“While the message being given by the big mobile carriers is that the drop in mobile termination rates won’t lead to lower prices, the plans from the smaller and more innovative competitors will be better deals provided consumers are prepared to shop around.”

Callander continues “Most New Zealanders would be hard pressed to understand their current mobile plan and how much they are really paying, and that is exactly the way the larger mobile providers have designed them.”

“CallPlus and Slingshot offer one of the lowest mobile plans in the market with a low single flat rate regardless of who or where customers are calling in New Zealand.  It’s significantly cheaper than the rates of the larger players.”

“Consumers will definitely benefit from this change with the chance to save money, but they need to look around particularly at the offerings of some of the smaller competitors, such as CallPlus and Slingshot who have a track record of offering the best deals around.”

“A lot of consumers and businesses think that changing providers is complex, but again this is what the big guys want you to believe.  CallPlus and Slingshot switch over 50,000 customers a year which amounts to millions of dollars saved.”

“Customers not on contract should look to switch providers. Customers that are tied into contracts should look at using their fixed line phones to call mobiles, in preference to their mobile handset, to benefit from the lower rates that will be offered in the months ahead.  The fixed line will start offering considerable more value and savings if the mobile players refuse to lower prices.”  

Callander concludes “Competition only works if the customers are prepared to shop. I have no doubt that if people do their homework and are prepared to switch providers they can get significant savings, as much as 30-40% based on what they are currently paying as a result of this regulation.”