There are many factors to consider when choosing a plan for a new mobile phone. This post assumes you already know which device you want, and now you just want to know what to consider when choosing a plan for a new mobile phone. Not only the price but also other important factors like what happens when we accidentally break or lose our phone while still under the plan.
Below are the top 5 things to consider when choosing a plan for your new mobile phone:
1. Choose the Right Company
Before signing or comparing anything, you’ll need to know if the provider’s coverage area covers the area where you will be using your phone. Usually, you can see the coverage map on the company’s website.
2. Compare the Price Between Outright and Plans
These days mobile phone providers offer many great deals when you buy their phones both outright or with plans. If the repayment and the outright price is the same, and you find their plans suitable for your needs, you should go with the plans.
So for instance, instead of spending $1350 all at once, you can take the advantage of the repayment by paying only $56.25 per month for 24 months while investing the rest of your money elsewhere that is more profitable.
3. Read the Terms and Conditions
Understanding the Terms and Conditions of any contract is important. Find out what happens when you lose or accidentally damage your mobile phone.
Details that you need to know are things like how much you have to pay, what the procedures are, how long it takes for the provider to repair or replace your device etc. You may also need to really see if it’s worth just paying the balance of the contract or getting your mobile phone repaired/replaced.
4. Insurance
If you decide to take insurance, in case something goes wrong with your device, be it stolen, lost, or damaged, do read all the terms and conditions, i.e. what are and are not included.
5. Know Your Usage Habit
To choose the right plan, you need to know your usage habit. Do you use your mobile phone mainly for social media? Uploading photos? Streaming TV/Radio? Downloading music? Talking to your friends and family?
If your usage is heavily based on using the internet and you have no free wifi at home or at work, you’ll need a plan that offers heaps of data inclusion. Personally speaking, with all YouTube streaming, social media, but not so much streaming TV/Radio with 4-5 music downloads per month, my data usage is around 60-70 Gb.
Here is a data usage calculator you can use to estimate how much you need per day or per month (don’t forget to set this option accordingly on the drop down menu at the top).
