Thread: Current mobile carrier quality in Darwin

Considering buying a smartphone of some sort, but I'm interested in what the status of mobile networks in Darwin is.

i.e is there any viable alternative to Telstra?

Not really sure about plans as such but I've been with Vodaphone for a about 5 years now and as always the issue in Darwin is reception but Vodaphone aren't too bad when using a 3G capable handset, generally speaking I usually always get reception but at times a little on the low side and that really is only in the odd office block or large building like RDH. Never had any issues with customer service either, not that I've had to call them that often.

Actually I was assuming voice calls was a given. I'm more interested in data quality, probably should have been more specific.

Optus have the second best network for data as things stand. Due to the Voda+3 merger, where 3 customers are moving from Telstra hardware to Voda hardware (in areas where Hutchinson don't), it's congested as shit. Realistically you don't want to go with either of them right now as it's going to be a turbulent couple of years.

i'm on Virgin, Harb, for the (admittedly small) amount of data i've used in the past few months i havent had a single issue in the CBD or palmy. no idea who's hardware they use but requests have been filled relatively quickly.

Virgin uses Optus.

Telstra
obviously have the best receiption, best speeds for internet tethering however the prices and plans really suck.

Virgin / Optus (optus have the best plans from what i saw $89.95 unlimited)
only down side with optus in Darwin is the speed, due to the link being pretty full in the NT and optus not wanting to spend any money virgin have had to stop reselling wireless broadband. (tethering speed 667 kbps down and 337 kbps upload in palmerston)

Vodafone
Worst carrier i have used in the NT, sometimes it can take 30 mins / 2 days to send a text message to people or sometimes your phone just won't work (connection error the network is busy)

Yes Korny is right, Telstra is the Best.

Check out these offers from Telstra for Smartphones: Smartphones - Telstra

Iphones: Apple iPhone 4 and Apple iPhone 3GS Pricing from Telstra

I'm glad you've unilaterally supported Korny's opinion about Telstra Raker, including the second half, good too see you have some perspective

It matches up exactly with what I already thought.

Be good if you could tell me when Telstra is planning on releasing the 850Mhz compatible version of the Samsung Galaxy S and on what plans. Because the internet doesn't seem to know.


At this point I already accept that Telstra is the premium brand, I'd just like to get more for my money.

Yes Im very unbiased on the matter however Telstra is competing strongly in the market and the value is being more evident.

I know the NextG version is coming very soon, however Im also not sure when they are releasing it. Could be in testing.

What I can say is that if you use Telstra's Next G Network, your smartphone can be used to its full potential.