Lyla Lindsey
Australia has three major mobile network operators: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These companies provide mobile network services and operate and manage the phone lines in Australia. There are also multiple Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that use the network infrastructure of the three major operators. When choosing a mobile service provider in Australia, it is important to consider factors such as pricing, data allowance, and extra perks like bundling discounts and international calling. It is also essential to consider mobile coverage, especially if you live in a remote area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mobile network operators | 3 |
| Names of mobile network operators | Telstra, Optus, Vodafone |
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) | MATE, Felix Mobile, Belong, Aussie Broadband, Kogan, amaysim, OnePass Mobile, and more |
| MVNOs' network providers | Optus, TPG/Vodafone, Telstra, Telstra, Vodafone, Vodafone, Optus, respectively |
| MVNOs' perks | MATE: 4G and 5G coverage; Felix Mobile: no data caps; Kogan: Qantas Points; amaysim: unlimited data banking, international call inclusions, roaming packs; OnePass Mobile: mobile app to track data usage and manage plan |
| Types of phone coverage | 5G, 4G |
| MVNOs' pricing | Cheaper than the Big Three |
| Telstra's cheapest upfront SIM plan | $65 per month for 50GB of data |
| Telstra's sub-brand Belong's plan | $35 per month for 40GB of data |
| Telstra's perks | Cheap cinema tickets, streaming service deals, frequent flyer points, discounts on experiences, rewards programs like Telstra Plus |
| Optus' network coverage | 98.5% of the Australian population, including rural and regional areas |
| Vodafone's network coverage | 96% of the Australian population, least rural and regional coverage |
| Factors to consider when choosing a mobile provider | Data usage, international roaming, mobile coverage, pricing over 12 months, data allowance, extra perks like bundling discounts, international calling, and roaming options |
| Types of mobile plans | Prepaid, postpaid, subscription-based, month-to-month, long-expiry |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the three major network operators
Australia has three major mobile network operators: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These companies are also known as phone carriers, as they provide mobile network coverage to other phone companies in Australia.
Telstra is the largest telecommunications company in Australia, both by market share and revenue. It operates the largest mobile network in the country, covering over 99.5% of the population. Telstra is known for having reliable coverage nationwide. Telstra has the largest 5G footprint currently spanning over 75% of the Australian population with speeds up to 2 Gbps. Telstra's full network reaches 99.7% of the population, making it the farthest-reaching network in the country.
Optus is the second-largest telecom provider in Australia. It has a wide 4G network covering over 99% of regional Australia. Optus often offers competitive plans and promotions compared to Telstra. Optus' network covers 98.5% of the Australian population, including in rural and regional areas. Optus is currently also the first home wireless broadband provider to offer 5G wireless broadband where available. Optus won the award for download speed, with an average of 209 Mbps.
Vodafone is the smallest network provider, but also the newest of the three, and covers 96% of the Australian population. Vodafone has the least amount of rural and regional coverage and the slowest 5G broadband rollout of these three mobile providers. Vodafone generally has the cheapest plans among the major network operators. Vodafone has over 5 million subscribers and provides 4G services in major cities and regions.
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Comparing plans and pricing
When comparing mobile plans and pricing in Australia, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a new phone or are happy with a SIM-only plan. If you want a new phone, you will be largely limited to the three major telcos in Australia: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. These providers offer a range of postpaid and prepaid plans, as well as phone-on-a-plan options. However, their plans tend to be more expensive compared to smaller providers. On the other hand, if you are happy with your current phone or plan to buy a new one outright, you can choose from a wider range of providers, including Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that offer better value and cheaper prices as they don't own the network they operate on.
When comparing plans, it is important to consider your budget and how much data you need. While there are plans with over 100GB of data per month, there is no point in paying for more data than you will use. According to the ACCC, the average postpaid plan user in Australia consumes around 17.4GB per month, while prepaid customers use 9.3GB. If you are an international traveller, look for plans with international roaming inclusions that meet your needs. Additionally, consider the network coverage provided by the carrier. While metro areas typically have good coverage regardless of the provider, if you live in a regional or remote area, you may want to opt for a provider with wider network coverage, such as Telstra.
It is worth noting that smaller providers that operate on the networks of the big three telcos (Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone) often offer more affordable plans without compromising on coverage. For example, Moose Mobile, which operates on the Optus network, has been recognised for its high-inclusion, low-cost plans. Similarly, iiNet, which operates on the Vodafone network, offers a value-packed 40GB plan. If you prefer to stick with the major telcos, it is advisable to review their plans every 6 to 12 months, as prices tend to increase over time.
