Data deals dropping
Mobile customers are being offered more data for less money as telcos fight it out, writes Sophie Elsworth
IT’S an all-out data war ... Telcos have upped the ante in recent years, with smartphone users being offered more data, but paying less.
Analysis from telco comparison website WhistleOut found, in 2016, customers paid an average $55 a month for about 9GB of data and many were in contracts.
Now, they get almost 10GB of data for about $38 per month, without needing to be in a plan.
WhistleOut’s spokesman, Kenny McGilvary, said now is the perfect time for non- contracted customers to “suck it and see” with a new provider.
“Don’t commit to long-term contracts until you know what the service is like,’’ he said.
“Try it first. If you like it ... you can sign up for longer and get better deals, but (if not) ... you can switch and save again.”
Optus recently resurrected its double-data offer for new and recontracting customers on 12-month plans, featuring 30GB of data for $45 per month.
Vodafone now has 12-month plans with 25GB and unlimited calls and texts for $40 a month. Smaller provider Dodo has also doubled data for some deals.
Many more mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – smaller providers – have costeffective offerings on the table to rival the big players, but cheaper options often don’t have perks, like free access to music or sports packages.
Moose Mobile chief executive officer Dean Lwin said to consider a few factors before switching telcos.
“Make sure you have good coverage in your area with the network you want,’’ he said. “All telcos use one of the three networks: Optus, Telstra or Vodafone. There are no other options. Some telcos don’t allow you to modify your plan if your needs change – say if you’re on a 12-month plan with no flexibility, or charge you a fee for a plan change.”
Mobile phone portability also means customers can keep their number if they switch.
Belong’s head, Ben Burge, said customers should know how much data they need each month, before changing deals.
“With a conventional plan, data you don’t use in a month evaporates ... the most expensive data is that which you don’t get to use,’’ he said.
He also warns about excess usage charges.