Whether you're working the frontline, homeschooling the kids or just watching a LOT of Netflix, it's likely your mobile and broadband plans are feeling the pinch right now.
Thankfully, many of Australia's telecommunication companies have risen to the occasion and offered extra data to keep us all connected during the COVID-19 health crisis. Some are also offering support to those facing financial hardship, with late fees waived and service suspensions temporarily put on hold.
Here's a rundown of providers' current offers and support. Please note: these are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation unfolds, so best to check their official sites for further updates.
Mobile data
Post-paid customers: bonus 25GB to use within 30 days of activation.
Pre-paid customers: a previous offer of bonus 10GB lapsed on 31 March. Currently, no offer available.
How to activate: Register by 19 April 2020 through your Telstra app. Data will be added within 48 hours.
Broadband
Personal and small business home broadband plans (ADSL, NBN and cable) will get unlimited data until 30 April 2020. Data added automatically.
Home phone
Eligible pensioners get unlimited calls to local, national, 13/1300 and mobile numbers until 30 April 2020.
Bill support
No late payment fees or service suspension for bills overdue between Thursday 19 March and Thursday 30 April 2020. Fees may apply for overdue bills before or after this period.
Visit the Telstra website for full details and eligibility.
Mobile data
Post-paid customers: Bonus 20GB to use within 30 days of activation.
Pre-paid customers: Bonus 10GB when you recharge $40 or more in April.
How to activate: Visit Optus website or app anytime during April.
Broadband
All plans (NBN, ADSL and cable) will get unlimited data until 30 April 2020.
Home phone
No changes, currently.
Bill support
Late payment fees, service disconnections and credit collections waived until 30 April. Customers can put phone plans on hold, if no current need.
Visit the Optus website for full details and eligibility.
Mobile data
Post-paid customers: Bonus 5GB (if not already on unlimited plan).
Pre-paid customers: Bonus 3GB with next top-up.
How to activate: Added automatically – no action required.
Bill support
No late payment fees or service suspensions until after Thursday 30 April 2020. Extra assistance available for those in financial hardship.
Visit the Vodafone website for full details and eligibility.
Mobile data
$10 mobile plans get 10GB extra. $20 plans get 20GB extra. $30 plans get 30GB. $40 plans get unlimited data. All plans updated to unlimited talk and text.
How to activate: Added automatically. Offers last until 15 April, but may be extended.
Bill support
None currently listed.
Visit the Amaysim website for eligibility and full details.
Mobile Data
Pre-paid customers: Active prepaid 365 days and 90 days plans get bonus 3GB data valid for 30 days. Active prepaid 30 days plans get bonus 3GB with next recharge before 30 April 2020.
Visit the Kogan website for full details and eligibility.
Broadband
Customers on limited data NBN and ADSL plans get unlimited data between 6.00am and 6.00pm for all customers. Any customers on 12/1 speed plans upgraded to 25/5 plans.
Bill support:
Service disconnections due to late payment are temporarily halted.
Visit the Aussie Broadband website for full details and eligibility.
Broadband
All plans get unlimited data until 30 April.
Bill support
None currently listed.
Visit the Superloop website for full details and eligibility.
Broadband
Sky Muster plans get 15GB per week for three months, commencing from Monday 23 March.
Bill support
None currently listed.
Visit the Activ8me website for full details.
No extra offers or bill support currently listed.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
