best mobile phone plan : Australians are among the world’s most loyal customers — we tend to stick tightly to our service providers for things like insurance, banking, and mobile connectivity simply because “it works.
But the truth is, most of us could save a lot of money if we just took the time to switch.
When it comes to mobile plans, I’ve seen people save over $500 a year just by stepping out of that loyalty bubble and shopping around.
But what truly defines a great mobile plan? Surely, it’s not just about price.
Here are five key things you should watch for when comparing your next mobile plan.
No worries calls and texts
There are people today who weren’t even born back when we used to pay per minute for calls and got charged for every single text we sent. Back then, a busy month could easily rack up a $600 phone bill.
Thankfully, those days are long gone — but that doesn’t mean you should just settle for your current plan simply because it offers unlimited calls and texts.
These days, most phone plans come with unlimited calls and texts by default; in fact, it’s rare to find one that doesn’t. So, if you’re someone who texts freely and makes calls without worrying about limits, sticking with an unlimited plan is definitely the smart choice.
Data to suit you
When comparing mobile plans, it’s important not to get swept up by flashy offers. For example, a plan offering 100GB of data for $60 might sound great, and one with double the data for just a few extra dollars might seem even better. But ask yourself — do you really need that much data?
Chances are, you don’t. The average person uses around 15GB of data per month, so if you’re signing up for a 100GB plan, what’s happening to the rest?
It’s going unused — but you might feel reassured just knowing you have that “buffer” beyond your normal usage.
The reality is, most plans today don’t hit you with excess usage charges. If your plan includes 15GB and you use 16GB one month, that extra data is usually just delivered at a slower speed. Always check with your provider to understand how they handle overages, but it’s unlikely you’ll face the kind of bill shock we used to see in the past.
Payment terms
For some people, the idea of a long-term contract feels reassuring. If you’re not in a position to buy a new phone upfront, locking into a two- or three-year plan with a telco can seem like the best option.
But remember the earlier advice — be mindful of what you commit to, because you can always add extras later if you truly need them.
That said, one of the most popular options today is the “BYO SIM” or “SIM Only” plan. These plans don’t include a new device; they assume you already have a working mobile phone.
With this setup, you simply get a SIM card from the provider and pop it into your existing phone to get connected.
Affordable SIM-only plans
The great advantage of a SIM Only plan is that you’re not locked into a long-term contract. You can pay month to month, giving you the flexibility to switch to better deals whenever you find them.
On top of that, some of the biggest savings come from long-term upfront plans. By opting for 6-month or 12-month prepaid plans, you could save hundreds of dollars a year just by paying in advance.
Let me know if you want this framed for a marketing pitch, blog post, or comparison article!
Coverage
Making sure your phone works well at home is essential, right? So don’t just assume — test it. If you’ve been sticking with the same network for years simply because “it works at my house,” consider trying another provider.
Head to a service station, pick up a SIM card from a different telco, and set it up on a new number (no need to transfer your main number yet). Use it around your usual spots to check the coverage.
If the coverage meets your needs, you can then look for a suitable plan on that network and switch your number over — potentially saving yourself money in the process.
Inclusions or extras
While it’s not super common, it’s worth watching for extra perks when choosing a mobile plan.
Some telcos offer reward programs where you can earn points just for being a customer, which you can redeem for products or services. Others let you bundle your subscription services through their platform, helping you save even more.
On the mobile plan side, features like data rollover, data gifting, and family data sharing can also work to your advantage — giving you more flexibility and value from your plan.
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