TPG gets aggressive on mobile broadband

Internet service provider (ISP) TPG has entered into the mobile broadband market with plans that it claims are up to 50 per cent cheaper than its competitors.

(Screenshot by Michael Lee/ZDNet Australia)

The ISP claims that it has had to be aggressive with its pricing due to the condition of the market.

"Mobile Broadband is a very competitive market. We are now beyond the early adoption phase. TPG is able to offer prices that are up to 50 per cent cheaper than some competitors," said TPG general manager of sale and marketing Craig Levy.

Plans start at $5 for 500MB. From here, TPG offers 1GB for $9.99, 2GB for $15.99, 5GB for $24.99 and 9GB for $34.99. Uploaded data counts towards each plan's data limit, and monthly payments must be made in advance via direct debit or credit card; however, there is no minimum contract period.

In the first month of usage, users will be charged a $20 SIM charge. TPG has given iPad and tablet users the option of using a micro-SIM card. In addition to this charge, users will have to put down an additional $20 security deposit that will be used to pay for any excess data usage. Excess data is charged at a rate of 2.75c/MB, and any remainder of the deposit will be returned if users cancel their subscription.

The plans are to be used for data, and SMS services only cannot be used for traditional voice calls (except for emergency calls). SMSes can be made to national and international mobiles at 25.3c, and 50c per SMS respectively. Credit will not roll over at the end of each month.

TPG also offers unlocked USB modems with their plans for $49.99, shipping these for an additional $10 if they are not collected.

The service is being delivered over Optus' GSM and 3G-HSDPA networks, and will have the same coverage patterns and connection speeds.

The plans are slightly cheaper than that offered by Optus subsidy Virgin; however, these plans come with the added bonus of having no minimum contract period.