The emergence of smartphones has completely revolutionised the mobile telephony market. Previous, cap plans were relatively simple – they gave you a call / cap limit, some obligatory free text messages, and off you went. These days, mobile plans have to include data, social networking features, gaming links and news content, just to name a few. So, which plan would suit you best?
Telstra
Telstra’s new Freedom Connect plans were introduced with smartphone users in mind, with higher data limits (1-3GB), included SMS (MMS count as part of the call cap) and email billing. Many different handsets are provided with this package, with better models available at higher spending levels.
Vodafone
Vodafone has a range of tailored smartphone plans, called the Infinite plans. These plans give users unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In amongst other social networking sites, as well as unlimited txt/pxt messaging and calls within Australia to landlines and mobiles. The data cap for other Internet activity varies by plan, with 500MB on the $45 plan to 4GB on the $100 plan.
Optus
Optus also provide unlimited access to popular social networking sites within Australia, as well as large data caps on higher end plans. Unlimited SMS is also provided on all plans above $79 per month.
Virgin
Virgin mobile has a range of “fair go” plans, with large amounts of included data and high call caps. These plans were built around the emergence of smartphones and social networking – however, unlimited access to social networks is not included.
Dodo
Dodo has created a range of plans with smartphones and social networking in mind, with unlimited access to top social networking sites plus ebay. The “Social Cap” plans also come with large amounts of data and special call rates.
iPrimus
iPrimus offer a range of “Social Plus caps” which allow unlimited access to the top 5 social networking sites, as well as ebay and a couple of others. 2GB data is included in the $49 plan, with lower amounts available on the smaller plans.
TPG
TPG has a range of plans ideal for the data hungry smartphone user, with a 2GB of data included in its premium $79.99 Executive plan. The plan also includes $2000 worth of calls to standard Australian numbers. TPG don’t currently supply handsets, however, so you’ll need to already own a smartphone to take advantage of this deal.
Selecting a plan
When selecting a cap plan, keep your standard usage pattern in mind. What do you use your smartphone for? If you are constantly texting friends and family, choose a cap plan that offers unlimited SMS in Australia. If you make a lot of calls, choose a plan that offers a large data cap. However, many providers allow the luxury of upgrading plans mid-term if you are stuck on one that doesn’t suit your needs.