Before you sign up for any mobile phone plan, you should have a sound understanding of a provider's coverage in your area. At a minimum, you should check coverage for where you live and work. After all, no coverage means no use of your smartphone.
In Australia, there are three mobile network owner-operators: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. All other mobile service providers lease service from one of these three networks and re-sell it to their customers. These resellers are known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
MVNOs on the Optus and Vodafone network get full access (though some choose to limit themselves to 4G for some or all plans). But MVNOs that offer mobile plans on the Telstra Network are limited to the Telstra 'Wholesale' Network, which has a slightly smaller coverage footprint. The only exception is Boost Mobile, which can access the full Telstra Network.
One big recent coverage change is TPG's network-sharing agreement with Optus. This means Vodafone network customers now get access to Optus coverage when in remote and regional areas. This puts Vodafone's coverage at 98.4% of the population, just 0.1% lower than Optus.
Who has the best mobile coverage?
Overall, Telstra has the widest coverage, with Optus and Vodafone close behind. But that doesn't mean Telstra will necessarily have better coverage than Optus or Vodafone in your area.
When looking for the provider with the best phone coverage in Australia, the answer largely comes down to who has the best coverage in the areas you frequent the most.
Before we get into coverage maps and each provider, here's a look at how the big three owner-operators and MVNOs compare in terms of coverage:
| Network | 4G coverage | 5G coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra network* | 99.8% | 91% |
| Telstra Wholesale network | 98.8% | 75% |
| Optus network | 98.5% | 80.5% |
| Vodafone network | 98.4% | Not stated |
Numbers shown are a percentage of the Australian population.
*Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO with access to the full Telstra network.
Coverage map of Australia
In the coverage map checker below, you can toggle between the three networks 4G, and 5G coverage. The coverage map checker shows historical 3G coverage, but 3G networks have been shut down in Australia.
Be sure to check the places you visit most often to ensure you're covered where you need it most. Just note the coverage map still needs to be updated with Vodafone's expanded footprint, but if you see a regional area with Optus coverage, Vodafone-powered providers will work too.
Did you know?
Our WhistleOut coverage maps are an accurate and interactive way to see 5G coverage in Australia. If you want to know where you'll be able to get 5G download speeds of up to 900Mbps (according to our testing), then the map above is one of the ways to do it online.
Have you found out what coverage you can get in your area? Then it's time to take a look at some plans. Here are the cheapest mobile plans in our database from the three network providers in Australia on their postpaid services:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small SIM Only Plan
$39/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium SIM Only Plan
$49/mth
Min. cost $49
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
5G coverage in Australia
Comparing 5G coverage is a bit more tricky because the three major telcos report using different figures.
A good yardstick is Opensignal's Mobile Network Experience report from October 2024, which compares geographical (not population) coverage of populated areas.
Out of 10 for 5G coverage, Opensignal gave Telstra a score of 9.5, Optus 8.3, and Vodafone 6.4.
But Opensignal recorded other scores such as download speed, which Optus won with an average of 209Mbps, versus Telstra's 178Mbps, and Vodafone's 163Mbps.
Telstra coverage
Telstra's full network reaches 99.7% of the population, making it the farthest-reaching network in the country. It also has the largest 5G network, covering 89% of the population.
The Telstra Network is often necessary with rural customers who may not get reception from any other provider. But if you live in a population centre, you might not notice much of a difference between Telstra and any other telco.
|
#1
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
|
Telstra MVNO coverage
While going with an MVNO means getting Telstra coverage for a discount, you're not getting the full Telstra experience. The Telstra Wholesale Network, which its MVNOs use, has a smaller footprint than the full Telstra network.
While Telstra covers 99.7% of Australia's population, its Wholesale Network covers a tiny bit less at 98.8%. The real difference is for 5G, where Telstra covers 89% of the population, but its MVNOs only have 75% population coverage.
Boost Mobile is the one exception, which has unfettered access to the full Telstra Network.
To avoid disappointment, rural Aussies should double-check the coverage available in their area before committing to a new plan. At the very least, a Telstra MVNO will usually be able to cover you with 4G, as long as the full network does.
