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Telstra has taken the lead in introducing a revised pricing model, set to raise costs for most of its post-paid and pre-paid mobile plans.
For those on Telstra’s post-paid plans, an additional $4 per month will be required, driving the price of a standard 50GB plan from $70 to $74.
However, the cost for premium post-paid plans will remain unchanged.
On the other hand, pre-paid mobile users will see a $5 increase in their monthly bill, accompanied by added data allowances.
This change will elevate the price of a basic 25GB plan from $49 to $54 each month.
Telstra’s price increases will be in effect from May 5, marking the telco’s second price rise in less than a year.
“In addition, eligible concession card holders will receive a 10% discount on any in-market Upfront postpaid mobile plan (excluding the Access plan) from 1 July 2026,” a Telstra spokesperson said.
“This is a significant improvement as previously concession discounts have been limited to one specific plan.
“We know our customers are doing more on our network than ever, and we’re investing so we can deliver the best experience available. That includes launching new technologies like satellite-to-mobile, upgrading to the most advanced version of 5G in more locations, improving resiliency, and growing coverage where we can.”
Optus has followed suit with similar markups for three different mobile plans.
All three of the plans will be an exta $5 per month.
The telco company’s Small Choice Plus Plan will now be $60 per month, up from $55, with the addition of 10GB of data.
The Medium Choice Plus Plan will be $70 per month with an extra 40GB of data, while the Large Choice Plus Plan will now cost $90 per month, with 80GB more data.
Optus’ price hikes will kick in from May 18.
“We are making significant, ongoing investments in our network to improve coverage, speed and resilience, while also strengthening the service and support we provide to customers,” a spokesperson for Optus said.
“Changes to pricing on some plans supports this work.”
It is second time Optus has increased prices in the past 12 months.
On average, impacted Optus customers are paying an extra 12 per cent for their monthly phone plans.
The majority of Vodafone’s pre-paid mobile plans will be hit with price hikes too.
Vodafone will charge customers on a handful different SIM plans between $1 and $4 more per month.
The network’s $45 28-day SIM will now cost $50 per month, with an extra 5GB of data.
Meanwhile, Vodafone’s 220GB SIM will be $30 more for a 12-month plan, along with 30GB more data.
The price hikes impact seven different pre-paid SIM plans.
These changes will be effective from April 5.
Vodafone was contacted for comment.
A spokesperson for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it was watching mobile plan price increases closely.
“It is understood that some price increases have been accompanied by expanded data inclusions.
“However, ACCC reporting shows that consumers do not generally use all their data inclusions and may not value additional data.
“We encourage consumers to actively compare mobile plans and reassess their needs, including data usage, as there are a range of plans and offers available.”
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