Mobile phones
money; finances; mobile; phone; hands; free; text; sms; plan; contract; centrelink; budget; debt; sim; caps; voice; mail; scams; international; roaming;
Contents
It wasn't too long ago that mobile phones were rare. Now it seems most people carry one. Mobiles keep people connected, provide entertainment, and can be used for keeping organised and saving money. However, mobiles can also create big debt problems.
Mobile phone bills
Some people have nightmare stories, and have ended up in debt due to big phone bills. Others simply pay more than they need too - and small amounts each week add up over a year or more. Check out our topic Money for some tips on budgeting.
If you use a mobile phone, it is important to take your time and find the best plan for your needs. You need to talk to service providers and to people who already have mobile plans. You also need to read the terms and conditions for any phone plan you're considering. I know, it sounds boring and takes ages, but it is the best way to save money.
Types of plans
Prepaid
You put credit on the phone, and when it runs out, you can't use the phone.
Pros
- You can't go over your credit amount.
- You don't need to sign up for a long contract.
Cons
- You might be paying more for services.
- You will have to buy a phone outright.
- The credit might have a time limit, after which you lose any unused credit.
- There may be penalties to change to another service provider, like for 'sim unlocking'.
Plan or contract
You sign up for a contract. Some have cheap calls, some have cheap times to call, some have cheaper SMS, and some have caps.
Caps allow you to use the phone up to a certain amount, but only pay a set amount, eg. a $30 cap where you pay $30 a month but can call for up to $250. If you go over the limit, you pay higher amounts for calls.
Pros
- You will get a phone included, so there will be low 'upfront' fees (the phone is never 'free'; you pay for it over the time of the contract).
Cons
- You may be 'locked in' to the contract, so you need to be sure you can pay the bills for the length of the contract.
- If you lose the phone, you still have to pay for it, either in one payment or by continuing to pay the scheduled bills. For this reason it might not be the best idea to get an expensive mobile phone, especially if you think there is a chance you might lose it.
Mobile Tips
- Don't let others use your phone.
- Put a key lock on the phone.
- Find out if you are charged for things like listening to voice mail, then consider turning off those types of services.
- If you end up doing more than 3 text messages at a time, it might be cheaper to do a quick call.
- If you go over a set number of characters on a text message, it will be split into two and you will be charged for two text messages.
- Try to call in 'off peak' time, such as in the evening and on weekends. Check with your service provider when this applies for you.
- Sometimes you get cheaper or free calls to people with the same service provider.
- Games, ring tones, internet usage and other extras have hidden costs. If you think you still want to use them, read all the fine print. Things like reminder messages can actually be charged to you - sometimes serious money.
- Carry some change and use a pay phone when there is one around.
- Look out for mobile phone scams. An example is where you receive a text or missed call, and when you ring back it turns out to be someone trying to sell you something. You get charged for the call and get the hassle of the sales pitch.
- If you are on a plan, you can set up 'international roaming' so that you can use your phone when you travel overseas. Calls can be very expensive, but text can be quite reasonable.
Health issues
- There have been many studies on the physical dangers of mobile phone use. To date, there is no evidence that mobile phones cause physical health problems such as cancer, but some researchers say more investigation needs to be done. Currently it is suggested that children and young people should limit their phone use, as children and young people could be more at risk of damage because their nervous systems are still developing.
- There are studies that suggest people can become addicted to their mobiles, suffering anxiety when they can't use them.
- Cyber-bullying is when someone uses technology to bully or stalk someone. Mobile phones have been used for cyber-bullying. To learn more about this, and what to do, check out our topic Harassment.
- Because of the dangers of having an accident it is illegal to talk on the phone, send messages, or play games when diving or riding a vehicle. Its even illegal to do it when you are at traffic lights. Hands free have been shown to be dangerous too, because the thinking involved in holding a conversation can distract you from driving.
Resources
South Australia
General
References
Leena K, Tomi L and Arja R. 'Intensity of mobile phone use and health compromising behaviours - how is information and communication technology connected to health-related lifestyle in adolescence?' Journal of Adolescence, 28(1), Feb. 2005, pp35-47.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).