No limit for a daily data snack

PHONE addicts are munching through large chunks of data during the coronavirus pandemic which could leave them with higher than expected bills.

But today telco giant Optus is rolling out a new all-youcan-eat plan that gives consumers 24 hours of unlimited data for $5 a day.

One of the biggest bugbears of phone users is getting slowed speeds once they chew through a certain amount of data, however Optus said their customers can now have the ability to quash any chance of this happening.

Telco comparison website Whistleout’s spokesman Kenny McGilvary said it was a big win for consumers who are on their phones more than ever during the pandemic.

“We are more reliant on our phone and home internet connections than ever right now thanks to coronavirus restrictions, this kind of offer will give customers peace of mind that the data is there if they need it,” he said.

“There are some other plans on the market which offer no excess data charges, but their speeds are capped after the monthly allowance is consumed.”

Mr McGilvary said this unlimited option could put pressure on other telcos to provide similar all-you-can-eat deals.

Optus said the $5 offer bills customers each time they request 24 hours of unlimited data and could be added onto selected postpaid and prepaid plans.

Optus managing director of marketing and revenue Matt Williams revealed exclusively to Hibernation that customers can lap up 24 hours of unlimited data and take away the stress of being left with higher bills by going over their monthly data limits.

“They can keep signing up to this deal as long as they need it every 24 hours,” he said.

“You won’t be throttled at the end of it, it’s data that is unlimited for 24 hours.”

Mr Williams said it would be particularly useful for people who are away from their homes and need to download large amounts of content.

“You can use this add on for a snackable $5,” he said.