Southern Phone Mobile
Verified412 reviews
- Pre-Paid Sim Only
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- Post-Paid Sim Only
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- Post-Paid with Phone
Sudden restriction of the service without warning left me 3 days with no phone service. When i tried to contact the during this time, i couldn’t call to get it fixed although the notice said to call the number to pay the bill or resolve the issue. No help on the online chat. I finally got hold of them after 2 days and they apologised and said… Read more
there was an error and my service was not supposed to be restricted. They said they lifted the restriction and service should be on in an hr. It wasn’t restored until i contacted them again the next day and found out it wasn’t lifted at all. For 3 days of no service and huge inconvenience, they offered me $10 credit.
I have left southern phone after 2 years. Enough of the inconveniences.
We upgraded to nbn with a different company called southern phone to ask to do the transfer over as thats how it works i got through straight away to a lady and very nicely asked her what I needed she told me she is unable to do that and put me through to a line that never answered! Im still trying to get them to help!!
The worst experience to cancel my elderly mother's mobile account. 2 months and still she receives a bill. Absolutely hopeless communication, 10 minutes on hold to some call centre in another country. Piss poor effort.
Reviews with attachments
The Southern Phone service I receive is slowly becoming unusable. Having reported a fault with SP, I was informed there was nothing the liaison person could do. Over the past 12 or so months, the internet service has been degrading. With latency times sometimes exceeding 60 seconds (yup 6000ms!) and download speeds of 40kBs (yup, 40… Read more
KILObits!) And sometimes not even being able to connect, even with 4 out of 5 'bars' (98%) signal strength, it seems SP is heavily oversubscribed. With banks now pulling out of town, the reliance on internet banking is expanding, yet providers like SP don't seem to get it.
There is a direct correlation between bandwidth and data speed so when SP advertise higher speeds there should be a proportional increase of bandwidth. This, they don't appear to be doing, rather throttling users in the fond hope that their help desk staff will be able to placate the customer with statements like 'we're only here to fix faults, not supply service.' There is no one to talk to about service levels, only 'leave feedback'. This, I would think was false and misleading advertising.
After all, would you be happy with half a hamburger, at the same cost, on the premise that there were many others wanting a hamburger too? Or perhaps you can have your hamburger, but only at 3am, providing no one else wants a hamburger at this time also. I would only recommend Southern Phone to anyone who would be happy with service, at random times, for short periods at a time. If this is you, go ahead. Or you could cut out the middle man and just flush your money down the toilet. This would also give you an almost comparable level of service. Having said that, at least they're better than Telstra.
Data Balance is not showing correct and asking extra charges from customer – I had a Online Saver Medium SIM Only Plan, which 100 GB. They have provided a Portal to see the reamining balance of the data. Suddenly 23/10/2024 stop the mobile data and when I see portal on 24/10/2024 there were 7 GB left in the package. So, I contacted the Customer Service to ask why data is not working. They checked from there side and said 7… Read more
GB left and looked into that issue. So, I have switched off the mobile data that day onwards. 29/10/2024 they send me a SMS to restart the phone to have mobile data. But, I kept switched off data until the next cycle starts. After that they send me a bill with additional charges of 3 boosters and some other data charges which I have not used. 3 months back I contacted they regarding the same issue and they agreed and confirmed that they will send SMS when near to data finish, not to add boosters and disconnect the mobile data when package finish. When I contact on 24/10/2024 also they confirmed that 7 GB left, I have provided the Customer Service chat history also. They are also not getting the updated data percentage on their side as well. When I requested, their side also having the same data balance as showing to me. After raising this issue they said portal is updating after 48 hrs and they have no any issue with their side and only customer is having the issue which is really unfair. Because they have not done previousely what they agreed to do. How can customer know their data is over if Portal is not showing the correct data balance. And I have not given any permissions to add any boosters. Customer Support don't take that the issue with their system. They are really unfair.
Hi Dilan Thank you for reaching out to us in… Read more (+17 replies)
Excellent Customer Service – Very good service. I recommend it. the customer service works efficiently. Show details · 1
5G scam – I believe the 5G service is a scam. They advertise a 4G/5G Optus connection for just $19 for the first 6 months and $24 for the remaining 6 months. However, you only see 5G on the day of activation. After that, it's just 4G no matter where you are. my work phone which is also on Optus gets 5G everywhere, but my Southern Phone can't even get 5G in… Read more
the middle of the CBD. not can’t the company intentionally limit your service to 4G after few hrs from activation! Total scam!