You can compare Telstra and Telstra MVNO coverage in your area using our coverage comparison map:
City-slickers will most likely be able to get away with more affordable Telstra coverage via a Telstra MVNO. Here's a look at some of the most popular plans in our database from Telstra network providers offering at least 10GB:
|
#1
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$30/mth
Min. cost $30
|
|
#2
|
Boost Mobile
$26 Prepaid
$26
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Tangerine Telecom
25GB 5G Mobile SIM
$29/mth
Min. cost $29
|
|
#4
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
More
25GB 5G Mobile SIM
$32/mth
Min. cost $32
|
|
#6
|
ALDI mobile
$25 Mobile Plan
$25
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid $250 Long Expiry Recharge
$230
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Optus coverage
Optus' network covers 98.5% of the Australian population. This kind of coverage should be fine for the vast majority of Aussies but more remote customers may struggle. In saying that Optus' network coverage is constantly being upgraded including an Optus 5G rollout, which will help keep more of us connected.
|
#1
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$65 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$79 Optus Promo Plan
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$85 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
|
Optus MVNO coverage
Whether you pick Optus proper or one of Optus' MVNO providers, you will receive the exact same coverage for both 5G and 4G – as long as your provider doesn't limit 5G access based on the type of plan. This is good news, given the lion's share of cheap mobile providers in Australia operate over the Optus Network.
This means you can save a decent amount on your monthly bill by going with an Optus Network reseller, instead of with Optus itself.
These are the most popular plans in our database from Optus MVNOs, offering at least 10GB:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
$22 Mobile Plan
$14/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#2
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
$28 Mobile Plan
$28/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#3
|
Moose Mobile
Editor's Pick
Moose 26.80 SIM Only
$12.40/mth
Min. cost $12.40
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Saver 5G SIM Plan
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Southern Phone
Small 5G SIM Plan
$24/mth
Min. cost $24
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Coles Mobile
$35 Mobile Plan
$35/mth
Min. cost $35
Link not supplied
|
Vodafone coverage
While sometimes thought of as a lesser network, Vodafone now covers 98.4% of the Australian population thanks to its network-sharing agreement with Optus. This means Vodafone only covers 0.1% less of the population than Optus.
Possibly due to some less-than-desirable preconceptions about its network, Vodafone offers a 30-day network guarantee. If you're Vo-curious then you can test it out for 30 days and if you're not happy you can opt out — no strings attached.
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$49 Small SIM Only Plan
$39/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$59 Medium SIM Only Plan
$49/mth
Min. cost $49
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$69 Large SIM Only Plan
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
|
Vodafone MVNO coverage
Vodafone's MVNOs have access to the entire Vodafone network, so opting for something cheaper won't cost you coverage with Vodafone.
While there are fewer Vodafone MVNOs compared to Optus and Telstra, you can still get a great deal. Check your coverage and, if you're ready to put yourself back on the telco market, why not give a Vodafone MVNO a go?
These plans are the most popular in our database from Vodafone MVNOs offering at least 10GB:
|
#1
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
25GB Small Plan
$12.50
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan
$190
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$25
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Lebara Mobile
$19.90 Extra Small Plan
$19.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
How to get the best plan and coverage
WhistleOut's coverage check feature supercharges our robust comparison engine by allowing you to instantly see what coverage is like at your location. All you have to do is punch in your address and we do the rest. This feature empowers you to make better decisions when it comes to which carrier you go with. If you need help figuring out how to use it, the GIF below should help:
In addition to showing you a map of your area with the coverage from the three major networks, we filter to ensure you're only seeing plans from providers who can provide you with good reception.
Mobile coverage FAQs
Does Vodafone offer coverage in remote or rural areas of Australia?
Yes, Vodafone does offer coverage in remote and rural areas of Australia but its coverage varies by location. Vodafone's rural coverage has expanded greatly thanks to its network-sharing agreement with Optus.
Is Telstra the most expensive option for network coverage in Australia?
It's true that Telstra plans tend to be the most expensive in terms of data per dollar and have a higher starting price than its competitors.
There are perks to being with Telstra, however. Telstra customers receive wider coverage than Optus and Vodafone customers plus its plans come with added benefits, like discounts off streaming services and access to its Telstra Plus rewards program.
Can I use my Telstra, Vodafone or Optus mobile plan when travelling outside of Australia?
Telstra, Vodafone and Optus all have international roaming options, which you can add to your current plan to continue using your phone number while overseas.
For Telstra roaming, Telstra's Day Pass allows customers to pay just $10 per day while overseas for a daily 1GB international data allowance unless travelling in New Zealand, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Western Samoa, Tonga, or Vanuatu, in which case it drops to $5.
Optus customers on current postpaid plans can roam overseas for $5 per day using an Optus International Roaming add-on.
Vodafone has its famous $5 roaming option.
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