How to Reduce Your Mobile and Internet Bills

The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and objectives before making any financial decisions.

Staying connected in today's digital world isn't just a luxury – it's essential for work, social connection and managing daily life. But with the rising cost of living, many Australians are looking for ways to reduce their mobile phone and internet expenses without compromising on service quality.

So we've put together some practical strategies to help you save on your digital connection costs while staying connected to what matters most.

1. Understanding your current usage

Before making any changes to your plans, it's crucial to understand how you actually use your mobile and internet services. Many of us are paying for more data than we need, or not making the most of included features.

Take stock of your usage:

• Check your last three months of mobile data usage through your telco's app
• Review your home internet usage during peak and off-peak times
• Look at which streaming services are consuming the most data
• Identify any unused features you're currently paying for

Pro tip: Most major telcos have apps or online portals where you can track your usage. With Beforepay's Compare and Save platform, you could browse the plans available on the platform to see how much you might be able to save on your mobile, internet or gas and electricity bills.

2. Choosing the right plan for your needs

The Australian mobile and internet market is competitive, with numerous providers vying for your business. This competition can work in your favour if you know what to look for. Here are some checklists to get you started: 

Mobile plans

• Major networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) often have better coverage but higher prices
• Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Boost, Amaysim, or Belong often offer better value
• Consider if you really need 5G access – 4G might be sufficient for most uses
• Look at prepaid vs postpaid options – prepaid can help control spending.

Internet plans

• NBN plans vary significantly in speed and price
• Consider your household's needs – video streaming, gaming, or basic browsing
• Check if bundling services actually saves you money
• Look at typical evening speeds, not just maximum speeds.

3. Smart strategies to reduce usage

Small changes in how you use your services can lead to significant savings over time. Some strategies you can try include: 

Mobile data:

• Download playlists, podcasts, and maps when on WiFi
• Use offline features in apps like Google Maps
• Adjust video quality settings on streaming apps
• Enable data saver mode on your phone.

Home internet: 

• Schedule large downloads during off-peak hours
• Use quality settings that match your device's screen
• Consider whether you need multiple streaming services
• Check if your router needs updating for better efficiency.

4. Negotiating better deals

Many Australians don't realise that negotiating with telco providers is not only possible but expected. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, remember that you're a valuable customer, and it's worth asking for a better deal. Your provider might have a special offer set aside for those who ask! 

Not sure how to start? We’ve got you covered with our negotiation tips. 

When to negotiate

• Near the end of your contract
• When competitors release new deals
• During major sales periods (EOFY, Black Friday)
• When your usage patterns have changed significantly
• If you've been a long-term customer.

How to negotiate

Before the call:

• Review your current plan and typical usage
• Research competitor offers and write down specific deals
• Have your account details ready
• Choose a time when you're not rushed and can focus on the conversation.

During the call

• Start by explaining you're reviewing your expenses and looking for a better deal
• Be polite but confident – remember, this is a normal business conversation
• Mention how long you've been a customer
• Reference specific competitor offers you've found
• Ask about: current promotions, loyalty discounts, bundle opportunities, special rates for your circumstances (student, senior, etc.).
• If the first offer isn't satisfactory, politely ask if there are any other options
• Don't feel pressured to accept an offer immediately – it's okay to say you'll think about it.

5. Special discounts and considerations

Don't leave money on the table – some providers can offer special rates for:

• Students
• Seniors and pensioners
• Healthcare card holders
• Bundle deals with other services
• Family plans.

Taking advantage of these offers could help to reduce your monthly bills.

But remember, while these discounts can be substantial, it's still worth comparing the final price against other providers' regular rates. Sometimes a non-discounted plan from a budget provider might still be cheaper than a discounted plan from a major telco! 

6. Monitor and review

Once you've optimised your plans, set a reminder to review them every 6-12 months. The market changes rapidly, and new deals emerge regularly, so it's worth taking 30 minutes every few months to compare your current plan against new offers.

You could also try Beforepay's Compare and Save platform. It’s free to use and lets you compare plans from a list of available providers to help you find better deals on your mobile and internet services. 

By implementing these strategies and staying aware of your usage, you can reduce your mobile and internet costs while staying connected when and where you need to. 

If you need help managing bills between paydays, you could also consider short-term loans to help you manage your utility bills, like Beforepay’s Pay Advance.