Southern Phone stands out as a regional telecommunications provider in Australia, offering mobile and internet services with a focus on value for money. This guide delves into everything you need to know about Southern Phone, from its network coverage and plans to managing your account and troubleshooting common issues.
Understanding Southern Phone
Who Owns Southern Phone?
Southern Phone is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGL Energy, one of Australia’s largest energy retailers. AGL acquired Southern Phone in December 2019.
Southern Phone History
Southern Phone was originally established in 2002 by a group of regional councils with funding from the Australian Government’s Networking the Nation scheme. The aim was to extend affordable telecommunication services to underserved regional and remote communities.
Southern Phone Coverage
Southern Phone primarily utilizes the Optus mobile network, providing coverage in most populated areas and major regional centers across Australia. It’s important to note that coverage may vary depending on your specific location. Southern Phone also offers nbn™ broadband internet services in select areas, partnering with the National Broadband Network (nbn™) to deliver fixed-line internet options.
Southern Phone Services
- Southern Phone Mobile Plans: Southern Phone offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid mobile phone plans catering to different data needs and budgets. Their plans are known for being transparent and competitively priced, with inclusions clearly outlined and no lock-in contracts. Many Southern Phone mobile plans include standard national calls, texts, and some data allowances.
- nbn™ Internet: In eligible areas, Southern Phone provides nbn™ internet plans with a variety of download and upload speed tiers. These plans leverage the nbn™ network infrastructure to deliver fixed-line broadband services.
Does Southern Phone Offer International Roaming?
Southern Phone’s mobile plans typically don’t include international roaming by default. However, they may offer international roaming add-ons or packages depending on your chosen plan. It’s always best to check with Southern Phone directly for the latest information on international roaming options.
Does Southern Phone Have an App?
Currently, Southern Phone doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app for managing your account. However, you can conveniently manage most aspects of your service through their online customer portal.
Managing Your Southern Phone Service
- Southern Phone Login and Online Account: The Southern Phone online portal (https://southernphone.com.au/) serves as your central hub for managing your account. Here you can log in, view your bills, track data usage (mobile plans), manage nbn™ plan details, recharge your prepaid plan (if applicable), and even make changes to your plan if needed. Southern Phone also offers a self-service option for managing voicemail settings through the online portal.
- Southern Phone Contact: Southern Phone offers several ways to get in touch with their customer support team:
- Phone: Call Southern Phone’s customer care line on 13 22 00 (within Australia).
- Online Enquiry: Submit an online enquiry through the contact form on their website.
- Social Media: Send them a message on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.
- Southern Phone Bill Payment: You can pay your Southern Phone bill through various methods:
- Online: Pay directly through the Southern Phone online portal using a credit card or debit card.
- BPAY: Use BPAY through your online banking platform with the Southern Phone BPay biller code.
- Phone: Make a credit card payment over the phone by calling Southern Phone customer care.
Cancelling Your Southern Phone Service
If you decide to cancel your Southern Phone service, you can contact their customer support team via phone or online enquiry. Be sure to check their termination fees and any outstanding charges on your account before cancelling.
Southern Phone: A Viable Option for Regional Areas?
Southern Phone remains a prominent player in the regional telecommunications market in Australia. Their focus on affordability and value, along with their nbn™ internet offerings in select areas, make them a compelling choice for residents in regional locations. However, it’s important to consider their network coverage limitations compared to larger providers and the lack of a mobile app for account management. We recommend checking their website for coverage maps and plan details to see if Southern Phone aligns with your needs.
