Ruqayyah Snyder
5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology, offering faster download speeds, lower latency, and more advanced capabilities than previous generations. In Australia, 5G coverage has been available since 2019 and is currently accessible, at least partially, in all capital cities except Darwin, as well as in numerous regional centres across the country. As of 2024, major providers such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone have been continuously expanding their 5G networks, with Telstra covering 85% of the Australian population and Vodafone covering over 3,000 suburbs. The target is to provide 5G access to over 95% of Australia's population by mid-2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| 5G availability in Australia | Partial coverage in all capital cities except Darwin; some regional centres in each state also have coverage |
| 5G providers in Australia | Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone |
| Optus 5G coverage | New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and Tasmania |
| Telstra 5G coverage | 85% of the Australian population |
| Vodafone 5G coverage | Over 3,000 suburbs across Australia, covering 85% of the population in the ten largest cities and regions |
| Number of 5G-enabled mobile sites | Telstra: over 200; Optus: nearly 300 |
| 5G devices | iPhone 14 and 15 range, Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 families, and select devices from OPPO, Motorola, and Google |
| 5G applications | Wireless telecommunications, IoT, self-driving cars, advanced gaming, digital twin technologies, AR and VR experiences |
| Global 5G connections in 2023 | 1.5 billion |
| Australia's 5G Connectivity Index | 50 |
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What You'll Learn
5G availability in Australia's capital cities
5G is the 5th generation of global wireless technology used for mobile and internet services, offering faster downloads, higher data limits, and reduced time delays in loading content (known as latency). In Australia, 5G coverage is available in all capital cities, except Darwin, which is only served by Vodafone's 5G network.
The Vodafone 5G network covers 85% of the population in Australia's ten largest cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Wollongong, and the Sunshine Coast. However, a large part of Vodafone's 5G network relies on standalone 5G, also known as 5G SA, where devices connect directly to the 5G network while relying on 4G. Not all 5G phones support 5G SA, but phones such as the iPhone 14 and 15 range and the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 families will work with the Vodafone network.
The Telstra 5G network also covers 85% of the Australian population, with all upfront and prepaid mobile plans having access to the 5G network. Telstra offers a range of 5G devices, including the iPhone 15 range and the Galaxy S24 family.
Optus is in the process of building out its 5G network, with coverage already available across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and Tasmania. As of January 2024, the Optus network covers over 2.1 million homes.
While 5G is available in most major cities in Australia, many rural areas are still in the process of gaining coverage.
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Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone 5G networks
5G is the fifth generation of global wireless technology, which provides mobile and internet services. In Australia, 5G coverage is available, albeit partially, in all capital cities except Darwin, and in several regional centres in each state.
Optus 5G Network
Optus is building the next-generation mobile network, with coverage already available across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and Tasmania. As of January 2024, the Optus network covers over 2.1 million homes.
In terms of performance, Optus 5G offers faster upload speeds compared to Telstra and Vodafone. In 2021, Optus and Telstra's 5G performance were neck and neck, with Vodafone trailing behind. However, in 2023, Optus had the fastest average download speeds at 229.6 Mbps, 6.8% faster than Telstra.
Telstra 5G Network
Telstra has the largest 5G network in Australia, covering 89% of the population. Telstra's full network reaches 99.7% of the population, making it the farthest-reaching network in the country. Telstra's 5G network offers faster download speeds compared to Optus and Vodafone. Telstra also has the most consistent user experience overall.
Vodafone 5G Network
The Vodafone 5G network covers more than 3,000 suburbs across Australia, including 85% of the population in the country's ten largest cities and regions. Vodafone's 5G footprint relies on standalone 5G, which allows devices to connect directly to the 5G network while relying on 4G.
Vodafone was the least consistent performer in 2023, with the lowest latency at 13ms. However, Vodafone's results showed more consistency between test days, with only around 100 Mbps of variance at most.
In summary, while Telstra has the largest 5G network and the best download speeds, Optus offers superior upload speeds, and Vodafone provides good 5G availability and consistency in results.
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5G coverage in regional Australia
5G is the fifth generation of global wireless technology used for mobile and internet services, offering faster downloads, higher data limits, and reduced time delays in loading content (known as latency). In Australia, 5G coverage is accessible in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, as well as regional areas like Cooladdi.
