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Aug
01

How to save money on your mobile

Posted in Services, Shopping

I received a great information email this morning from 3 mobile so I thought I might share it with everyone.

Dear 3 subscriber,

Who can live without a mobile, these days? They’re part of our every day. So, too, is the cost.

So here are some simple tips for making sure you get the very best value - without any unexpected surprises.

Before you sign up

  • Prepaid or cap plan: prepaid may be a good way to get used to your mobile usage. However, a cap plan will include better call rates and more bonuses.
  • Overestimate your usage: many people underestimate their mobile usage and sign up to a lower plan. This may have higher call rates and an allowance they quickly use up. The result: a big bill for the excess. Be realistic.
  • When and what: write down the times of day you tend to use your mobile, and the types of communication (i.e., calls, SMS, data, etc). Now check the Peak and Off-Peak call rates and charges to see how your actual call pattern compares.
  • Free stuff: some plans include free or cheap calls at certain times (like at night) and to selected numbers. Look at the restrictions: are they realistic for you? And check they are actually free and included in the plan.
  • The Internet and data: do you want to browse the web on your phone, check email or watch streaming videos? Some companies charge an arm and a leg for these data services. Check what’s included, and what any additional actual costs are. Also see if you are within coverage zones and what the roaming costs are when out of coverage.

Choosing the right plan

  • Cost of calls: don’t just look at the cost of a basic call. Also check out the costs for the costs for SMS, MMS, International calls, Video calls and Voicemail.
  • What’s included: check thoroughly to see what’s included in the plan, and what will incur sometimes hefty fees.
  • Check your usage: can you check your usage on an ongoing basis? Rather than waiting for the bill, you should be able to track how much of your plan you’ve used any time you like.
  • The freebies: the free stuff that’s promised. Check out the extra features of your plan, and see what’s included.

Which handset?

  • Functions you actually need: handsets come with all sorts of features. But which of those are you likely to actually use? You may well get a mobile that does just what you need - without all the latest gadgets - free on a lower plan.
  • Preferred brand: do you have a preferred brand, such as Nokia, LG or Sony Ericsson? This will help narrow your options.
  • Locked handsets: some carriers lock the phones so that they only work with their plans. Check the handset is not SimLocked, and that you won’t be charged to unlock it.

Day to day savings

  • Call barring: think about barring certain types of calls, such as international or calls to premium rate numbers.
  • Premium rates: voting via SMS and premium rate numbers can be expensive. Some will lock you into a weekly message that soon chews through your allowance. Check the small print.
  • Call vs SMS: sometimes, it may be cheaper to SMS someone rather than call. Check the costs for a 30second call versus an SMS.

What 3 can offer you

  • Free stuff every 3 Mobile Cap includes free national voice calls to anyone on 31, any time of the day or night. From $160 (or 200 minutes) a month on the $29 Cap, to 3000 minutes on the $199 Cap.
  • Internet and data: our new Caps include heaps of unlimited free news, sport or fun2: programs like Sky News, Fox Sports News, comedy, YourBars & Restaurants, and more.

Want even more? Try our Value Pack options where you can get access to your favorite sites like Google, Facebook, Youtube, YahooMail and more from just $5 per month.

  • Locked handsets: 3 Mobile provide your unlock code free of charge.
  • Choice of handsets: 3 Mobile offer a great range of great mobiles, even on our lowest Cap.
  • Check your usage: with My3, you can check your account from your mobile or any computer, any time of the day or night.

Go to the 3Mobile website

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