By
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor
Last updated

Unlimited data

Optus today announced that mobile customers are now able to purchase a day worth of unlimited data for $5. After a customer purchases the Unlimited Data Day Add-on through the My Optus app, they will then have access to an unlimited data allowance for 24 hours.

This data runs at full Optus network speeds, and can be used via hotspot. If you were able to get an average network connection speed of 50Mbps, you could theoretically download over 500GB in your 24-hour allotment. While the data on offer is truly unlimited - Optus wouldn't stop you from downloading 500GB -, a fair use policy still applies, as with Optus' unlimited NBN plans. This applies to "unreasonable" or "unacceptable" usage, rather than pure data volume, however. 

While purchasing a $5 add-on for unlimited data doesn't seem like something you'd do on the reg, it could certainly be useful in a pinch as a backup internet option. Unlimited data makes it a lot easier to use your home as a hotspot during an NBN outage, when moving house, or to avoid paying for overpriced hotel WiFi.

The Unlimited Data Day Add-on is available to Optus customers on postpaid plans and prepaid customers on recharge worth at least $30. It can be purchased through the My Optus app. While Optus typically plans support data sharing, the unlimited data add-on cannot be shared. It can only be used in Australia.

Here's Optus' range of SIM-only plans:

Mobile Phone Plans
#1
Optus
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
  • 100GB data
  • Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
#2
Optus
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
  • 360GB data
  • Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply.
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
#3
Optus
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
  • 240GB data
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
#4
Optus
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
  • 480GB data
  • SubHub: Get up to $20/month credit to spend on subscriptions of your choice with Optus SubHub. Terms apply.
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90

And here's a selection of devices available from Optus:

Apple iPhone 18 Pro 256GB
  • 6.3 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
8 Plans from $97.30/mth
Google Pixel 10 Pro 1TB
  • 6.3 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
8 Plans from $72.30/mth
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 256GB
  • 7.6 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP
8 Plans from $113.96/mth
ZTE Nubia Focus 5G
  • 6.6 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 108MP, 2MP
8 Plans from $40/mth
Nothing Phone 3a 256GB
  • 6.77 inch display
  • Android Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.1
8 Plans from $52.56/mth
Motorola Moto G57 5G
  • 6.7 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
8 Plans from $39.66/mth
OPPO Find X5 Lite
  • 6.43 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 64MP, 8MP, 2MP
8 Plans from $58.40/mth

Optus is the last of the big three telcos to introduce an unlimited data offer. Telstra and Vodafone have both offered plans since 2018, although the implementations are entirely different. Telstra and Vodafone plans still have a primary data allowance - say 30GB - and once you exceed it, you'll be able to keep using your plan with unlimited data capped at speeds of 1.5Mbps. Optus' Unlimited Data Day Add-on offers unlimited data at full Optus network speed.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

Read full bio

Save on your phone plan

On average, WhistleOut visitors save over $160 a year when they switch telco services. Start saving now.

Compare phones and plans from the following carriers...

Latest Mobile Phone Deals
$12 for 75GB for first renewal on the UNLIMITED 42GB plan! Hurry sign up by 15 Nov!
Pay just $14/mth for the first 6mths for the Swoop 30GB 5G SIM.
50% off first 6mths when you switch to a Felix Unlimited data plan! Get unlimited data, $20!
40GB for $15/mth for first 6mths! Ultd data banking, $200 international calls & no excess data charges!
5G BYO mobile eSIM plan with data rollover. No short term discounts; 130GB data for $40/mth
Get 25GB for $11.45/mth (first 6mths) on the Vodafone 4G network