Vodafone prepaid price rise: Time for a cheaper mobile plan?
Is getting more data while paying more actually a good deal?
Vodafone is pushing up prices on its prepaid mobile plans.
From April 10, the prices for all 3 of its prepaid starter packs will go up by $5. At the same time, the data allowance on those prepaid plans will also go up by 5GB.
| Plan | Current price and data allowance | New price and data allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone $30 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack | $30/20GB | $35/25GB |
| Vodafone $40 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack | $40/30GB | $45/35GB |
| Vodafone $50 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack | $50/45GB | $55/50GB |
Vodafone lifted the prices of its postpaid plans back in January, so the move isn't unexpected.
But is it worth paying more for your plan, especially given ongoing cost-of-living issues? Finder's Cost Of Living Pressure Gauge ranks the current level of pressure at 78%, which is rated as "extreme".
Can you find a better prepaid plan?
The first question to ask is: do you actually need that much data?
ACCC research shows the average user only uses 12.8GB a month, which is well and truly covered by the new $35 plan.
Prepaid users tend to use even less, with the same research suggesting just 7.5GB a month on average.
So a plan with lower costs is worth considering.
You can also stay on the Vodafone network, assuming that suits you, without actually going through Vodafone itself.
For instance, the TPG Large prepaid plan offers 45GB of data and costs just $10 a month for the first 3 months.
With a prepaid plan, there's no lock-in so it's worth comparing regularly to make sure you're getting the best value.
Compare mobile plans to find the best deal for you and start saving.