Compare Mobile Phone Plans

When choosing mobile phone plans, many people consider costs and coverage-and not much else. But there are lots of other things to consider when choosing mobile phone plans, from the basics to the more specialized features. Making the wrong choice can cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing mobile phone plans.

Feature support: Before choosing mobile phone plans, decide on the features you actually need and use them as your guide. Many companies will charge you for extra features that don't do much besides take up space in your phone. If you don't understand some of the terms, a telco representative can assist you in choosing mobile phone plans.

Contract duration: This should be an important factor when choosing mobile phone plans. Most providers will make you enter a one- or two-year subscription in exchange for a free phone or some other features. When choosing mobile phone plans, make sure you can handle such commitments.

3G support: Most handsets now come with 3G capabilities, but pairing with the telco renders them practically useless. If you're into mobile internet and connectivity, 3G support should be a top consideration when choosing mobile phone plans.

Prepaid vs postpaid: This is usually one of the first questions you'll encounter when choosing mobile phone plans. Prepaid plans are best for light users who won't maximize the minutes on postpaid plans. On the other hand, postpaid plans suit those who stay in touch on a daily basis. Postpaid plans sometimes offer lower rates, so consider this as well when choosing mobile phone plans.

Coverage: Since most Australian telcos have over 90% coverage, this can be just a secondary consideration when choosing mobile phone plans. 3G coverage may be different, however, so make sure to check it out when choosing mobile phone plans for broadband, multimedia, and other 3G-centric purposes.