5 features to look for in your next phone plan
Find the right balance between price, coverage, data allowance and sweet extras.
Sponsored by AGL. Enjoy your first 3 months free and $5 off per month after that across any AGL mobile phone plan, when your energy is with AGL.
There's no one size fits all when it comes to finding the right mobile phone plan. But there are a few key things anyone shopping around for a good deal need to consider.
1. Price and bundling discounts
You shouldn't have to stretch your budget given the wide range of phone plans available.
We suggest looking out for promotional or bundling discounts that can help you save money.
For example, AGL is offering 3 months plan fees for free across their mobile plans (runs on the Optus 4G network) if you have an electricity or gas account with them, and then $5 off per month after.
New energy customers in NSW, VIC and QLD can also get up to $150 in sign up credits on selected energy plans from AGL: $75 for electricity or $75 for gas. You will need to sign up online for this offer.
That's a total saving of up to $315 with AGL mobile and energy in your first year.
2. Coverage
Telstra offers the best network coverage servicing 99.5% of the Aussie population, followed by Optus (98.8%) and Vodafone (96%).
If you live in rural or regional Australia, Telstra's network is likely your best option but all 3 offer promising coverage to those living in big towns and the cities.
3. Data
The one thing you don't want is to rack up excess data charges and get a bill shock.
Understanding how much data you need can save you from additional stress.
You can use our mobile data usage calculator to work out a number that works best for you. Alternatively, check your phone settings or current bill to see how much data you've been using to get an estimate.
If you reckon your data usage varies month to month, it could be good to look for phone plans that offer data banking for use on rainy "low-on-data" kind of day.
4. International calls and texts
Having international calls and texts as an extra feature on your phone plan could be important if you have friends and families overseas. Or if you need to make work calls abroad.
These might cost a little extra compared to cheaper mobile plans but you could end up saving in the long run if you need to make calls without relying on services such as WhatsApp. Just make sure that the countries you want to call or text are included in the phone carrier's list.
5. Extra perks at no cost to you
Everybody loves a freebie or a sweet perk that fits their needs or interests.
For example, if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, AGL's mobile plans are carbon neutral certified by Climate Active. This means you can go green with one of your utilities without paying extra.
Other phone carriers may offer perks such as access to free-to-watch football games, a few months' access to a streaming subscription, or data-free streaming of live sport.
