Avoiding a mobile migraine: How to pick a good, cheap plan
Mobile phones. You’re probably reading this on one as we speak. 
Whether we like it or not, you simply can’t afford to be without a reliable mobile phone and provider nowadays.
We rely on them so much for communication that it seems almost implausible that we could function in the modern world without them.
Whilst the introduction of the mobile has certainly made life easier and way more efficient in many ways, choosing the right plan for you from the vast and competitive mobile market is enough to give you a “mobile migraine”.
If only these so called “smart phones” were clever enough to choose for us, hey?
Little wonder many customers knowingly continue to lock themselves into bad plans to avoid shopper’s stress.
The good news is that with a little retail research, you can get the coverage you need without the headache and hefty expense.
So, price-sensitive mobile users – here are our top tips for picking out a cheap plan that’s right for you. Let’s go shopping!
- Pre-paid vs Post-paid: know the difference
There are two main types of plans that mobile providers offer: post-paid and pre-paid plans.
The main difference is that with post-paid plans, you pay for the service after you use it (usually in a monthly bill paid over a 24-month contract period). You might get more included calls and data on a post-paid plan because you’ve committed to 24 months.
With pre-paid you buy credit for your phone before you use it, which means you know exactly what you’re spending. This can be a wise option especially for those on a tight budget. It also allows you to move if you see a better offer.
- Decide which type of mobile plan you need
It really is a case of horses for courses when it comes to selecting the best plan for you. At the end of the day it will come down to your financial situation and usage needs.
That said, here are a few helpful questions provided by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to help determine your decision.
- Can you commit to a long-term contract or would you prefer the flexibility of a pre-paid account?
- Do you need a handset?
- Can you manage your mobile usage?
- Can you get the coverage you need?
- How much do you use your phone?
Once you can answer these five questions clearly then you’re ready to pick a winner.
- Check out the latest FiftyUP Club special offer.
If you decide to go pre-paid and you don’t need a phone, this is the FINAL WEEK for the current special offer on BYO Mobile plans from Vaya.
As a FiftyUp Club member you can save $5 per month for the first 6 months plus get Double Data for the 1st month.*
What’s more you can choose from 4 SIM-only plans starting from just $16/mth for 1GB data ($11/mth for your first 6mths)*
Sound good? Click here to find out more info
NEXT WEEK: Is it cheaper to buy a telco ‘bundle’ from one provider, or to buy each service separately?
Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and does not take account of your individual circumstances, objectives or needs.
