Best Current Mobile Phone Plan?

kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 19:24

Are there any new current deals available to sign up to? Since 2 months ago, i have all of the sudden been going over my data cap of 1.5gb with Live connected. I don't know how this could be happening, as i don't use my phone as much and i connect to wifi when at home. I private messaged live connected on Facebook and they basically told me to go to another carrier. So with that sort of reply i might just do that.. it's like they don't want customers anymore..

Right now my cap is $20.99 per month:
$500 calls/text/MMS to anyone
$500 calls/text/MMS to live connected
1.5gb data including free social

Any help is great.. and yes i have been trying to trawl through these sort of topics on this forum.. but don't think they are the most current :-)

Mobile

Comments

  • ozhunter on 08/12/2015 - 19:33

    Check your data usage in case there is any apps using data in the background.

    Vaya is similar to Liveconnected as they are both under the same company. http://www.vaya.net.au/?option=Mobile&4Gsimonly&PowerPlan

    • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 19:40

      Vaya don't include MMS in their caps though do they? I don't know if i want to go to Vaya based on the reply i got from Live connected.. since they are sister companies :-/ I also can't ee any option for vaa to vaya credit, etc

      • ozhunter on 08/12/2015 - 19:44

        Yes it does.

        What’s Included In Standard Credit?
        Standard credit includes calls to Australian mobiles and
        numbers including 13 and 1300, MMS to standard mobile services
        within Australia and Voicemail Deposits and Retrievals within
        Australia.

        No Vaya-Vaya though

        Did you even check what was using your data?

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 19:52

          Sorry about my typos before. Glad you deciphered what i was trying to say.

          My phone is saying google chrome is using most of the data.. but i'm adding things up on the calculator.. from the data used on my phone.. i don't know if i'm adding it up wrong.. but it doesn't seem right..

        • Diji1 on 08/12/2015 - 20:14

          @kimba88: When you agreed to the license conditions when you installed Google Chrome you agreed that Google can collect and send data from your device.

          Actually you didn't agree to that, Chrome just comes installed.

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 20:18

          @Diji1: So how do you change that?

        • ozhunter on 08/12/2015 - 20:19

          @Diji1:

          Actually you didn't agree to that, Chrome just comes installed.

          Doesn't mean you have to use it? Though if he is using an android phone, then he did agree to its terms and conditions?

        • Gina Rinehart on 09/12/2015 - 18:43
          +1

          @Diji1: They are not collecting and sending 1.5gb of data though.

      • McSync on 08/12/2015 - 19:52

        MMS counts towards the included 650 credit.

    • garyaooo on 10/12/2015 - 17:25

      Can I use the included credits for International calls

      • McSync on 10/12/2015 - 17:57

        Don't think so

  • McSync on 08/12/2015 - 19:39

    Check Optus's online deals, month to month plan, 60 dollars with 7g data and unlimited txt and calls. Best is that 50 percent off for first six months. Offer ends 4 Jan. I'm going with this one in January. Also there are many good amysim deals as well.

    • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 19:41
      +4

      Max i want to pay is around the $20 mark.. i'm still cut that live connected raised my plan from $11 per month. Lol

      • McSync on 08/12/2015 - 19:51
        +1

        Vaya is quite good then. They have the only plans with 1.5g data but only 18 dollars per month. Customer service is also good. I was with them for 6 months,never exceeded included data or minutes. And they offer first month free

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 19:54

          But i'm already"exceeding" 1.5gb all of the sudden and that's with free social media too.. Vaya don't offer free social media.. and i also need a higher amount of calls since i use live connected to live connected credit ($500 mostly).. then other phone calls on top. So i probably need a higher limit than $650

        • McSync on 08/12/2015 - 19:58

          @kimba88: vaya seems to be the cheapest candidate so far. I didn't find any plan cheaper than that except when there are offers from amaysim.

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 20:19

          @McSync: how often to amaysim come out with deals? That's only for new customers, right?

        • ozhunter on 08/12/2015 - 20:20
          +1

          @kimba88:

          Are you sure the free social media offer is still going?

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 20:21

          @ozhunter: Definitely. I have a grand fathered plan which i pay $10 extra per month to keep (my original $11 per month plan plus $10 to keep it = $21per month)

        • ozhunter on 08/12/2015 - 20:31

          @kimba88:

          Check your bill to see if there is any abnormal usage.

