Chances are you don't use as much mobile data as you think. Sure, we all love having a surplus in the bank, but wouldn't you rather that surplus be in your bank account rather than your data bank?
If you've got a reliable home internet connection, it's likely you now find yourself spending a lot more time connected to your WiFi. Even if you love to stream with wreckless abandon you may not be using that much data, especially if you're in one of our many national lockdowns.
The way that phone plans are set up means you still pay for your entire data allowance, even if you're not using it all. Although we rarely consider it, if you're looking to save money it is worth checking on how much of your data allowance you actually use each month. You can see your full usage in your monthly phone bill.
This is easily the most accurate indication of exactly how much data you are using. Look for a plan that has some leeway - 10-20% extra should be more than ample - and downgrade your phone plan in just a few easy steps.
With that in mind, here are a few different options for downgrading your phone plan.
What to do if you're on a contract-free plan or if your contract is finished
If you're on a contract-free plan, or if you old contract has run its course, you're free to change plan. You can get a more affordable plan with your current provider or shop around for a better deal without paying any termination fees. At most, you'll need to pay out your final month.
The process of changing provider is simple:
- DO NOT cancel your existing mobile service, as this will mean you won't be able to port your number. Your new telco will handle the transfer and cancellation for you.
- Find a new plan and order a new SIM card online, over the phone, or buy in-store.
- During the sign-up process, you will be asked whether you want to 'port' or transfer your existing number to the new account. Simply put in your phone number and specify your current provider.
- After you receive your new SIM card, you'll need to activate it. Doing this begins the process of transferring your number.
Your old service will continue to work until the transfer has been completed.
In most cases, your new service will be activated within in a few hours. If you're lucky, you'll be connected to your new provider almost instantly, but the process can take a day or two in some cases - so you may need to be patient.
If you're looking for a new plan, the cheapest options tend to start at $10 or so per month. This will get you about 1GB of data.
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#1
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SpinTel 
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#2
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Moose Mobile 
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Link not supplied
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Here's some no-contract plans with at least 5GB of data for under $20 per month if you want more of a safety net:
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#1
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SpinTel
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#2
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Moose Mobile
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Link not supplied
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#3
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Southern Phone 
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Link not supplied
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And of course, since these plans are contract-free, you're always able to change if you find your usage on the uptick.
What to do if you're paying off a phone
If you're paying off a phone you've bought recently through Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, you may be able to drop down to a lower-plan tier.
All recent Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone plans are ostensibly contract-free. This means you can change your base plan once per month, or leave entirely by paying out the remainder of your device repayments.
Here are the two cheapest plans available from each of the major providers. While these aren't as good value as smaller providers, there is no reason to be paying for a product that you don't use.
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#1
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Vodafone
$49 Small SIM Only Plan
$39/mth
Min. cost $39
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#2
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Vodafone
$59 Medium SIM Only Plan
$49/mth
Min. cost $49
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#3
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Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
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#4
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Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
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#5
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Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
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#6
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Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
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What to do if you're still in a contract
If you're still in a contract, your options are a limit more limited. In most cases, you won't be able to leave your contract without paying an early exit fee.
However, if you're on an older Optus plan that came with a new phone (from before November 25, 2019), you have the option of breaking your contract but you'll have to pay out the remaining value of your phone. If you're reaching the end of your phone plan - for example, you only have two or three months left - it might be worth leaving early to switch to a cheaper SIM-only plan to save more month to-month.
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