Level up your Optus plan to avoid bill shock

If you never want to suffer bill shock, then you might be interested in Optus's new My Plan offering.

If you go over your plan limit, Optus will automatically move you up to the next level rather than impose any excess charges. At the start of the following month, you will revert to your original plan.

There are a variety of plans with different levels, including $50 a month, $60, $80 and $100. The $60 option, for example, includes 1GB of data and 600 minutes of standard calls. The additional levels for that plan are $10 for 200 extra minutes or 1GB of extra data.

The $80 plan includes 800 minutes' worth of standard calls and 2GB of data. You'll pay $10 extra for any calls over 800 minutes or per 1GB. All four plans include unlimited standard national SMS and MMS. As with all providers, Optus has to let you know when you're getting close to your limit by providing SMS usage alerts when you reach 50%, 85% and 100% of your plan inclusions. That way you can know what to expect.

"Optus is heading in the right direction, making their users more aware of their spend to minimise excess usage," says Fred Schebesta, co-founder of finder.com.au.

"However, these plans can be pricier compared with resellers in the market. Consumers should always shop smart and weigh up their providers and a contract versus buying your phone outright as they can potentially get the same value at a cheaper price."

MONEY VERDICT

This is a great idea for people who do worry about getting a huge unexpected mobile phone bill but there are cheaper plans on the market - so is it really worth paying more for that extra "security"?

All carriers are now required to send you usage alerts so you know when you're close to your limits, which gives you the opportunity to stop.

The bonus is, of course, the flexibility to pay a little extra in any months when you need to use extra data or make a few more phone calls.

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