Mobile data prices plunged off a cliff in 2018. Around this time last year, we were getting excited about SIM-only plans that included 15GB for around $40 per month. That kind of money gets you twice as much data these days, if not more.
But while telcos are all boosting inclusions, some deals are still better than others. It’s not always the case, but the best offers are typically reserved for customers willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Of course, there are still great offers available if you’d prefer the flexibility of a no-contract or prepaid plan thanks to a spate of bonuses.
SIM-only plans with at least 30GB on a contract
The deals here are all great, but there are a few clear standouts. Optus is an excellent pick with 30GB for $35 per month, especially when you consider the extras you’ll get, such as data-free music streaming and Optus Sports.
Vodafone is running a 35GB for $35 per month offer up until January 14, although Vodafone-MVNO Think Mobile will throw in an extra 5GB for just $2 more per month. Vodafone’s plan does however include bonuses like $5 per day roaming, while Think Mobile’s plan is very no frills.
If you’d prefer Telstra coverage, new customers can get a 60GB plan for $49 per month on a 12-month contract. Existing customers will pay $59 per month instead.
In either case, this plan also includes Peace of Mind data, which means your data speeds will get slowed to 1.5Mbps if you manage to use all your allowance, but you won’t face any excess charges. This offer runs for a limited time but doesn’t yet have a fixed end-date.
If you don’t need quite as much data but still want Telstra network access, TeleChoice is a solid option, offering 30GB for $40 per month on a 12-month contract.
SIM-only plans with at least 30GB and no contract
Your options are a little more limited if you’d prefer a no-contract SIM only plan. Vaya is however a great choice, offering 30GB for $44 per month with no lock-in. If you need more data, amaysim will throw in another 10GB for just $6 more per month.
Prepaid plans with at least 30GB
Prepaid might make you think of school kids and drug dealers, but there’s now a whole heap of high-inclusion low-commitment offers available for those who’d prefer to pay for their phone plan upfront.
Most prepaid plans will currently set you back around $50 for a 30GB to 40GB recharge, but Boost Mobile has an offer worth calling out. Its $50 plan currently gets you 32GB of data, plus a bonus 23GB on your first five recharges. That’s a total of 55GB.
It is however worth noting that Boost’s recharges have a 28-day expiry, which means you’ll be recharging 13 times per year, rather than 12.
SIM-only plans with at least 50GB
Thanks to a flash sale, Optus has some of the best big-data phone plans around. Up until January 13, you can get a 50GB SIM-only plan for $40.50 per month, or an 80GB plan for $41.25. Yep, you read that right.
You can add an extra 30GB to your plan for just 75 cents more. Data prices can be so dumb.
These Optus plans are both sold on a 12-month contract and include data-free video streaming for no additional cost. Optus normally charges an extra $5 per month if you want unmetered access to Netflix, Stan, and ABC iview. Not that you need it when you have 80GB per month.
Outside of promos, Think Mobile is a clear winner, offering 80GB for $48 per month on a 12-month contract.
Alex Choros is Managing Editor at WhistleOut, Australia’s phone and internet comparison website. He’s now had far too many phone plan related dreams.