There are numerous mobile carriers and mobile phone plans in Australia. But it is important to select the right mobile phone plan according to your needs and budget. By ensuring that your mobile plan matches the type of phone you have, you will save you hundreds of dollars.
Mobile plans in Australia come in three varieties:
1. Plans with included phones: You want a new phone but don抰 want to pay for it upfront. The cost of the phone is built into your monthly fee or you may have to pay a monthly phone repayment; but you do have to commit to a 1 or 2 year contract.
2. SIM only plans: You have your own phone and just need a plan. These plans are usually contract free and offer decent rates
3. Prepaid plans: Where you don抰 pay a monthly bill. Instead you recharge your account when you run out of credit.
There are 4 mobile phone networks in Australia ?Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Three. Vodafone and Three are part of a single company called VHA. There are many resellers that provide their own plans and offers, but use the network from one of the 4 networks. Resellers include Virgin Mobile, AAPT, Dodo, TPG, GoTalk, SlimTel and many more.
Compare Mobile Phones
Most Australians prefer to get a phone on a 2 year contract. This lets people get the latest phones without incurring a big upfront cost. Some of the top phones in the market today are Apple iPhone 4, HTC Desire HD, Samsung Galaxy S, Nokia N8, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, and Blackberry Bold. Some good mid range phones would be Apple iPhone 3GS 8GB, HTC Legend, Blackberry Curve, Samsung Wave, LG Optimus One, Nokia X6, Motorola Defy and Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro.
When deciding on a new phone, you should consider what features you want, size of the phone, touchscreen or keypad, battery life and operating system. If you decide to get a smartphone, you will be able to download applications and browse the web very easily. And that means you will need a plan with a generous data allowance.
And remember; don抰 buy from the first shop you step into. Be sure to shop around and compare deals.
Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:30 pm
