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E.Tel

E.Tel

 Verified
E.Tel
4.6

386 reviews

Positive vs Negative
83%17%
Plan Type
  • Pre-Paid Sim Only
  •  · 
  • Post-Paid Sim Only
  •  · 
  • Post-Paid with Phone
Customer Service
4.0
Value for Money
4.1
Local Reception
4.3
Transparency ?
3.8

 AI reviews summary 

The overall sentiment for E.Tel Mobile is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently highlighting the provider's exceptional customer service and value-for-money plans. Long-term customers and seniors particularly appreciate the affordable, low-data options and the ability to speak with "real people" in the support team. While a small number of users reported billing discrepancies and security concerns regarding ID verification, the majority of feedback focuses on efficient problem resolution and reliable network coverage.

Pros
Exceptional Customer Support: Staff members (frequently named, such as Janine, Christina, and Daisy) are praised for being professional, patient, and resolving issues like eSIM activation and roaming swiftly.
Affordable Pricing: The provider is highly regarded for offering competitive, low-cost plans that suit budget-conscious users and seniors who do not require large data allowances.
Reliable Network Coverage: Users report consistent signal strength and data speeds, noting the reliability of the Optus network even in regional or remote areas.
Efficient Communication: Phone calls are often answered immediately with minimal wait times, and email enquiries receive prompt, helpful responses.
Cons
Security Concerns: A significant complaint involves the requirement to email unencrypted copies of sensitive identity documents (passports/licences) for service activation.
Billing and Account Management: Some users reported unexpected charges, issues with automatic data rollover fees, and difficulty receiving refunds after cancelling a service.
Port-out Difficulties: Multiple reviewers mentioned challenges when trying to leave the provider, including difficulty finding account numbers and slow response times during the porting process.
Price Increases: Some long-term users noted that initial promotional rates increased significantly after a set period, leading to dissatisfaction with the long-term value.
Verdict

E.Tel Mobile is a highly recommended choice for consumers seeking a budget-friendly telco with personalised, accessible customer service and reliable network coverage. However, prospective users should be prepared for a manual ID verification process and monitor their billing closely to avoid unexpected data or rollover charges.

386 reviews
5 Abby. L  · Smooth transaction and easily to install the eSim. It was a good experience and will buy again.
5 Loi h  · Really really easy to set up. Using only 5 clicks and it started working
5 Super D.  · Easy peasy - one less thing to worry about when preparing to travel
5 Pia  · Easy to sign on to the service. Prompt email reply. Clear information available on the website. Competitive prices.
5 Nicolas L.  · Super clear and fast setup looking forward to using my phone as soon as I arrive in Indonesia
5 Priya  · Easy check out and good price. Insstant confirmation in email. Just bought.
KathlyB
KathlyBNSW2 posts
 

We bought an eSIM from E.Tel before leaving Sydney, and followed the instructions as best we could. I activated it before leaving home, but it didn’t work when I arrived in the UK, so I sent a request for support. Their response was prompt, with some very helpful suggestions. One of those suggestions worked, and we are up and running. Good service, we are happy. Show reply

Ask the reviewer
Vanessa R
Vanessa RSA9 posts
 

AJ was super helpful in answering my questions and when my connection dropped out and I thought my chat was lost was only too happy to assist further by emailing a copy of the transcript to me for which I'll be forever grateful. Thank you! 10/10 Show details ·  1

Ask the reviewer

Reviews with attachments

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Yuyun Y.
Yuyun Y.NSW2 posts
 

After calling 0290678888 the staff really helped with an easy way by noticing the problem directly. Meanwhile my previous call to 1300383588 answered by a staff who made me really upset because without asking my problem I was only told to call the partner where I ordered the simcard and saying that the staff did not have access. It was really… Read more ·  1

confusing because I had no idea since I only know etel. So I checked my email and found both contact number. Thankfully the second one was work and handled quickly. Why did the first staff left me with no clue at all or try to identify other solution.