        • McSync on 08/12/2015 - 20:39

          @kimba88: they have many deals now. Just check ozbargain here

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 21:16

          @ozhunter: I looked through the itemisations. The way they have itemised things, it looks like at certain times of the day i have been browsing for long periods of time at work.. which i know for a matter of fact i have not, as i run classes at the time it's saying i'm browsing.. i don't even have time to go to the toilet at those times at work!!

        • kimba88 on 08/12/2015 - 21:17

          @McSync: Their TPG exclusive plans look nice.. it's unfortunate i'm not with TPG though

        • McSync on 09/12/2015 - 00:56

          @kimba88: or spend 5 or even less and get a 30 optus starter pack, activate on prepaid then get the deal, your monthly average will never exceed 30 yet you got so much more data and unlimited national/international calls.

        • McSync on 09/12/2015 - 01:08
          +1

          @kimba88: you can even get the 30 pack for 1 dollar from scoopon, thus if you stay on the plan for 3 months, monthly average will be 61/3=20.33 and so on.
          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/223522

        • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 07:03

          @McSync: I definitely prefer a direct debit rather than needing to recharge credit every month. I'm also looking for a longer term price I can stay at.. E.g $25 for 12 months plus, etc.

        • McSync on 09/12/2015 - 10:35

          @kimba88: month to month is postpaid service actually, so you can set up direct debit. It's just not on contract so you can leave anytime once you find better plans.

  • Agret on 09/12/2015 - 00:47

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/224314

    Costs more but great value

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 07:05

      That is a great deal.. Although as it's prepaid, I would prefer direct debit and a cheaper price point.

      • Agret on 09/12/2015 - 11:16
        +1

        If you have prepaid set to auto-renew monthly from your debit/credit card then it is the same as direct debit except you will never be charged an excess usage fee.

        • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 18:11

          That's good to know. But it's still a little more than what i want to pay. Still looking.. :-)

  • CSR on 09/12/2015 - 08:22

    Check out Telstra Pre-Paid Freedom Plus. $40 - 3GB data + unlimited calls and txt.

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 18:13

      Good deal, but out of my budget

  • JOHNNO2013 on 09/12/2015 - 08:25

    Is someone leeching off you connection? Have you tried turning off data connection during those times?
    If someone is using your internet connection, switching carrier won't solve the issue unless it is unlimited data, they will continue to leech your new connection.

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 18:11

      I don't think anybody would be leeching off my connection.. we honestly don't have time to pull our phones out.. so there wouldn't be any way that would be happening.

  • arceye on 09/12/2015 - 09:22
    +1

    I went into telstra yesterday and for new customers there doing $240 off an outright purchase and $10 off their byo plans which are cancel at any time and was $50 per month and now $40 which includes $1000 with of calls, unlimited systems and 7gb of data, offer ends at the end of December.

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 18:12

      is that all byo plans or just the $50 one?

    • jazoom on 11/12/2015 - 22:38

      Is the $240 off mentioned anywhere?

  • ca4cpa on 09/12/2015 - 19:00
    +1

    Moved from TPG $29.95 for 6 months.
    Thanks to easternculture See Deal

    If you need to keep number :
    Port your number to TPG $50.99 (they charge $20 sim fee + $19.99 first month charge + $11 exit fee)
    Port the same number to Amaysim $29.95 for next 6 months
    === Total $80.94 for 6 months

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 19:32

      That's an option.. but i dont want to port twice.. especially if it takes hours o 24hrs+ to port. I do need to keep the same number. Nice option though. Something to consider. After the 6 months it reverts back to $29.90, right? Is there any way of getting that cheaper?

      Also, it seems the Amaysim website has a different deal for TPG customers. Is that deal you mention still actually active?

  • abc xyz on 09/12/2015 - 21:58

    hi Op, are you using iPhone with iOS 9? If yes, it must be "WiFi assist" feature that you need to disable. Basically eventhough you connect to WiFi, if the WiFi signal is poor or your mobile coverage is better, it will use your mobile data instead. Hope it helps

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 22:00

      Sorry, i've got an android.. galaxy s4. Thanks though! :-)

    • abc xyz on 09/12/2015 - 22:01

      If you are Android user, it also have similar feature..I cant remember exactly whats the name of the feature.. but they do have

      • ozhunter on 09/12/2015 - 22:04

        That would be Smart Network Switch located in Settings/Wifi/More(on the S6)

        • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 22:23

          Smart switch hasn't been enabled on my phone. Thanks for showing me how to check it through settings! :-)

