Hi, can anyone help me understand mobile phone contracts in Brisbane? I have looked on some websites and it is quoting mobile phones at astronomical prices! Do you buy the phones seperately when you are looking for a contract? Do you pay a monthly tariff ? How much does a middle of the road tariff cost? What is the best network for the CBD? I'd be grateful for any help LGB xxx

 

Hi LGB,

I'll give you as much info as I can from my own perspective. Generally as in the UK you can either by pay as you go (and buy the phone you want outright), or go on a contract. If you go the pay as you go route, the phone prices are astronomical, higher I think here than in the UK. If you go down the contract route, most contracts are 24 months, and many come with a selection of phones included in the monthly price. If you want a particularly new phone, then you would pay an additional amount on top of the monthly say $29.00 cap which gives you your inclusive call credit.

For example, I'm with Virgin Mobile on their $29.00 cap which gives me $150.00 worth of credit to use for calls, texts etc. The phone I got was included in the cap price so I didn't pay anything for the phone (but will certainly be upgrading next time). If say I'd wanted a newer phone, I'd have paid the $29.00 for the $150.00 credit, then an additional amount say $39.00 a month extra for the actual phone that you want (hope it makes sense).

I know 3 are doing some good deals at the moment, you really have to shop around. If you'd like some links for the mobile operators just let me know and I'll post some for you, otherwise just do a search on Google Australia, the main providers are Telstra (expensive and don't get much for your money), Optus, Virgin, 3, Vodafone etc, have a look at www.allphones.com.au to get a better idea.

Hope this has helped and a Happy New Year to you.

Cheers.

Richard