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Phorraya K.
Phorraya K.NSW
  Fair Incentive Verified

For last minute purchase! It is quick & easy to purchase with clear explaination what is included in this e-sim card. We choosed 7 days plan for a family with kids. We need unlimited data to share hotspot for the kids. You can get 20% discount as well. Show reply

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Lachlan
LachlanNSW7 posts
  Verified

I am under 18 and signed up for an E.Tel plan advertised as a casual "month-to-month" service with "no lock-in contract." The marketing completely omitted the word "postpaid," leading me to believe it functioned like a standard prepaid service that would simply stop working if unpaid. Because of this, I used a single-use card for a one-off… Read more

purchase.

After I stopped using and removed the SIM, E.Tel allowed a negative balance to accrue on the completely inactive service. They then sent an automated notice threatening to refer me to a debt collection agency.

When I contacted customer care to explain that I am under 18 and was entirely misled by their contradictory "no contract but postpaid" phone jargon, they initially refused to drop it. They aggressively demanded I pay a fee for the months the SIM sat unused. They only backed down and agreed to waive the charges after multiple escalations and threats to involve the TIO.

The network itself was functional for the brief time I used it, but the hidden billing structures, lack of transparent upfront disclosure, and aggressive collection threats make them impossible to recommend. Be very careful signing up for their "no lock-in" deals, because it is a rolling credit agreement that will accumulate debt behind your back if your card expires.

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Basho
BashoNSW23 posts
  Verified

Better avoid – Over a week waiting for SIM card to arrive and trying not to blame them, started process of activation and stack waiting for something that was supposed to be done on 15 minutes, according to their email. When I tried to call them, the go home at 6 PM and automated email reply informs you that you will be answered in time, 24 hours max. Will edit… Read more

this review if I ever get my SIM active because other reviews mentioning poor signal, double charge and so on. So, will add or subtract stars given now. One star forever!!! Just a month into a plan that supposedly cost $10/10GB and last 10 months, I got extra month for the same rate to compensate for them being clumsy - checked my invoice just to find the charged me $12.90?!?! It is 29% extra. For what?!?!?? Definitely do not recommend these guys

Basho
Basho   

Ten months in contract, got notified that my deal is about to change, from $10 per month for 10GB… Read more (+1 reply)

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Marc Zee
Marc ZeeWA
 

THEY KEEP LIYING ! – I’m dealing with an issue where my missed call SMS notifications aren’t working because their servers are messed up. I reported this over four weeks ago, and every time they call, they just lie and say it’s fixed, but it’s still a problem. It’s super frustrating. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this network at all.

E.Tel Mobile
E.Tel Mobile    

Hi there, We’re really sorry to hear about your… Read more

Latest follow-ups

Davo
DavoVIC36 posts
 

Great deal ,great price, best one around at the moment. Daisy helped me all the way through, answered all my questions cannot fault her. On the down side the logistics team let the side down , Daisy thought my SIM was posted on the 5th but 12 days… Read more ·  1

later it arrived it should have been 3 to 7 days very disappoined about the time frame but not Daisy fault she tried to get answers for me and did her very best. Daisy is still helping me today and I'm sure into the future if need be.

 Follow-up  · Data speed is good, coverage is good,not as good as Telstra but Telstra is a lot dearer, had to ring Daisy re my first bill ,I didn't know I had to pay one month in advance,all good so far....keep up the good work Daisy..

Iain James
Iain James4 posts
  Verified

Overall good communication with a positive end result. A few clarifications were required, understandably, but the change of phone plan went smoothly. I am very happy with E.Tel, one of the few telecommunications companies that offer discounted specials to seniors. Well done E.Tel and thank you. Show details ·  3

 Follow-up  · I am very pleased with my mobile plan with E.Tel. This plan is great value and works very well. Gives me everything I need and more! This plan uses the Optus network so reception is as per Optus. Thank you E.Tel for offering a value plan to seniors. The plan I originally had with another provider was costing $60 per month ( on special ), this plan is less than half that cost.

