Mobile Phone Plans
BYO SIM suggested options
SBMG provide the software to connect your workflows and messaging remote from the android phone so you expand beyond physically holding the phone and typing your messages but you must bring your own mobile plan and SIM. This is a requirement as we cannot resell you network messages (i.e. a phone plan). With so many mobile phone plans as options this guide aims to help clarify what you need and when with some possible choices.
Decision Matrix
This is a summary of the key considerations of suggesting a plan type for you.
| Buy phone outright | Buy phone on plan | |
|---|---|---|
| International sending | Postpaid | Postpaid |
| Only sending domestic | Prepay | Postpaid |
To dive into more details continue reading.
Sending destination
Domestic
When sending within the country of your SIM Prepay Plans are the most cost effective messaging option. In New Zealand most carriers offer unlimited SMS* capability to Australia and New Zealand destinations.
*Fair use policy applies. SBMG respects fair use on consulation from carriers with usage limits and the processing methodology of messages.
International
If you are sending internationally you will incur varying charges depending on where in the world you are sending from/to. We recommend checking with your carrier for these rates which may change over time. Some carriers offer bundles for sending to overseas destinations that can reduce your cost but act like prepay credits in being consumed with your sending.
Due to varying rates to send we suggest that users wanting to send messages to international numbers have a Postpaid account with the carrier so you don’t face credit issues between plan renewals. This will result in being charged at the end of the month for the base plan and the international surcharges based on your use.
Phones
To use SBMG you need an Android phone see requirements here and this can be a factor in the plan and provider you choose. We do recommend that you run SBMG on a dedicated phone that can be left at home or in an office on wifi and connected to a power adaptor for the best result. If you have a dedicated phone already set aside that could be used as your gateway then you’ve checked this box and can continue.
The phones to run SBMG can be purchased outright around the $250 mark from various retailers. However it might be worth considering purchasing a molbile on your plan for some of the benifits this can offer and the ability to spread the setup cost over a few months. Phone and plan deals can be found with carriers and can get you the SIM purchase, mobile plan and interest free phone (along with any bonuses) on a Postpaid account.
Plan Types
Prepay
This is the simplist option to get sending for most SBMG users where you just need to send within the country. Prepay is the cheapest sending option but you must consider the sending destination for your messages to avoid running into credit issues due to surcharges.
Suggested Options:
2Degrees
Spark
One
Carrier T&Cs
- T&Cs do apply to unlimited such as fair use and SMS to standard NZ & AUS numbers only (not sending to special numbers like shortcodes e.g. 3880)
Prepay plans are different to prepay top ups.
- Ensure you are getting a monthly plan with messaging included rather than credit to consume on messaging at standard rates
Postpaid
Postpaid is our recommendation to anyone using SMS consistently and has the need to deliver to international numbers. At the end of the month you will be charged for the plan and any extras such as your international messages or a mobile phone that is being paid for alongside your plan.
Carriers can offer group plans which can reduce the costs of plans. If you already have a pay monthly plan with the carrier it could be worth considering adding a connection to your existing plan which can be cheaper than a whole new postpaid account.
Suggested Options:
2Degrees
Spark
One
Carrier T&Cs
- T&Cs do apply to unlimited such as fair use and SMS to standard NZ & AUS numbers only (not sending to special numbers like shortcodes e.g. 3880)