We think our Pre-Paid Bean Counter $25 recharge is awesome.

But then, we would, wouldn't we? So don't take our word for ... see for yourself.

Other companies try to talk up 'CAP pre-paid', but as you'll see below, those CAP dollars are going to be chewed up pretty darn fast with the rates you'll be paying.

PRE-PAID
RECHARGE		 CALL RATE
(PER MIN)		 TEXT FLAGFALL EXPIRY VOICEMAIL WHAT ELSE?
Virgin Mobile Bean Counter $25 10c* 10c 25c 45 days FREE in Oz to receive & retrieve Simple! Call and standard text rates available 24/7.
Vodafone Pre-Paid Jumbo Cap $29 78c 25c 29c 30 days 29c flagfall+ 78c/min to receive & retrieve via text alert, Free via ring alert Some plans / options include limited free minutes / texts, discounted flat rate calls to other Vodafone numbers and / or bonus Cap credit.
Optus Pre-Paid Turbocharge Cap $30 78c 25c 29c 30 days Free to receive, 40c/min to retrieve Some plans / options include free limited minutes and texts, limited free minutes to nominated Optus numbers and / or bonus Turbo credit.
Telstra Pre-Paid $30 77c 25c 27c 60 days 12c/min to receive, 27c + 50c/min to retrieve Some plans / options include $1 for 5 min calls to any number, free calls and texts to nominated Telstra numbers, blocks of discounted texts that can be pre-purchased, 1c texts to other Telstra prepaid numbers, CAPs and credits for received calls.

Note to Self: * Billed per 30 seconds with a 25c flagfall. Rate applies to standard calls/text/photos in Oz. MMS messages cost 60c per message. 45 day expiry starts from the first call/text/photo on each recharge.

Competitor offers correct as at 02 June 2008, source: Optus, Telstra and Vodafone Australian web sites. Competitor plans may include bonus elements, cap credit and other features not noted here (including different credit expiry periods), and other plans may be available from these and other providers offering different rates and benefits.