MVNOs in Australia: Which network is behind your carrier?

By Dylan Crismale

Last updated 12 January 2024

Contents

In this guide:

How do MVNOs work?
Vodafone network MVNOs
Telstra network MVNOs
Optus network MVNOs
MVNO mobile coverage
What are the pros and cons of MVNOs?
Which MVNOs offer 5G mobile plans?

Who are all those small mobile service providers that you see advertised? Known in the industry as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), these providers offer some of the market's best deals.

But people often ask us whether or not these providers can match the network coverage of the big telcos. The answer is yes, and here's why.

How do MVNOs work?

Middle-aged woman lying back on her couch browsing her mobile phone

The secret is that there are only three phone networks in Australia: the Telstra network, the Optus network and the Vodafone network. Regardless of which provider you choose, big or small, you'll always end up using one of these three mobile networks.

Essentially, the MVNOs buy network service at wholesale prices and then resell this service to customers. Because they have lower overheads, smaller advertising budgets, and don't always stock handsets, the MVNOs can offer the same basic products as the big brand telcos, but at much cheaper rates.

What does MVNO mean?

MVNO is an acronym for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. So-called because they're mobile companies without their own network. Instead, they buy network access from the big three and then sell their own plans to customers.

The trick to getting a great deal is to know which network gives you the best service at home and in your daily travels, and then match this network with one of the low-cost providers.

You can see lists of providers based on which network they operate on below. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does reveal the networks behind the top Australian MVNOs.

Vodafone network MVNOs

Vodafone has the smallest network of the three big telcos. Its network covers 96% of Australians. All Vodafone MVNOs have access to the full Vodafone network.

Vodafone network providers 2024

At the time of writing, WhistleOut monitors the plans of 5 major MVNOs that use the Vodafone network. These providers are:

See cheap plans from providers available on the Vodafone network compared to postpaid plans from the telco itself:

Vodafone MVNOs
Vodafone plans

#1	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $19.90 Extra Small Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $19.90 SIM for $8 online until 04.05.25 New customers only. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick Small Monthly Plan 15GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#8	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $24.90 Small Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Includes 15GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 200 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25 $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 40GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50GB for $10 for first month (includes $15 off + 10GB bonus data), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 27.04.25 $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $49/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large SIM Only Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $59/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site

Telstra network MVNOs

Telstra owns Australia's largest mobile network which covers 99.6% of Australians. This makes it the best network for those in regional and rural areas and those travelling all around Australia.

Now, only Boost Mobile operates on the full Telstra network. The rest of the Telstra MVNOs operate on the Telstra wholesale network which reaches slightly fewer people at 98.8%, however, that's still higher than the Optus and Vodafone networks, making it the ideal choice if you need a tourist SIM card for Australia.

Telstra network providers 2024

At the time of writing, WhistleOut monitors 11 major MVNOs that use the Telstra network. These are:

See cheap plans from providers available on the Telstra network compared to postpaid plans from the telco itself:

Telstra MVNOs
Telstra plans

#1	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $19 Mobile Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network $19 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$19 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Exetel	Exetel ExeSim Saver 4G Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#4	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: $25 SIM Starter Pack discounted to $12.50 + 10% off your grocery shop once a month $25 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network $25 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	More	More 12GB Mobile SIM 12GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G mobile network Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $19/mth for 12 mths, then $21.60/mth $26/mth Min. cost $26 Go to Site	$26/mth Min. cost $26	Go to Site
#8	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#9	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#10	More	More 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $25/mth for 12 mths, then $27/mth $32/mth Min. cost $32 Go to Site	$32/mth Min. cost $32	Go to Site

$65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$65/mth

Min. cost $65

Link not supplied

$65/mth

Min. cost $65

Link not supplied

$75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

Optus network MVNOs

Optus owns and operates the second-largest network which covers 98.5% of Australians. Each MVNO on the Optus network has the exact same coverage offered by Optus.

