BYO phone to call up savings
Telco customers can score bargains on flexible deals if they bring their own device, writes Sophie Elsworth
MOBILE phone users should think twice before rushing to upgrade their device because there are plenty of razor-sharp deals offering excellent value.
Big companies, including Apple and Samsung, regularly roll out new phones but experts say you can save a packet if you are prepared to hold on to your existing handset.
While the nation’s biggest telcos, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, often sign up customers to deals including a device, there are many options for customers who already have a working phone.
A new analysis by financial comparison website Finder.com.au has found for BYO-device deals there are stellar offers – some for as little $25 per month for 10GB of data and unlimited calls and texts.
But some 10GB SIM-only deals including a device can cost up to $85 per month.
Moose Mobile chief executive officer Dean Lwin said the telco market was incredibly competitive, which was resulting in customers being able to find cheaper deals.
“Pricing is getting lower and data inclusions are increasing all the time,” he said. “They are constantly getting better for consumers.”
“There’s not much new in the world of mobile handsets, so if you have a phone that’s, say, three or four years old, then there’s not a lot of difference between that (phone) and the latest model.”
Mr Lwin warned customers to make sure they knew when their contract expired because they could end up paying the same amount despite the device being paid off.
Many SIM-only deals also allow customers to pay month by month instead of being locked into a contract. This gives the user great flexibility if they want to chase a better deal elsewhere.
Finder.com.au spokesman Alex Kidman said if customers had a phone that was in good condition they should “hold on to it and sign up to a cheaper plan”.
“You will easily save a couple of hundred dollars per year,” he said. “Set yourself a reminder for when your contract is up and switch to a better deal after two years.”
Amaysim’s chief executive officer, Peter O’Connell, warned that before locking into a contract people should “do your homework and make sure the plan works for you”.
“The best reason to opt for a SIM-only plan is that there’s a no lock-in contract,” he said.
“Should you need to dial your data allowance up or down, or find another plan that you love, you have the flexibility to simply switch plans at any time.” 1 Moose Mobile, uses Optus 4G network: $25 2 Jeenee Mobile, uses Optus 4G network: $25 3 Ovo Medium, use Optus 4G network: $29.95