    • abc xyz on 09/12/2015 - 22:04

      Here, its called "Download Booster". http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/turn…

      • ozhunter on 09/12/2015 - 22:16

        Download booster is something different, though it may help the OP reduce data usage if he has it turned on and downloads >30MB files http://www.solvemix.com/index.php/android-smartphones/650-sa…

        • abc xyz on 09/12/2015 - 22:24

          im not sure on Android what the similarities. just based on that article. Thanks

        • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 22:24

          I generally don't download any files that large. I wait till i get onto a wifi network for larger downloads that i know of

  • mmd on 09/12/2015 - 22:34

    Im in a similar boat to u except I get 1gb per month on my TPG plan.
    I use my mobile internet to refresh ozbargain mainly, and some minor googling.
    I usually check social media when I'm at home (use home Wifi)
    I am also looking for a plan around $20 with Max 1.5gb or 2gb

    Does videos posted on Facebook count towards your free social media count?
    In my experience, facebook chews through alot of data.

    • kimba88 on 09/12/2015 - 23:11
      +1

      My main websites are ozbargain, ninemsn, Hotmail and occasionally realestate.com.au. All are on mobile mode and not desktop site, so that should save some mb.
      I have Facebook videos to only automatically play when connected to WiFi. So data won't be getting chewed up through this way.

      • mmd on 16/12/2015 - 23:18

        I used 200mb over 2 days into my 1gb monthly plan.
        I checked my data usage and it says 'Exchange services' used up 160mb!
        I did some googling and one of my email accounts wasn't syncing up properly!!!
        So i think it was chewing through the data trying to sync
        Check out the data usage tab.

        • kimba88 on 16/12/2015 - 23:32

          Yep, i definitely don't have my accounts synced with my phone.. i access it when i want to avoid this problem :-)

        • mmd on 16/12/2015 - 23:37

          @kimba88:
          Nah my phone was fine til about 4 days ago.
          I used to be able to access emails at anytime without chewing through the data. (I receive emails as they come)
          In the past two days I didnt receive as many emails, and the reason was that my hotmail account wasnt 'syncing'. I don't know how it happened.
          When you go to 'Data usage' under settings, what are the top three apps?

        • mmd on 16/12/2015 - 23:42

          @mmd:
          Or it could be another account trying to 'sync'
          Check out this post https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus5/comments/2n2wt5/lollipop_exc…

        • kimba88 on 16/12/2015 - 23:49

          @mmd: Chrome 234mb, Facebook 95mb, Maps 24mb

        • mmd on 17/12/2015 - 00:08

          @kimba88:

          ozbargain, ninemsn, Hotmail and occasionally realestate.com.au.

          Hmmm, looking at heaps of property eh? jk
          Its definitely not ozbargain, so it must be ninemsn or hotmail.
          If you're accessing hotmail via chrome, maybe its refreshing/ syncing all the time?
          Perhaps add it to the your phone mail app or outlook app, so u can narrow down what is causing the issue.

  • virhlpool on 10/12/2015 - 00:26

    I have a Vodafone's no contract, sim-only plan for two mobiles (shared data and intl minutes) for total $60 a month and that gets me unlimited text (national and intl) and calls (national), 13 GB of data (shared by both numbers) and 600 intl minutes (shared by both numbers). I bought it about 3 months back when they were running a promotion.

    Please let me know if there's any better plan available.

  • daver on 10/12/2015 - 02:57

    I recharge a discontinued Vodafone sim-only planPP buying 16gb and 58 days @$32-$15.30, bypassing postpay altogether.
    Skype/over-the-top app $1.60/mo(discontinued) does it for my 50 countries component. Love running apps on any sim card for flexibility AND economy.
    (But yeaa..bit late):

    Got Wi- Fi or MBB?
    (My) Prepaid daily looks okay today. Generous ph rollover :)

  • shuckeru on 10/12/2015 - 03:58
    +2

    IMO if you're looking to spend $20 vaya's $18 plan would be your best bet. if not you'll have to spend a little more to get more data anyway (which seems to be the larger problem). i was in your position just a month ago and signed up for telstra's promo which is now over, averaging $33.30 for 7gb. at the moment if you want to spend $40 you can go with optus for their current promo, if not: https://www.spintel.net.au/products/mobile spintel would be your best bet. offering unlimited calls and text (if chosen) and customisable plans.it would have been mine if not for telstra at the time.

    yes… reviews are horrible. but i was from vaya and had 0 issues signing up, using the service, getting customer service when something was up (like sudden loss of data connection), porting another number into my account, porting numbers out, and even billing. regardless of what people review, YMMV. but i believe it will help if you're nice in the first place. i'd like to believe it did for me.

