Mobile Bills: How to save money

[ClaireBear]

Does anyone have any good tips to reduce spending on a mobile phone? I know that it all depends on the time of day you call etc, but how have other people managed to reduce their mobile phone bills?

[darren kane]

I find that picking the best mobile phone plan really depends on your usage patterns.

For example, I'm on a $49 Optus cap with free Yes time. At the beginning of my two year contract (in June 07) I was using my phone a lot - the cap was excellent value.

Now my circumstances have changed (my friends all have kids and I don't speak with them on the phone all that much anymore). These days, I'm spending way under the cap every month. My contract runs out in June and I'm thinking I'll go to a cheaper plan then. I shouldn't pay for something I don't use, right?

[alexwilson101]

Absolutely right Darren, circumstances change very quickly with mobile phone plans.

I actually rang Optus up when the same thing happened to me and they agreed to minimise my plan, as I had already reached the minimum spend of the contract life. Eg; most contracts are 24months or a minimum of X dollars.

For those who have their own ABN or business, I highly suggest talking to Optus about their Small to Medium Business phone plans, they are tax deductable and a lot cheaper then a retail plan.

Optus - Small Business - This is the SMB site for Optus.

[darren kane]

Good point Alex. I actually have an ABN (but not registered for GST) - I wonder if I could still get the small business deals? Will have to check it out...will get back to you!

Cheers,

Darren.

[darren kane]

Hmm..checked out the Optus website this morning.

Clicked on the link "Solutions > Find solutions by business size". The link was broken.

Looks like I'll have to get into that time-sucking vortex they call the Optus customer service phone line!

[will.sheila]

A great way to save money is to choose a plan with fewer minutes. Look for the article on flat-rate cell phone plans. Then compare pre-paid mobile cell phone plans before you buy.

[jon.gordon]

Finding the best mobile phone offer can prove tricky. It's important to choose the right tariff for your lifestyle. Find out which tariffs offer the most amount of free texts per month if you know you're going to be sending a lot.

[cristina.smith95]

Avoid downloading games or ringtones w/c is not necessary.
Avoid texting too much when all you have to say is just a simple hi or how are you doing?
If you are still planning to buy mobile phones, consider using prepaid.