We asked you the big telco questions, crunched the data - and the result? According to our research, the thing that’s stopping 32% of you from making the switch on your phone plan is the fear of losing your current phone number.
Which is fair enough - you don’t want your mum giving you a call on your old number, only for a total stranger to answer the phone wondering why this sweet old lady is asking what time you’re coming ‘round for tea.
If you fall into this group though, you’re in luck. It’s not a well-known fact, but telcos can’t actually keep your phone number when you switch providers. It belongs to YOU, not them.
So if you want a better deal on your phone plan - and want to keep your phone number, it’s as easy as ticking a box when you order your new plan. Most providers make it simple by asking if you want to keep your number. Others may use the phrase ‘mobile number portability’ or ‘porting’. So if you see that, that’s what they’re talking about.
It’s important to remember that if you plan on changing providers and want to keep your phone number, to NOT cancel your existing plan first.
If you cancel first, you won’t be able to port your new number over. Talk to your new provider first, set up the new plan, and they’ll handle the rest. In most cases, they’ll have your new service up and running within a couple of hours.
Changing plans
According to our same survey, we also found out that 60% of you can’t remember the last time you changed your SIM-only or prepaid plan.
Changing your plan, or at least looking at your options - is like changing your sheets; it’s good to do it regularly. Great deals pop up all the time, so to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, compare plans.
Don’t recognise some of the brands below? These are called Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs, and run on the same networks as the Big Three, but often at a cheaper price.
Compare Telstra network plans
All the below carriers run on the same network, so even if you opt for a smaller brand, you’re still getting the same network coverage as you would if you were to go with Telstra.
Compare Optus network plans
As above, all the networks in the grid below run on the Optus network - so no matter which one you choose, they all use the Optus network.
Compare Vodafone network plans
Yep, all the below phone plans run on the Vodafone network, so see if you can snag a better deal than what you're currently on.
Kate Reynolds
Digital Content Editor
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