The survey also shows that despite the availability of new mobile devices, many Australians plan on keeping their current handsets longer, and will be shopping around for a better deal in the next six months.
The survey was commissioned by Australian mobile operator Live Connected and was conducted earlier this month. Over 1000 mobile phone owners were surveyed online about mobile phone billing, their loyalty towards their current provider and how long they plan to keep their current handsets. Key findings:
- More than three quarters of Australians are unaware that the major mobile network providers have reduced their data allowances, and therefore effectively bumped up their data prices in recent weeks.
- Nearly half (46 percent) of respondents say they are unlikely to leave their current provider, with most either unsure (29 percent) or looking for a better deal (25 percent).
- Despite the availability of a many new mobile devices in the market, more than half (60 percent) of respondents plan on extending the life of their current handsets beyond their existing two year contract. A further 27 percent plan on extending the life of their phone by giving it to a friend or family member after their contract expires..
“It’s surprising that so many people have no idea how much more they are now paying for their data allowance, especially at a time when accessing online content via mobile devices is increasingly the norm,” said Roshan Mahanama, founder of Live Connected.
According to Mahanama, the average monthly data cost has increased by around $10 across most plans. These changes came into effect at the start of the new 2013 financial year, but despite a significant lack of related consumer awareness the survey shows that many Australians are already preparing to shop around to see if they can get a better deal elsewhere.