Optus network providers 2024

At the time of writing, WhistleOut monitors the plans of 12 major MVNOs that use the Optus network. These providers are:

See cheap plans from providers available on the Optus network compared to postpaid plans from the telco itself:

Optus MVNOs
Optus plans

#1	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick Moose 26.80 SIM Only 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 40GB for $12.40 – Includes $14.40 off and 13GB bonus data for first 6 months. Offer ends 31.05.25 $12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40 Link not supplied	$12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#3	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Medium 5G SIM Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Includes $10/mth discount for first 6 months. $19/mth first 6 months, then $29/mth. Offer ends 14.08.25 $19/mth Min. cost $19 Link not supplied	$19/mth Min. cost $19	Link not supplied
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo Unlimited Voice & SMS + 8GB 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off on all Mobile Plans for the first 3 months. Ends 31.05.25. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Catch Connect	Catch Connect 28 Day Plan - 15GB 25GB data Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network in available areas Deal: Get 25GB (15GB + 10GB bonus) for the first 12 recharges! Recharges $20/15GB. New customers only. Offer ends 30.04.25 $20 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $22 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$22 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Dodo	Dodo $23 Mobile Plan 15GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $23/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#8	Yomojo	Yomojo Unlimited Voice & SMS + 25GB 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off on all Mobile Plans for the first 3 months. Ends 31.05.25. T&Cs apply. $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile Prepaid $25 for 28 Days 22GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $25 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Saver 5G SIM Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $25/mth Min. cost $25 Link not supplied	$25/mth Min. cost $25	Link not supplied

#1	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $85/mth Min. cost $85 Go to Site	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Go to Site

MVNO mobile coverage

Here you can compare mobile network coverage between the three mobile networks:

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Coverage information is collected from carriers and other third party sources. This is approximate coverage only and does not include indoor coverage. Actual speed and performance depends on your location and device. Local conditions and things like natural and artificial physical features of an area all affect your reception. Coverage © Mosaik

Keep in mind: Even though 1% might not seem like a lot coverage can vary a lot between Telstra and its MVNOs (other than Boost). Remember to check the difference in coverage between Telstra MVNOs and Telstra before you sign up for a plan.

What are the pros and cons of MVNOs?

Here are some of the pros and cons we think you should consider when thinking of signing up to a mobile plan from an MVNO:

Pros

Dollar-for-dollar, MVNOs tend to have better deals and some of the cheapest mobile plans
Some MNVOs offer unlimited data and eSIM
Same network speeds and mostly the same coverage (keep this in mind for Telstra MVNOs)

Cons

Usually fewer extras like free streaming subscriptions etc.
International roaming inclusions aren't guaranteed. Some MVNOs have great roaming options these days but it's best to double check if this is a feature you're after
Almost no MVNOs offer handsets on plans

Even though certain extra features are less likely there are still a few perks offered by MVNOs that you won't find from the big three telcos. This includes things like 10% off (up to $50) your grocery shop once a month with Everyday Mobile.

Which MVNOs offer 5G mobile plans?

Slowly but surely MVNOs are starting to offer 5G mobile plans to their customers which means you can now get a 5G plan for less.

Hot tip

One thing to keep in mind is that many 5G mobile plans from both the large telcos and MVNOs have speed caps between 100Mbps and 250Mbps (the cap is generally higher on more expensive plans). Before you sign up for a plan consider what mobile speed you need.

See which MVNOs are already offering 5G below, we've also noted which MVNOs are offering limited trials of 5G to some customers:

MVNOS that offer 5G

ALDI Mobile
amasyim
Aussie Broadband
Belong
Boost Mobile
Exetel
Lebara
MATE
More
numobile
Southern Phone
Superloop
Tangerine
Everyday Mobile

MVNOs that don't offer 5G (yet)

Catch Mobile
Circles.Life
Coles Mobile
Dodo
felix
iiNet (Free trial)
iPrimus
Kogan (Free trial)
Lycamobile
Moose Mobile
SpinTel
TPG (Free trial)
Yomojo

See some of the cheapest 5G plans from MVNOs here:

#1	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick Moose 26.80 SIM Only 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 40GB for $12.40 – Includes $14.40 off and 13GB bonus data for first 6 months. Offer ends 31.05.25 $12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40 Link not supplied	$12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#3	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Medium 5G SIM Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Includes $10/mth discount for first 6 months. $19/mth first 6 months, then $29/mth. Offer ends 14.08.25 $19/mth Min. cost $19 Link not supplied	$19/mth Min. cost $19	Link not supplied
#6	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#7	TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 33.80 SIM Only 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 40GB for $23.80 – Includes $10 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $33.80. Offer ends 31.05.25 $23.80/mth Min. cost $23.80 Link not supplied	$23.80/mth Min. cost $23.80	Link not supplied
#9	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Small 5G SIM Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $24/mth Min. cost $24 Link not supplied	$24/mth Min. cost $24	Link not supplied
#10	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site