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12 November 2020, Sydney, Australia – Australians stand to save about $100 a year on their mobile phone bill, according to new research by Finder, Australia's most visited comparison site.
New data from Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker shows that 78% of Australians with a mobile phone plan are with one of the big three telcos (Telstra, Vodafone or Optus).
That leaves only one in five (22%) that are signed up with a smaller telco.
The research also found that almost one in five customers (18%) with the big three don't think they're getting good value for money, in comparison to just 7% of those that are with a smaller telco.
Angus Kidman, telco expert at Finder, says these Aussies aren't wrong.
"If you've stuck with the same mobile plan for years, you're not getting the best bang for your buck – and this is particularly true if you're with one of the big three providers.
"Just a few years ago, a plan with 20GB would usually cost $50 a month, but the influx of smaller players has changed the game. Now you can get far more data for less money," he said.
Further Finder analysis of prepaid monthly mobile plans with 30GB of data found that you can save $90 per year by switching to a smaller telco.
Kidman isn't surprised that Aussies tend to stick with what they know.
"The big three telcos still have bricks and mortar stores where you can easily try out phones and sign up to a contract. That seems easy, but not comparing will cost you.
"There's also a popular misconception that the cheaper price tag means you'll receive worse coverage, but this is simply not the case.
"It's true that brand new 5G networks aren't usually available through smaller players, but that won't make any difference for the vast majority of Australians.
"All telcos use one of the big three networks, so your service shouldn't suffer. The biggest trade-offs are in extra features, like data-free music streaming, which many smaller telcos tend to lack."
Surprisingly, gen Y is much more likely to be with one of the big three (82%) than baby boomers (70%).
Kidman said that older Australians are those that stand to save the most.
"If you're only using your phone for calls, texts and the odd email, you'll find plans as cheap as $5 a month with a smaller provider."
Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker also found that 19% of Australians have switched providers in the last 6 months.
"The pandemic has seen many Aussies tightening the purse strings. If you're looking for a way to easily cut down your bills, your mobile phone plan is a good place to start.
"If you haven't switched since 2015, you're paying 2015 prices. Now is the time to look for a better deal and save," Kidman said.
Best value monthly plans
Plan | Features | Monthly cost |
---|---|---|
Circles.Life | 100GB of data 3GB bill shock protection Optus network Postpaid | $38 |
Spintel | 40GB of data Optus network Postpaid | $29.95 |
amaysim | 50GB of data 28-day expiry Optus network Prepaid | $9 for the first recharge if you sign up before 31 December, then $30 |
What to consider when picking a mobile phone plan
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Disclaimer
The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.
About Finder
Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.
Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.
We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.
12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel