What to look for in a prepaid mobile phone

Many people choose a prepaid mobile phone because their mobile usage is low volume, making a prepaid option more economical. Prepaid mobiles allow the user to have more control with their mobile phone costs, eliminate the monthly bills associated with plans and give them the option of recharging only when they need to.

Prepaid mobile offers

All the major phone networks offer prepaid phone deals so it pays to look at who's offering what with prepaid deals, as some are going to be more attractive than others (depending on how you use your phone). Look for offers that:

Have free talk and/or text to any Australian network
Very low rates
Bonus talk time
Special rate offers
Extended credit expiry periods

If you have a 3G phone, check out the offers on mobile internet, music downloads, games and mobile television.

Switching prepaid mobile plans

Did you know you can change your prepaid rate plan? All prepaid phones have a basic plan but you can upgrade at any time to take advantage of prepaid rates that offer you more for your money.

Most networks offer good deals like turbo-charge plans and plus packs where a basic recharge increases your credit value by as much as four times your recharge cost ($30 can give you $120 credit) and some recharge plans will also allow you to roll your credit over from the previous period into the current period if you recharge before the expiry date.

If your mobile usage is low to medium prepaid mobile rates can be ideal but they can also be good even for those who use their phone very regularly, as some networks are now offering “heavy use” prepaid deals. Look around the networks to find the best deal for your dollar – prepaid can be the most economical method of owning a mobile phone.