09 SEP 2026
Let's be honest. Most mobile plans look pretty similar.
Unlimited calls. Endless texts. More gigabytes than you'll probably use.
So when every provider claims to offer great value, how do you know whether you're actually getting a good deal?
One place to start is with the people who use these services every day. 
In Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Monthly Mobile Awards, Kiwi customers rated Contact New Zealand's best monthly mobile provider. Contact was also the only provider to receive Canstar's top five-star rating for value for money. Canstar surveyed 2,301 customers and assessed 11 providers as part of the research.
So what can we learn from the results, and what should you look for when comparing mobile plans?
Why Many People Never Review Their Mobile Plan
For most of us, our phone bill fades into the background.
Once we're set up on a plan, we tend to stick with it. Life gets busy. As long as calls go through and data works, reviewing our mobile provider rarely makes it to the top of the to-do list.
The irony is that many people spend more time researching a new TV, pair of shoes or streaming service than they do reviewing a plan they pay for every month.
If you've been with the same provider for years, you're not alone.
But it's worth asking a simple question:
If you were choosing a mobile plan today, would you choose the one you're currently on?
What Do Kiwis Value Most In A Mobile Provider?
According to Canstar's research, customers care most about:
What's interesting is that "cheapest price" doesn't top the list.
People want confidence they're getting good value. They want a provider that's easy to deal with. And they want a network they can rely on when it matters.
That's a useful reminder when comparing plans. The cheapest option isn't always the best choice if it doesn't deliver the experience you're looking for.
Why Contact Ranked Number One
Canstar's research found Contact was New Zealand's highest-rated monthly mobile provider overall. Contact was also the only provider in the awards to receive a five-star rating for value for money.
That result is particularly significant because value for money was the most important factor identified by customers.
Good value isn't simply about paying less.
It's about feeling like what you get matches what you pay for.
For some people that means access to plenty of data. For others it's flexibility, customer support, network reliability or the ability to manage multiple services more easily.
The best mobile plan is rarely the one with the most features. It's the one that best fits how you actually use your phone.
Five Signs It Might Be Time To Review Your Mobile Plan
1. You Haven't Reviewed It In Years
Mobile plans evolve over time. New products launch, pricing changes and new features become available.
If you can't remember the last time you compared plans, it's probably worth taking another look.
2. You're Paying For More Data Than You Use
Many people are surprised when they check their usage.
If you're consistently using only a fraction of your monthly allowance, there may be an opportunity to move to a plan that's a better fit.
3. Your Needs Have Changed
Maybe you're working from home more often. Maybe you're spending more time on video calls. Or perhaps the kids have reached the age where they need their own mobile plans.
The right plan for you three years ago may not be the right plan today.
4. You Manage Multiple Mobile Accounts
Managing separate plans for family members can be a hassle.
Depending on your circumstances, there may be simpler ways to organise your household's mobile services.
5. You're Not Sure What You're Paying For
If you can't clearly explain why you're on your current plan, that's usually a sign it's worth reviewing your options.
Are More Expensive Mobile Plans Actually Better?
Not necessarily.
Many people assume that spending more automatically means getting a better service. In reality, the best plan depends on your personal needs.
Someone who streams video, hotspots regularly and relies on large amounts of data may benefit from a very different plan than someone who mainly uses Wi-Fi and sends messages.
The goal isn't to find the most expensive plan. It's to find the right balance between cost, data, flexibility and customer experience.
Why Customer Satisfaction Matters
When you're comparing providers, marketing claims only tell part of the story.
Customer satisfaction ratings provide a different perspective. They reflect the experiences of people who have already signed up, used the service and decided whether it delivered on its promises.
That's why independent research can be so valuable.
Rather than relying solely on promotional messages, you can see how customers rate providers across the things that matter most, including value for money, customer service and network coverage.
Choosing The Best Mobile Plan For You
Every person's needs are different, but there are a few questions worth asking before you make a decision:
The answers may confirm you're already on the right plan.
Or they might reveal an opportunity to find something that better suits the way you live today.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a mobile provider shouldn't be about chasing the flashiest promotion or the longest list of features.
It should be about finding a provider that delivers real value, a reliable service and a customer experience people genuinely rate highly.
In Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Monthly Mobile Awards, Kiwi customers rated Contact New Zealand's best monthly mobile provider. Contact was also the only provider to receive a five-star value for money rating.
If you've been meaning to review your mobile plan but haven't got around to it yet, maybe this is your sign.
After all, if you were choosing a mobile provider today, wouldn't you want to know what thousands of Kiwi customers think first?
For independent complaint or pricing advice, UDL, Billy & Powerswitch can help.
Read our Residential Consumer Care policy on how we'll keep you safe and connected.
