Shared plans have been around for a while now, but they can get confusing. Some are called family plans, some include data sharing while others have data gifting. So let's break down what it all means.
What is a shared plan?
Shared phone plans come in different forms but, in a nutshell, customers who bundle a handful of plans together tend to get discounts or bonuses as an incentive.
While the term 'family plans' is typically interchangeable in this context, 'shared plans' is more accurate these days because the key bonus is customers sharing a central data pool across multiple SIMs.
If your household has more than one phone service on the same bill as Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or ALDI Mobile there's a strong chance you're already on a shared plan.
What is data sharing?
Data sharing happens when multiple phone bills are consolidated into one. The telco 'pools' all the data allowance for each SIM into a singular allowance, which every participating SIM pulls from - hence the terms data pool and data sharing.
For example, if you've got four family members on one bill, each with an 80GB plan, you'll end up with a total of 320GB to use between the family.
What is data gifting?
Some telcos that don't offer shared or family plans can offer data gifting instead. Data gifting allows customers to send some of their data to other customers. Each telco has varying data gifting rules but the most common conditions include:
- Data can only be gifted to a customer on the same telco or plan type
- Data must be shared in 1GB increments
- Customers gifting data need to have at least 1.3GB of data
- Only 50% of a customer's standard plan's monthly data can be gifted per billing period
- Bonus data from promos cannot be gifted
- Gifted data cannot be regifted
If you're with a telco that offers data gifting, we recommend familiarising yourself with its specific data gifting requirements so you don't leave yourself short.
Who offers shared phone plans?
The Telstra, Vodafone and ALDI Mobile offer shared or family phone plans. Yomojo, an Optus Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), also offers family bundling discounts when you combine up to six SIMs.
Telcos that offer data-gifting include Belong, Woolworths Mobile, Tangerine Telecom and More Mobile.
Is a shared plan a good choice for families?
Yes and no. While the convenience of a single bill can be a time saver, it's easy for other family members to eat into your data. This might be okay in a family where not everyone is a data-heavy user, but it could also lead to tears.
If you don't trust your kids or your partner to use the data pool respectfully, it's best to stay on individual plans. Especially because shared plans don't always save you money.
It's worth mentioning Vodafone allows customers to opt out of data sharing if they find it's not being distributed evenly. Those on bundled eligible Vodafone plans - Vodafone Infinite (excluding Ultra+ Plan), Vodafone BYOD, Plus, Team or Vodafone Infinite Data Plans - can simply use their own data each billing month.
Another perk for Vodafone mobile customers is 5% off every postpaid SIM plan you bundle on the same account after the first. There is a maximum discount of 20% on your total bill. This doesn't include devices.
Shared phone plan FAQS
Is it cheaper to have a shared phone plan?
This depends on how many SIMs you bundle, which telco you choose and how much data you use. If you compare it to having four family members who don't burn through data and are all with different telcos, it could be worth the switch. If you're a data-hungry family, however, this may not be the solution for you.
How much data can I gift?
Most telcos only allow gifting of up to 50% of a customer's data accrued in a single billing period, in 1GB increments. Data gifting conditions vary per plan so it's important to check your telco for specific terms and conditions.
How many people can be on a family phone plan?
This depends on the telco you choose but start from as little as two SIMs. Telstra family phone plans allow up to five plans on one account but data sharing with up to 10 plans, Vodafone offers discounts on up to five bundled plans, while Yomojo customers can bundle up to six SIMs for a discount.
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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