    • RocketSwitch on 10/12/2015 - 09:51

      My thoughts exactly.

      Only issue with Vaya is customer service, but once you're up and running, there's little reason to call them.

      • McSync on 10/12/2015 - 14:47

        I always emailed their customer service, response within one day usually, satisfactory and better than calling.

        • RocketSwitch on 10/12/2015 - 16:57

          That's a good point. Email is much better than calling.

        • shuckeru on 11/12/2015 - 00:23

          i call every time and get service within 5 mins. as above with my experiences, i know i got it better than a ton of people, but vaya runs properly and don't screw around your time like telstra. (currently having problems already in the first month… sigh)

  • puremajik on 10/12/2015 - 10:50
    +1

    Boost has $40, 3gb all the time and 8gb on the weekends.
    Unlimited talk and unlimited text on telstra 4G network. Pretty good deal.

  • DashAnimal on 10/12/2015 - 11:34
    +1

    I'm on Boost's $20 plan after moving from Live Connected. Less data (1GB), but every weekend you get an extra 500mb to use over that weekend. It is prepaid so not annoying contract issues. 100 minutes of calls. Unlimited texts. On the telstra network. I had a lot of issues in my final couple of months with LiveConnected, so I'm enjoying the simplicity of Boost atm.

  • daver on 10/12/2015 - 11:57
    +1

    freedom Plus seems like it would be a massive upgrade for you circumstances
    Afford the 100 extra/yr ? Maybe there's a google Play subscription you 'd like.

    • fozzie on 10/12/2015 - 13:00

      I think freedom plus might not be adequate as op goes over 1.5gb but gets free social data. Depends when op is surfing as if it's during the day might not make it (as only 1.3gb peak)

  • fozzie on 10/12/2015 - 12:53
    +1

    I think you need at least 2gb Internet and all plans are around $30 to get that.
    If you are prepared to pay 12 months upfront go with lebara. They use Vodafone network. You will pay $300 for 12 months and get 5gb Internet and unlimited calls/mms/sms. So $25 a month.
    If you pay monthly is $30 but only 2.5gb. Me and husband use them, very good in Sydney albeit only 3g.
    If you need at least 2gb you need to pay more than $22, at least $30.

    • runtoparadise on 11/12/2015 - 01:59

      Having trouble finding this 12 month deal… any chance you could point me in the right direction?

      • fozzie on 11/12/2015 - 13:29
        +1

        Hi, once you move to lebara you will have the option to sign up for 6 or 12 months. I 6minths is $160 and 12 is $300. It looks like it's only 2.5gb now though, up to no long ago they were giving an extra 2.5gb….

  • Ion on 10/12/2015 - 14:30

    Even though it is out of your budget, the $40/mo Telstra plan with 7gb really is the best option right now. If you take into account $12/mo of free Apple Music (now with Android too), it is really just $28/mo for 7gb if you are paying for something like Spotify anyway. You also get $240 to spend on any new outright phone at a Telstra store. Super deal.

  • ronnknee on 10/12/2015 - 18:27
    +8

    OP, you seem very dissatisfied with everyone's suggestions here. You want more but you're not willing to pay more. Unfortunately the days of $11/month plans have long been over, as the price of budget carriers has been surging.

    The best value plan out there for an average user is Vaya's $18/month (~10 hours of calls, unlimited text and 1.5 GB data). Otherwise, if you require 2 GB Data, the $24/month plan (also from Vaya) would be the cheapest.

    Use this to help you out.

    http://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Search?calls=10&sm…

    • kimba88 on 10/12/2015 - 22:54
      +1

      I'm not trying to sound dissatisfied.. i was just hoping there was something still cheap out there. I'm pretty tight.. i'm sure like most people on this forum. If i can get more for less.. why not? :-)

      • ronnknee on 10/12/2015 - 23:32
        +1

        If i can get more for less.. why not?

        The problem is you can't because no one's offering that. You've got to be realistic with your expectations and budget. This resembles your attitude currently.

        Right now, Vaya is looking to be the most competitive with their plans (best value) and no one is similarly matching them unfortunately.

