Optus offers free-data streaming for Netflix, Presto, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Google Play Music

Earphones are seen on top of a smart phone with a Spotify logo on it, in Zenica February 20, 2014. Reuters/Dado Ruvic

Optus is offering customers data-free Internet streaming. Australia’s second biggest telco has announced the expansion of its mobile entertainment offering, adding options for eligible postpaid customers data-free Netflix, Presto, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Spotify apps streaming.

On Wednesday, the NSW-based company said the data-free TV, movies and music streaming are now available on selected plans. Customers can use the apps without tapping into their monthly data allowance.

“Our customers tell us they want the freedom to watch the latest TV show or listen to their favourite band on the go. But we know that fear of using too much data is the biggest obstacle to making mobile streaming part of their daily entertainment habits,” Tim Cowan, head of Mobile Marketing, said.

“A customer who watches an hour of video content every day can use more than 10 gigs of a data a month. With Optus’ data-free Mobile TV streaming, customers can now stream to their heart’s content without the worry of what it means for their next bill.”

Not all plans are eligible for data-free streaming, though. Some plans need an additional $10 per month to receive free streaming. Not all apps are also included in Optus’ free streaming package. For mobile TV streaming, only Netflix and Presto apps are included. For music, Optus only allows Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Spotify. Customers need to be subscribed to the apps first before they can use the free-data streaming.

Here are the list of postpaid mobile phone and mobile broadband plans that include the free mobile TV streaming: