More than you think. It's not like they're hard to get.

Ok, I will get around to posting the rest of what I've done soon.

Now I've done something interesting. I looked at Apple's iPhone page and saw what you get in their cheapest plan. Their cheapest plan is $59.99 and you get 450 minutes, 200 SMSs and Unlimited data.

To compare what plan you would need to spend to get this on an Australian cap plan, I looked at all their plans, got how much 450 minutes of calls would cost based on 3 minute calls. I did the obvious and saw how much 200 SMSs would cost, and I also saw how much 250mb of Data would cost. I chose 250mb based on the MacCast podcast in which the host reported that almost none of his listeners used over 200mb of data on their iPhone bill.

I didn't bother with their 'Nights and Weekend' minutes, and Unlimited Mobile to Mobile. I have no idea what this is, is it just to other AT&T phones or what? I basically considered these the same as the special deals on current Aussie plans which I didn't include either.

The winner was Virgin where you could get 450 minutes, 200 SMSs and 250mb data for $75. Although when you want more data the winner quickly becomes Three.

It's much cheaper to get a Three Mobile Broadband plan and use its SIM card in a phone.

It's 1GB for $15 or 3GB for $29

The data service is actually attached to a $99 voice cap plan with $0 monthly access fee. It even includes the free 3 to 3 minutes.

Just a side question on ABNs.

I have an ABN, but I have never used it.
I got it at a time where there was a potential for me to get paid to do paid public speaking and for blog advertising revenue.

So basically my ABN sits unused.

I can't then use my ABN to get a 'business' account for my phone plan can I?
how does that work for tax? ie. how can a 'business' pay a phone bill when it doesn't have any income?

NeoRicen thanks and great work it help me choose my next contract

I'm not doing work arounds.

I was under the understanding that 3 sims wont be able to be used in the iPhone as 3's network is UTMS.

Will 3 be changing this or am I just dreaming?

This is really just comparing all the carriers in anticipation of the 3G iPhone which should work on all carriers. Also, the plans will probably change when the iPhone comes out, so even then it's just a guide to carriers in general.

The 3G iPhone will be either UTMS or HSPA (hopefully the latter, they'll piss a lot of people off if it isn't) and all major Australian carriers offer those (3 only offers that, which is why no 2G iPhone on 3).

Ah ok thanks for clearing that up

I was thinking that the 3G iPhone wasnt gonna work with three so i would have to change, you've just made my day

Dangit! Vodafone has changed it's Data plans. They only have one now, $11.95 for 100MB and 12c per MB over 100MB.

I'm not going to update just yet though, I'm working on a better way to compare plans.

i think thats true for most providers, there are many better ways to access data online rather than the contracts and plans the telcos would like to sign you up to.

also its really hard to make comparisons unless you have a clear understanding of your actual usage patterns - this is how telcos are able to suck so many people into capped plans. people think they are getting a good deal without understanding the pricing the capping is based on.

I dont think its possible to create a comparo of all the different options available to people, what NeoRicen has done is create a useful comparison of the basic plans available. If people want maximise value then they really need to do more in depth analysis and find the best set up for their usage.

Matching up all the caps and data plans for each carrier, find the match up of minutes and data you like, and pick the carrier with that for the cheapest.

...or if you are like me, work out that prepaid is much better value than capped plans because of the way the capped plans price calls! flagfalls and ripoff timed rates suck hard.

Vodafone Prepaid: 39c 30sec 29c connection $310 credit
Vodafone Postpaid: 40c 30sec 30c connection $310 credit

Three Prepaid: 30c 30sec 20c connection $100 credit
Three Postpaid: 30c 30sec 25c connection $300 credit

Optus TurboCharge Prepaid: 39c 30sec 35c connection $370 credit
Optus Postpaid: 40c 30 sec 35c connection $300 credit

Should I keep going or is it already obvious there is almost no difference? Prepaid has flagfall too, and maybe 1-5c per 30 seconds off.

obviously depends where you shop! i pay no flagfall and 22c for 30 secs.