Unlimited phone plans are anything but simple – the definition of “unlimited” varies depending on which provider you’re with.
But here’s our simple guide which breaks down what to watch out for when signing up for an unlimited phone plan and what unlimited really gets you across a number of different providers.
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What is an unlimited phone plan?
Unlimited phone plans offer customers an unlimited amount of data each month. However, it’s not that easy to sign up for an unlimited mobile phone plan and expect all the data at lightning speeds.
So, what’s the catch? While your phone plan may be advertised as “unlimited” in terms of the amount of data you use, your speed cap may not be. Basically, once your full speed allowance is exhausted, your data slows down. This is a speed cap.
All three of the big phone providers have speed caps, but your speed cap will change depending on who your provider is with. For example, both Telstra and Optus’s Upfront plans are capped at 1.5Mbps but Vodafone’s varies between 1.5Mbps to truly unlimited if you’re lucky enough to be on its Ultra+ plans.
MVNOs also experience speed caps with felix capping its unlimited data plan speeds to 20Mbps and Belong to just 1Mbps.
Most other unlimited data plans are capped at 1.5Mbps maximum download speeds. And while 1.5Mbps isn’t super fast, it will be fast enough to stream standard definition video, listen to music and browse the web. Just be aware you will notice a difference during peak times when speeds are slow.
But why? By introducing a fixed amount of truly fast data each month, the big telcos can offer “unlimited” connectivity, while still exercising some control over how much data a customer actually uses.
Telstra’s Unlimited Phone Plans
Telstra’s unlimited plans are speed capped at 1.5 Mbps however Telstra’s plans offer a number of sweet bonuses. Plans are all contract-free and come with the flexibility to step up or down between plan tiers once per month. If you get an unlimited plan with a phone, it’s contract-free on the basis that if you want to leave, you can do so at any time without penalty. But remember, you will need to pay out any remaining value on your device.
Telstra customers can pay off their phone over 12, 24, or 36 months. Other perks include data-free streaming of Apple Music, discounted movie tickets through Event Cinemas and with Upfront plans, customers can share data with any other Upfront plan on the same account, up to a maximum of 10 plans.
Here are some of Telstra’s unlimited plans currently available in Australia:
Optus’ Unlimited Phone Plans
Optus also has speed caps of 1.5 Mbps across its unlimited mobile plans so there really isn’t much difference between choosing Optus or Telstra unless you’re in an area that relies on the wider Telstra network.
On an Optus plan, customers will enjoy 5G connectivity and unlimited international calls to selected destinations as a standard feature. These plans are contract-free for added peace of mind and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.
Plus customers will receive discounted access to Optus Sport ($24.99 per month for non-Optus customers or $6.99 per month for eligible Optus customers).
Here are some of Optus’ unlimited plans on offer:
Vodafone’s Unlimited Phone Plans
Vodafone may actually come out on top for unlimited mobile plans. If you’re interested in Vodafone’s Lite plans, you will be speed capped to 2Mbps which is a slight improvement on Telstra and Optus’s offering but Vodafone’s Super plans are even better with a speed cap of 10 Mbps.
Vodafone’s plans are excellent for travelers thanks to its famous $5 roaming offer, unlimited texts overseas and a generous amount of international call minutes to selected destinations. Handsets and plans are offered on a no-contract basis with no early exit fees, so you can leave at any time as long as you pay out the remaining value of your handset.
Choosing to pay off your new phone over 12, 24, or 36 months, softens the monthly financial burden if you’re getting a high-end handset. Customers will also get 5G connectivity included.
Here are some unlimited plans on the Vodafone network:
However, for the genuine unlimited experience, Vodafone’s Ultra+ plan uniquely offers truly unlimited in terms of speed and data. The only exception is that you have a 30GB hotspot allowance, after which hotspot data will be slowed to 2Mbps if you’re tethering your phone to your laptop.
Here’s Vodafone’s Ultra Plan with unlimited data and no speed caps:
Christie Graham is Digital Content Editor at WhistleOutAustralia’s mobile and internet comparison site.
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