Hi Romen, A compatible 5G device is required to… Read more
DISHONEST – I had checked on the portal my data having around 5gb left the day before. Received a text and charged 2 X 1gb @ $10ea. Thought I haven't used 5gb, checked the portal again it said 3.4gb left over @ 2.22pm. So I turned my mobile data off until 5.12pm still said 3.4gb? On there portal it says "Note that it may take up to 2 hours for your usage to… Read more
be reported." So I ring C/S to get an get overseas rep who tells me I am incorrect, that it takes longer than 2 hours, I said its written on your web site. They couldn't give a rats and told me bad luck your wrong. Also said I was sent a text @100%. the only text was your being charged. You cant track your usage? Dishonest and Sneaky $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ See pictures below. 7/3/24 I have put this in writing, I was looking for the overcharge to be refunded, all they have done is mess me around and try to call. I am not interested in talking, keep it in writing.
Hi Tony, Unfortunately, we do not offer live… Read more (+2 replies)
Latest follow-ups
STAY AWAY – I remember signing up for the starter $5 4G but when the account was created, It was placed on $20 5G which I did not request. The activation took more than 48 hours and they also charge $10 late fee! The network is very slow and patchy and the support is non existent. Show details · 2
Follow-up · This was sorted out for me and I am thankful. It's just a miscommunication.
I tried to buy an advertised sim only plan that was advertised online and when I went to sign up for it it wasn’t online at all I had to contact them, so I went for a plan that I could access to find when I wanted to purchase it, it wouldn’t except… Read more
my passport, drivers license or Medibank number, I had to contact them which I tried I was on hold for 55 mins till an overseas operator answered who I couldn’t understand, and when I did they tried to sell me another dearer plan absolutely terrible online and personal service I ended up going elsewhere and was able to sign up with them online no problems
Follow-up · I tried the app numerous times, it would not progress to purchase, the advertised price was $29 from Southern Phone this was the worst experience I’ve ever had from a app.
Hi Robyn, I am really so sorry in regards to the… Read more
It was cheap!!!! Oh, and it was nasty!! Pathetic reception and internet, but worst of all was the demand for payment I had already made!! I sent them a screenshot of the payment made when it showed up on my bill, I phoned several times and sent the… Read more
screenshot over and over and over. Eventually they agreed I did not owe this money, but guess what was on the next bill? I ended up paying just so I could take my number with me to a new provider! Oh, and I recently found out they are owned by AGL!!! It will be a cold day in Hell before I recommend them to anyone (perhaps a mortal enemy!).
Follow-up · Southern Phone contacted me in regards to my review and asked if there was anything they could do to return to them as a customer - Too little, too late
Hi Warren, I’m really sorry to hear about your… Read more (+2 replies)
Positive reviews
Joined Southern phone for NBN 100/20 with FTTP upgrade a week ago. No worries so far. Requested for a modem to Customer Service over phone after ordering NBN. Southern Phone Dispatched modem the following day and received next day. So far, experience with Southern phone is great. Show details · 2
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I've been with Southern phone twice. Have never had trouble getting a signal and the price is favourable. As I'm well outside of Melbourne, I'm very happy with the quality of the signal which uses the Optus network. When I returned to Southern phone, the online robot allocated a new account instead of reverting to the old one. Okay, no big deal.… Read more · 2
Except that when I paid a bill, I inadvertently paid into the first account. My concern was all of the complaints I've read about SP's customer service; I'd never had to talk to their staff before. I was pleasantly surprised that I got through to someone quickly. He saw immediately what happened and provided best advice after checking with another person. As I didn't have all of the necessary info with me, I had to follow up the next day. Again, the customer service phone queue was not a long wait and the person I spoke to was helpful. Everything was completed expeditiously from there.
Giving it 4 stars because of letting the old account stay live. Otherwise, it's been a good service so far. I only left briefly to take advantage of a heavily discounted trial plan with another provider.
about the service – very good customer service the time was 12.10 pm wed 18 september 2024 l forgot the gentleman's name Show reply
Negative reviews
Received an email stating I had overdue account and services would be restricted. I had paid bill over a week prior to receiving the email. Tried contact customer service and was put on hold three occasions with calls ranging from 18mins to 44mins. I still have no resolution other than realising I need to change service providers.
Tried to cancel service as it was no longer required and was asked to provide drivers licence, passport and Medicare card for proof of identification. Even though we provided all standard identification including account number, DOB, email etc.
