How Much Mobile Data Does An Average Australian Actually Need?
Weve seen mobile data plan allowances skyrocket over the last few years. You can easily get a plan with over 100GB; some even go as high as 500GB. Thats A LOT of data. Sure, some of us go ham on our mobile connection, especially with regular hot spotting. But the tasks we use our phones for tend to be less demanding than what wed use a fixed-line internet connection for. READ MORE The Best NBN Providers For 4K Netflix, According To The ACCC  Based off ACCC statistics, we have calculated that the average Australians uses roughly 24.4GB of data per month. This was based on data from December 2020 and shows a 23 per cent increase from the previous year. Even if that continues to grow at roughly the same rate year-on-year, its still a far cry from 100  500 GB data inclusions. Theres no point spending your hard-earned dollars on a massive plan youll use less than half of. So if youre keen to save a bit of money (but still want a bit of a data buffer), here are some of the best SIM-only plans around with at least 30GB of data. To start, iiNet is doing 40GB for just $15 per month for your first six months. The plan will jump up to $29.99 per month after your initial discount period is up, but its contract-free, so you can always bounce if you dont feel like spending more. iiNet is powered by the Vodafone network. Internode  also owned by TPG, also powered by the Vodafone network  is running an identical deal. Circles.Life is running its own promo that lasts a little longer. Youll pay $18 per month for 50GB. This offer will last for your first year, but after that, youll be paying $28 for 20GB. The plan is contract-free, so once again, you can leave at any time. To get this deal, use the promo code 50GBEOFY before 12pm AEST on July 1. Circles is powered by the Optus network. Kogan also has a year-long deal going. Youll pay $25 per month for 45GB, but youll need to commit to a 12-month contract. The price will jump to $40 per month after your first year is up, but your contract will be over so youre free to swap providers at the same time. Kogan is powered by the Vodafone network. If youd prefer to avoid timed discounts and jumping from plan to plan, our favourite Canadian-themed Brisbane-based telco  Moose Mobile  is doing 40GB for $29 per month. This one also comes with a 12-month contract, however. Moose is powered by the Optus network. Vodafone is currently offering 50GB for $35 per month for your first year, after which youll pay $40 per month. And if youd prefer something on the Telstra network, you can get 40GB for $35 on Belong, Telstras budget brand. Alternatively, MATE is doing 34GB for $35 per month. While thats less data, the plan includes a Tidal music streaming subscription, which could help bring down your monthly expenditure if youre okay with swapping service. Alex Choros is Managing Editor at WhistleOut, Australias phone and internet comparison website.