In the mobile space, we saw data deals left, right and centre in 2018 and we’d expect these data wars to continue in 2019.
Q WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IN TERMS OF MOBILE PLANS AND BROADBAND OFFERINGS IN 2019?
Carriers were offering big data bonuses to new customers – as much as double data in some instances – which made for a very competitive marketplace.
Things could easily heat up further in 2019, with the planned merger of Vodafone and TPG creating another powerhouse telco to strongly compete with Telstra and Optus at the top end of town. That could put downward pressure on prices, which would be good news for consumers and could result in some great offers showing up.
Another mobile consideration people will have in 2019 is whether they want to buy their phones outright with a separate SIM plan or on a contract? There is a widening gap between the cost of new flagship phones and other mid-range models, with potential big savings to be made depending on the purchase method for different devices and usage needs. We recommend doing a bit of homework on the options available before jumping into a contract.
Love it or hate it, the biggest internet influence in 2019 is likely to be the NBN. Getting an NBN internet service isn’t optional; we’ll all have to choose one soon. With the rollout scheduled for completion in late 2020, roughly 2½ million households will be required to connect to the NBN in 2019 before their regular internet services are cut off.
That’ll be about a 50% increase in total connected NBN services over the space of one year, compared with current levels. So what should we be looking for in our new NBN plans?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
An outrageous, beautiful monopoly
Telstra's mobile business is a cash machine with few competitors, giving it the highest returns in the world.
Drop the anchor to judge value
Buying and selling decisions should be based on where a stock price is going, not where it has been.
Powering the AI boom
Beyond the software and chipmakers, where will the energy come from?
Get into life
Tucked inside super are products that can protect you from life's inevitable uncertainties.
Paths to home ownership
Taking the road less travelled can sometimes deliver unexpected benefits.
Sold! Quick ways to add value
Small, strategic changes can have a big impact on the look and feel of your home. And get you a better price on auction day.
Money lessons the kids need to know
Your children can learn a lot from your past money mishaps. Here are eight financial conversations I have had with mine.
Property-investing rules: are they likely to change?
The pressure for the government to curb the tax benefits of tax concessions, such as negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, is unrelenting. Most recently, independent senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie proposed five options for paring back investment property tax concessions, with savings to the Federal budget of up to $60 billion over the next decade.
What's love got to do with it?
A rollercoaster of emotions could be driving poor crypto behaviour.
Are we ready to be cash-free?
Saying goodbye to our piggy banks too soon could leave small businesses in the dark when problems arise.
