What is a mobile plan?

A mobile plan is a service agreement between you and a mobile network provider. In exchange for a monthly fee (or a prepaid amount), the provider gives you access to their network to make calls, send texts, and access the internet (data).

With many providers, you have the option to bundle the plan with a new phone, paying it off over a set period, typically 12, 24, or 36 months interest-free. However, SIM-only plans (often called Bring Your Own Device) are also very common, meaning you do not buy a phone with the subscription but use your existing device instead.

You can also choose whether you want a pay monthly or prepaid plan. Put simply, with a pay monthly plan, you receive a bill at the end of the month for your usage (or pay a fixed monthly rate), while a prepaid plan requires you to pay upfront for your service, often without any credit checks or open-term contracts.

How do I find the best mobile plan for me?

  • Choose a provider with good coverage in your area. While major networks cover most of the population, rural coverage can vary. Check the network coverage maps for the main infrastructure providers – Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees – versus smaller providers (MVNOs) like Skinny or Warehouse Mobile that run on these networks.
  • Determine how much data you actually need. Most Kiwis overestimate their data usage. Check your current phone’s settings to see your average monthly usage. If you mostly use Wi-Fi at home and work, a smaller, cheaper data pack (e.g., 5 GB – 10 GB) might be sufficient.
  • Decide if you want a pay monthly or prepaid plan. With a pay monthly plan (on account), you pay a set fee and usually have an open term or a fixed contract. If you choose a prepaid plan, you top up your account in advance, and the plan renews only if you have sufficient credit.
  • Ensure the provider offers the support you need. If you want the ability to contact customer service by phone, ensure the provider offers this. Smaller, digital-first providers sometimes only offer customer support via email or live chat to keep prices low.
  • Choose the plan that best meets your needs. After evaluating all the factors above, you can compare prices among the plans that meet your requirements. This way, you will find not just the cheapest plan, but the one that offers the most value for you.

What’s the difference between pay monthly and prepaid?

Pay monthly plans (Postpaid) are very common for those wanting seamless connectivity. You pay your bill regularly based on your agreement. These plans usually offer higher data caps, 5G speeds, and features like “Endless Data” (speeds are reduced after a certain limit). You generally need to pass a credit check for these.

With prepaid plans, you pay for your service upfront (“top up”). If you run out of data or minutes, you need to buy a strictly defined add-on or top up again. There are no credit checks and no surprise bill shock. This is an excellent option for students, visitors to New Zealand, or anyone on a budget.

Which is the cheapest mobile plan?

Contact Mobile Extra Small Plan is the cheapest pay monthly plan right now (checked on 20/10/26). The cost is $16.00/month when you sign up for 0-month contract. 

Get the deal at Contact Mobile

Skinny Standard is the cheapest prepaid plan right now (checked on 20/10/26). Top up from $5.00.

Get the deal at Skinny

How to get a mobile plan

  1. Compare offers in the table at the top of the page and choose the one that suits you best.
  2. Visit the provider’s website to order the plan.
  3. Choose your SIM type. With most operators, you can choose between a physical SIM card or an eSIM.
  4. Fill in the required details. Often, the provider will also check your credit score (credit check) at this stage if you are signing up for a pay monthly plan.
  5. Activate your plan. If you have chosen an eSIM, you will receive instructions on how to activate the plan digitally. If you have chosen a physical SIM card, the provider will send it to you. Once you receive it, insert it into your phone.
  6. Start using your plan. You are now ready to go.

What is “Endless” data in New Zealand?

Many providers now advertise “Endless Data” plans, but it is important to read the fine print. Typically, these plans give you a set amount of max-speed data (e.g., 40 GB or 100 GB). 

Once you exceed that limit, you will not be charged overage fees, but your speed will be reduced (throttled) significantly – usually to 1.2 Mbps. This is enough for music streaming and basic browsing, but may not support HD video streaming smoothly.

Frequently asked questions about mobile plans

Which is better: a prepaid or pay monthly mobile plan?

The “best” option depends on your lifestyle. A prepaid mobile plan is ideal if you want total control over your spending and no credit checks. However, if you’re a heavy data user or want to get a new phone on an interest-free term, a pay monthly (postpaid) plan usually offers better value. For households, pay monthly also unlocks family “companion” discounts that you won’t typically find with prepaid options
How do unlimited data mobile plans work?

Most unlimited mobile plans in the NZ market are “Endless” plans. This means you get a set amount of max-speed data (e.g., 50 GB), and once that is used, your data remains unlimited but at a reduced speed (usually 1.2 Mbps to 2 Mbps). However, some providers now offer truly unlimited plans where your speeds aren’t throttled, which is ideal if you frequently use your phone for HD streaming or hotspotting.
Can I save money by bundling broadband with my mobile plan?

Absolutely. Many New Zealand providers offer significant monthly discounts if you bundle your home broadband with your mobile plan. This is a popular option for households looking to simplify their billing while accessing “bundle-only” perks like bonus data or free streaming subscriptions.
Are there specific mobile plans available for businesses?

Yes, business mobile plans are tailored for professional use and often include features that standard consumer plans don’t, such as team data sharing, dedicated account managers, and specialised VoIP integration. Many business plans also offer better rates for international roaming, making it easier to stay connected with clients outside of New Zealand and Australia.
Will the 3G shutdown affect my mobile plan or phone?

As of late March 2026, New Zealand’s 3G networks have been decommissioned to prioritise 4G and 5G coverage. While your mobile plan itself won’t change, you must ensure your phone is 4G/5G capable and supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) to continue making calls. If you are using an older device, you may need to upgrade to stay connected to the network.