Get out there - June 2011 |
Welcome to the Get Out There e-newsletter.
This month get some tips on how to find the best value for money on your mobile.
Prepare to buy
Before buying a mobile phone, think about why you need one and how you will use it. With so many phones available, it is important you know exactly what you want before making a purchase.
Don´t buy on impulse; you should also shop around to compare the prices, conditions and plans of different network providers. Remember, you are not entitled to a refund if you purchase something by mistake or change your mind.
Check out prices and options in catalogues or visit the websites of major mobile phone retailers. Visit several stores and speak with sales assistants to help you decide on the features you really need in a mobile phone.
Choose a phone
Start by considering if you:
- will use your phone mainly for work or personal use
- need email, internet access, an MP3 player, a still or video camera, wireless connectivity or a larger than normal screen
- want next generation mobile services such as internet, push to talk, GPS or video calling, and how often will you use these services.
Choose a suitable plan
Before locking into a plan, consider these questions to ensure you choose a plan that best suits your needs and gives you value for money:
- On average, how much time will you spend on calls each month and how many messages will you send?
- Do you tend to call rather than use text messaging?
- Will you use services such as internet browsing, mobile TV or other applications such as Facebook and Twitter?
- Would you be better suited with a pre-paid no contract option?
- Is usage charged in 30 second blocks or can you choose to be charged per second?
- Can you bundle your mobile service with other telecommunications services such as internet or home phone?
- Are you eligible to sign a contract as a business?
- Are there cancellation fees if you need to opt out of a contract?
- Will you be billed monthly or quarterly and can you properly budget for the required payments?
- Can you find a suitable capped plan that has a maximum monthly cost?
- Does the plan include peak and off-peak times, and will you be able to benefit from using the off-peak windows?
Ensure that while you are considering the monthly costs for a mobile phone plan, you also know the minimum total cost for the entire length of the plan. Read the contact and the fine print terms and conditions before you sign. If you´re not sure what a condition means, ask a salesperson. Always keep your paperwork and receipt.
For more information or help on how to choose a mobile phone plan, visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
If you are thinking about buying a major product or service, Fair Trading can help you.
Protect yourself
To protect yourself and stop unauthorised use of your mobile phone:
- bar international or other high-charge calls
- use a PIN
- do not lend your phone to others.
If someone steals your phone, you´re unlikely to get it back. You should ask your provider to suspend your service immediately and then report the theft to the police.
Resolve complaints
If you have a query or complaint, contact your mobile phone company. If you´re not satisfied with the outcome, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman on 1800 062 058. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints including billing, customer transfers, faults and situations where consumers claim to have been misinformed about the terms of a contract.
Information or premium rate services usually start with a ´190´ number. As several carriers provide these services, you probably won't know who will charge you until you receive the bill. The Telephone Information Services Standards Council handles complaints about these calls.
The Office of Fair Trading is on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
The Office of Fair Trading is now using social networking sites to reach our clients and promote our services. Our Twitter channel and Facebook page will provide alerts and supplement the information we publish on our website. You can also visit our YouTube channel to watch the product safety video.
Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Stay in touch with Get out there
As you begin the next phase of your lives after school, remember to visit Get out there for information on a variety of topics. Learn about finding the right job, starting university, renting your first place, buying a car or buying a house.
Tell your friends to sign up - Get out there really is the ultimate survival guide for young adults.
Last reviewed 03/06/2011 |
 |
