Going through Telstra, everything is so expensive.
Why stick with Telstra? They have the best coverage for outer suburbs, up in the hills around Melbourne.
Minimum data plan is 50GB, I have never used more than 25GB a month.
Cost of plan plus phone is $74/month for the first 12 months (absolute minimum available) - $888, then $87/month for the next 2 years - $2088. A total commitment of $2978 over 3 years for a phone and access to the Web.
Why am I getting a smart phone? Mainly for google maps so I do not get lost going into the bush.
Telstra is the second most distrusted phone company in Australia, with Optus being the most distrusted.
The more I think about it, the more I am leaning to staying with what I have.
Though currently my 3 years spend will be $2772. Which no doubt will go up and up over time.
Sent you a PM about bushes, bit norty to put on here.
To me it sounds as if you’ve already had a smartphone and are looking for a different data plan.
I wondered what you need 25 gigs a month for? I also use my smartphone for navigating but have never used more than three gigs for it which are free of charge as is the telephone flat rate included.
I have not had a smart phone before.
One time I used 25GB.
This current rotation, halfway through the month I have used 3.5GB.
Don’t go to Telstra. Try Boost they use the full Telstra network at a fraction of the cost.
Personally I have the $300 a year option because I ring overseas a lot.
Buy an unlocked phone phone from someone like this.
https://www.mobileciti.com.au/
Avoid Telstra like the plague
BTW You will find that Optus coverage is nearly as good as Telstra in remote areas I have even been in places where Telstra had no signal but Optus did.
I was going to say I never bother with a plan. You can get sim-free phones in the UK and a plan that is just for the minutes. It’s cheap to separately get a low spec smart handset and then a phone-free deal for the unlimited minutes and data.
I’m more than happy using a sim - free unit. I don’t want to have to tie myself to a contract, just bung a tenner on every month and that fulfils my needs.
We only have a few companies that offer plan-free. In general, it’s actually worth it for us having a plan, unlimited internet and unlimited phone calls, the monthly cost depending on number of gigs of course. It would cost more without a plan. I did a plan-free for my dad but he doesn’t have a smartphone, no internet use, he’s 92. 
Usually it is easy and much cheaper to get a nearly new reconditioned phone without a SIM - Backmarket is very good and available in many countries. In my view you really do not need a brand new phone - even my 3 year old i-phone that I got last year has more functions than I’ll ever need. Then find a SIM only plan - most likely from a low cost provider. Again, most countries have these. Often they are actually owned by mainstream mobile networks but offer a low cost alternative.
Lastly, try to only use internet services while on wifi - your own or public. 4G and 5G access is expensive and most often not needed.
I’ve just had a quick look, could be useful when it inevitably comes to replacing my very average but trusty Motorola!
@Dachs @Bruce @Chilliboot @Lincolnshire @Rose2 @AnnieS
I bought a Galaxy A57 5G Smart Phone.
Attempting to set it up now.
Google maps is loaded.
Congrats Bret - enjoy!
I have the A56 which I bought unlocked from that company I mentioned, it seems to be a very versatile phone. I used the eSim second SIM when I was in the UK, Just turned off the original SIM for the time I was overseas.
Where did you get the phone? Is it unlocked? How much did you pay? I hope you didn’t buy it on a contract.
Did you have a look at Boost? it is much cheaper than Telstra.
Is this your phone?
That is the one.
Normal price $748, I got it for $498.
Locked, on a 3-year plan. $74/month
Bloody hell Brett that’s $2664 over three years.
$300 a year + $747 for the phone is $1647 over three years
If you didn’t need overseas calls it would be even cheaper. You should have sought advice earlier.
Is there a cooling off period? Take it back