Yahoo Finance Aussies are losing stacks of cash to uncontested phone bills
We’ve all experienced bill shock.
You think you’re tracking well for the month: you’ve been turning off your mobile data when you’re not using it and limiting Snapchat and Instagram use outside of wifi areas.
But alas, when you receive your bill, you’ve somehow doubled your allowance and you’re left with a hefty fee to pay.
Related article: REVEALED: Aussies cop the biggest electricity bills in the WORLD
Related article: Australians can now pay bills with cryptocurrency even if the biller doesn't accept it
Related article: Are rewards credit cards costing you more than they’re worth?
New Finder research revealed that 9 per cent of Aussies have faced an unexpectedly high mobile bill in the last 12 month.
The research, which surveyed 1,015 people, found Generation Z were most prone to a sting, with 21 per cent stating they’ve faced an unexpectedly high bill compared to 10 per cent of Gen Y and 6 per cent of Gen X.
And, when we receive those bills, the majority of us (65 per cent) aren’t contesting them and are instead just footing the bill.
Why are we copping higher bills?
Excess data charges are the main culprit for phone bill shock, so Finder’s research shows Aussies are still underestimating their Internet usage.
Fees for international calls are also a major contributor, which means Aussies aren’t aware of how much their carrier charges for overseas chats.
What can we do about it?
Finder’s tech expert, Alex Kidman, said big data plans are becoming the norm, so there’s absolutely no need for bill shock anymore – if you’re with the right provider.
“Telcos are offering 40GBs to 50GBs at really affordable prices, so if you’re constantly going over your data limit, you’re on the wrong plan and it’s time to switch,” Kidman said.
So, if you’re on a plan that includes 6GB of data, but you end up consistently forking out for an extra 3GB, you should consider upping your limit.
“It’s better to overestimate your plan by a few gigabytes than to be slapped with a hefty bill at the end of the month,” added Kidman.
And if you’re just paying larger bills without challenging your provider, you shouldn’t.
“If you feel like these charges aren’t fair, you should call and ask your provider to waive your bill, or at least give you a discount. Most providers will help you out with the hope of keeping you as a customer,” he said.
When you call your provider, make sure to keep records of the conversation by jotting down some notes, the time and date, and who you spoke to.
If you’re unsure how to dispute a bill, Kidman said there are instructions on how to do so on most providers’ websites.
But if you’re still not having any luck, and you legitimately believe you’ve been unfairly charged, you could take the matter to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
Make your money work with Yahoo Finance’s daily newsletter. Sign up here and stay on top of the latest money, news and tech news.