As of January 2024, Optus' 5G network covers over 2.1 million homes across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The Telstra 5G network, which covers 85% of the Australian population, is also available in regional areas. Telstra's network can extend up to 70 km from the coast, but factors like weather and sea conditions can impact coverage.
Vodafone's 5G network covers more than 3,000 suburbs and 85% of Australia's population in the ten largest cities and regions, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. However, a large part of their 5G footprint relies on standalone 5G, which not all 5G phones support.
To check specific coverage in regional areas, online tools like WhistleOut's coverage checker and nPerf.com provide interactive maps that show 5G availability by address or location. These maps are updated regularly and allow users to compare coverage and speeds from different telcos, including Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone.
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5G-compatible devices
5G is the 5th generation of global wireless technology used for mobile and internet services, and it is now available in Australia. However, to access it, you need a 5G-ready device in a 5G coverage area. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and some regional centres have 5G coverage.
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are some of the major carriers offering 5G services in Australia. Telstra has the largest 5G network in Australia, covering 85% of the population. They offer a range of 5G devices, including the iPhone 15 range and the Galaxy S24 family. Telstra also allows customers to bring their own 5G devices and offers no lock-in plans.
Optus is building out its 5G network, which currently covers over 2.1 million homes across most states and territories, excluding the Northern Territory. Vodafone's 5G network covers 85% of the population in Australia's ten largest cities and regions. However, a large part of its 5G footprint relies on standalone 5G, which not all 5G phones support.
When it comes to 5G-compatible devices, Samsung was one of the first manufacturers to offer 5G phones in Australia with its Galaxy S10 5G in 2019. Since then, they have expanded their 5G offerings across a range of price points, including the Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, and S25 series, as well as foldable options. Apple devices with 5G capabilities include the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 16e series. OPPO has also been an early player in the 5G market, releasing 5G phones as early as 2019, and their A54 5G model is noted as one of the best budget-friendly smartphones. Motorola has released several 5G-compatible phones, including the Edge 30 series, the Moto G 5G, and the ThinkPhone. Nokia has joined the 5G market with the Nokia 8.3 5G and the Nokia XR21, devices designed with longevity in mind.
While these are some of the most popular options, there are plenty of other manufacturers offering 5G-compatible devices. MobileCiti is one of the leading suppliers of mobile phones in Australia, offering unlocked 5G phones at affordable prices, including the Nokia G50 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.
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5G's impact on Australian industries
5G technology is expected to have a significant impact on Australian industries, offering faster data access, downloading, and streaming content speeds compared to 4G. 5G's high speeds, lower latency, higher capacity, and greater reliability are set to revolutionise the way businesses operate and interact with consumers.
One of the key benefits of 5G for industries is its ability to increase automation and improve efficiency. For example, in the utilities sector, 5G will enable the monitoring, tracking, and automation of renewable energy and grid digitisation, contributing an estimated US$4 billion to Australia's GDP by 2030. In the healthcare industry, 5G is predicted to improve efficiency and productivity by enhancing telemedicine, improving medical device utilisation, and enabling the application of AI for preventative care and remote diagnosis.
The increased connectivity provided by 5G will also enable businesses to gain deeper insights from connected technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This will allow companies to reinvent industries and open up new opportunities, leading to economic growth and improved global competitiveness.
The Australian mobile telecommunications industry has invested significantly in future-proofing its networks, including the deployment of 5G. As of January 2024, Optus's 5G network covers over 2.1 million homes across several states and territories. Telstra's 5G network covers 85% of the Australian population, and Vodafone's 5G network covers 85% of the population in Australia's ten largest cities and regions.
Overall, 5G is expected to have a positive impact on Australian industries, unlocking significant economic benefits and improving productivity, innovation, global collaboration, and competitiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
5G is the 5th generation of global wireless technology used for mobile and internet services, building on the progress of 4G, 3G, 2G and 1G.
Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone are the three big names to watch for 5G in Australia.
5G coverage is now available, at least partially, in all capital cities, except Darwin; and in a number of regional centres in each state. There are no 5G deployments in the Northern Territory at present.
You can check coverage maps from WhistleOut and nPerf.com to see if 5G is available in your area.