Alex
AlexNSW46 posts
 

WARNING: MAJOR FRAUD ISSUE! ETel DEMANDS that you EMAIL them a copy of your Driver's Licence and Passport, using unencrypted simple email! Otherwise, they say they refuse to Activate your service! This is a MAJOR security issue and scammers will… Read more

steal your details. NEVER email your licence or passport to anyone! You only find out about this fact AFTER you've paid online! Etel does not give you any other alternative, unlike other Telco's, which all allow ID verification online, without emailing anyone. When you ring them, they say they can't help you and you MUST email ID. Do not go with E-Tel, until and unless they fix this MAJOR FRAUD ISSUE!

 Follow-up  · Took a week to refund my initial subscription. They need to stop this ID-by-email nonsense. Its a scammers paradise!

E.Tel Mobile
E.Tel Mobile    

Hi Alex, thank you for sharing your concerns with… Read more (+2 replies)

Positive reviews

Pavel
PavelNSW3 posts
  Fair Incentive Verified

eSim from eTel mobile : this is review of purchase process only: it was just very easy - I found page of plans, the page shows just pertinent details, very easy to find what one needs, I found my plan ( actually 20 Gb for 30 days Japan), the pride is really cheaper than other eSim providers such as Saily or Ubigi and other ( in fact I did not find… Read more ·  1

any cheaper offer elsewhere), when paid, email was delivered immediately, including scan code which - when scanned - it just installed the eSim plan. Now it is just to get me to Japan and start to use my mobile data ( which I do not know how this works yet, but I hope - lets see, I checked the two supposed partners there, SoftBank and KDDI Japan) the coverage map of the two partners is as expected, good for Kyushu where I hope even the remote areas get some signal along the roads, lets see to that later)

DZG
DZGVIC8 posts
 

The sign of a good company is when something goes wrong. My SIM card hadn’t activated in Bali (I was looking for the ‘travel’ sim, like the pictures showed in the instructions). It was under ‘business’ in sims. Anyway, I emailed e.tel for assistance and their response was immediate. Cathy gave me easy instructions and kept in touch until… Read more ·  1

everything was activated and working. The sim was cheap and the service from Cathy was exceptional. I will definitely use this company for my next eSIM purchase.

Find out how E.Tel compares to other Mobile Phone Service Providers

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Sam
SamNSW
 

Cathy Yang did an excellent work. She answered my questions very clearly. She understood my requirement very well and provided timely help. She also provided some very useful suggestions for me. I appreciate her work. Show reply

Negative reviews

Fredbasset
FredbassetVIC12 posts
 

Cheap and nothing to complain about with the reception. Woe to you if you need to port out from Etel though. I had a bad experience trying many times/ways to obtain my Etel account number (i.e. there is a service number but not the account number in their invoice). You will encounter failure to port out with yr new telco without the account… Read more

number. Had to write many emails (they are also not very timely with their replies ) to the extent of "demanding" before Etel relented in releasing MY account number. Playing all these tactics to stall and delay. The perceived cost savings is not worth the time and effort if you ask me.

Lisa R
Lisa RVIC
 

Easy to use and you do get internet straight away, only thing I found is that internet can be patchy and also drains your phone battery really quick as constantly searching for reception/ internet. My phone would be dead around 1pm. Convenience is great but I would rather buy a local SIM card as better reception and you don’t have to worry about your phone going flat or not being able to get good service.

