Some fixed-term plans will actually offer a particular mobile phone (often one they want to get rid of!) as part of the monthly price that they are charging. Eg. You’ll not be paying an additional fee fort the actual handset.  However, with other mobile phone plans you can actually choose which ever mobile phone you want, but will then be paying that of in monthly installments in addition to the actual monthly cost of the plan. So be mindful of this. In either case however there is generally an exit fee of sorts if you want to leave the plan early which will require you to pay out the remaining cost of the phone.

If you do decide to get a phone with a plan you are generally looking at between $5 and $45 per month for the phone repayment (over a 24 month mobile contract).  If however you would prefer to buy a phone outright, prices range from under $90, to well over $1000.

I’d also suggest looking at second hand mobile phones too as you can often find yourself a good deal.  Ebay.com.au often has some really good deals, but buyer beware as you are generally purchasing a second hand mobile so do no expect warranties and great after sale service.

There also many marketing ploys to be aware of. $0* phones, Free Facebook with Mobile internet plans… etc. And while these can often be great mobile deals  you need to read the fine print.  The * in ‘free’ generally means you’re tied to a 12-24 month contract. And the phone cost is factored in to you repayments. And ‘Free Facebook Access’ may be great, but you still have to pay extra each month to have mobile broadband / internet access.  So be sure you can afford this.

What the right mobile plan for you is will largely depend on your personal circumstances because they each come with positives and negatives in terms of potential costs, contract terms, and call charges.

One of the first questions to ask is “Do I want to commit to monthly mobile bills and a contract, or would I prefer to pay as I go?”

If you’re happy with a contract and a monthly bill, then a postpaid plan (contract) can be a good option, however if you’d prefer the flexibility of only paying for what you use when you can afford it, then a prepaid plan could be better as you will not be burdened with a monthly bill regardless of how much, or little, you use the phone.

Each however have negatives and things to be aware of, so for more information

follow the links below:

- Postpaid Mobile Contracts
- Prepaid Mobile