Saving money on your mobile plan is one of the quickest and easiest ways to lower your household bills.
According to Finder's research, Australians paid a staggering $2.4 billion in loyalty tax in 2024 by sticking with mobile plans that didn't suit their needs and giving away money for data they didn't even use.
Here are 5 tricks to help you keep your bill low without cutting back on the things you need.
Australians typically use 15-17GB per month but pay for around 40GB. Check your recent bills or app to see how much data you really use. Switching to a plan that suits your actual usage can help you save straight away.
2. Avoid paying for unused data
Data rollover might sound like a great perk, but if you're constantly carrying over unused data, you're overpaying. With most plans being contract-free, you can always switch to a plan that matches your needs multiple times a year.
3. Compare prices once you know your data needs
Once you understand how much data you actually need, finding the right plan is easier.
Let's say you want at least 20-25GB of data because you're an above-average user. And let's be real, we all like having a buffer for peace of mind.
People pay on average $53 a month for their mobile plan but you can get up to 25 gigs for around $30-$35 a month. Now imagine how much you could save if you've realised (like many others) you use way less data than you thought. I stream on the go frequently but still struggle to use more than 10GB a month.
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Here's the quick rundown: Australia has three networks – Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Smaller providers, also called MVNOs, use these networks and offer lower prices because they don't have any infrastructure to maintain and improve.
Smaller providers have full access to Optus and Vodafone's 4G and 5G networks, while Telstra MVNOs have access to its wholesale network. Boost Mobile is the only exception, offering full Telstra coverage.
So, who has the largest network? Telstra comes first, followed by its wholesale network, then Optus, and finally Vodafone. If you're outside metro areas, your choice will matter more to avoid black spots.
If you know how much data you need and prefer a specific network, a 365-day prepaid plan can be a great option. Paying upfront for the year could save you more than renewing monthly. For example, Boost Mobile's 365GB plan for $365 works out to just $30 per month for 30GB.
By matching your plan to your actual usage, considering smaller providers, and looking at longer-expiry options, you can lower your mobile costs without sacrificing coverage or features.
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