Best Mobile Plans in Adelaide

Whether you’re in Adelaide or elsewhere in South Australia, you can compare mobile phone plans side by side with Savvy today.

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, updated on October 26th, 2023       

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We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of mobile phone plans to help you compare them.

Whether you’re newly arrived in Adelaide or a long-term resident, it's important to have a mobile plan that meets your needs and budget as you go about life in the city. However, with so many different providers and plans available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's where Savvy comes in.

Our free online comparison platform lets you easily compare quotes from a range of trusted providers. So if you're in the heart of the CBD, living in the suburbs or located anywhere else in this diverse city, we're here to help you find a plan that suits your needs. Start with a free, no-obligation quote today.

What types of mobile plans are available in Adelaide?

Mobile plan providers in Adelaide offer three main types of mobile plans:

  • Prepaid: with prepaid plans, you pay for a specific amount of data, talk and text in advance. These plans offer more control over your spending and can be a great option for budget-minded consumers.
  • Postpaid: postpaid plans bill you after you use the service and often come with additional features like unlimited talk and text. While they may be more expensive than prepaid plans, they offer convenience and added benefits.
  • Pay as you go: PAYG plans charge you based on your actual usage. These plans are ideal for light mobile users.

In addition to these three main types of plans, there are also SIM-only plans and SIM-and-phone plans. Available as prepaid, postpaid or PAYG, SIM-only plans provide a SIM card and network coverage but no handset, while SIM-and-phone plans include both a SIM card and a mobile device.

For those with specific needs, there may also be special plans available, such as family plans and business plans. Family plans allow multiple lines to be included in a single plan, making it convenient and cost-effective for families to manage their mobile services. Business plans are tailored to the needs of businesses, offering features like multiple lines, shared data and special rates for business-related calls.

How do I choose the best mobile plan for my needs in Adelaide?

When choosing a mobile plan in Adelaide, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

  • Usage: what’s your typical monthly data usage? How many minutes do you talk on the phone? How many texts do you send? Knowing your usage patterns will help you choose a plan that's not too expensive or too restrictive.
  • Budget: how much are you willing to spend on a mobile plan each month? Are you after a cheap mobile plan in Adelaide or are you willing to spend more to get more features? Be sure to factor in any additional costs, such as handset repayments for contract plans.
  • Type of plan: prepaid plans offer flexibility and control, postpaid plans provide more features and pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for light mobile users. Consider which type of plan best suits your needs and preferences.
  • Provider: research different mobile providers and their offerings. Compare plans, prices and network coverage to find the best deal for you.
  • Network coverage: make sure the provider you choose has good network coverage in the areas where you spend most of your time. You can check coverage maps online or by contacting the provider directly.
  • Additional features: some mobile plans come with additional features, such as unlimited talk and text, data rollover and access to entertainment platforms. Consider which features are important to you and choose a plan that includes them.
  • Future needs: think about your future mobile needs. If you expect your data usage to increase or if you’re planning to travel more frequently, choose a plan that can accommodate these changes.

By considering all of these factors, you'll be able to choose the best mobile plan for your needs and budget in Adelaide.

How much will my mobile plan cost in Adelaide?

The cost of a mobile plan in Adelaide can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a plan:

  • Plan type: prepaid plans offer more control over spending and may be more budget-friendly, while postpaid plans often come with additional features but may be more expensive.
  • Inclusions: consider the data, talk and text allowances, as well as any additional features that are important to you, such as international calling, data rollover and entertainment subscriptions.
  • Handset repayments: if you need a new phone, you may want to consider a contract plan, but keep in mind the monthly handset repayments.
  • Data allowance: choose a plan with enough data for your needs, but be aware that going over your data limit can result in extra charges.
  • Provider: compare plans from different providers to find the best deal for you.
  • Add-ons: some plans offer optional add-ons, such as international roaming packages or additional data packs, but these will incur extra charges.
  • Contract length: longer contracts may come with lower monthly fees, but you may have to pay an early termination fee if you cancel before the contract term is up.

Top tips for saving money on your mobile plan in Adelaide

Pay only for what you need

Don’t pay for features you don’t use. Consider how much data, talk time and text messages you need each month before you choose a plan.

Use data-saving features

Most phones have data-saving features that can help you reduce your data usage. For example, you can turn off background data usage for apps that you don’t use often.

Look for promotions and discounts

Mobile providers often offer promotions and discounts on their plans. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them when you can.

Use Wi-Fi

If you're connected to Wi-Fi, you won't use any of your mobile data. This can help you save a lot of money on your mobile bill, especially if you're a heavy data user.

Monitor your usage

Keep an eye on your data, talk and text usage to help you stay within your plan’s limits and avoid additional costs.

Shop around

There are plenty of mobile providers and plans to choose from, so don't just settle for the first one you see. You can use Savvy to compare prices and features from different providers.

Frequently asked questions about the best mobile plans in Adelaide

Can I keep my existing mobile plan if I move to Adelaide?

Yes – in most cases, you should be able to keep your existing mobile plan when you move to Adelaide from elsewhere in Australia. Mobile plans in Australia are not bound by location, so you should be able to continue using your current plan in Adelaide without any major issues. However, it's recommended to update your address with your mobile provider for billing and administrative purposes.

Are there any local mobile providers unique to Adelaide?

No – Adelaide, like the rest of Australia, has national mobile providers that operate across the country. There are no mobile providers exclusive to Adelaide. However, you have a diverse selection of well-known national providers to choose from, as well as various mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that offer services in Adelaide.

Is there good network coverage in Adelaide?

Yes – Adelaide typically enjoys good network coverage provided by major mobile carriers. As one of Australia's major cities, Adelaide benefits from robust network infrastructure. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to review coverage maps or consult with providers to ensure that the network coverage meets your specific needs, particularly if you plan to travel to remote or less densely populated areas outside the city.

Do all providers offer 5G network access in Adelaide?

No – not all providers currently offer 5G network access, but many are in the process of rolling out this technology in Adelaide and across Australia, especially in urban areas. You can check with your provider to see if they offer 5G in your area. Keep in mind that 5G availability may vary depending on your location and the provider's network infrastructure.

Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of mobile phone plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys a mobile phone plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing a mobile phone plan. For further information on the variety of mobile phone plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.