I’m due for renewal and sadly, my mobile phone plan has been phased out already and the only choices I have are new plans (which are a bit more expensive). Of course, I can still keep my old plan, but, by doing so, I won’t be able to take advantage of the perks of renewing my mobile phone plan such as getting a free shiny new phone (LOL!).
I’m also deciding whether to stay with my current network or to switch to a different one. In the Philippines, there are two main players in the telecom business – Globe and Smart. Currently, I’m using Smart but Globe has so many tempting offers and I’m also considering switching as an option.
So while I’m still making up my mind whether to keep my existing plan or switch to newer plans (or switch to another network), I figured, I might as well share with you my thoughts about this topic.
Photo by Miguel Tomás on Unsplash
Table of Contents
Signal Strength
In choosing the right mobile phone plan for you, consider the signal strength of the network in your area. The reason why I’m with Smart is that, when I signed up with them, the Globe signal in my previous apartment was very poor. And it will be a waste to pay for something that you won’t be able to use.
However, now that I have relocated, the situation has been reversed. Smart’s signal in my apartment is very low.
This may not be an issue though if you’re living in the main cities in your country because all telecoms provide their best services in these areas. However, once you move to a more rural area (which I did, to save money on rent), then, it’s a different story.
Your Consumption
The next thing that you should consider after signal strength is your consumption. How much data do you consume in a month? How often do you make phone calls? How often do you text?
Personally, I make a lot of phone calls to landline numbers, specifically to couriers, banks, and other establishments that I often interact with because of my online selling business. With my current plan, I pay extra for this since this is not included in the plan.
This is one of my main considerations now that I’m due for renewal.
If you’re also due for renewal or if you’re thinking of getting your first phone plan, consider tracking your previous consumption (data and calls) and how much it costs you on a monthly basis. From there, you can basically figure out which phone plan is right for you.
Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash
Value for Money
Another thing that I’m considering is value for money. For example, if your monthly budget is P1000/month for a phone plan then check all the phone plans from Globe or Smart (or other networks) that are on or under this budget.
Make a direct comparison and find out which phone plan would give the most bang out of your buck.
Some phone plans offer additional services for free such as Netflix Mobile Plan (For SMART Signature S Sim-only Plan) or free subscription to KonsultaMD (for Globe G Plans) and more.
We all value things differently, of course, so choose the plan that you think is more valuable for you.
Your Budget
When I was younger, I used to pay for the most expensive plan because usually, it’s the one that gives the most discount to flagship phones. However, as I grow older, I realized that I really don’t consume that much since I also have wi-fi at home anyways. It’s such an impractical thing to have (for me).
It’s easy to get swayed to signing up with the most expensive plan because a lot of people we meet at the workplace are using the latest shiny gadget but consider your monthly budget when choosing the plan.
Do you really need to pay P2,499/month (or more) just to be able to buy the latest phone at a discount?
How much percentage of your monthly salary will then go to paying your monthly mobile phone plan?
Your budget should be one of your main considerations.
Final Thoughts
As tempting as the new plans are (and the new shiny gadgets as well), I would probably stick to my budget. Based on my personal consumption, I really don’t consume more than P1000 per month on data and calls.
How about you? What are the things that you consider when getting a phone plan?
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Nice post, Thrifty Hustler! Our phone plans are fairly expensive over in Canada. In the past, I lowered my plan by going with a corporate plan with my employer. I don’t currently have that plan available with my current job now. I lowered the cost of my phone plan briefly, but then I increased it again when I got a new iPhone. Now I’m using my iPhone and my Galaxy Note 9… I am pretty frugal with everything except for phones though. Phones are the one thing I tend to upgrade every few years, but I find I get a lot of value from them. Some people buy watches, I buy phones. It’s good that you are able to prioritize your budget.
I’m such a sucker for new tech LOL! TBH, most phones can do basically the same thing nowadays but I still gravitate towards the nice-looking phones hahaha 🙂