If the cap fits...
Capped call plans for mobiles can represent terrific value but only if they’re carefully managed. A capped plan charges a flat monthly fee as long as you stay below the nominated limit on call charges. Plans generally range from about $29 a month to $79 a month, buying call credits from about $200 a month to $500 a month.
A number of complaints have been registered by mobile phone users on capped plans who ended up with bigger bills than expected. Most users had different understandings of the term capped and what services were included in the allowance.
Tony Simmons, Managing Director of The Full Circle Group, a telecommunications analyst and negotiator for business customers, says those considering buying a capped plan need to put their phone use under the microscope. One key is to estimate your use correctly. If you underestimate your use, you’ll go over the cap and face high excess charges; if you overestimate your use, you’ll be on a plan that’s more expensive than it needs to be.
Simmons suggests that if you’re not sure of your likely use, start on a capped plan with no contract or one where you have the flexibility to move up or down a tier without penalty.
