Hutchison (Three) now roaming onto Next G

[padfoot]

For those that don't like Three's current coverage, or get dropouts when going from 3G to GSM in poor coverage areas, now is the time to rejoice (assuming you have a compatible phone).

As of Feb 2009, Three customers will be able to roam onto Telstra's Next G network in places where they currently roam onto GSM.

This does not mean that 3 customers will get increased coverage in rural areas, as the roaming agreement is only for areas currently covered by Telstra GSM (96% of the population, whereas Next G is 99%, or an extra million square km of coverage )

Anyway, good news indeed is that 3 have also negotiated lower data roaming charges to be implemented as of September this year. Currently 3 customers are charged $1.65/MB when roaming onto Telstra, and this is not included in your cap value.

Hurrah! Finally, less dropouts with 3 possible data usage outside of the metro areas (depending on the new cost...).

Just thought you guys might like to know... (looking at you, Desmo)

Press release for those of you that care, in .pdf format.

[Desmo]

Now.
Sell me an iPhone.

[padfoot]

Love to... Just gotta get them in first
(Stupid stock provisioning system that gives us the shaft... Every other Telstra Dealer has it, why the hell can't we?)

Oh, and I wonder if 3 will start selling it. They have iPhone plans for people to BYO...

One point to note is that a lot of Three's current handsets are not capable of roaming onto Next G.

You need a phone that can access UMTS/HSDPA on the 850MHz band, as opposed to the current 2100MHz which is in use for Three's/Tesltra's metro network.

[Desmo]

How can you BYO iPhone when you can't even get an unlocked one???

[padfoot]

You can't?

Buy one from Optus and pay $80, I don't think Vodafone are selling them outright, or buy one from Telstra and pay $150*.

Easy done.

*Need to find a Telstra Shop or dealer willing to sell you one without a contract.

[Nath]

You can't?

Buy one from Optus and pay $80, I don't think Vodafone are selling them outright, or buy one from Telstra and pay $150*.

Easy done.

*Need to find a Telstra Shop or dealer willing to sell you one without a contract.

Nope... Optus no longer selling PrePaid or outright.

[padfoot]

What?
Since when?

I imagine stocks are low so they might have run out... But stopped completely?
Pre paid iPhones are still listed on their website... I'm sure they are.

*goes off to check*

Edit: They are still there, I found them here.

I'd say they are just out of stock and won't be getting any for a while.

[Jonchilds]

Yes, but I feel Three would still rather tell a customer to go get f**ked than give them something they agreed to when accepting a contract.

Not in a hurry to go back, even with better coverage.