Telephone
Until recently Telstra was the main phone provider in Australia. Now there are many companies offering a range of 'phone plans' and prices. We have only listed Telstra prices here, but it may be a good idea to shop around to compare prices and conditions. You can call Telstra on 132200 (International prefix: +61 7) to arrange connection - they usually take a day or so. Other companies may take longer
Connection
- $59 fee if the phone line exists and phone handset is at the property (this will apply to most properties)
- $299 connection/reconnection of phone line and $30.80 for handset - called a provisioning fee.
Call charges
- From a home phone, local calls range from 18c to 30c per call (unlimited time), from public phones calls cost 40c
- STD (long distance) & ISD (international) calls vary considerably from company to company. It may be worth checking with other students from your home country to see if they know of the best deal, or check the Yellow Pages of the Brisbane Telephone Directory under 'Telephone Services - Long Distances'.
- Telstra have a variety of 'plans' available that may provide you with a saving on your bill. For more information call 132200 or visit www.telstra.com
Other charges and billing
- Monthly rental of the phone line is around $20 per month for a standard plan and $3 per month for the handset.
- Bills will be posted to you on a monthly basis. They will itemise STD & ISD calls and will include information about how to pay them.
Electricity
In 2007 the supply of electricity in Queensland was deregulated, meaning that we now have a choice about which electricity retailer we use. Retailers available to people living near The University of Queensland are:
Gas - 131 253 for mains connection, 132 462 for cylinders or LPG
- Gas supplied via underground pipes (mains connection) is available in some areas of Brisbane. Other areas can be serviced using LP Gas cylinders.
- Telephone or internet application, $80 security bond for mains connection. Bills will be posted to you and will include information about how to pay them.
- There is no bond for cylinders, but they attract an annual rental charge - negotiate payment of this with your agent/landlord.
- For more details visit www.energex.com.au for mains or www.originenergy.com.au for cylinders.
Disclaimer
The information and contacts provided by UQ Accommodation Services are to assist you in your search for accommodation and provide you with details of the services you may require. The information provided is compiled in good faith, and is intended as a guide only. UQ may not investigate the content of any information provided and does not endorse, guarantee, warrant, or recommend the accuracy of the information or necessarily subscribe to any such opinions or recommendations. UQ Accommodation Services does not profit in any way or sponsor any of the contacts listed, they are provided solely as a convenience to you. |