Telstra’s New Phone Feeling – Is it a rip off ?
Short answer ? It makes sense if you meet these criteria.
If you’re one of the few who meet this profile then go ahead and get yourself on the Teltsra new phone feeling plan:
- You live in a rural area AND
- You like to have the latest phone every year AND
- You like to have a 4G phone
If you are with Telstra, you’re probably paying a lot for your phone bill each month as it is. Independent studies have shown that Telstra no longer has the best network in city areas. Additionally, it almost always makes sense to buy your phone outright and purchase a SIM Only plan from a network reseller.
What’s the marketing blarney from Telstra on this one ?
Getting a new phone can be exhilarating and Telstra is chomping at the bit to give you a new one every year. What you need to determine, the light of Telstra’s announcement of their new phone feeling plan, is whether this a satisfactory deal – or not such a great opportunity.
Below are the facts of what Telstra’s new plan feature includes so that, after review, you can decide whether it’s worth signing up.
What are the terms of the agreement for the new phone feeling ?
In a nutshell, Telstra’s New Phone Feeling means that, if you return your phone after 12 months, undamaged, Telstra will give you a new phone. You have to start another 24 month contract on the spot but the original one is cancelled.
Pros for the New Phone Feeling Plan :
- You’ve always got a new phone : With the New Phone Feeling there is no waiting for a 24 month contract to end before getting a new phone. Once you turn in your phone in undamaged and in good working condition the contract can be cancelled and a new 24-month plan put into place.
- You never have to worry about being left behind in the techno dust : By getting a new phone each year you’ll be able to upgrade to the newest technology and not miss out on any hi-tech advances.
Cons for the New Phone Feeling Plan
- When the plan is cancelled after 12 months, you don’t get to keep your existing phone : This takes away the option of passing the phone along to a family member or friend who could use it.
- It costs ( even ) more : The New Phone Feeling option comes with a $10 per month price tag which adds extra expense to the most expensive network.
- You’re exposed to Telstra’s price plan changes : By committing to renew your plan and contract at the end of the 12 month period, you will be obliged to take on any price plan change that Telstra puts in place at that time. Over the last couple of years Telstra have steadily charged an increasing monthly fee for the data in their plans. This trend looks set to continue. If you get in to this deal, you’re going to be worse off if it does.
- You pay whether or not you use the service : If you wait too long to relinquish your existing phone and cancel the contract it the deal will be less cost effective. Telstra are going to charge you that $10 per month every month you have the facility open to you whether or not you use it.
- New phone iterations don’t give you as much as they used to : The rate of change in feature releases has slowed notably since the launch if the iPhone in 2007. Getting the latest and greatest phone doesn’t mean what it used to in terms of the new features and functions that you’ll receive. Put simply, the difference between the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5 is not that much. You’ll be paying a lot for a few additional features and limited bragging rights.
Summing up : It only makes sense for a few people
In effect, what it boils down to is whether the opportunity to receive a new phone with updated technological features every year is worth the extra expense involved and the need to give up your existing phone.