This week saw the launch of the first month to month mobile broadband plan by both 3 Mobile and Vodafone. Month to Month means you get the same value as a 12 month plan without having to be tied into a long term contract. Your minimum stay with 3 Mobile and Vodafone is 1 month. So plenty of flexibility and value. Lets however see how these plans compare with going prepaid. 3 Mobiles month to month plans offer 1GB for $15 p/m, 3GB for $29, 6GB for $39 and 8GB for $49.If you were using your mobile broadband for emergency usage (ie you also have some form of fixed line at home/work) you might consider starting with the basic 1GB plan (enough for emails and some browsing each month). At $15 p/mth it would cost you $180 over 12 months and give you 12GB in total (1GB per month). You need to BYO a USB modem, or you can buy one outright with 3/Vodafone for $79 (totals $180 + $79 = $259). The prepaid mobile broadband alternative would be $149 inclusive of USB modem, comes with 12GB of data that would last you 12 months. So at the most basic level, prepaid is way ahead (by $110).
If 2-3GB per month was more in-line with what you would be using, month to month gives you 3GB for $29 p/mth, totaling $348 (36GB), plus $79 for the modem (or BYO). The equivalent in prepaid is 2GB for $29, totaling $348 (24GB), plus $69 or $79 for a modem. So the more you spend with your mobile broadband connection, the better the value the month to month plan will be. And remember, month to month means no long term contract, after one month, simply cancel the plan if you need to.
