> I'm currently paying $10/mo for a CDMA handset that probably makes
> less than 10 minutes worth of calls a year. Are there any cheaper
> plans available from resellers, perhaps even a "calls only" plan?
Yep, southern cross for starters.
http://www.sctelco.com.au/MobilePricing.htm
doesnt cost even a cent to change to them with cdma.
> I recall one mentioned here a few months ago, but when
> I rang their sales number I was told all of the sales guys
> were out to lunch, and could I call back later. *boink*
> I'm also interested in a Telstra GSM network SIM as backup,
> I sometimes travel into areas where the Optus coverage is a
> little patchy. Again paying $10/mo for a SIM that is possibly
> not going to be used *at all* during the year is not worth it. :)
Southern Cross can supply a telstra GSM sim too. $30 up front
charge for the sim itself, but you just pay for the calls you make.