Capped vs Unlimited Data Plans, Explained

Would you rather go to an all-you-can-eat buffet, or choose from an a la carte menu?
Since we launched, Rocket Mobile has been all about pushing the benefits of unlimited mobile data, and the freedom that comes with it.
But what if you don’t actually need to use a lot of data? Or you simply don’t want to spend more than twenty bucks a month on your phone plan?

What are capped plans?

Capped plans give you a set amount of data per month for a set price – what you see is what you get. Unlike our unlimited lineup, our capped plans give you just enough data for your needs, so you can pay less if you use less.
Usually the cheaper capped plans on the market limit your minutes. Our capped plans still come with unlimited calls and SMS messages to NZ and Australia, so you can carry on enjoying unlimited connectivity with friends and family.
Like all our other plans, you’ll also have free voicemail access, and no sneaky stuff like 28 day billing and card surcharges, or long contracts and credit checks.

Double Data Deal

For a limited time only, grab our $17 capped plan and get 3GB of data for the first 12 months, followed by 1.5GB. We’ve made our double data deal better than other providers’, by making it last for a full 12 months instead of just a couple of billing cycles.
Don’t forget, our plans last a full month instead of just 28 days, so make sure you’re comparing apples with apples when you’re looking at different plans.

Which type of plan is right for me?

If you’re usually on wifi at home, at school or at work, a capped plan might give you just enough max speed data to keep you connected while you’re out and about. With our cheapest capped plan priced at under $20 a month, it’s a great way to save for those who are budget-conscious.
Paying for your child’s plan? Our $17 capped plan is an economical option for limiting their data usage, while unlimited minutes and SMS messages mean they can still always call or text you when they need to. If you’d rather they never run out of data, try Rocket Starter, with up to 2Mbps of unlimited mobile data.
If you’re always on the go, streaming videos on your commute, and constantly running out of data on a capped plan, then you’re probably better off on an unlimited plan.

How can I know how much data I might need?

Here’s a handy guide to how much data different apps might use.
YouTube:
  • SD: 0.3 GB to 0.7 GB per hour
  • HD (720p to 1080p): 1.5 GB to 3 GB per hour
  • 4K: Up to 7 GB per hour
Spotify:
  • Data usage: 0.5 MB to 2 MB per minute
  • Hourly usage: Up to 150 MB at highest quality

Live streaming:

  • SD: 0.5 GB to 1.5 GB per hour
  • HD: 2-3 GB per hour
  • 4K: 7-8 GB per hour

What if I run out of data?

There might be the odd occasion where you suddenly need a bit more than the data amount in your capped plan. Maybe you’re on a trip, or your wifi randomly stopped working.

If you’re on a capped plan, we’ve built our max speed data add-ons to tide you over until your next bill. However, if you find that you keep running out every month, you should consider switching to an unlimited plan, so you never have to worry about running out again.

What if I need more payment flexibility?

If you budget by the week, we even have both capped and unlimited data plans that bill weekly instead of monthly, so you can have even more control on when you pay.
If you’ve been thinking about switching to Rocket Mobile, but hesitated because you didn’t want to spend more than $20 a month, or pay for data you might not use on an unlimited plan, check out our capped plans now to see if one’s right for you.

Rocket Mobile Capped Plan Overview

Your Capped Rocket Mobile plan is bundled with value, including a set amount of max speed data, plus unlimited talk and text to NZ and Aus. There are also optional extras based on how you want to connect which are outlined here:
What is it How much Do I have any other options
Voicemail Calls to voicemail are FREE Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry.
MMS PXT Not available If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead.
International calls & texts $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location.
Roaming For just $9 a day you can use your NZ data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling.
Premium rate numbers Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Unlimited talk and TXTs are for standard person-to-person calls to standard NZ and Aus numbers.
  • Your Rocket Mobile mobile plan is for personal mobile use only.
  • For all out of bundle charges:
  • ● If you’re a Pay Monthly customer (joined before we rebranded), click here
  • ● If you’re a Pay Upfront customer (joined as Rocket Mobile), click here

Rocket Mobile Unlimited Plan Overview

Your unlimited Rocket Mobile plan is bundled with value, including unlimited mobile data at the speed you need, plus unlimited talk and text to NZ and Aus. There are also optional extras based on how you want to connect which are outlined here:

What is it How much Do I have any other options
Voicemail Calls to voicemail are FREE Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry.
MMS PXT 10 free MMS/PXT per month to NZ mobiles then no more can be sent. If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead, using your unlimited data.
International calls & texts $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location.
Roaming For just $9 a day you can use your NZ non-stop data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling.
Premium rate numbers Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Unlimited talk and TXTs are for standard person-to-person calls to standard NZ and Aus numbers.
  • Your Rocket Mobile mobile plan is for personal mobile use only.
  • For all out of bundle charges:
  • ● If you’re a Pay Monthly customer (joined before we rebranded), click here
  • ● If you’re a Pay Upfront customer (joined as Rocket Mobile), click here