How to buy your first mobile plan (tips from a telco expert)

Mobile phones are a crucial part of our daily lives, and it may seem surprising that some people are still navigating their first mobile plan purchase. Whether you're stepping into this world because your parents no longer cover your bill or you've just moved to Australia, this guide is for you.

Circles.Life offers flexible and affordable plans to fit your unique needs. Check out our options today!

What to consider when choosing your first mobile data plan

We’ve pulled together the key things you should look out for when buying a mobile plan for the first time:

1. Assess your data needs

Are you a heavy data user, streaming and browsing constantly, or more of a call-and-text person? Understanding your usage habits is key to picking the right plan, as the amount of data, minutes, and texts is the basis for how plans are priced.

Need a lot of data? Circles.Life has got you covered with our generous mobile plans.

2. Understanding the jargon

The mobile industry LOVES its jargon, so here are a few terms you should understand:

• Data: The amount of internet you can use on your phone. Consider your data needs based on activities like browsing, streaming, and social media.
• Minutes: The number of minutes available for calls. Evaluate if you need unlimited minutes or if a lower amount will suffice. Do you know you can also utilise free call apps and enjoy unlimited calls on Wi-Fi?
• Texts: The number of text messages included in your plan. Many plans now offer unlimited texting, but it's still worth checking.
• Postpaid vs. Prepaid: Decide whether you want to pay after or before you use the inclusions. Not sure which is better for you? Learn the difference between postpaid and prepaid SIM-only plans.
• IDD: International Direct Dialing, which generally refers to how many minutes of calls to countries outside Australia you have.
• Rollover: This is a 2nd chance to use your included data, which rolls over to the next month. Find out more about data rollover here.

Read more: Mobile Phone Jargon Buster: Telco Buzzwords (Re)Defined!

3. Compare providers

Not all providers are created equal, and we’d like to think we’re one of the best. Actually, according to Canstar (2023), we’re not only the Most Trusted Mobile Plan Provider, but also rated the highest for Customer Satisfaction. There are only three networks in Australia, but more than 30 providers. So it pays to shop around.

4. Look for promotions

Many providers offer discounts and promotions, especially for new customers. Check for special deals on plans, devices, or bundled services that can help you save money in the long run.

5. Read the fine print

Many providers will put some tricky terms in their contracts, which could leave you with a sting. Under Australian Law, telcos are required to put all the plan specifics in a Critical Information Summary (CIS). If you’re going to read one thing, make sure it’s this.

6. Seek recommendations

Ask your friends for recommendations or look up trusted ratings like Canstar Blue. Real customer experiences can guide you to the best choices.

Ready to pick your first mobile plan?

Choosing a mobile plan doesn't have to be daunting. With our handy tips and diverse options at Circles.Life, you're set for a smooth start.

Explore our full range of mobile plans and eSIM options now!