Optus announced today it will launch two Android-powered tablet devices in the lead up to Christmas. The widely anticipated Samsung GALAXY Tab will be available through Optus channels this week on a range of Post-paid mobile broadband plans. Optus will also launch an entry level tablet, the Optus My Tab from manufacturer ZTE, available mid-December for just $279 on Pre-Paid.
These two new products build on Optus' leadership in the Australian tablet market, coming after the successful launch of the first Android tablet in Australia, the Dell Streak in October.
Compelling plans to suit everyone
The much lauded Samsung GALAXY Tab will be available in limited Optus channels from 10 November on a range of postpaid plans, including $0 upfront on a $59.95 cap plan (minimum total cost $1,438.80 over 24 months)*, which includes $800 worth of data^ - equating to 10GB on-peak or 20GB off-peak - as well as unlimited access to popular social networking sites and webmail†.
The GALAXY Tab will also be available to Optus small and medium business customers on the $55 business class mobile broadband plan (minimum spend of $1,340.00 over 24 months), which includes 2GB of data, accelerated web browsing** and access to 24/7 IT certified business technical support specialists.
This announcement builds on the very successful partnership that Optus has enjoyed with Samsung in 2010 - including the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S Android smartphone in June and the more recent launch of the Windows Phone 7 powered Samsung Omnia 7.
For customers looking for an entry-level tablet device, the Optus My Tab will be available on Pre-Paid from mid-December, and will retail for just $279, including up to 3GB of on Pre-Paid data^ and unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace within Australia†. The Optus My Tab will also be available on Post-Paid plans, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
The Optus My Tab is a high-spec entry level tablet which provides the Android Tablet experience at an affordable price. Shipping with Android 2.1 and equipped with a 3MP camera, 7 inch screen, upgradable memory (2GB MicroSD included) and WiFi compatibility. Weighing in at just over 400g, the Optus My Tab is the perfect product for those looking for an affordable way to access multimedia and stay connected.
Coinciding with the launch of these two exciting tablets, Optus has overhauled its Post-Paid mobile broadband plans with the tablet user in mind. Including significantly more on and off-peak data, as well as the inclusion of unlimited access to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, data-snacking and surfing on the go has never been more affordable.
Michael Smith, Managing Director of Optus Consumer said, "The tablet market has well and truly exploded. Offering these two devices to our existing device range gives our customers the option to choose the device, pricing structure and contract length that best suits their needs.
"Optus has consistently brought cutting edge products to our customers, and this new category of device truly pushes the boundaries for what is possible in a mobile internet device. Both the Samsung GALAXY Tab and the Optus My Tab will allow Optus customers to experience The Optus Open Network's high performance mobile broadband network and stay connected to the content and people that are important to them at all times," Mr Smith said.
New way to enjoy content on the go
Optus today also confirmed that in a partnership with News Limited, all consumer customers purchasing a Samsung GALAXY Tab on a 12 or 24 month contract will be given free access to The Australian newspaper's Android application (valued at $8.99 per month) for the length of their contract. Specifically designed for the GALAXY Tab, the app will give Optus customers instant on the go access to The Australian's world class news and analysis, vibrant photography, page-by-page and sectional navigation and fully integrated advertising.
Austin R. Bryan, Director of Optus Digital Media said, "Tablets are devices which thrive on rich and interactive content. Our partnership with News Limited gives eligible customers access to great Australian content while also demonstrating how to get the most out of this new and exciting device."
Media contacts:
James Wright
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7565
Optus Media Hotline: (02) 8082 7850
| 'Data Cap Plus' | Monthly Handset Repayment | Price | Data included (depends if on / off peak) | Data Value (4c per MB peak, 8C per MB offpeak) | Min Cost | Plan Length | Unmetered Sites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Cap Plus $29.95 | $30 | $29.95 | 4 - 8GB | $320 | $1438.8 | 24 Months | Facebook Optus Zoo Webmail MySpace Australian App |
| Data Cap Plus $39.95 | $15 | $39.95 | 8 - 16GB | $640 | $1318.8 | ||
| Data Cap Plus $59.95 | $0 | $59.95 | 10 - 20GB | $800 | $1438.8 | ||
| Data Cap Plus $79.95 | $0 | $79.95 | 16 - 32GB | $1,280 | $1918.8 |
* For full plan details, please refer to www.optus.com.au
^ Data Usage is counted in 10MB increments and includes uploads and downloads
+ Unlimited Facebook®, Twitter®, MySpace™ Offer includes unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace on Optus Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband within Australia only and is available for the validity of your starter kit and/or recharge voucher. Facebook® is a registered trade mark of Facebook Inc. Twitter® and the Twitter logo are registered trademarks of Twitter Inc. Use of the Facebook SMS alert service or any other social media alert service are not included as part of the service and will be charged separately. Subject to Optus Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Offer is subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
** Web acceleration is not available for non-HTTP content (such as VPNs and HTTPS websites). Web acceleration is available for HTTP web pages popularly viewed by Business Mobile Broadband customers.
The Australian App ('App') is available to customers free of charge who purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab device from Optus on a 12 or 24 month "Data Cap Plus" plan ('Plan'). The App is available during the term of the Plan only. If you cancel your Plan, access to the App will also be terminated. The App's content is un-metered on your Data Cap Plus plan when you access it within Australia. Some web pages may not display full content due to restrictions on accessing 3rd party content. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. When roaming, your use of the App will be charged at the applicable international roaming rate. Upon first use of the App, you will be required to enter into user terms between you and News Limited governing your ongoing use of the App ('App Terms'). If you do not accept the App Terms you will not be able to access the App. Singtel Optus Pty Limited or any of its related companies are not a party to the App terms.