There’s a lot of different phone plans available. The best phone plan for you will depend on how you use your phone, as well as what you can afford each month.
Here’s four things to think about when you compare phone plans.
1. Consider how you'll use your phone
Do you need a lot of data to stream music, movies or sport, or for social media? Do you talk regularly to family or friends living overseas?
Most plans include unlimited calls and texts to Australian numbers. So, check what a plan charges for:
- data
- international calls and texts
- entertainment packs for music, movies and videos
2. Research your network coverage
Make sure that any mobile service provider you consider has a strong phone signal in the places you spend the most time. This includes where you live, work and visit frequently.
Geographic black spots will cause your phone to drop out or make it difficult to hear, so it's important to make sure you have coverage.
Most phone plans will use one of Australia's three major network operators. These networks have different levels of coverage across Australia:
Check the mobile phone coverage map on the provider's website before buying a mobile service.
Work out how much you can afford each month before you sign up. Doing a budget helps you sort out your money. Look at your income and expenses. Then work out what you can afford to spend on a phone plan each month.
3. Work out how much you can afford
Do you need a new phone? The type of contract you sign up for, and the cost, will be different depending on whether you choose to keep your current phone and only pay for your usage, or you choose to buy a new phone.
If you use your current phone
- Prepaid plans – You pay for your usage in advance, buying a certain amount of credit for calls, texts and data. When your credit is used, you can receive calls but cannot make them. You have a certain amount of time to use your credit, for example, 30 days, before that credit expires.
- SIM only plans – You get a certain amount of credit and usually need to sign up for a minimum 12-month contract. You are billed at the ed of each month, and if you go over your monthly limit you will be billed for extra usage. Going over your credit usage limit may mean you have to pay a lot more.
If you need a new phone
- Buy outright – You pay the full cost of the phone upfront, then choose a prepaid or SIM only plan for calls, text and data. This option costs more at the outset, but makes it easier to switch plans or providers when you want.
- Buy on a plan – You sign a contract and are billed monthly, spreading out the cost of the phone. On a plan you pay for your phone, monthly usage (including data), and any excess usage. You pay nothing upfront, but don't own the phone until you've paid it off. If you want to end the contract early, it's likely you'll be charged extra fees.
If your provider offers you mobile phone insurance, check that it's good value for money.
4. Compare phone plans
Compare phone plans with different providers to get the one that's best for you.
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Contract length |
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Network coverage |
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Cost for the phone |
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Minimum total cost |
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Data |
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International calls, text and roaming |
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For each phone plan you’re comparing, you can download a Critical Information Summary (CIS). A CIS is a free guide that helps you compare the price and features on the table above of different phone plans.
Comparison websites can also be useful to help you shop around, but they’re businesses and may make money through promoted links. They may not cover all your options. See what to keep in mind when using comparison websites.
What to do before you sign the contract
When you've decided on a phone plan, you'll need to sign a contract. The contract is the legal agreement between you and your telco.
Make sure you understand the contract and your responsibilities. Missing a repayment or defaulting on your phone contract can affect your credit rating. If you don't know what you're signing up for, you could end up paying more than you can afford.
Learn more about what to look for before you sign a telco contract.
If there's anything you're not sure about, ask questions or get advice from family or friends.