Telstra Offers Extra Credit & Download Data As Telcos Start iPhone 6 War Early
Telcos are riding on the expected consumer frenzy created by the Wednesday launch of Apple's iPhone 6. Telstra is enticing smartphone enthusiast to buy the flagship device from it and get extra credit and download data.
The Telstra offer applies to both existing subscribers and new customers who would receive either 1 gigabyte of extra download data or $1,000 in phone calls monthly if they sign up or trade in their old phones after Sept 16.
John Chambers, mobile executive director of Telstra, said the offer is for 24-month plans that are at least $70 monthly.
Customers of SingTel-Optus or Vodafone Australia whose phone contracts are current could avail of a $200 credit to cover breaking out cost ahead of their contract. Besides the credit, they could also trade in their existing phone for up to $250 on the condition that it is in good condition.
Optus started the iPhone 6 war by offering the credit and trade-in deal on Sunday, Vodafone and Telstra immediately matched with counter offers and neutralize Optus' advantage.
When purchased on contract, the iPhone 6 costs $299 for the 64GB in the US, while the recommended retail price in Australia is AU$999.
Analysts said the iPhone 6 offers in Australia are good marketing strategies since it would get the telcos new customers and income without reducing their profits. In the case of Telstra, the iPhone 6 is expected to earn the firm $500 million more in revenue for the financial year 2015.
With the advanced features of the much-anticipated iPhone 6, millions of the Apple flagship are expected to be sold in the coming weeks. This, in turn, would translate into higher demand for data as phone owners enjoy its cutting-edge technology.