Hi there! I'm Liam, and I've spent the last decade navigating the ins and outs of the telecom industry. From deciphering confusing contracts to understanding the nuances of data packages, I've seen it all.

So, you're curious about "unlimited calls and text"? That's a question I get a lot, and rightfully so. The word "unlimited" seems pretty straightforward, right? But in the world of mobile phone plans, it often comes with a few caveats.

Let's break it down:

**What "Unlimited Calls" Usually Means**

* Endless Talk Time: In most cases, "unlimited calls" means you can talk on your phone for as long as you want, as often as you want, without racking up extra charges. Whether it's a quick catch-up with a friend or a marathon brainstorming session, your talk time is, theoretically, limitless.
* Domestic Coverage: The "unlimited" aspect generally applies to calls made within your home country. So, calling your best friend across town is fair game. However, international calls are usually excluded and will likely come with additional fees.
* Network Capacity Considerations: While your plan might promise "unlimited" calls, network capacity isn't truly infinite. During peak times or emergencies, you might experience slower connections or brief disruptions. Think of it like rush hour on the freeway – everyone's trying to use the same roads at the same time.

The "Unlimited Text" Breakdown

* Text Away: Similar to calls, "unlimited text" usually means you can send and receive an endless stream of SMS (Short Message Service) messages without incurring extra charges. This includes standard text-only messages, perfect for sending quick updates or confirming plans.
* MMS Might Be Different: MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), which includes picture messages, videos, and group chats, might be handled differently. Some plans include "unlimited" MMS, while others have limits or charge per message. It's crucial to check the fine print of your specific plan.
* International Texting: As with calls, "unlimited text" typically refers to messages sent within your home country. Sending a text to your friend who's traveling abroad will likely incur international charges.

Important Considerations:

* Fair Usage Policies: While not always explicitly stated, many providers operate with fair usage policies. These policies aim to prevent abuse and ensure everyone has access to the network. For example, if you're constantly on the phone for 12 hours a day, every day, the provider might flag your usage as unusual.
* Network Prioritization: Some providers prioritize the data usage of customers on "unlimited" plans differently than those on limited plans. This means during times of high network congestion, you might experience slower data speeds compared to someone on a lower-tier plan.
* Read the Fine Print: This cannot be stressed enough! Every mobile plan is different, and the devil is in the details. Before you sign up for any "unlimited" plan, scrutinize the terms and conditions to understand exactly what's included, what's not, and any potential limitations.

Remember, "unlimited" is often used as a marketing term. While it generally delivers on its promise of endless calls and texts (within certain boundaries), it's essential to be aware of the nuances and potential limitations. Always read the fine print to ensure the plan aligns with your usage habits and expectations.
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Any calls that you make, while you are in NZ, to any NZ or Aussie Landline or Mobile, or texts that you send, are included in your plan. You will not be charged anything additional on top of your plan fee for these calls and texts. Our Fair Use Policy applies to Unlimited calls and texts.read more >>