Lastly, when comparing pricing, be mindful of introductory discounts for new customers. While these can offer significant savings, ensure that you can afford the standard price once the introductory period ends. Additionally, check for any early termination fees if you are switching plans or providers, as these charges can add up.
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Choosing between a month-to-month or prepaid plan
When choosing a mobile plan in Australia, you can either opt for a month-to-month plan or a prepaid plan. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
Month-to-month plans
Month-to-month plans offer more flexibility as you are not locked into a long-term contract with the provider. This type of plan is usually post-paid, meaning you will be billed at the end of each month for the services you have used. If you exceed your data limit or have additional charges, these will be added to your next bill. Month-to-month plans typically require you to bring your own device, and they can range in price from $10 to over $100 per month, depending on the provider and plan you choose.
Prepaid plans
Prepaid plans offer the advantage of predictability and flexibility, as you pay upfront for your data allowance and avoid unexpected charges. You can choose when to renew your plan, and there are various options available, from 7-day to 12-month renewal periods. However, if you run out of data before the expiry period, you will need to wait until the next recharge or renew the plan early. Prepaid plans can be more expensive upfront, ranging from $100 to $400, but they may offer better value in the long run compared to monthly plans. Long expiry prepaid plans can provide good value if you consistently use less than the average data usage of 16GB per month.
Factors to consider
When deciding between a month-to-month or prepaid plan, consider your data usage and budget. If you want more flexibility and don't want to commit to a long-term contract, a month-to-month plan might be suitable. On the other hand, if you know your data usage and want to avoid unexpected charges, a prepaid plan could be a better option. Additionally, consider the network coverage offered by the provider and whether they provide any additional features such as data rollover or international calling inclusions.
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Considering extra perks and features
When choosing a mobile service provider in Australia, it's important to consider the extra perks and features that come with the plan. While the traditional mobile contract was a 12-month commitment, many providers now offer month-to-month plans with no lock-in contracts, giving you the flexibility to cancel or switch at any time without incurring cancellation fees.
Some providers offer prepaid plans with perks such as unlimited data rollover, access to international calls, and mobile apps to track your data usage. If you're a frequent traveller, you may want to consider plans with international roaming options or those that offer discounted rates when travelling overseas.
For those who want to stay connected while on the go, some providers offer 5G access, allowing you to experience faster internet speeds in covered cities. If you're environmentally conscious, you might prefer a provider that prioritises sustainability, such as one that runs on renewable power or has initiatives like planting trees for every customer.
Additionally, some plans provide standard features like unlimited calls and texts, and you can also look out for bundling discounts, especially if you have multiple mobile plans or other services with the same provider.
When considering extra perks and features, it's essential to identify which ones are most important to you and your usage habits. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and choose a mobile service provider in Australia that best suits your needs.
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Network coverage and speed
Australia has a developed but uneven mobile network. The three major network operators in Australia are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, and all other mobile service providers lease their services from these three networks. Telstra's full network reaches 99.7% of the population, making it the farthest-reaching network in the country. Optus covers 98.5% of the population, including in rural and regional areas, and Vodafone covers 96% of the population.
In terms of speed, 5G is available in Australia, and network operators are slowly rolling out 5G coverage in major cities. 5G can be used as an alternative to fixed broadband, with speeds fast enough for online activities such as streaming, video calls, and online gaming. Optus has won the 5G Download Speed award six times in a row, with an average speed of 208.7Mbps, followed by Telstra and Vodafone. However, Vodafone is gaining on the competition, with its score increasing by 36Mbps. Vodafone is actively developing its 5G network, enabling users to experience the fastest internet speeds in cities where they have coverage.
In addition to 5G, 4G coverage is also available in most cities across the country. The speed and quality of communication depend on the location, with 5G and fast LTE networks available in metropolitan regions, while 3G and satellite solutions are often used in suburban and rural zones. Telstra and Optus have signed a contract with SpaceX to provide mobile satellite communications services, improving coverage in remote areas.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three major mobile service providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. However, there are many smaller providers, known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), that lease their wireless services from one of the big three.
Optus covers 98.5% of the Australian population, including rural and regional areas, and was the first to offer 5G wireless broadband. Telstra is the best option for those in remote areas. Vodafone is the smallest and newest of the three, covering 96% of the population, with the least rural and regional coverage.
You should consider how much data you use each month, whether you need international roaming, and the level of mobile coverage in your area. You should also consider pricing, data allowance, and extra perks like bundling discounts, international calling, and roaming options.
Some smaller providers include Kogan, amaysim, OnePass Mobile, and Felix Mobile.
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a smaller provider that leases its wireless services from one of the three major providers. MVNOs typically charge less for their plans and services because they have lower operating costs and smaller customer support costs.