        • kimba88 on 10/12/2015 - 23:42

          Lol @ the meme :-)

          Is Vaya the same customer service team as Live connected? I'm a little bit against Live connected since they told me to go find another provider if i've outgrown my plan.. and i know Vaya own live connected

        • ronnknee on 11/12/2015 - 12:01
          +1

          @kimba88: No idea if the customer service is the same, but I wouldn't be surprised if they shared the department. As to your original problem, do you have a data usage monitor app on your phone?

          You also need to really refine your requirements because they are very conflicting. From what I've gathered, they are:

          • Not Live Connected or Vaya.
          • Maximum $20/month.
          • More than $650 of credit.
          • More than 1.5 GB.

          Are you sure you hate Live Connected/Vaya enough to not be with them? Because your current plan or Vaya's $18/$24 plans are looking good. Otherwise your best non-Live Connected/Vaya option is Amaysim $29.90 plan.

        • kimba88 on 12/12/2015 - 08:08

          @ronnknee: I did have a usage app. It works for calls, but not data anymore. The app is myusage lite.

          I'll consider those options.. But I am really hoping a good special will come out that I can sign up to.

    • mmd on 10/12/2015 - 23:28
      +2

      I wonder why there are no more 'budget' plans.
      I've been waiting for a 1.5gb to 2gb plan, that cost less than 20 to show up.
      Looks like vaya fits the bill

  • Deridas on 10/12/2015 - 20:24
    +1

    Be careful about Vaya… Whirlpool is full of negative experiences…

    • centrelink on 10/12/2015 - 20:49
      +3

      But everything is a negative experience there.

    • shuckeru on 11/12/2015 - 00:26

      i refer you to my previous post. 1 other thing, when i ported out, everything was accounted for and returned as per the CIS on the next billing cycle. listen to negative experiences of course, but vaya isn't dying. so go figure.

    • Dariush78 on 11/12/2015 - 01:26

      I was with them. They charged me twice for the first month and didn't refund the money I have talked to their customers service with is in India for 45 minutes (mostly i was on hold) and gave up.

  • Dariush78 on 11/12/2015 - 01:23

    Lebara national plan is unlimited calls for 29$

  • alokahuja on 11/12/2015 - 05:37

    I have observed the same on my Vaya account. Suddenly (since august) my wife is exceeding her 1.5GB limit. This has not been an issue for her for the last 2 + years she has been on Vaya.

    • kimba88 on 11/12/2015 - 06:55

      Exactly my concerns!

    • suchcha on 11/12/2015 - 15:02

      Has she disabled FB video autoplay? This can eat-up data, even if the video is only played for 1 or 2 seconds.

  • Caped Baldy on 11/12/2015 - 09:00

    You could consider Jeenee. Currently, $22 for 2gb on the optus 4g network.
    Personally, I don't use them so I can't vouch for the coverage, quality etc.

    • kimba88 on 12/12/2015 - 08:11

      Looks like a good option. I'd just be worried about the lack of calls though. I'll have to do some numbers to work it out

  • kongkee on 11/12/2015 - 09:18

    Hi,

    I'm with Optus

    $20/ per month
    Unli mms and call
    1GB data

    Although, I'm on a Bundle deal, our ADSL and Telephone are with Optus, if you're not then you'll be paying $30/ month.

  • TQS on 11/12/2015 - 21:53

    I had the same experience with TPG! They kept overcharging me for data which I couldn't work out why either. I always had my mobile on flight mode when I'm at work & only use Tango on my phone when I'm at home (wifi). When I called and asked them to explain how I'd go over 1.5GB data in couple of days when I have wifi at home & phone is always on flight mode when I'm at work since there is no receptions at work. Their reason was, "it was a valid charge & can't not be refunded". I got fed up & have switched to Aldimobile, can't be any happier, it has been 46 days & it has only costed me under $2. I have chose Pay as U go as my phone is pretty much for emergency purposes only, pretty cheap SMS & call rates. Their Other plans seems pretty decent too & they're using Telstra line. This is their new plans effective from 16 Dec 2015: https://www.aldimobile.com.au/newplans

    • kimba88 on 12/12/2015 - 08:13

      I do like the look of the large phone plan. But there isn't sms included… Otherwise I think I'd have a winner

      • kimba88 on 16/12/2015 - 21:33

        *mms not sms

  • Sydney87 on 11/12/2015 - 22:28

    How about Lebara? $30 National Plan, 2Gb data

    • kimba88 on 12/12/2015 - 08:14

      I know I didn't say it in my post.. But I really don't want the Vodafone network

  • kimba88 on 18/12/2015 - 16:51

    Might have a winner here on the $25 plan https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/226169

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