If you have no need for the data stuff, maps web browsing from the bus stop etc, then search for a non 3G iphone, you will save hundreds of dollars. If the they are selling in the USA for $199 then getting one of these units and hacking it like we all did months ago is a very rewarding and cost saving option.

I know that Virgin = Optus, but quick question - do they both share the same 3g coverage also?

Yep. There is no Virgin coverage. It is all Optus - Virgin is just the name of their subdivision/company that they own in Australia.

Hi guys.
I'm on the $49 cap with vodafone atm and about half way through my 24 month contract.
I'm planning to pay the early exit fee and just go to Optus because Vodafone were being completely unhelpful and Optus is cheaper anyway.
My month for the contract ends on the 25th July, would it be cheaper for me to go to optus before then to port my number or after then? I can't figure out what i would be charged and Vodafone isnt helping at all.
Just making sure, the only way i can keep my number is by going straight to Optus without first notifying Vodafone right?
Thanks for your help.

Review your Vodafone contract and find out what their early termination charges are. It may be better for you to stick with them if you're still so early in your contract.

even if i stick with them and change to the iphone i have to pay the full exit charge, so im definetely moving to optus, just dont know what the best timing is.
does anyone have any idea?

When they get more phones

thanks. that really helped.

Honestly Tom, what are you looking at paying for an early termination fee? Of course if you wait after the month you may fit into a category of e.g. "1-3months= 100% of termination fee" and "4-6months = 75% of early termination fee".
So what does your contract say?
When I was with Voda, way back in 2005 there were no fees to get out. I just had to pay out my phone and leave. I did that, plans stuck buttocks! LOL

But of course you want to get an iPhone before you cancel your contract otherwise you will have to go and get a prepaid Optus sim to breifly hold your number to and then port it to the Optus contract sim. But, hell I can't talk. I only want prepaid optus but I am now willing to go contract optus and just disconnect.

have they started selling the Optus prepaid phones yet? I thought so, yet one dude on another forum said no. Although the AllPhones Broadway Sydney store had 3 prepaid phones for Optus.

You also might be better off for the time being to purchase the iPhone 3G outright and finish off your contract. $49 x 12 is close to $600. On the other hand, the iPhone is fairly cheap on the otpus plans ($288 for 16gb model on a $39 plan) so you actually might be better off porting over.

Since Vodafone offers iPhones on their network, it's hard to say which option is better for you.

thanks for you help.
i'll call Vodafone today and see if they can give me any information, not getting my hopes up though, their service has been absolute ****

Hey Edd and NeoRicen -

Might one make the case to buy the iPhone outright and switch over to Virgin? I currently am on Virgin. I have reviewed the spreadsheets posted here (thanks), and was initially looking to Optus, but remain uncertain.
Since it's going to be a few days/weeks before anyone in Melbourne gets an iPhone, am still pondering.
thanks

I'm neither of those people, but yeah, that's what I'm contemplating too. Despite earlier plans to go on a contract, prepaid means I can switch to Telstra if they lower the price of their data plans in the next two years. In the meantime, a $30 Virgin cap on account + 1GB for $15 is the best deal for me. That's $540/year in service; add outright iPhone costs. I'll probably go to Optus prepaid for a couple of months to recharge $80 and avoid the $80 fee. If you only need to go to Virgin, others here have reported that unlocking is unnecessary -- it just works.

If you go prepaid, remember the signup bonus data in the first month -- no use adding $50 just for the data. Also note that Virgin will eventually get the iPhone if you like their contracts.

Hey, I don't have an iPhone yet. I thought I'd let the dust settle a little and let the supplies come back before joined the bandwagon.

I'm not a fan of contracts, and I'd rather buy the 16gb outright. Does anyone know.. If i was to get an iPhone from Hong Kong (cheaper outright than here) would the apple warranty stand? and Would I be able to get a local telephony supplier to unlock it for an Australian sim card and if so for what cost?

I'm currently on a $49 prepaid cap with vodafone (no data) but I'd like to get some data with an iphone plan. I'm new to mobile data packages and don't know how much I'll use. Does any one have any suggestions?

You can buy an Apple computer anywhere in the world and they will warranty it here. But I know for a fact that at least with the 1st Gen iPhone you are out of luck on the world wide warranty.