Telstra and Vodafone raise prices, but here’s how you can score a $1 mobile plan
MATE Mobile has bucked the trend, extending its special offers for another until the end of May.
As a number of mobile providers lift their prices, MATE Mobile has told the market it is extending its monthly special, which will allow you to sign up for much less.
With the extension, you can now sign up to MATE Mobile for $1 per month, for your first 3 months of service, on all of its plans using the code 'MATE1'.
After the introductory rates, you'll go back to paying their usual monthly rates, though there's no lock-in contract involved so technically there's nothing to stop you from switching to another deal elsewhere.
This comes as the likes of Telstra, Boost Mobile and Woolworths all lift the prices of their mobile plans.
How does MATE Mobile compare?
Now the introductory rate is nice, especially as the cost of pretty much everything goes up, but it's important to point out it's only for a few months.
After that, you'll be back to paying MATE's regular rates.
Here's a breakdown of MATE's mobile lineup. Remember, you'll need to input the promo code 'MATE1' to nab the discount.
- 10GB for $1 for the first 3 months, then $20 per month after.
- 22GB for $1 for the first 3 months, then $25 per month after.
- 32GB for $1 for the first 3 months, then $30 per month after.
- 42GB for $1 for the first 3 months, then $35 per month after.
- 120GB for $1 for the first 3 months, then $45 per month after. (Note: This plan is powered by the wholesale Telstra 5G network so you'll need a 5G compatible phone to use it)
Generally speaking, MATE offers decent mobile plans on the Telstra wholesale network, with its higher data options offering stronger value.
- Good to know: MATE's plans offer an average value of $0.68 per 1GB of data, which is great compared to a benchmark of $1 per 1GB.
Whether or not it's right for you will depend on your own needs. Especially as its better valued larger plans might leave you paying for unnecessary data depending on your usage.
Why are the big telcos increasing mobile plan prices?
While MATE is lowering their prices, 2 of the 3 major telcos have come out saying they are lifting prices.
Vodafone back in March told the market it was simplifying and updating its plans. In effect, you'll be paying $5 more per month with a few plans being taken out.
A Vodafone spokesperson told Finder at the time: "This refresh reduces the number and complexity of our postpaid plans in the market, making it simpler for customers to better match their pricing and data needs."
Fast forward to now and Telstra has come out saying it will also be lifting prices. Like Vodafone, Telstra will charge between $2 to $5 more for its service starting from 4 July.
A Telstra spokesperson told Finder the telco giant considered a range of factors before making this decision.
"Maintaining both the affordability of our services and our ability to continue investing is a tough balancing act, and one that we feel the weight of given how important connectivity is," said the Telstra spokesperson.
"Increasing our prices means we can continue investing in the things that matter for our customers like our mobile network, products and services. Like most businesses in Australia, we are also responding to increasing costs."
Beat the price rises by switching to a cheaper provider. Compare mobile plans and start saving.
