As a senior Aussie or pensioner trying to find the best internet connection that matches your needs, you must check a few plans before deciding on the right one. Internet services are an absolute must, whether you want to watch entertainment or send messages to your loved ones. However, navigating all the features and available plans can seem a little daunting.
Optus provides an incredible selection of NBN plans that suit senior citizens. The provider has something to offer for everyone, no matter if you have a large household or only light internet requirements.
So, what are the best Optus plans for seniors, and what are their features? Here are the main plans for pensioners you might want to consider.
What’s in this Guide?
What are the Best Optus Plans for Seniors?
If you’re a senior Aussie with light internet use requirements, you may not require a connection with plenty of features, so searching for low-speed, uncomplicated Optus plans is a good option. The great news is that the Optus network includes a low-speed NBN internet option that offers suitable download speeds, meaning you can use plans that match infrequent internet use. They are ideal if you don’t require high-speed access to data.
Alternatively, if you rely on the internet heavily or have a large family, you may require a high-speed internet connection that your friends and family can use. In that case, Optus provides several additional plans you may consider. Here is more information on Optus’s low-speed NBN plans and their alternative, mid- and high-speed options.
Optus Plans with Low Speeds for Senior Internet Users
The low-speed Optus NBN plan is ideal for basic internet activity and works well if your household has one or two people. This is one of the plans for seniors, which requires you to have a BYO (bring your own) modem.
Although this internet plan’s typical busy period speeds can slow down, it still provides a reliable service for light internet use. This service allows you to browse the internet and send emails. However, since this plan is designed for lower-speed internet connections, you may not find it easy to stream movies in HD quality or complete fast downloads. In that case, you will probably need to look at Optus’s mid-range or high-speed tier plans.
Unlimited data perks apply to this low-speed plan, so you won’t have to pay extra to use more data even when you reach the data limit.
Optus Plans with Lower-Mid-Range Speeds for Senior Internet Users
If you select Optus’s lower-mid-range NBN internet plan, you have a wider scope of internet use. This plan enables you to stream high-quality movies. This is ideal if you enjoy frequent visits from your family since you can watch entertainment in your home without issues.
This plan is perfect if your household has three or four people. As with most plans, this option’s typical busy speeds fluctuate between 7pm and 11pm. However, it is still a faster option than Optus’s low-speed NBN tier.
Optus Plans with Mid-Range Speeds for Senior Internet Users
A couple of Optus NBN plans have mid-ranging speeds for senior internet users. With the first of these plans, Optus takes things up a gear and provides a wider range of internet use perks. Select this mid-ranging speed tier to stream entertainment in 4K quality. This option means you and your family can view entertainment via the internet in a display resolution of 4,000 pixels.
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While you may not require the internet to work from home as a senior citizen, the mid-range plan makes this possible if you have family members staying with you who need to do this. It provides a reliable internet connection and speed that simplifies sending files. Optus’s mid-range speed tiers are also suitable if you ever need to download large files.
This plan is perfect if your home has five or more people. It might not be suitable if your home has less than five internet users, so consider saving your dollars and selecting a lower speed tier in this case.
Optus’s second mid-range speed tier allows you to receive even greater download speeds suited to streaming entertainment. Specifically, you can view entertainment in 4K and 8K quality display resolutions, or 4,000 and 8,000 pixels. The download capacity is also faster than the first mid-range speed tier, allowing family members to play online games.
This second mid-range NBN tier is a great match if you have several family members living with you, as it works for homes with more than five people. Unlimited data perks also apply to these mid-range speed tiers.
Optus Plans with High Speeds for Senior Internet Users
If you’re ever in need of greater internet speeds, we recommend spending a little extra to receive the highest NBN plans from the Optus network. The great thing about these high-speed internet plans is the option to stream entertainment in 4K and 8K quality without spending extra on data if you run out at the end of the month. This option is possible due to the unlimited data allowance, which applies to every Optus NBN plan.
Although Optus’s high-speed plans cost the most, they match your requirements if you are a senior citizen living with your children; these plans are perfect for homes with multiple users.
They offer incredible download and upload speeds, making sending and receiving data through the internet seamless. You’ll also receive several inclusions with these high-speed plans, such as the Optus Ultra WiFi modem. If you select the Family Entertainment NBN plan, you even have the option to receive the Optus Ultra WiFi booster.
Mobile Phone Plans and Budget Phones from Optus
Mobile plans are an additional option with Optus, similar to other providers such as the Telstra network or Southern Phone. You can select SIM-only plan options that offer unlimited standard national calls and unlimited calls as international options from Australia to up to 35 destinations. This perk means you can make international calls to selected countries, which is ideal if you are a senior citizen with family living overseas and need to contact them frequently.
In terms of mobile data, you will never have to pay excess data charges. Optus will slow your speed for your mobile plan and data if you reach your data allowance limit, but they will not restrict your access. This option includes cheap mobile plans, so check the website for more information.
