Telstra recently updated its coverage claims to note that the 99.7 per cent mark required an external antenna. The telco has been contacted for comment TPG has reported Telstra to the consumer watchdog, called for a regulatory investigation and threatened legal action to stop the practice and potentially force a compensation payment. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it is considering the claims but would not confirm an investigation into Telstra. "Mobile operators do not have a standardised or consistent approach to the coverage maps they publish via their websites and in advertising," a spokeswoman said. "We continue to urge mobile operators to provide comparable coverage maps … there is no legal requirement for mobile network operators to provide this, but the ACCC has been advocating for more transparency for consumers for some time." Australians living in regional and remote areas would pay extra for Telstra service because they believe it is the only option for reliable coverage, a consumer group said. "If this allegation is true – and the coverage advantage is not as big as people have been led to believe – regional consumers would be forgiven for feeling betrayed," Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said. "When consumers are misled, markets are distorted, and trust is eroded."
