As we all know, Kogan Mobile is no longer – leaving users to flee to other MVNOs in order to chase good value. As a result of the fallout, I moved my data service over to ALDImobile.
Today, I noticed a new banner underneath the login prompt of their website which alerts users to a new Acceptable Use Policy (AUP):
ALDImobile has been completely transparent about their AUP – the new AUP can be seen here (local mirror) and the old AUP can be seen here (local mirror).
Main Differences
Their new AUP reads much more like the one that Kogan Mobile had prior to their demise. While previously not explicitly codified – firm usage limits now apply, many of which apply on a rolling 30 day period.
Data usage
- More than 1Gb of download/upload in a day constitutes a severe breach.
- On three consecutive days, perform more than 400Mb of downloads/uploads in a day.
- Perform more than 400Mb of download/uploads three times in 30 days on a 2Gb data bolt on.
Phone/SMS service
- Over 30 days, make more than 2,500 minutes of voice calls, send more than 2,000 SMS or send more than 500 MMS.
- Severe breach if in one day, you make more than 480 minutes of voice calls, send more than 500 SMS or more than 100MMS.
- Or over three consecutive days, you make more than 300 minutes of voice calls per day, or send more than 300 SMS per day.
If you breach the policy, you may (but they are not obliged to) be warned, have access removed, suspended or terminated. In case of suspension, all credit will be forfeited.
The new AUP applies immediately to those which are activated after the 14th September – and all services where recharges are made after the 14th September or 21 days after you are notified by e-mail or SMS.
Opinion
I can’t say I didn’t expect for things to change – after all, it’s probably a deal that’s just too good. Unfortunately, with the new limitations, they are more like Kogan Mobile was and it won’t suit everyone. Light users don’t need to worry – but people who have nothing to do all day or stay on the phone with their partners all day may find themselves exceeding the limits of their “unlimited” service.
I think they may be opening themselves up to the “unlimited” dilemma – the word implies “without limit”, although in this case, if one digs into the AUP, the limits are clearly stated.
They make the allegation that this is necessary to protect the network and keep costs low and fair. I think this is a clear indication that Telstra’s network might not be able to perform adequately under the strain – or that Telstra’s afraid of losing too much to a MVNO.
Maybe Boost will be the only Telstra “reseller” (they’re run by Telstra) to be unscathed – over the past week, I’ve found the service to slow slightly and in the evenings and in the mornings, I’ve seen congestion. It’s still better than the rivals, but I’m not ready to step up to a “bigger” more expensive plan just yet …