With the SIM-only plans, you also receive a no-lock-in contract. No lock-in contracts mean you are not bound to specific contract terms with Optus. You will be free to explore other products and services according to your requirements and change your phone plan whenever you choose. Optus will provide free SIM delivery with express options for some plans; check their website to learn more about this.
Prepaid plans are also an option via the Optus network. With a prepaid mobile plan from Optus, you can recharge or pay money in advance to access plenty of data benefits. Again, it’s worth consulting the Optus website for more details about these prepaid phone plans. Prepaid plans are also no lock-in contract options, allowing you to consider and choose another mobile service without adhering to a strict contract.
Optus provides various options if you are also looking for your own phone. Some examples include Samsung Galaxy devices and Motorola phones.
Home Phone Call Options with Optus Network
Aussie seniors looking for home phone services with versatile call options with their NBN connection can receive this with Optus network; it gives you access to plenty of features. As well as a call display option, you can access voicemail and three-way call features.
The Optus call display feature enables the person you call to view your phone number on their device if it is compatible with this feature. With Optus voicemail, you can receive voice recordings from your callers. This feature ensures your contacts can reach you whether you answer your telephone.
If you need to arrange a three-way call, the Optus network facilitates this. It allows you to put your first contact on hold and then call the second contact to converse with all participating parties.
Mobile Broadband from Optus Network
Plenty of mobile broadband services are also available from the Optus network. As well as their data plans that work with SIM cards, you can use wireless internet services when you’re on the move. Selecting from multiple data plans and making your mobile device a WiFi hotspot is possible.
Mobile broadband modems from Optus allow you to reap the advantages of 5G network speeds. You can connect a maximum of 32 devices to these modems, meaning you can stream to each device after you set up your plan. This mobile broadband option is ideal if you are a senior citizen with multiple portable devices that require the internet.
Now, you can also sign up for a data SIM plan and insert the SIM into your iPad, tablet or laptop to use the internet when you’re out and about. Before you set up this plan, you must double-check that your device is compatible with a SIM. Optus offers 4G and 5G SIM card options; you just need to select the plan that matches your requirements, and you can use the Optus network to access the internet with portable devices.
Selecting between mobile broadband modems and data SIM plans for seniors can be tricky, but it’s always easier when you consider your requirements. You can consider whether you have several devices or just one before choosing one. For one device, you may consider a data SIM plan. For multiple devices, you may consider mobile broadband modems.
What Optus Internet Discounts Are Available for Seniors?
According to Optus, there are no specific senior discounts for citizens looking for NBN services, even if you are a senior card holder. However, Optus does offer competitive prices that are excellent value for money. A few deals are available through Optus, which you can learn more about by checking the Optus website.
Since Optus offers unlimited data with their NBN plans, you can save money even if you exceed your limit and without specific senior discounts. There are always other opportunities to save money, so it’s worth routinely checking the website to take advantage of this.
Best Optus Internet Bundles and Extras for Seniors
Several bundles and extras are available from Optus as a senior Aussie. Not only can you get access to the Optus SubHub, but you can also access the Optus Living Network as part of your NBN plan.
The Optus SubHub is a service that makes managing paid subscriptions simple. It’s a convenient option for selecting the streaming and entertainment subscriptions you and your family prefer and accessing all of them in one hub. This extra is a handy service, ensuring you never stay subscribed to a streaming service you do not use.
The simplest way to sign up to the Optus SubHub is to become an Optus customer and then navigate to the SubHub website via your My Optus application. You can access My Optus via your Android or iPhone. Once you have signed up, you can add a range of services to your subscription list. You can use the service as a user of Optus’s postpaid plans but not as a prepaid customer. Continue reading to find the specific services you can add to your SubHub account.
The Optus Living Network includes easy-to-use tools that simplify using and monitoring your home internet. This extra allows you to pause your WiFi connection and check your network connection’s status by looking at your Network Pulse dashboard. Some statuses you can view include your download speeds, network coverage and packet loss. This feature is suitable for senior citizens who require easy solutions to check their connection history, plus Optus mobile tower statuses.
How to Select the Best NBN Plans as a Senior Internet User
Every NBN plan available with Optus suits specific households and needs, meaning you must consider your requirements before selecting a plan. You might begin by considering whether your household has a large or small number of residents. You can then consider the specific requirements of each member and whether you have light or significant internet use each month.
Other factors are important when selecting the best NBN plans for a senior internet user. For example, you may want to consider the inclusions and extras of your NBN connection. You may also want to consider your budget and the one-off deals that help you save money with specific plans.
It’s also important to consider whether the inclusions match your specific technology or hardware needs to ensure these inclusions offer the services you require. If you need a WiFi booster, this might limit the specific NBN plans you can select because some Optus plans do not include one. The same is true if you are looking for security services for your internet connection, so it’s important to check and review Optus to learn more about each plan’s features and inclusions.
