AUSTRALIANS IN THE DARK OVER DATA

Optus research shows 27% have no idea what their data allowance is

 It seems Aussies are in the dark when it comes to knowing just how much data they can download from the internet on their mobile phone without blowing their limit, with Optus research uncovering that 27% of us have no idea exactly what we get1.

Optus research shows 36% of people are concerned about mobile data, believing their activities will exceed their allowance, while 30% are concerned they’ll run out of data before the end of the month[1]. Clearly, Aussies need a helping hand when it comes to the topic of data.

Ben White, Vice President of Mobile Marketing at Optus said, “More and more things can be done on our phones. Phones are now a music console, a wallet, a shopping catalogue and a street directory. These things use data, and now with tools such as usage alerts and fairer pricing on excess mobile fees, people are freer to use their phones for more and more things.”

“It seems Aussies aren’t using their data allowance to its fullest and we think this is because they are scared of going over their limit. To help customers understand their data usage so they can get the most of their plan, we have provided the below guide on what you can do with one gigabyte of data.”

You can do all of this with around 1GB[2]

• Send 100 emails with attachments
• Visit 100 web pages
• Upload 50 posts or photos to social media
• Steam 90 mins of videos
• Stream 90 mins of music
• Use GPS navigation or 60mins
• Video call for 30 mins
• Download 17 apps or games

“Optus understands why some people find data allowances confusing. We want to turn around their fear about breaking data limits. At Optus we’re putting control back in the hands of customers with My Plan, which helps prevent bill shock and encourages customers to use their mobile phones with confidence,” said Mr White.

About Optus My Plan

Optus customers don’t need to worry about going over their data limits. Optus My Plan helps to eradicate bill shock and encourage customers to use their mobile phone with confidence. With Optus My Plan, if you do go over your data allowance, we simply give you more data for a fair price, usually $10 for another 1GB.

Media contact:

Dianne Edwards

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 9208

[1]This study was conducted online among a representative sample of Australians aged 18-64 years. The sample was 1,260 respondents, distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas between 26th and 28th August, 2013.

[2]The breakdown of data is approximate usage and file sizes, sourced from Optus data calculator: https://www.optus.com.au/shop/mobilephones/iphone/iphone5