Beware of iPhone 3G’s data usage costs

You might get stung by the excess data usage of iPhone 3G if you’re not careful with your data usage. That means phone bills hitting the three digit and even four digit mark!

Telcos such as Telstra are charging $2 per megabyte over the data allowance ($2000 per gigabyte) and Optus are charging $0.35 per megabyte over ($350 per gigabyte).

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Google Maps on the iPhone 3G is not actually fully installed onto the device but rather downloads the data through the Internet. I have met quite a few people thinking that Google Maps usage is actually free.

Also with the massive closure of Starbucks stores around Sydney, Telstra will be loosing a big chunk of their free wifi hotspots. However, Telstra still has a big partnership with McDonalds that offers free wifi access.

There are rumours that the 3 network might be able to get their hands on the iPhone 3G as Virgin Mobile has already done so.

As more and more telcos are starting to enter the iPhone market, you should be seeing pricing plans dropping as the competition heats up.

It’s quite a big disappointment to see the three large telcos coming up with pretty crappy iPhone pricing plans and data allowance. I personally would wait another month or so and see if anything drastic happens.

But if you can’t keep your fingers in your pocket, then start heading over to the Sydney Apple store. It can take up to 2 hours to process so best bet to get in early.

Apple iPhone continues to “sell out”

I’ve been trying to get my hands on the iPhone 3G on the Optus network but it seems that every Optus store is sold out except for the Apple store. The last one I visited was at centre point and the guy said that it was sold out for another 3 weeks.

I never thought this would continue after nearly 3 weeks of the iPhone 3G official launch but it seems that Apple is trying to keep the hype up by keeping up the demand and reducing the supply to their Optus affiliates so that everybody can say, “Oh my gosh, the iPhone is still sold out. It must be so great! Yadi yadi ya…”.

However, the Sydney Apple store does have stock but they usually close registrations 2-3 hours before close of business to ensure everybody gets out of the building by that time.

Last week I visited the Apple store about 4 times after work and got there around 6.15pm, only to be turned down each time by their staff because registrations are closed. They suggested that I either come early in the morning (yes yes, they continue to remind me that the store opens at 8am but I can’t be bothered to wake up that early for a phone) or during lunch time.

Oh by the way, they also said that the registration process may take up to 2 hours. That is another factor that I cannot be bothered to get the iPhone just yet.

So I’ve gone ahead and taken up Vodafone’s unrestricted offer where you get a bonus $20 credit if you recharge by 31st July. Now I don’t even have to think about the iPhone for a month and hopefully by then will the stupid queue decrease and other Optus stores won’t be entirely sold out.

iPhones still available from Sydney Apple Store

With such a huge demand for the iPhone, it is not surprising that the most talked about phone gadget has been sold out at most retail stores.

I’m not entirely sure about Vodafone or Telstra, but over the weekend I visited two Optus stores and two Strathfield Car Radio stores and all have said that the iPhone has sold out.

They’re expecting new stock to arrive in the middle of this week but with such huge amounts of pre-orders by customers, they cannot guarantee availability after the first restocking shipment.

So if you’re planning to get your hands on the iPhone with the Optus carrier, best that you sign a contract first that connects your existing number to the Optus network to guarantee your iPhone when new stock arrives.

However, the Sydney Apple Store still has stock in hand for all three telcos, but despite visiting there twice already, they’ve said that the Optus network cannot handle anymore signups for the day and will have to wait until the next day.

Both days I visited were towards the end of the day, so if you’re planning to get it from there, best to get in and get it early in the morning.

iPhone Sold Out!

Wow…I really didn’t think it was going to sell out since Apple would know that there’s such a huge demand for it and that they’d meet the supply for it.

I visited two Strathfield Car Radio shops and an Optus shop and all of them said there will be new stock mid next week. However, there’s already a list of people who’ve signed up contracts with them and they will be given priority over others.

I was planning to get an iPhone with the Optus network since all the others suck and thought today would be a good time because I had $3.12 credit left on my phone. Oh well, I bought a $29 Jumbo cap credit instead and will probably consider getting an iPhone then.

It certainly will be an interesting next two weeks as more and more iPhone reviews come out and I’m very interested to find out how the iPhone uses internet data. Is it a data chewing device or is it conservative in its usage?

If its a data whore device, I’ll definitely reconsider buying it since the plan I’m planning on signing up with only offers 500mb download a month and getting a plan higher than $59 a month is plain silly.

For those who don’t know me, I’m not a big phone person. I only talk on the phone with my girl, to catch up with people whom I haven’t spoken with for a while, and to communicate short, straight to the point messages.

Other than that, I’d rather watch tv or do something on the internet.

Vodafone reveals iPhone Prices and Plans

Vodafone has finally announced their iPhone prices and plans just under 2 hours ago!

You will be able to get your hands on the iPhone for $7.88 per month (8GB model) or $12.88 per month (16GB model) on a $69 cap personal plan for 24 months.

This plan includes $310 of talk, text, 250MB data allowance plus an option to choose the new Best Mate feature that allows you to call a nominated number for an unlimited amount of time. However, do note that this number can only be changed once a month and will cost $2.50 for each change.

With only a day to go, all three telcos have finally released their plans and prices. Which one do you choose?

Personally the Optus plan seems to have the best value with the $59 cap and a phone repayment of $7 per month. This gives you $350 worth of calls, text and 500MB of data allowance (which is double Vodafone’s $60 cap plan).

Not only that, but Optus’ ‘yes’ Time is also an attractive feature especially if you’ve got someone whom you call a lot. But Vodafone’s Best Mate feature really does outweigh the ‘yes’ Time feature.

Here’s a basic comparison between Optus and Vodafone plans.

Vodafone $69 Cap (2 year contract)
- $310 credit for text and talk
- 250MB data allowance
- Best Mate monthly extra
- $1965.12 minimum cost of contract (16GB iPhone)

Optus $59 Cap (2 year contract)
- $350 credit for text and talk
- 500MB data allowance
- ‘yes’ Time monthly extra
- $1584 minimum cost of contract (16GB iPhone)

Personally, I’d go with Optus but for now I’ll hold back and see what the reviews are.