“Bundling” doesn’t always bring financial joy
To bundle or not to bundle? It’s the quintessential cost-saving question facing all Aussie households in this ever-evolving digital age. 
This one may classify as a “first world problem”, but you won’t be laughing when the wrong decision ends up whacking your wallet with the force of Thor’s mallet!
Our research suggests bundling your Telco needs does not always mean joy when it comes to fitting the bill.
If you are like many other consumers out there who feel like you're currently paying more for TV, Internet and phone service, it's probably not your mind playing tricks on you. The very likelihood is you have been “bundled” into an even costlier monthly fee.
So are you better off bundling?
By bundling your broadband, mobile, landline and pay TV, there’s without question the ease of having one bill with the one provider (although not all ‘bundlers’ are able to put it on one bill...)
To some, that convenience is worth any monetary figure. For everyone else living week to week on a tight budget, though, it is imperative that you look at the offer closely because “convenience” has the potential to really break the bank.
Bundle yourself
To help you get started let’s take a closer look into industry bigwig Telstra’s popular “Home Internet Bundle and Foxtel Entertainment 2017” large package.
For $120 a month with a 24-month term contract, customers receive 2,000GB of Home Broadband data, local calls, national calls to standard fixed lines, calls to standard Australian mobiles, international calls at saver rates, Foxtel Telstra entertainment package and Telstra TV.
Not bad value at first glance. But the costs don’t stop at $120.
In addition to the monthly charge, customers are also billed $89 for home phone and broadband activation fee, $240 for “standard professional” if a technician is required at your home as well as $180 for NBN basic professional installation for eligible customers.
Plus there’s a $25 Self Installation kit and $100 standard installation fee for Foxtel from Telstra. Not to mention a $100 charge if your voice service is connected for three months or less.
Oh – and if you are in a new development that is not already connected to the NBN network you may be slugged a further $300 connection fee.
Keep in mind also that if you’re unhappy with your service a potential maximum $937 early termination fee awaits.
As you can see it’s a lot more than the $120 per month price sparkled over the advertising literature.
Unbundle yourself
Now let’s take a look at an unbundling point of view.
Optus’s popular 60 Plan made for the everyday user features unlimited broadband with wifi modem included (and zero set up fee) and is priced at $60 a month for 24 months.
If you then take FiftyUp’s current Mobile offer with Vaya (closing today!!!), it starts from just $16 a month for 1GB data and unlimited calls and SMS.
Then add a Foxtel Now Drama Pack subscription from just $15 a month and you will see a significant price beat.
In fact, you’re saving $29 a month without taking into consideration all the extra set up charges that go with Telstra’s bundled option.
Convenience or cost
The numbers never lie and you can tell with a little maths that it doesn’t always pay to bundle. Yes - it might be convenient but that convenience comes at a price.
As always the decision to bundle or unbundle is yours to make as only you know what best suits your particular needs.
Convenience or cost? Now that is the REAL question to ask yourself.
Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and does not take account of your individual circumstances, objectives or needs.