Watch Movies and Sports with Optus
If streaming entertainment appeals to you as a senior Aussie, or you have family that enjoys watching shows and movies online, some music to your ears might be that you can receive your favourite Sports and movies via Optus. For sporting coverage, you have Optus Sport, and for other streaming services, you can use Optus SubHub to manage – all included in specific Optus plans.
Optus Sport
Optus Sport accounts are free to arrange and require you to set them up using a few details. You will need an email address to set up a password, verify your Australian mobile phone number by entering an SMS code and enter some basic personal details.
Sports lovers can watch a huge range of content for free on Optus Sport, including highlights of the most entertaining La Liga football matches, Premier League content, and the most current football news.
Streaming Services with Optus SubHub
If you prefer streaming shows and movies, accessing multiple subscription services via Optus SubHub is possible. You must pay for these services, but they will keep you entertained for months. Here are a few examples of subscription services available with the month-to-month plans for Optus SubHub.
BINGE
With BINGE services, you and your family can access movies, television shows and plenty of entertainment, all without a TV package subscription. Several plans are available with BINGE, and you may meet the eligibility criteria to receive services for a discounted price. Make sure you check BINGE to learn more about any deals and trials they may offer.
BritBox
From the most classic shows from the United Kingdom to some of the country’s newer entertainment, BritBox services provide UK television programs to your home screen. This streaming service gathers the best of the shows from the BBC and ITV, such as documentaries, crime, classics such as Doctor Who, period dramas and plenty more.
Amazon Prime Video
The popular Amazon Prime Video streaming service offers a vast range of movies and TV series you can enjoy from your living room with your family. It is available as an Optus SubHub streaming option and includes several other Amazon services, such as Kindle Unlimited.
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Netflix
Optus users who select specific plans can access Netflix services, an entertainment streaming service offering new weekly series, plus movies, documentaries and anime. When you sign up to Optus SubHub, you can even get deals occasionally to help you save money with Netflix. Check the Optus SubHub website for more about the available up-to-date deals.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is home to plenty of entertaining movies, television shows and series, from classic movies like Grease and Austin Powers to films such as The Godfather and Forest Gump. Some of the television shows available with Paramount+ include The Big Bang Theory. It is just one of the streaming services with the most types of entertainment you can add to the Optus SubHub.
Which Optus Internet Plan is Best for You?
If you enjoy streaming 8K quality entertainment or have family members who require the highest resolution for quality viewing, you might want to consider Optus’s highest speed tiers. If you simply need to browse the internet or send emails as a senior citizen, the lowest speed tiers are excellent options that may suit your needs.
You might want access to mid-range speed broadband if you have between three and four people in your household. In that case, Optus Network has the mid-range speed broadband services you need. These plans are reliable, affordable and convenient NBN connections that match moderate internet use and still allow you to stream entertainment.
Looking for an Alternative NBN Provider? Consider these Options
If you are looking for an alternative NBN provider, there are a few options you may consider. Southern Phone’s plans are one viable option offering mobile solutions and broadband plans for seniors. They provide a seniors bundle with home phone plans, internet connections, and mobiles with comfort base stations and emergency bracelets.
Moose Mobile is another low-cost NBN provider that may suit your internet requirements as a senior citizen with few household members. They offer a slow-speed internet option with unlimited data and a satisfaction guarantee. Senior Aussies have commended Moose Mobile’s services for senior citizens, their customer service and the simplicity of using Moose Mobile’s NBN service.
Optus Plans for Seniors FAQs
Do you need more information about Optus plans for seniors? We have the frequently asked questions and in-depth answers that will answer your query below.
To switch from one NBN provider to the Optus network, begin by looking at their NBN plans. You should select a plan that matches your requirements and then request a transfer via Optus’s professionals. Optus will make the transfer for you, and once it is running, the connection to your old provider will disconnect.
You won’t need to change your phone number if you switch to Optus from another provider. It’s possible to transfer this by visiting an Optus store or contacting Optus’s professionals over the phone. Optus advises that you should not cancel your service number until after the transfer.
A lock-in contract is a type of contract that prevents internet users from switching providers during a specific timeframe unless they pay a fee. These contracts featured “fixed term” arrangements and were frequently used by telecommunications services. Most telecommunications services like Optus now offer no lock-in contracts, which allow you to explore other services.
Switching NBN plans generally takes between one and three working days. However, some factors can affect the time this takes. For example, your location and the type of NBN technology you want to use can increase the time to make the switch.
A few main NBN technology types are available. Some include fibre to the premises, hybrid fibre coaxial, fibre to the building, fibre to the curb and fibre to the node. Some technology types perform better than others but are less common, like fibre to the premises. Others are common but use older technology, such as hybrid fibre coaxial.