Your mobile phone, tablet or computer can allow you to do all kinds of things these days.
You can book your next getaway, pay bills, do your grocery shopping while sitting in your favourite comfy chair, communicate with friends and family overseas, and check who’s visiting your home – even when you’re not there!
While some businesses still offer in-store sales and service, many are switching to online-only, so it’s important to have the right phone, tablet, or computer to help you stay connected as you manage all your day-to-day tasks and purchases.
Choose the right product and plan for you
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) offers very similar advice about buying technology products to buying any other product or service.
As an important first step, always do your research. See what products are on offer and will meet your needs as well as supporting your hobbies and interests.
If you want to be able to stream movies, watch live sport, create art, write music, and still be connected while hiking, then check that the device and plan you’d like to buy can deliver on all those things.
Some people prefer to buy a device outright, which may save money in the long run. Otherwise, many plans are available where you sign up for a phone or tablet and receive a monthly bill to cover both the cost of purchasing the device and your calls, texts and data use.
Telecommunication companies must provide a Critical Information Summary (CIS) for each plan. The CIS will give you information about the price, what’s included, length of the contract and any charges that will apply if you cancel early.
Also check if there will be good reception where you live and plan to visit, and consider how much data you will need. Bear in mind that activities such as watching videos, streaming TV and downloading movies use a lot of data.
Check the Ts and Cs
In addition to reading the CIS, make sure you read the contract in full before you sign up. If you don’t understand any part of the contract, seek assistance to help you understand it. Your family and friends may be able to explain it to you, or you could seek free legal advice from the Legal Services Commission by calling 1300 366 424.
Check how long you will need to stay on the particular plan and understand all the costs involved with the contract.
Avoiding scams
If you see a great deal for a phone, tablet or computer online, always check that the seller is legitimate.
Fake websites can look very convincing, but don’t trust a site just because you’ve seen it advertised online or shared on social media. The best way to detect a fake trader or online shopping scam is to search for independent reviews before purchasing.
Always be wary of text messages, phone calls, emails, or social media approaches from people you don’t know. If in doubt it’s best not to answer, don’t click on links, don’t give your personal information and don’t send any money.
Your consumer rights
The phone, tablet, computer, or internet service you sign up for will come with automatic consumer guarantees.
This means that the device and service must:
- be of acceptable quality
- match the description given by the trader
- be fit for its intended purpose.
If a consumer guarantee is not met, you are entitled to a remedy – e.g., a refund or having the device repaired or replaced.
More information
For further information about buying a mobile phone visit SA.GOV.AU.
Contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman if you are having issues with your network service provider.
Contact CBS for advice about consumer guarantees by phoning 131 882.