Unhappy customers spending up to $1.2bn more on phone plans

Almost one in three Australians aren’t happy with their mobile phone provider, according to a nationally representative survey by Finder of 863 Australians with a mobile phone plan. The research revealed that a significant number of Australians don’t think they’re getting a good deal with their current mobile phone provider, with customers unsatisfied with their provider spending $252 more per year than happy customers on average — equivalent to $1.2 billion in extra mobile plan spending per year. For 13% of Australians, switching providers is too much of a hassle.

Angus Kidman, tech expert at Finder, said it is much easier than consumers think to find a cheaper phone plan. “Switching your mobile plan is not difficult — once you choose your preferred new provider they’ll do all the heavy lifting for you,” Kidman said.

Consumers who said they were happy with their current phone plan had the lowest monthly phone bills, with an average cost of $47. Those who were unsatisfied with their provider were paying $68 per month on average, marking a difference of $21 per month on average, or $252 per year. Those who were on a contract were paying the most — $84 a month on average.

Kidman said consumers should look beyond the big three providers for a better deal, noting that smaller providers use the networks run by the main players, but tend to have more competitive offers. “Another option is to switch to a prepaid plan. This can help to reduce any excess data charges, and is also useful when budgeting your expenses because you know exactly what the cost is going to be,” Kidman said.

The survey found 7% of Australians are on a phone contract and can’t make the switch, while 6% don’t want to lose their phone number. “There’s a misconception that switching mobile providers means giving up your phone number — but that’s not the case. When you sign up to your new provider, let them know you want to transfer your old phone number over and they’ll do it for you. Just make sure you don’t cancel your old plan before signing up to your new one,” Kidman said.

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