The Art of the Mobile Plan Hunt: A Deep Dive into Optus Resellers
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a good deal, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the thrill of the hunt, or perhaps it’s that smug feeling you get when you know you’re paying less than everyone else for the same service. Whatever it is, I found myself completely absorbed in a recent discussion about mobile phone plans that someone had shared - a comprehensive spreadsheet comparing all the cheapest Optus reseller plans.
The original poster had done what many of us have contemplated but few actually follow through with: they’d systematically compared every single Optus MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) to find the absolute cheapest options. No introductory offers, no marketing fluff - just cold, hard numbers laid out in a spreadsheet that would make any data analyst weep with joy.
What struck me most about the ensuing discussion wasn’t just the dedication to finding the best deals, but how it highlighted something fundamental about how we approach consumer choices in 2024. The person who compiled this research wasn’t looking for the most data or the flashiest features - they simply wanted the cheapest monthly price because they knew they used less than 10GB per month. It’s refreshingly honest in a world where we’re constantly being upsold to plans we don’t need.
The conversation that followed was equally fascinating. Someone pointed out that when you’re comparing $22-25 plans against $35-40 plans, you’re really looking at different market segments entirely. They had a point - Amaysim’s $35 plan with 120GB per month works out to just 29 cents per gigabyte, which is phenomenal value if you actually use that much data. But here’s the thing: most of us don’t.
This whole discussion got me thinking about my own approach to mobile plans over the years. Like many people, I’ve probably been guilty of choosing plans based on “what if” scenarios rather than actual usage patterns. What if I suddenly start streaming hours of video on my commute? What if I become one of those people who uploads Instagram stories constantly? The reality is, my usage patterns have been fairly consistent for years, and I suspect that’s true for most people.
The beauty of MVNOs is that they’ve democratised access to the same network infrastructure that the big three telcos use, but without the premium pricing and unnecessary bundled services. When TPG bought Vodafone, when Telstra acquired various smaller operators, we saw market consolidation that typically doesn’t benefit consumers. But the MVNO model has provided a counterbalance, allowing smaller operators to compete purely on price and service rather than network coverage.
What really impressed me about this research was the methodology. Ignoring introductory offers is crucial - those “$10 for the first six months” deals are marketing tactics designed to make comparison shopping harder. By focusing on ongoing pricing, you get a true picture of what you’ll actually be paying long-term. It’s the kind of analytical approach that should be standard practice but rarely is.
The discussion also highlighted some interesting quirks in the market. One person mentioned they were still on a discontinued Dodo plan - the $15 for 4GB deal that apparently isn’t available to new customers anymore. These grandfathered plans are like little pieces of telecom archaeology, remnants of previous pricing wars that existing customers can cling to as long as they don’t change anything.
There’s something particularly Australian about this kind of meticulous bargain hunting. Maybe it’s our cultural suspicion of being ripped off, or perhaps it’s the practical mindset that comes from living in a country where duopolies and oligopolies dominate so many sectors. When genuine competition exists, we embrace it wholeheartedly.
The mobile phone market in particular has been crying out for this kind of transparency. The big telcos have made plan comparison deliberately complex with different billing cycles, data allowances, and bonus features. Having someone cut through all that noise and present the information in a clear, comparable format is genuinely valuable public service.
Looking at this research, I found myself questioning my own mobile plan choices. Like many people, I’m probably paying more than I need to because I haven’t taken the time to properly evaluate my options. There’s an inertia that sets in with these monthly services - they’re not expensive enough to cause immediate pain, but over a year or two, those extra dollars really add up.
The collaborative nature of the discussion was encouraging too. People were sharing additional deals they’d found, asking clarifying questions, and helping each other navigate the complexities of different plans. It’s the internet at its best - strangers helping strangers make better informed decisions.
What this entire conversation demonstrates is that there’s real value in treating consumer choices with the seriousness they deserve. These aren’t just monthly expenses - they’re ongoing commitments that can save or cost you hundreds of dollars over time. Taking the time to research properly, share information with others, and make decisions based on actual usage rather than hypothetical needs is exactly the kind of informed consumer behaviour that keeps markets competitive.
The person who compiled this research mentioned they’d share it to help “one or two people out from having to do the same work.” That generosity of spirit, combined with thorough research methodology, is exactly what we need more of in discussions about consumer choices. Here’s hoping more people follow their lead and share their findings - because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get decent service at a fair price.