What is a 365-day prepaid mobile plan?
A 365-day prepaid mobile plan (often called a “long-expiry” plan) is exactly what it sounds like: a mobile service where you pay a single upfront fee that covers you for an entire year. Instead of worrying about your balance every 28 or 30 days, most popular plans give you a large chunk of data and unlimited standard national calls and texts to use over 12 months.
How do 365-day prepaid mobile plans work?
- You pay the full price at the start.
- Most providers give you your entire data allowance upfront (e.g., 200 GB for the year), though some MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) might dish it out in monthly “chunks.”
- You still get access to the same major networks – Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone – but often at a much better value than month-to-month alternatives.
- Inclusions vary. While many yearly bundles offer unlimited talk and text, basic ‘long-life’ plans might charge you per call or text from a pre-loaded credit balance.
Pros and cons of 365-day prepaid mobile plans
- Usually the cheapest way to get a lot of data
- No monthly recharges or “bill shock”
- Data banking is often included
- Paying a lot of money upfront
- You are locked into the provider for the year
Finding the cheapest 365-day prepaid plan
When looking for the cheapest 365-day prepaid plan, it is easy to just look at the price tag. However, the real value is found by calculating the cost per month and the cost per gigabyte of data.
Choosing the right plan for your budget and usage
- Entry-level plans: Prices often start around $150. These are perfect for low-data users or those who just want a reliable connection for calls and texts.
- Mid-range value: For around $200–$250, you can often find plans with 150GB to 250GB of data, which is plenty for the average Aussie.
- High-use and 5G: if you want the fastest speeds, look for plans that include 5G access. While slightly more expensive, many 365-day plans now offer 5G as a standard inclusion to keep up with modern smartphones and faster network speeds.
Which is the cheapest 365-day prepaid plan?
ALDI Mobile 365 Days is the cheapest 365-day prepaid plan right now (checked on 21/10/26). Recharge from $2.00.
Are there 365-day prepaid plans with no data?
Yes, you can absolutely find 365-day prepaid plans with no data, which are often called “long-life” or “pay as you go” options. While most of the Australian market is focused on big data bundles, these plans are designed for those who just want to keep their phone number active without paying for internet access they don’t use.
Instead of a fixed data allowance, you typically pay a small upfront fee (between $60 and $100) that keeps your SIM active for a full year. Every time you make a call or send a text, the cost is simply deducted from your balance.
A no data plan is the ultimate value choice for
- Emergency backup: Many Aussies keep a 365-day “no data” SIM in a spare phone in the car’s glovebox. It’s there if you ever break down or need help, without costing you a fortune every month.
- Seniors: If you (or a family member) only use a mobile for the occasional check-in call with the grandkids, paying for 200 GB of data is a waste of money. These plans focus on what matters: staying reachable.
- Smart home devices: If you have a home security alarm, a gate opener, or a GPS tracker that needs a SIM card to send the occasional SMS alert, these long-expiry plans are the most cost-effective way to power them.
If you eventually find you do need a tiny bit of data for a quick Google Maps search, most of these providers will let you add a small “data top-up” for a few dollars that lasts for the remainder of your 365 days.
Can I make international calls with a 365-day prepaid plan?
Yes, most 365-day prepaid plans in Australia allow for international calling, and many of the best value options include unlimited standard calls and text to popular countries. Because Australia is such a diverse nation, many providers have made international connectivity a key feature of their yearly plans.
International inclusions on a 365-day plan fall into one of these categories
- Unlimited standard international talk and text: Found on many mid-to-high tier plans, this gives you unlimited minutes to a list of “Zone 1” countries, which usually includes the UK, USA, NZ, China, India, Canada, and Singapore.
- Fixed minute blocks: Some plans provide a yearly “bucket” of minutes (e.g., 500 to 2,000 minutes) that you can use at your own pace throughout the 365 days. This is great for staying in touch with friends in countries that aren’t on the “unlimited” list.
- International credit: For the cheapest entry-level plans, you might receive a small dollar amount of credit (e.g., $10) to pay for calls at a per-minute rate.
Please note! Before you commit, always double-check the Critical Information Summary (CIS) on the provider’s website. Some plans include calls to landlines only in certain countries, while others cover both mobile and landline. Also, while unlimited international SMS is a common perk, sending picture messages (MMS) overseas often costs extra.
Frequently asked questions about 365-day prepaid plans
Absolutely. You can “port” your existing mobile number to any new provider when you sign up for a 365-day prepaid plan. The process is usually automated and takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
If you burn through your data early, you won’t be cut off. You can usually purchase a “data top-up” to get you through the remaining months, or simply recharge your full 365-day plan early to reset your allowance.
Yes, many of them do! While 4G is still the standard for budget plans, a growing number of 365-day options now include 5G access. Keep in mind that some providers may cap your 5G speeds (e.g., at 150 Mbps or 250 Mbps), which is still plenty fast for high-definition streaming.
Yes, several providers allow you to “bank” your unused data. If you recharge your 365-day plan before the expiry date, your remaining data will often roll over into the next year, meaning you never lose the value you’ve paid for.
Most prepaid plans have international roaming disabled by default to prevent “bill shock.” However, many providers offer roaming add-on packs (starting from around $20) that allow you to use a small amount of data and minutes while you are abroad.
