Tips for choosing a data plan based on your needs
One of the common questions we get at YourLink is “how do I choose a data plan for my smart device?”
Everyone's circumstances are different and so it’s important to make decisions based on your own circumstances. We also recommend you do your own research. Plan pricing can vary across providers so it’s good to take your time, take a look around and ask advice from friends and family who can help you navigate this decision.
We’ve put together some tips to help you consider what would work best for you before signing the dotted line.
What are you planning to use your data for? This will influence how much data you will require each month. For example if you plan to stream movies from a platform like ABC iview or Netflix or make video calls you will use more data than for social media, email, online shopping etc.
Do you have home WiFi that you can use? Home WiFi will give you a lot more data and means you can use your iPad or smart device at home easily without needing an extra data plan.
Are you planning to use your device anywhere outside your home? If you need to use your iPad or smart device when you are out of the home, you will need a data source. There are a range of options including a SIM card directly in your device, a portable personal WiFi or hot-spotting to your phone.
Do you or your partner have an existing mobile phone plan? This can be beneficial if you would like to set up data sharing plans together.
What is the Network coverage in your area? This is particularly important if you are located out of the metropolitan areas or in a regional or rural area.
Is there a monthly budget you need to stay within? This can also help you determine whether a monthly plan or a longer term plan will work. Both have benefits and compromises so ultimately your personal circumstances will need to be considered.
Would you like the flexibility to be able to change providers and not be locked into a plan? This will influence what sort of plan you will consider.
Researching available plans:
Now that you understand your personal data needs. It’s time to find out what’s available. As plans can change frequently, it’s important to do your research.
Ask people you trust who they use and how they have found the experience
Research the internet
Call the providers to get the latest information
Visit a retail store
Types of data plans
1. Pre Paid Plan - you pay before you can use the data - monthly or longer period for example 365 days
You don't need to sign up for a fixed period of time
Can be good to start with to see how much data you may use each month
You can start and stop whenever you like
2. Contract Plan - you commit to monthly payments for an agreed contract period
Data allowance is typically more generous
Contract periods generally 12 or 24 months
You pay whether or not you use the data
Choosing a plan
Choose a plan based on how much you use the internet. The plans provide a set amount of data to use each month which is measured in GB (GigaBytes). The more GB in the plan, the more data you have. If you don’t plan to use the internet much choose a small amount of GBs and lower cost plan. For lots of internet use, pick a larger GB plan or go unlimited which means you don’t have to watch your use as you can use as much as you like for the fixed price you’ve chosen.
Still have questions? Here are some helpful websites
Understanding data on the Be Connected Website:
beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/essentials/all-about-data/what-is-data
Choosing a mobile plan on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website:
www.accc.gov.au/consumers/mobile-phone-services/choosing-a-mobile-plan
Comparison websites www.iselect.com.au and www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans
While YourLink provides data as part of our YourLink Involve solution for aged care and community care providers, we do not provide data plans directly to consumers.
If you have any feedback or tips to share on choosing a data plan, please pop them in the comments section below.
