Millions of Australian consumers will pay more for their mobile phone plans after recent price increases by all three big telco companies, new analysis by the ACCC has found.
Since
"Our analysis shows that consumers will now be left paying significantly more for a range of mobile phone plans at
"The behaviour of the three big telcos would suggest they are not concerned about losing customers to rivals."
During the past 12 months,
In May,
Vodafone's post-paid plans have also gone up by between
In
These mobile price increases follow the merger of TPG and Vodafone in 2020.
"The ACCC opposed the merger of TPG and Vodafone because we were concerned it would lead to higher mobile prices, and result in three similar providers with little incentive to compete strongly,"
"Despite evidence showing the three mobile network owners reacted strongly to the potential competitive threat of a new TPG network, the Court considered that the merger would be pro-competitive, allowing Vodafone to compete more effectively against
"When markets end up with a smaller group of large look-alike players with stable positions, competition is muted and consumers pay more,"
The ACCC encourages
Small providers offer cheaper alternatives for consumers. Although their plans usually don't include extras such as access to content, their voice calls, SMS and data packages are similar to those offered by the three networks operators.
In light of
According to data released as part of the ACCC's latest Internet Activity Report, the average mobile phone user in
Plans that include at least 15 GB of data, as well as unlimited national calls and texts, can be found for as little as
"We suspect many customers who have recently had their mobile provider justify a price increase with higher data usage would prefer the previously available lower monthly fee in exchange for a lower data allowance,"
"We want all mobile customers to know that switching to a new provider is a very simple process, and the new provider will move your existing number over for you."
"Before changing over, we encourage consumers to compare different providers' geographic coverage, and consider their individual needs, as not all providers offer the same coverage,"
"There are still ways to find a cheaper mobile plan but, ultimately, dynamic competitive markets deliver best for consumers."
Information to assist consumers with choosing a mobile phone plan is available on the ACCC website at choosing a mobile plan.
Source: https://exchange.telstra.com.au/5g-mobile-plans/
Notes: These price increases represent a forced migration. Customers were moved on to the newer, more expensive plans over the three month period to
10 GB
28 days
20 GB
35 days
28 GB
42 days
38 GB
42 days 'New' pre-paid
10 GB
28 days
20 GB
28 days
28 GB
28 days
38 GB
28 days
Source: https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/prepaid-mobiles/compare-prepaid-plans
Notes:
Source: https://www.techradar.com/au/news/optus-is-jacking-up-its-mobile-plan-prices
Notes: The new plans are similar in structure to the ones they replace, including unlimited calls and texts, a generous data allowance at full speed, followed by infinite data at a 1.5 Mbps speed cap, and a month-to-month contract.
Vodafone's post-paid plans in
10 GB, then 1.5 Mbps
10 GB, then 2 Mbps Lite+ N/A
30 GB, then 2 Mbps Super
60 GB, then 1.5 Mbps
60 GB, then 10 Mbps Super+
100 GB, then 1.5 Mbps
100 GB, then 10 Mbps Ultra
150 GB, then 1.5 Mbps
150 GB, then 25 Mbps
Source: https://www.vodafone.com.au/about/legal/critical-information-summary
Notes: These figures are based on the Critical Information Summaries (CIS) that mobile providers are required to publish. CIS contain the 'base' plan features and price, exclusive of any discounting or bonus inclusions a provider advertises.
Vodafone's pre-paid plan data inclusions and expiry Price point Pre-paid combo plus (2020) Pre-paid plus (2021) (includes 'infinite data')
10 GB
28 days
15 GB
28 days
20 GB
35 days
30 GB
28 days
30 GB
35 days
45 GB
28 days
45 GB
35 days
60 GB
28 days
Source: https://www.vodafone.com.au/about/legal/critical-information-summary
Notes: Customers who typically recharge at the
Use this form to make a general enquiry. Media enquiries: Media Team - 1300 138 917, media@accc.gov.au
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(C) 2021 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source