Comparing mobile phone plans could save Aussies hundreds of dollars a year, experts say

Australians are missing out on saving hundreds of dollars a year on their phone bills by not choosing to review their plans, new research has revealed.

The Vodafone research shows more than 30 per cent of Australians are forking out $70 or more a month on high-priced mobile plans when there are cheaper options available.

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The research, released on Thursday, discovered while almost one in three Australians think their plan does not provide good value for money, 45 per cent have not bothered switching providers in five years or more.

Recent research from consumer comparison site Finder echoes this, revealing 40 per cent of Australians have been with their mobile providers for at least six years regardless of whether they think it is the best deal.

Vodafone’s research found three in 10 consumers would switch for a cheaper plan with the same monthly data, while almost a quarter would make the change for a cheaper option with more data.

However, experts say loyalty is keeping Australians from making major savings.

Australians are not taking advantage of competitive deals, Finder telco expert Mariam Gabaji said.

“Finder’s own research has shown, on average, Australians are paying $54 a month. If you’re one of the big three telcos – Telstra, Optus or Vodafone – this averages out to $65 a month,” she told 7NEWS.

“If you’re with a smaller provider, you’re actually paying $27 a month instead but unfortunately only 28 per cent of us are with a smaller provider.”

Alex Choros from consumer comparison site WhistleOut said the end of the financial year was a “surprisingly good time” to look for a new mobile plan.

“Over 20 per cent of Australians have given up dinner and drinks to maintain payments on their mobile bills, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” he told 7NEWS.

For those who own their own phone, the cheapest plans start at $8.80 per month with little-known Moose Mobile, while a range of other providers offer plans for $10 with minimal data.

Gabaji’s advice is to shop around and compare your options.

“Unless you’re on a phone contract, you don’t necessarily need to be with one of the big three telcos,” she said.

“You could end up saving hundreds down the line, it’s just a matter of comparing your options.”