If you don’t want to spend more than $50 per month on your mobile plan/handset repayment, there is still a range of plans for you to choose from. When choosing a new mobile plan, you should also take into account the handset repayment price, as well as the standard call rates.

While some of the data packages are a little bit lower on some of the cheaper plans, many providers are offering unlimited access to a range of social networking sites which may help you to keep your data usage to a minimum.

The handset options aren’t too limited even on some of the low-end plans, however users should be aware that if they are choosing a more expensive smartphone like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S II, there will generally be either an upfront payment or monthly handset repayment cost – these extra charges have been noted below.

TPG

Super Value Mobile Plan $17.99 $550 standard credit, 1.5GB of data

The plan above is one of the best-value plans on the mobile market. While TPG doesn’t yet offer new handsets with their plans, they are on a no-contract basis so you can switch plans or providers at any time with no exit fees. Customers will also get unlimited calls from TPG to TPG in Australia. TPG uses the Optus network to provide coverage in your area.

The call rates:

Standard national calls: 90c per minute + 35c call connection
13/1300 numbers: $1.02 per minute
SMS: 25.3c each

Virgin mobile

Big cap $29 + $19 handset repayment, $450 standard credit, 250MB of data

This plan is on a 24-month contract and includes an iPhone 4S 16GB. Customers will also get unlimited calls and text Virgin-to-Virgin within Australia. Virgin Mobile uses the Optus network to provide coverage in your area.

The call rates:

Standard national calls: 99c per minute + 40c call connection
13/1300 numbers: 99c per minute + 40c call connection
SMS: 28c each

Dodo

Mega cap $29.90 + $249 handset upfront payment, $250 standard credit, 1GB of data

This plan is on a 24-month contract and includes a Samsung Galaxy S II. The plan also includes unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Ebay, LinkedIn and foursquare (Australia only). Dodo uses the Optus network to provide coverage in your area.

The call rates:

Standard national calls: 90c per minute + 35c call connection
13/1300 numbers: 90c per minute + 35c call connection
SMS: 28c each

Vodafone

Vodafone cap $29 + $15 handset repayment, $180 standard credit, 200MB of data

This plan is on a 24-month contract and includes an iPhone 4S 16GB. The plan also includes free access to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, foursquare & LinkedIn within Australia.

The call rates:

Standard national calls: 98c per minute + 38c call connection
13/1300 numbers: 98c per minute + 38c call connection
SMS: 30c each

Optus

Optus Cap Plan $29, $180 standard credit, 200MB of data

This plan is on a 24-month contract and includes an HTC Incredible S. It also includes unlimited mobile access within Australia to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, eBay and Foursquare.

Standard national calls: 90c per minute + 35c call connection
13/1300 numbers: 90c per minute + 35c call connection
SMS: 25c each