Unlimited Data Mobile Plans
- Australia only has a few genuinely unlimited high-speed plans
- Totally unlimited data, calls and texts in Australia
- Know what you’re paying with no bill shock
What's good
- Total predictability - no more unexpected costs
- Unlimited calls and texts included
- Month-to-month means you can change plans whenever you want
What's bad
- Often the most expensive type of plan; other options might be cheaper
- Plans may have some exceptions and exclusions
What’s the difference between unlimited data and endless data?
A very good question. Both terms mean you’ll never run out of data, but each handles data speeds differently once you reach a certain threshold. Here’s what I mean:
- Unlimited data: With unlimited, there’s no ceiling on the amount of data you use and no reduction in data speed. It’s genuinely unlimited at the maximum speed available to you.
- Endless data: Some plans offer “unlimited” data which means you’ll never technically run out, but after you’ve hit your allotted data amount the speed will reduce to 1.5Mps or less.
Endless data means you won’t pay for going over your limit, but it might be a frustrating experience. Unlimited data gives you access to high-speed internet all day, every day.
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Why choose an unlimited plan?
Unlimited plans won’t suit everyone. Most Aussies will find a cheaper 20GB or 30GB plan is all they need. But an unlimited plan might suit you if:
- You regularly work away from WiFi (outside the office or on the train, for example)
- You don’t have home internet
- You have multiple other devices that hotspot off your phone
The great thing about unlimited plans is knowing what you’ll pay each month. There are no excess data fees and no worries about slow speeds. These plans are getting cheaper too, and brands often have sign-up discounts that make them even more cost-effective.
How do you know if you need an unlimited plan?
I’d suggest looking at the history on your current phone plan, if you have one. You should be able to see how much data you’ve used each month on the app, or in the Settings > Mobile Data section on your phone.
Once you have a baseline for your usual data consumption, you can decide whether you need unlimited data, or if a smaller SIM plan might work just as well. Limited plans tend to be cheaper overall.
What other extras might you pay for?
While you won’t run out of data, you might still get slapped for other features. For example:
- International calls: Some plans don’t include unlimited international minutes to every country. You may need to buy an add-on or use internet calling through WhatsApp or Messenger instead.
- Roaming: Using your Australian SIM in another country can be expensive. You’ll likely need to pay extra for roaming, and note that some plans don’t offer international roaming at all.
- Additional services: Adding new devices to your account (like mobile data for your Apple Watch) might incur a fee.
SUMMING IT UP
Unlimited data can be a lifesaver if you chew through a lot of data each month. You’ll likely pay a little more for it though, so have a look at your historic data usage to see whether a cheaper limited plan might work just as well.
