It's always amazed me, the number of people who are wedded (or welded) to their mobile phones, but even I was surprised to read that the average Australian spends a whole hour on the phone every day. That's great for the telcos. Sure, I might be somewhat towards the extreme opposite end of the spectrum- I don't refuse to own or carry a phone, but I always keep it on silent* and I make a point of telling people that SMS or email is a much more effective way to contact me. I appreciate the safety and convenience aspects of owning a mobile- it's handy for contacting someone when plans to meet have to be changed at the last minute, for instance, but I don't feel a need to constantly converse with people who probably have very little to say. People survived right up until the mid-late 90s without carrying these things around with them, yet they are now somehow viewed as a necessity.
I suppose being on a tight budget should have something to do with disliking using my phone, but I use it so little I often have to rush to use up the credit before it expires, particularly now that Optus and Telstra have shortened the life of their recharge while increasing the minimum spend. I used to get $30 to last 3 months, while I am now forced to spend $40 over a 2 month period. Sure, the credit is 'rolled over' if you recharge in time, but then I'm faced with a mountain of unused credit- my money, that is, and the prospect of being forced to spend it with Optus or have them pocket it. Last time I recharged I made a point of making a long phonecall to Gam's mother in Botswana to use up the $17 credit that I had remaining because we're seriously considering changing providers to one that will give a long expiry on its credit. So far Virgin is the only one looking good.
The telcos must be thrilled to bits at the news they have the nation in their collective grasp. I wonder how anyone can enjoy placing themselves at the mercy of others' calls...
*unless Gam gets annoyed if I miss his SMSes and changes it to 'loud' without my knowledge... and I have been known to frustrate that ambition by personalising 'loud' to make it identical to 'discreet'... there goes that secret!
1 comment:
I hate mobile phones. I have one now because it's easier to contact thewife. But I use it maybe once every three days unless we're away from each other.
The report I read said that monthly bills of over $1000 are not uncommon.
Wow.
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