Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors

Compare a range of mobile phone plans for seniors with Savvy today.

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, updated on October 26th, 2023       

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Senior mobile plan

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

As you get older, a mobile phone can help you stay connected, informed and independent. If you are looking for a mobile phone plan, Savvy can help. Our online comparison tool is 100% free to use and allows you to compare deals from a range of providers. Start comparing today!

What is the best type of mobile plan for seniors in Australia?

The best mobile plan for seniors depends on their individual needs and budget. In Australia, there are a number of types of mobile plan that seniors can choose from, each with their own benefits. This includes:

Prepaid plans: with prepaid plans, you pay for your service upfront and then use it until your credit runs out or needs to be renewed. Prepaid plans are a good option for seniors who want to budget their spending or who don't want to commit to a contract. 

Postpaid plans: postpaid mobile phone plans are billed after you have used the services. This means that you will pay at the end of each month for the services you have used. These plans are generally the most expensive type of mobile plan, but also tend to offer the most features and benefits.

Pay as you go plans: PAYG plans are similar to prepaid plans, but you only pay for the data, calls and texts that you use. There are no fixed monthly fees or contracts. Pay as you go plans can suit seniors who don’t use their phones very often.    

Depending on your provider and specific condition, these plans may be purchased as:

  • SIM-only plans: you purchase a SIM card from a mobile provider and then install it in your own mobile phone.
  • SIM-and-phone plans: you purchase a mobile phone and a SIM card from a mobile provider in a combined plan.

What features should seniors consider when choosing a mobile phone plan?

While there isn’t a distinct category of mobile plans exclusively designed for seniors in Australia, many providers offer senior-friendly features on their mobile plans. When selecting a mobile phone plan, seniors should consider certain features to ensure the plan meets their specific needs. These may include:

  • Price: mobile phone plans can vary greatly in price, so it is important to choose a plan that fits your budget.
  • Data allowance: seniors typically use less data than younger mobile phone users. However, it’s still important to choose a plan with a data allowance that is sufficient for your needs. Consider how much data you use each month to determine how much you need.    
  • Call and text limits: some mobile phone plans offer unlimited calls and texts, while others have limits. Consider how many calls and texts you make and send when choosing a plan.
  • Coverage: choose a plan with good coverage in the areas where you live and spend most of your time.
  • Additional features: some mobile phone plans for pensioners offer additional features, such as international roaming or access to streaming services. Consider which additional features are important to you and choose a plan that offers them.
  • Discounts: some mobile providers offer senior discounts on their plans. Be sure to ask about discounts when you are shopping for a new plan. You may also be eligible for other discounts, such as sign-up bonuses or bundle discounts for multiple services.
  • Handset: some mobile plans include a handset. When choosing a mobile phone handset, seniors should consider factors such as screen size, button size and ease of use.

How can seniors save money on their mobile phone plans?

There are a few ways that seniors can save money on their mobile phone plans:

  • Compare plans from different providers: Check a range of plans on offer from different providers to find a deal that suits your needs at a competitive price. Savvy’s online comparison tool makes it easy to compare mobile phone plans from different providers.
  • Look for promotions: many mobile providers offer promotions from time to time, such as discounts on new plans or free phones.
  • Ask about discounts: don’t be afraid to ask your mobile provider about discounts. They may be willing to negotiate with you, especially if you are a loyal customer.
  • Bundle your services: if you also need home internet or TV service, consider bundling your services with your mobile phone plan. This can save you money on your overall bill.
  • Switch to a prepaid plan: prepaid plans can be a good option for seniors who don’t want to commit to a contract, and are often cheaper than postpaid plans.
  • Use Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is free at most libraries, cafes and restaurants. Using Wi-Fi instead of cellular data can save you a lot of money on your monthly bill.
  • Monitor your data usage: most mobile providers offer tools that allow you to track your data usage. This can help you to identify areas where you can cut back on your data usage.

Frequently asked questions about mobile phone plans for seniors

How do I sign up for a mobile phone plan as a senior?

To sign up for a mobile phone plan as a senior, you can follow these steps:

  • Choose a mobile phone plan.
  • Contact the mobile phone provider – you can do this online, over the phone or at a retail store.
  • Provide your personal information – you will need to provide the mobile phone provider with some personal information, such as your name, address and phone number.
  • Activate your phone – this can be done online, over the phone or at a retail store.
Do I need a smartphone to have a mobile plan?

No – you do not need a smartphone to have a mobile plan. There are many mobile plans available for basic phones, which typically offer calling, texting and data services, although the amount of data may be limited. Using a more basic phone can be both cheaper and easier to use.

Can seniors add family members to their mobile plan?

Yes – seniors may be able to add family members to their mobile plan, depending on the specific terms and conditions of their mobile provider. Many providers offer family or shared plans that allow multiple users to be under a single account. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way for seniors to manage mobile services for themselves and their family members.

How can seniors protect themselves from mobile scams?

Seniors are a common target of mobile scams. Here are some tips to avoid mobile phone scams:

  • Never give out your personal information to someone who calls or texts you out of the blue. This includes your name, address, phone number and credit card information.
  • Don't be afraid to hang up on someone who is pressuring you for money or information.
  • Do not give remote access to your mobile phone to anyone you don't know and trust.
  • Report any suspicious calls or texts to your mobile provider or to the authorities.

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.