$152.6 million wasted: Aussies paying the price for excess data

• • • • 27% have exceeded their data limit in the past 12 months
      • 16% don't know how to check how much data they've used
      • How to avoid going over your plan

2 December, 2019, Sydney, Australia – Aussies are pouring millions of dollars down the drain by exceeding their data limit shows new research by Finder, Australia's most visited comparison site.

The survey of 1,023 respondents revealed that Aussies have blown a combined $152.6 million on excess data charges over the past 12 months.

Over one in four (27%) go over their data cap at least once per year, with some Aussies exceeding their limit between 8- 12 times per year.

Angus Kidman, tech expert at Finder, said that many Aussies misjudge the amount of data they need.

"Some Aussies will underestimate their data usage and opt for a cheaper plan to save money. But this can end up backfiring when you go over your limit.

"Signing up to a new phone contract can be costly, especially if you're after the latest model smartphone.

"But a plan with a generous amount of data is much better value than paying through the nose for excess data charges.

"If you're locking yourself in for two or sometimes three years, you'll inevitably use more data as time goes on," he said.

In fact ACCC figures show from June 2018 to May 2019, Aussies consumed an extra 77,445 terabytes of data via their smartphones. This represents an extra 31% more data consumed via our phones.

"It's generally cheaper to pay for a more generous data limit than face excess data charges."

Finder's research found that 16% of Aussies don't know how to check their data usage, while a further 29% know how to check but rarely do.

Kidman said that in this day and age, there's no excuse for Aussies not to keep tabs on their data usage.

"Telcos are required to notify customers if they're close to exceeding their data limit. This means you should be checking any text messages received from your provider.

"If you're regularly exceeding your limit, it's time to bump up your plan and start getting better value for money.

"There are plenty of affordable plans on the market for data-hungry customers," Kidman said.

Best plans for data lovers

How to avoid going over your plan

• Check your previous bills. Before signing up to a new phone contract, check your last three bills to see how data you're using each month. From here you should choose a plan with slightly more data than you're used to, to account for your usage increasing over time.
• Check your app. Most telcos provide billing or usage apps that allow you to check how much data you've chewed through during your billing cycle. Just make sure you remember to check it regularly.
• Stick to WiFi where possible. This is the simplest way to keep your data usage down. Make sure you've switched your mobile data off, as well as any data assist functions, and avoid banking or shopping on free public WiFi.