Family Mobile Plans

Compare family mobile plans online with Savvy today.

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on October 26th, 2023       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Family mobile plan

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of mobile phone plans to help you compare them.

If you have multiple phone users in your household, family mobile plans can be a great way to save money on your monthly bill . If you’re considering switching to a family mobile plan, Savvy can help. Our online comparison tool allows you to compare plans in minutes, helping you find a mobile plan to suit your needs. Get started today.

What is a family mobile plan and how does it work?

A family mobile plan is a type of mobile phone plan that allows you to add multiple lines to one account. This can be a great way to save money on your monthly bill, especially if you have a large family. The best family mobile plans in Australia typically offer a variety of features, such as:

  • Shared minutes and texts: family members on the same plan can share a pool of minutes for calls and text messages. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you have family members who don’t use their phones very often.
  • Combined data allowance: family members on the same plan can share a pool of data for internet browsing, streaming and other online activities. This can be a great way to ensure that everyone has access to the internet, even if some family members use more data than others.
  • Individual phone numbers: each family member on the same plan is assigned their own unique phone number. This allows them to make and receive calls and messages independently, despite being part of a family bundle mobile plan.
  • Device flexibility: family mobile plans are often compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and other connected gadgets. This means that each family member can choose a device that suits their preferences and needs.
  • Parental controls: some family plans offer parental control features, allowing parents to monitor and manage the mobile usage of their children. This can include setting usage limits, restricting access to certain apps or content and tracking device location.
  • Flexibility to add lines: family plans typically allow the primary account holder to add or remove lines as needed. This flexibility is useful for growing families or for accommodating additional devices.

What factors should I consider when choosing a family mobile plan?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a family mobile plan, including:

  • The number of lines you need: how many people in your family will be using the plan?
  • Data usage: how much data do you think your family will use each month? This will depend on how often you use your phones for things like streaming video, gaming, and browsing the web.
  • Call and text usage: how many calls and texts do you think your family will make and send each month?
  • Network coverage: where do you need your phones to work? Choose a provider with good coverage in the areas where you live, work, and travel.
  • Price: how much are you willing to pay for your mobile plan? Keep in mind that you may be able to save money by bundling your mobile phone plan with other services, such as internet and TV.
  • Extras: some family plans come with additional features, such as shared streaming services or other perks. Consider which features are important to you and your family.

Once you've considered these factors, you can start comparing plans from different providers. If you are in the market for a family mobile plan, you can compare options with Savvy today.

How can I save money on my family mobile plan?

There are a number of ways to save money on your family mobile plan:

  • Choose the right plan for your family’s needs: don't overpay for data or features that you don't need. Consider your family's data usage, call and text needs, and network coverage needs when choosing a plan.
  • Compare prices from different providers: family mobile plans can vary significantly in price, so it's important to compare prices from different providers before you choose a plan. Be sure to read the fine print carefully to make sure you understand all of the fees and charges associated with the plan.    
  • Negotiate with your provider: alternatively, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with your existing provider. Simply call them and let them know that you're considering switching providers and that you're open to discussing a new plan.
  • Bundle your services: many providers offer discounts when you bundle your mobile phone plan with other services, such as internet and TV. Consider bundling your services to save money.     
  • Take advantage of promotions. many providers offer promotions from time to time. Be sure to check their websites and social media pages regularly for updates on the latest promotions.

Pros and cons of choosing a family mobile plan

PROS

Cost savings

Family mobile plans can offer substantial cost savings. By bundling multiple lines under a single plan, families can often pay less per line compared to individual plans.

Convenience

Managing all of your family’s mobile accounts on one bill can be much easier and more convenient than managing multiple individual accounts.

Peace of mind

Family mobile plans provide peace of mind by efficiently managing your family's communication needs with cost-effective services, shared resources, simplified billing and parental controls.

CONS

Less flexibility

Family mobile plans typically have more limited choices than individual plans Because they are typically designed to meet the needs of multiple people, which can make it more difficult to customise the plan to fit individual needs.

Dependence on the primary account holder

The primary account holder has control over the plan, which means they are responsible for billing and administrative tasks. This could lead to issues if there are disagreements or conflicts within the family.

Shared data challenges

If one family member consumes a significant portion of the shared mobile data plan allowance, it could impact the available data for other members. This requires effective communication and management of data usage. 

Frequently asked questions about family mobile plans

Is a family mobile plan worth it?

A family mobile plan may be worth it if you have multiple family members needing mobile services, rather than getting individual phone plans for your kids. It can offer cost savings, shared resources and simplified billing. Additionally, it provides parental controls for added peace of mind. However, it's important to carefully assess your family's specific needs and compare plan options from different providers to ensure it's the right fit.  

Are family mobile plans cheaper than individual plans?

Yes – family mobile plans can be cheaper than individual plans, especially if you have a large family. This is because they typically offer discounts for each additional line that you add to the plan.

How do I add additional lines to a family mobile plan?

To add additional lines to a family mobile plan, customers can typically contact their mobile provider. Providers offer straightforward processes for adding family members to the existing plan, each with their own talk, text and data allowances. Most family mobile plans allow you to have at least four lines, and some plans allow you to have as many as ten.

Can family mobile plans be customised to suit different family members’ needs?

Yes – many family mobile plans can be customised to suit different family members' needs. Some providers allow you to mix and match different data plans and features for each line on your account. However, not all plans offer the same level of customisation, so it's important to compare plans from different providers before you choose a plan.

Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of mobile phone plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys a mobile phone plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing a mobile phone plan. For further information on the variety of mobile phone plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.