When it comes to a handset you have two main choices. Either you can a) bring your own – This could be one you had already, or one you have bought outright – or b) you can get a new handset which is then normally connected with a plan.
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.