Mobile phones |
Prepare to buy
Before buying a mobile phone, think about why you need one and how you will use it. You should also shop around to compare the prices, conditions and plans of different network providers.
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.
Before you sign a mobile phone contract, carefully consider all your options. Ensure you are comfortable with the agreement.
Choose a phone
With so many mobile phones now available, it is important for consumers to know exactly what they want before making any purchases.
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.
Visit the websites of major mobile phone retailers and research their products. Visit several stores and speak with sales assistants to help you decide on the features you really need in a mobile phone.
Choose a suitable plan
Several mobile phone networks operate in Queensland. Each offers various contract and plan options.
Investigate your options thoroughly before agreeing to any contract.
To get the plan that best suits your needs and gives you the best value for money, consider:
- how much time you spend on calls each month
- how many messages you send
- whether you use internet browsing or mobile TV
- whether a capped plan option or a pre-paid, no contract option would suit you
- whether you wish to be charged in 30 second blocks or per second
- options to bundle your mobile service with other telecommunications services, such as internet or home phone
- whether you can sign a contract as a business
- your contract´s length and whether it´s longer than you should commit to
- the service each provider offers and whether you will get good service in the areas in which you live, work and visit
- properly budgeting for your monthly or quarterly bills
- whether the plan includes peak and off-peak times, and if you would benefit from using off-peak times.
For more information or help on how to choose a mobile phone plan, visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
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.
Call your service provider to discuss these options.
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, first contact your service provider. You can request an itemised statement of your calls to help you reconcile the bill.
You can also contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman about:
- billing and being overcharged
- being charged for calls you didn´t make
- being charged for services and products you didn´t receive or request
- being overcharged for work carried out
- faults
- being misled or misinformed about contract terms.
Information or premium rate services usually have a ´190´ prefix. 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.
Last reviewed 28/11/2011 |
 |
