Demystifying Data | Excess data, data rollover, and unlimited data

Last updated: 15 November 2023

When it comes to mobile data, there's a lot of information out there. But how much of it is accurate, and are there industry secrets that major telcos aren't sharing? It's time for some straight talk – we're revealing the truths and tips about mobile data that could change how you see your data plan.

Explore Circles.Life's range of SIM-only plans, tailored to fit your unique data needs and lifestyle.

Data rollover

Data rollover seems like a great idea. The unused data from your current month gets carried over to the next. It's based on the assumption that your data needs might vary, and any unused data can be beneficial in the following month.

Reality check on data rollover

Humans are creatures of habit, and generally, our data consumption remains consistent each month. Our online habits – be it browsing before work, during commutes, or in the evenings – don't fluctuate drastically.

So, while data rollover sounds appealing, think about whether you're really using that extra data. If you're paying extra for this feature, assess if it's genuinely beneficial for you.

Understanding 'unlimited' data

Unlimited data plans promise endless data usage – an attractive offer for heavy data users. But is this 'unlimited' feature necessary for everyone?

The truth about unlimited data

According to the ACCC Communications Market Report 2021-22, the average mobile phone downloads from Australian users is 10.2 GB per month. If you're using less than this, you might be overpaying and inadvertently subsidizing heavy users.

If your monthly usage is around 5GB, you could be on a more cost-effective plan for just $10. Unlimited data has its perks, but make sure you’re on a plan that aligns with your actual data usage instead of paying extra for someone else’s data usage.

Read more: How much is 5GB data & how long does it last?

Navigating excess data charges

Exceeding your data limit is never pleasant. Telcos are mandated to notify users at 50%, 85%, and 100% data usage. However, what happens post-100% varies. Most providers will add an extra 1GB of data block for a standard charge, even if you exceed your limit by a small margin.

At Circles.Life, we believe in fairness – if you exceed by 10MB, we will only charge you for the 10MB, which would be $0.10 cents (or $0.01 per MB). This approach ensures you're not overpaying for data you don't use.

Pro tip: Restrict background data to avoid exceeding your data allowance.

Choose a plan that works for you

At Circles.Life, we understand the importance of having a mobile data plan that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're a heavy data user or just need a few gigabytes each month, we offer plans to suit everyone's needs.

Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our full range of SIM-only plans now.