E.Tel Mobile
E.Tel Mobile    

Hi Lisa R! Thanks so much for sharing your… Read more

TerryK
TerryK2 posts
 

Be very very of Etel. If you go over the allocated limit for your plan you will be charged $5 a g/b. I had a day where my phone used 8gb work little use. I called them to ask what on my phone is using the data when when I'm sleeping and they said they cannot . I ended up turning off my mobile data and was still using data. Show details

E.Tel Mobile
E.Tel Mobile    

Hi TerryK! Thanks so much for sharing your… Read more (+1 reply)

Recent reviews

Young
Young
 

so far very good experience. New sim card for my parents. called customer line twice , both was dealt professional and promotly. waiting less then 5 mins to be connect to team member . Cathy the customer car team member who helped me slove my question on the spot . Thank you Show reply

Travelbug
TravelbugNSW5 posts
 

The purchase and install of my Esim from E.Tel was easy and the minor problem I had was immediately dealt with by Cathy who was friendly and patient. Highly recommend. Show reply

Dave B.
Dave B.
 

Super easy to set up esim. I have not actually used it yet but am confident. I had a query about accidentally activating the esim before I went away. This query was resolved incredibly quick and no issues at all. Daisy was a great help. Fingers crossed the trip is seamless Show details ·  1

Yvie
YvieVIC
 

Your customer relations representative, Daisy Borrero, was extremely helpful and knowedgeable. She managed to solve all the problems I had encountered and was compassionate about the passing of my husband. I am grateful to her for her efforts on my behalf today. Show reply

Sandy
Sandy
  Verified

I was having difficulties setting up the ESim but once Daisy contacted me through email the process to fixing my problems was made very easy. Daisy was patient with me and her step by step instructions were very easy to follow. She was prompt, professional and kind. Thank you Daisy you’re a star!!! ⭐️ Show reply

Find out how E.Tel compares to other Mobile Phone Service Providers

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Hewa
Hewa
 

I joined the Ethel family recently . It was an. amazing experience for me to work with Ethel team.I congratulate Daisy in your team for the initiative. Wimal wijeratne Show reply

bo Yi chen
bo Yi chenVIC
  Fair Incentive

Cathy offer a great customer service to help me signed up me new account. Showing the professional/enthusiastically/sincerely menner to me. Very appreciate it for her. Well done Cath! Show reply

Clint
ClintVIC
 

I've just recently switched to E-Tel due to their very competitive pricing structure. It's early days, but I've been impressed with their customer service so far. AJ in particular was very helpful with sorting out a couple of transfer and set-up issues. Show reply

Timothy R
Timothy RVIC4 posts
  Verified

Had an issue with activating eSIM at first. Definitely activate on a reliable wifi network first prior to travel. We were promptly helped by AJ who seamlessly diagnosed the problem and had us sorted within a couple of emails. Kudos to AJ and E.Tel for a great product and excellent support. Show details ·  1

Amardeep M.
Amardeep M.
 

Just bought eSIM for my Travel to Indonesia. Compared other providers as well, ETel found to be best, easy buying options, eSIM sent instantly on my email, already recommended to friends going on Trip with me.. Show reply

James E.
James E.VIC
  Verified

I accepted the generous offer from E.Tel via VIC Seniors newsletter to take up a mobile phone subscription, and I needed help with sign on issues and obtaining account information. I had been with Telstra for many years. Daisy at Customer Service was a wonderful help and stayed with me right through the process with prompt replies and timely advice, over several days. Thank you so much Daisy!! I highly recommend E.Tel to all as a result. Show details ·  1

Hong ling
Hong ling
 

Cathy Yang from Etel was exceptional with assisting with my enquires especially with the responsiveness over the duration along with the entire Etel team. I can't recommended her enough, if you have any questions you'd assured to have it answered. Recommended 100% Show reply

MARTYN COLLETT
MARTYN COLLETTNSW
 

I called etel today for help in changing the settings on my phone after returning from holiday were I had been using a travel esim. On my return I was not able to reestablish my etel package. Daisy assisted me and resolved the issue very quickly to my complete satisfaction. I was able to sned her an image of my phone and from that she advised me… Read more ·  1

what to do. The phone is now working perfectly and I was extremely please with the service that daisy provided me. A very satisfactory outcome.

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