Looking at buying a smart phone for the first time.

Going through Telstra, everything is so expensive.
Why stick with Telstra? They have the best coverage for outer suburbs, up in the hills around Melbourne.
Minimum data plan is 50GB, I have never used more than 25GB a month.
Cost of plan plus phone is $74/month for the first 12 months (absolute minimum available) - $888, then $87/month for the next 2 years - $2088. A total commitment of $2978 over 3 years for a phone and access to the Web.
Why am I getting a smart phone? Mainly for google maps so I do not get lost going into the bush.
Telstra is the second most distrusted phone company in Australia, with Optus being the most distrusted.
The more I think about it, the more I am leaning to staying with what I have.
Though currently my 3 years spend will be $2772. Which no doubt will go up and up over time.

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Gusman · 61-69, M

@DeWayfarer @Softandsweet2 @MethDozer

I bought a Galaxy A57 5G Smart Phone.
Attempting to set it up now.

MethDozer · M

@Gusman I had one and was happy with that phone. Battery life can be a little meh on any Samsung but other than that was a good phone

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swirlie · 31-35, F

@Gusman
Yes, Google operates without a glitch on known roads, but Google will not track you with any degree of accuracy once you get off a known road. Suggest you go out and buy a boy scout compass and a flare gun before you enter the bush because Google will be useless to you otherwise.

Gusman · 61-69, M

@swirlie I have been lost in the bush in the past. Slept in the vehicle and used sunrise to orient myself.
I am pretty sure I will be fine as I am not going out into the outback where there might no internet.

swirlie · 31-35, F

@Gusman

I have been lost in the bush in the past. Slept in the vehicle and used sunrise to orient myself.
I am pretty sure I will be fine as I am not going out into the outback where there might no internet.

...then WHY did you make your original post ONE DAY AGO if what you just said is actually true? It sounds to me like your original post was pure bullshitte.

Softandsweet2 · 36-40, F

You can get an a tablet, download Google Maps, then download the offline maps. That can be used without a connection. Make sure the tablet has gps - I’d stick with android

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

See if you can buy a cellphone outside of the organization and start service through them.

That is what I did with T-Mobile which has a similar plan as that.

I'm only paying $55/month. T-Mobile is similarly the second least trusted cellphone provider. Yet the coverage is likely better than AT&T.

Of course you'll have to find a non provider cellphone source. Which can be tricky. Yet the starting service is totally easy for the providers. Especially if you get a duel SIM card cellphone.

MethDozer · M

Buy your phone from a third party and swap in the sim card of your carrier. Carriers always uncharge on hardware and are only worth buyjng from if there is a promotion or contract bargin.

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