Which Is The Best Family Plan for 5-6 People Who Are Often Not Using Theirs?

enveloped on 02/02/2021 - 11:41
Last edited 02/02/2021 - 13:31 by 1 other user

Hi I'm managing all family members' mobile plans. as you can imagine it's a lot of hassle which number expires at which date and who uses what data.

My kids' plans only need to work during school holidays since the school forbids phone carrying; my parents (kids grandpa and grandma) plan only needs to work when they are in Australia, which is every 6 months (permanently paused thanks to COVID). And my wife and I find it easiest to use a yearly plan since we don't use much data except some sudden bursts.

We let a few numbers expire by accident and grandpa and grandma had to call up everyone to let them know they are using a new number when they came to visit Australia again.

It would be great to have a family plan where numbers can be put on hold for months a time. Which provider can do that? Thanks

• 

  dust on 02/02/2021 - 11:45

  +1

  Have you checked out the mobile deals page?

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  MS Paint on 02/02/2021 - 11:46

  I have not researched this so could be wrong but I don't believe mobile number parking is an option in Australia. Use it or lose it.

  Only option is to put them on a $10 plan or similar and just absorb the cost while they are overseas.

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  MSG on 02/02/2021 - 11:46

  +1

  It would be great to have a family plan where numbers can be put on hold for months a time. Which provider can do that? Thanks

  Use a PAYG plan for this. Aldi mobile from $5/year (42c/month).

  • 

    kerfuffle on 02/02/2021 - 12:25

    +2

    Aldi mobile from $5/year (42c/month)

    Only for the first year when they get a SIM. Minimum recharge after that is $15/year

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  ranap on 02/02/2021 - 12:16

  +1

  I doubt if there are any Monthly Plans with the option to park. An alternative would be to use Pre-Paid Plans and during months of low use, just port the numbers to the cheapest Pre-Paid Plans available then. Usually at least one mobile provider would have a promotion running for $1 to $5 for one month OR Better still go to PAYG Mobile like Aldi, which allows you to retain the number for a year.

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  sage26 on 03/02/2021 - 12:08

  For the grandparents, do they actually need a phone number? When my MIL is here from overseas all the relatives just call her on fb messenger. All she needs is a mobile phone and wifi.No mobile plan or phone number required. Since she stays with her children when travelling there is wifi at everyone's house.

  She is elderly and doesn't go out and about much or go out on her own at all. So this option may not suit a younger, more independent grandparent.