If you already have a phone you’re happy with, you can get all the data you need for a bargain by going with a SIM-only plan, and there are options for all types of users.
If you’re after the latest and greatest phone on the market, you’re either going to have to shell out at least $1000 to buy the phone outright or enter into a lengthy contract with a telco.
But what if you don’t need a new phone? As much as the phone makers hate to admit it, buying the new model each year only nets you incremental improvements at best.
If you have a phone you’re happy to keep using, you can save on the cost of a new one and sign up to a SIM-only plan to get a stack of data for as little as $12 per month.
Whether you’re just checking emails and occasionally surfing the web or streaming 4K video to your phone 24/7, there’s a SIM-only plan that suits your needs. Check out these SIM-only deals from our friends at WhistleOut and see if you can’t extend the life of your phone.
Under $20
If you’re someone who mainly uses their phone for calls and texts and uses the internet only sparingly, you can get away with paying under $20 per month for your phone use.
Budget telco Circles.life is offering unlimited calls and texts bundled with 6GB of data for just $12 per month. If you use the internet on your phone a little more, Southern Phone Australia has the same talk and text offer, but with 20GB for $19 per month.
For the best deals under $20 at the moment go to iiNet and TPG. Both are offering their 50GB Medium Plans (also with unlimited calls and texts) at 50 per cent off for the next six months – meaning you pay only $17.50 per month for 50GB, but it does rise to $35 per month after that.
Under $30
If you need a bit more data and are willing to break the $20 per month barrier, Catch Connect, the telecommunications division of online retailer Catch.com.au, is offering 15GB of data and unlimited calls and texts for $20, with $10 off the first month. Another solid option is Felix – using the Vodafone network – with 25GB for $25.
Both TPG and iiNet are also offering 50 per cent off their enormous 100GB Large Plan for the next six months, meaning you get unlimited calls and texts and all that data for just $22.50 per month ($45 per month after that).
Under $40
Some of us like to use our phones to their full potential, which requires a lot of data. But even heavy internet users don’t have to break the bank if they already have their own phone.
For example, Optus network-aligned Dodo’s $33 Mobile Plan has 40GB of data for, you’ve guessed it, $33. They’re also offering 25 per cent off for the first three months, making it just $24.75.
If you prefer the Telstra network, their budget arm, Belong, offers a 40GB SIM-only plan for a slightly more at $35 per month.
Are you happy with your phone? What about your plan? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Best phone apps for seniors