There is no coverage West of Pt Augusta. The phone can't register to the Southern Phone network although it says its available. I think they use the Optus network that is in my experience useless in regional areas. Their online support is useless. Im going elsewhere because I am paying for and should be able to get a reliable service in most places and I can't. Show details
Hi Not happy, We’re sorry to hear about the… Read more
Recent reviews
Beawre of this company. I have no record of signing up with southern phones and they accuse you of have one. I have the proof in text form. Then they charge you for something without Proof of your Application form & then try to intimidate you by blackmail. Be aware. Try optus, telstra & vodafone. My friends did & are very happy
Hi Jasmine, I’m really sorry to hear about your… Read more (+10 replies)
I was trying to sign up for nbn and mobile plans (all transferred from existing services). Firstly, my order got duplicated and I was given two accounts with the same service orders. After reaching out to customer support, they said they'll cancel first account and leave everything under the second. Upon checking next day, it appeared that nbn… Read more
service order cancelled on both accounts, and mobile service order were split between two - device order on one and sim card on another. Upon reaching to support again I was told to re-apply for nbn service (which would create third account!) but that would mean another credit check (which is hard enquiry, not soft pull - support person was even incompetent in this part). I ended up requesting to cancel everything, and final outcome was wasted couple of hours and unnecessary hard enquiry in credit report. I should've read the reviews first before dealing with them. Very disappointing.
Hi Aydar, I'm really sorry to hear about the… Read more
I have had a mobile service from Southern Phone for many years. It has been a poor help desk for problems but cheap so I kept it. Recently something very annoying happened and hasn't been fixed for five months. My direct debit payment of my monthly bill has been rejected every month. I get a rude message and have to spend an hour on the phone each… Read more
month getting help to pay the bill. Each time they tell me it's now fixed and won't happen again. I've lodged formal complaints which they claim are now resolved. Each month I'm told it's my bank that refuses payment. But I don't pay from a bank I pay from a credit card with which I pay dozens of businesses thousands of dollars every month and Southern Phone is the only one that rejects my credit card. Yesterday I got the umpteenth rude message that my credit card has been rejected again. This is the last straw! This is impossibly unbelievably bad service.
Hi Disgruntled, I'm really sorry to hear about… Read more
Terrible. Received a text saying I owed money and when I called I had a balance of $0. Unable to access their website as my laptop say that I should not trust this website. Unable to access my account on my mobile as I’ve been locked out and they are unable to unlock it. They have no app! A phone company without an app!!!
We’re sorry for the confusion and frustration… Read more
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OMG, 5 phone calls, cut off, disconnected , no help at all, so frustrating, do not use this provider. The language barrier is too difficult for technical information. Off to find someone more relaible!!!! Show details
Good morning Kelly, Thank you for reaching out. … Read more
Southern Phone merged my accounts, but made a mistake doing it, so I was charged double for a year of bills. This took them more than 3 months, 6 phone calls, and many emails to sort out. I finally left because it was the easiest way to stop the over-billing. Show details
Hi Tyy, Thank you for taking the time to share… Read more (+3 replies)
Their website just does not work! They advertise a new plan which I tried to sign up with my passport, driver license and Medicare cards to absolute no AVAIL!!! It just simply does not work, so it is utterly useless if you want to buy their service - they dont want your business! I mean it probably already tells a lot about the quality of their… Read more
products anyway - you cannot even sign up in the very beginning imagine how bad it gets after you do! And also, yes, i did try to call 13 14 64 as well - noone has time to press 20 numbers and then wait another hour on the line to finally speak to someone who does not even speak proper English! there are plenty others to buy from! Goodbye!
Hi Rushka, We are so sorry for your experience in… Read more
My father passed away. I called to close account. I don't have paperwork. I gave phone number, name and address but they were unhelpful. Downright pathetic money grab company Show details
Hi PinaM, I’ve just responded to your other post,… Read more (+2 replies)
My father died. I closed all his utilities with no issues except southern phone they have been obnoxious in there dealings. Let them chase payment from a dead man if that's the way they are Show details
Dear PinaM, I am so sorry for your loss, and my… Read more (+2 replies)
Worst service available / Spoke to them via the phone and was told one thing / Spoke to them via the chat function and was cut off twice after verification / Nobody has time to deal with this mob. Activated the new SIM today and arranged for it to be transferred out within 2 hours later - Absolutely hopeless… Lesson learnt… Show details
Hi Ben, Thank you for reaching out to us regarding… Read more
I really wanted to sign up to a bring your own phone plan. However, the website was not good so I waited until the 8am - 6pm weekday hours to call up. Then I was On hold until I gave up. All well and good to promote you’re and Aussie company with Aus call centers but not if you don’t answer the calls. Show details
Hi Nathanial, Thank you for reaching out to us,… Read more (+2 replies)
[Name Removed] is worst rep i have spoken to, instead of trying to fix the issue he was being condescending and the issue of the payment still not resolved as to why i incurred a late payment fee of $10 when the money was in the account. I checked the history in my bank and funds was always more than the amount owed. I have disconnected due to… Read more
this action over $10 late payment fee. Learn from this as you will lose more customers. I will never return to this company.
Hello John, I am so sorry that you have faced… Read more
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Good morning, Paul, While I understand you are… Read more (+4 replies)