Comparing cell phone plans could save Australians hundreds of dollars a year, experts say

New research has found that by not deciding to review their plans, Australians are saving hundreds of dollars a year on their phone bills.

The Vodafone study shows that more than 30 per cent of Australians spend US$70 or more per month on premium mobile plans when cheaper options are available.

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The study, released on Thursday, found that while almost one in three Australians feel their plan is not good value for money, 45 per cent have not bothered to switch providers for five years or more.

A recent study by consumer comparison site Finder confirms this, showing that 40 per cent of Australians have been with their mobile operator for at least six years, regardless of whether they think it’s the best deal.

Vodafone research found that three in 10 consumers would switch to a cheaper plan with the same monthly data, while almost a quarter would switch to a cheaper option with more data.

However, experts say loyalty is preventing Australians from making bigger savings.

Australians are not benefiting from competitive offers, said Finder telecoms expert Mariam Gabaji.

“Finder’s own research found that Australians pay an average of US$54 a month. If you’re one of the big three telcos — Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone — that averages out to $65 a month,” she told 7NEWS.

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

Alex Choros of consumer comparison site WhistleOut said fiscal year-end was a “surprisingly good time” to start looking for a new wireless plan.

“Over 20 per cent of Australians have skipped dinner and drinks to keep paying 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 on the little-known Moose Mobile start at $8.80 per month, while a number of other providers offer plans as low as $10 with minimal data.

Gabaji’s advice is to look around and compare the options.

“If you don’t have a phone contract, you don’t necessarily have to be with one of the big three telcos,” she said.

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