Best Broadband Plans From Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile launched on the Australian market in 2000 and offers mobile phone and mobile broadband plans. By operating over the Optus 3G network, Virgin Mobile can reach 97% of the Australian population. As a brand, Virgin Mobile focuses on fair prices and good service. This strategy appears to have paid off as Virgin Mobile regularly tops customer satisfaction polls.

Virgin has been operating in Australia since 2000, when Virgin Mobile UK and Optus began Virgin Mobile Australia as a 50:50 joint venture. Virgin Mobile Australia was Australia's first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means Virgin uses another network's towers, in this case Optus.

Optus bought Virgin Mobile UK's share out in 2006 and Virgin Mobile Australia became a subsidiary of Optus. Optus has a 15-year lease to use the Virgin Mobile name in Australia.

Virgin Mobile has one million Australian customers.


Pros

•    Uses the Optus mobile network which offers coverage to 97% of the population
•    High levels of customer satisfaction
•    Free dongle on 12-month contracts

Cons

•    Coverage is not as comprehensive as Telstra

Popular plans

Virgin Mobile's best-selling plan is the 12GB for $39 a month plan, on a 12-month contract. A free USB or Wi-Fi modem is included on this plan but if you prefer not to go on a contract, you can choose a month-to-month option instead and bring your own modem. MicroSIMs are available for iPad users.

Availability

Virgin Mobile uses the Optus network, which covers 97% of Australia.