How to get free or data-free streaming on your phone

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There’s no doubt that the way we’ve used our phones in the past few years has changed drastically. Ever since streaming giants Netflix and Stan launched in Australia back in 2015 — alongside the technology to support it — streaming videos on our phone is becoming more and more common.

The only downside is that streaming video can really chew through your plan’s data allowance. One hour of video streaming in standard definition uses around 1GB of data, while one hour of high-definition streaming will use about 3GB. If you’re watching videos daily using your mobile data, it’s not surprising to see that you could use up your monthly data fairly quickly.

So what’s the solution? The good news is that telcos keep increasing data inclusions on plans. So, while a few years back you would have to hop on an expensive plan for the luxury of 10GB of data, its now easier to come across this amount, and more, at much more affordable prices. Not only that but some telcos offer data-free streaming of certain services, or ‘unlimited’ data plans, so you can enjoy catching up on your favourite show without the worry.

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Data-free music and video streaming

Some telcos offer entertainment extras such as data-free streaming of certain services as added bonuses to entice you over. While Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are the main players which tend to offer these extras, some mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) may also offer extras too. However, data-free streaming isn’t as common as it once was, especially as many providers offer big data plans and others no longer charge for excess data usage.

Telstra

While generally on the pricier end of the plan spectrum, Telstra offers extras here and there across plans that might be worth the bigger bill depending on your phone plan needs. You can expect access to bundling streaming services with Telstra, and sometimes a bonus perk may come up with the provider, such as free streaming subscriptions, which has been offered in the past.

Vodafone

Vodafone doesn’t include data-free streaming extras built into your plan cost. It had previously offered add ons for certain entertainment apps, but these are no longer available. However, considering Vodafone offers 2Mbps unlimited capped-speed data (once you use up your fast data inclusions), you’ll still be able to access most of your apps, although things like HD video streaming might be too slow to use.

Optus

Optus no longer offers data-free streaming extras, which it had in the past and also included special streaming data on its prepaid plans. Optus offers eligible customers the option to add on a range of subscription services, such as Netflix, BINGE and Optus Sport, to their plan, via Optus SubHub. Optus customers may also be able to add on Optus Sport to their plan for a cheaper cost than non Optus customers.

Video streaming on phone plan with unlimited data

If you do use a lot of data for video streaming, another alternative is to find a plan with ‘unlimited data’. The only catch is that this unlimited data is generally at capped speeds, starting at 1.5Mbps with Telstra and Optus and 2Mbps for Vodafone, which kicks in once you’ve used up your fast-speed data inclusion.

While Telstra had previously offered a phone plan with unlimited fast-speed data, this plan has been scrapped by the telco in favour of a simpler suite of postpaid plans, which all come with no excess data charges. These plans include some fairly generous data inclusions to start with, and once you’ve used up your included gigabytes, you’ll be able to continue using data but at the capped speed of 1.5Mbps.

Optus was the last telco to jump on the ‘unlimited data’ bandwagon, and like Telstra, offers its unlimited data at the capped speed of 1.5Mbps. This unlimited data is available on all Optus postpaid plans. Vodafone had also offered a fast-speed unlimited data plan, but this too has been scrapped.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone offer plans with over 100GB of data per month, and if you only stream one hour of video per day (in standard or even high definition), this fast-speed data might still be enough for you. Take a look at how much data you currently use, and how much you think you would use realistically.

Smaller provider Felix also offers no excess data charges on its two cheapest plans, with data speeds capped at 1.5Mbps when you use up your data inclusions. However, its most expensive plan offers unlimited data by default, with speeds capped at 20Mbps, which is considered fast enough for HD video streaming, music streaming, video calls, mobile gaming and general usage.

If your current plan doesn’t include enough data for your needs and you find yourself restricting your usage each month, it may be worth looking at a new phone plan. Otherwise, if you have never or only occasionally gone over your data limit, and you’re still able to use your phone for everything you want — including video streaming — switching to a more expensive plan with more data might not be the way to go.

Compare Apple, Samsung and Google plans

If you’re looking for a new device bundled with a plan from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, the below table compares a range of popular devices from Apple, Samsung and Google.

Is a plan with data-free streaming worth it?

There’s no doubt that data-free extras are very enticing incentives for joining up to certain plans, even when these extras may have restrictions, such as a limit to only streaming in Standard Definition. While Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are generally more expensive plans than what many MVNOs offer, these perks can account for the price difference, especially if you know you’ll actually use them. That being said, data-free streaming isn’t included on plans as broadly as it once was, so if you’ve got your heart set on data-free Netflix or Disney+ streaming, you may be left disappointed.

Some telcos may even include free subscriptions to the likes of Netflix, Stan, Disney+, BINGE, and Amazon Prime Video for a set time, or data-free streaming as bonus offers from time to time. As always, when comparing a phone plan, take these into consideration and have a look at what is on offer — you might be able to pick up a great deal if you sign up at the right time.

Everyone uses their phone differently. People with long commutes to and from work or school might tend to use more data on streaming video than those who have shorter commutes, or those who prefer to watch videos at home. When assessing whether a plan with data-free streaming is right for you, you’ll need to consider what your genuine needs are.

If you currently feel restricted with how you can use your data, routinely go over your plan allowance, or have to download your Netflix or Stan shows to watch on the go so you can save your data for other uses, it might well be worth considering switching plans. Whether this is a plan with a little or a lot more data, a plan with unlimited capped-speed data, or a plan with data-free streaming extras, it’s up to you, but you should consider how much mobile data you need before comparing plans. If you use data for other video streaming, including YouTube, an ‘unlimited’ data plan or a plan with lots of data might be a better option.

While the big three might have tempting entertainment extras, you could find better value for your needs in a plan from a smaller telco, especially if you want a cheap plan with plenty of data. So before you jump into a new plan, consider your needs, and compare phone plans to determine which plan will ultimately be the best for you.

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