The survey of Australian iPhone users found 17% of respondents were going to switch to a “better network”. Most likley Optus users looking to move after significant performance issues. Another 17% were looking to switch to a “cheaper plan”, which is likley to be Telstra customers looking for more realistic pricing.
The survey is unlikely to feature many 3 customers, as there plans were just released.
What was really interesting is that 3 improved its iPhone plans before it even went on sale. For a 16GB 3GS, I’d say the sweet spot from 3 is $49 per month (plus $5 per month for the phone) which includes $350 worth of calls and 250MB worth of data. Over at Optus you’d pay $49+$13 to get $680 worth of calls and 250MB. The entry level plan at Vodafone is $59+$10 for $350 worth of calls and 500MB. Meanwhile Telstra will charge you $40 per month plus $240 upfront (the equivalent of $10 per month), which gets you $35 worth of calls and about 5MB of data (Telstra data packs cost extra). Telstra is also finally offering cap plans for the iPhone, with the 3GS costing $49 + $395 upfront ($33 per month) for $200 worth of calls.
Also interesting is that 16% of respondents intend to switch to “whoever offers free tethering” – which is both Vodafone and 3. Optus only offers free tethering on its premium plans, and Telstra is still working on its solution.
So what’s the verdict? When you take network performance into consideration, 3 comes out in front.
