Latest from Tom's Guide AU in Network-carriers

I’ve been on Visible since 2023 — and the lower bills I’ve paid prove why I’ll never go back to a major phone carrier

john.velasco@futurenet.com (John Velasco) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 08:30:00 +0000

I spent years paying upwards of $100 per month on my cell phone plan from major wireless carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. While MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) have been around for as long as I can remember (think Virgin Mobile, Helio, and Amp'd Mobile), the emergence of modern MVNOs really took off in the late 2010s.

After bouncing around between Cricket Wireless and Mint Mobile, I’ve been on Visible since 2023 because I was tired of overpaying for service. While it remains one of the best cheap cell phone plans available today, the total amount I’ve paid to date is what’s most eye-opening — especially when compared to a major carrier.

Looking back at every transaction recorded in my billing history, the numbers speak for themselves — and they prove exactly why I’m never going back to the big three.

The bills: how much I’ve spent on Visible since 2023

(Image credit: Future)

Nothing validates my decision to ditch major carriers quite like looking at my monthly Visible bills. According to my payment history, I signed up for Visible in late 2023 on its base plan at the time — which is now referred to as the “Visible Legacy 1 plan.” Here’s how much I’ve paid since then:

November 2023 – February 2024: I paid $25/month for my standard unlimited service, totaling $100.00 across those four months.
March 2024: I added smartwatch service to my line, resulting in a one-time charge of $4.84.
March 2024 – July 2026: My plan transitioned to $30/month. Over these 29 consecutive billing cycles, my payments totaled $870.

Consistency is what makes MVNOs like Visible so attractive.

When I add up every single charge from November 2023 through July 2026, I’ve paid $974.84 in total. That’s less than a year’s worth of service on Verizon’s top-of-the-line Unlimited Ultimate plan ($105/month) — and over that same 33-month timeframe, Verizon would have cost me $3,465 before taxes and extra fees.

Speaking of taxes and fees, my monthly $30 bill from Visible includes everything. Consistency is what makes MVNOs like Visible so attractive: there are no surprise surcharges tacked onto my monthly total.

When I run the numbers, I’ve saved $2,490 by sticking with Visible — a staggering 72% overall savings. Those savings are more than enough to snag an ultra-premium flagship phone outright like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

What I actually get with Visible

(Image credit: Future)

You might suspect there are serious catches with my Visible Legacy 1 plan, given how much cheaper it is than conventional unlimited options. Make no mistake: I’m still getting comprehensive coverage where it matters most to me. As Visible clearly states in my account dashboard, “you're getting unlimited talk, text, data and mobile hotspot, all on our 5G & 4G LTE networks.”

Here’s what my $25/month locked-in rate gets me:

Unlimited Data, Talk, & Text: Powered directly by Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE nationwide network.
Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico & Canada: Stay connected with family or friends across borders without buying international daily passes.
Included International Service: Unlimited calling and messaging to Canada and Mexico when you are in the U.S. Includes unlimited calls & texting from the U.S. to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Saipan.
Unlimited Mobile Hotspot: Share your phone’s connection with a laptop or tablet anytime, capped at a practical 5 Mbps speed and limited to one device at a time.
Spam Protection: Built-in scam and robocall blocking.

I can’t stress enough how it’s truly an all-you-can-eat plan. However, there’s one caveat that Visible explicitly details: when the 5G or 4G LTE network is experiencing heavy traffic, data may be temporarily slowed. Meaning, while I can consume as much data as I want, my speeds can occasionally take a backseat during peak congestion.

When you go with a top-tier plan from Verizon, you’re guaranteed no data throttling due to congestion. You’ll always get the fastest speeds the network can deliver. Beyond that, the main distinction I’ve found between my Visible plan and Verizon’s Ultimate Unlimited plan is that I don’t get 5G Ultra Wideband support for those ultra-fast speeds.

That's the one compromise I make for Visible's massive savings, but it’s hardly noticeable for everyday tasks like checking email, browsing the web, or shopping online. Where I actually see a difference is when downloading large files or trying to load 4K videos.

I even put this to the test using a Pixel 10 on Verizon's network against my iPhone 17 Pro on Visible, which pulled down speeds up to 10x faster than my Visible line. That’s a tremendous difference and shows where 5G Ultra Wideband shines — but for my daily routine, it's a tradeoff I'm more than happy to make.

Why I’m never going back

(Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide)

The primary reason why I think a lot of consumers are now flocking over to MVNOs like Visible comes down to price transparency. With traditional wireless agreements, bills constantly fluctuate based on expiring promos, complex trade-in credits, and creeping administrative fees. It’s a hassle, in my opinion, and I much prefer a fixed rate.

With Visible, my auto-pay charge hits every month predictably. I get the coverage of Verizon’s underlying network architecture at a fraction of the cost, an all-you-can-eat data buffet, and zero contractual obligations holding me hostage.

Looking at my payment history from late 2023 to today, the numbers don’t lie: I’m saving a staggering amount. While Visible’s plan names and promotional offers have evolved over the years, the core value proposition remains unchanged.

For instance, the current $29/month promotion for Visible+ even includes that coveted 5G Ultra Wideband support I mentioned earlier — meaning there is really no reason for me to ever go back to a major carrier.

Let me know below - which carrier or MVNO are you on, and how much are you paying per month?

I tested Starlink-powered 4G on my phone — here's what actually happened in a dead zone

tom.pritchard@futurenet.com (Tom Pritchard) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:55:05 +0000

Satellite-based internet is nothing new, but the idea of getting satellite internet on your phone is something that has eluded us for a while. A number of smartphones now offer satellite connectivity of some kind, but that's mostly reserved for emergency situations, but the real question is, when will we be able to ditch cellular service and beam our mobile data from space?

Big tech has already been mulling over this idea for a while now. Elon Musk has talked about making Starlink a direct-to-cell service. And just this week Semafor reported that SpaceX (the parent company of Starlink) may be looking to acquire spectrum at government auction to compete directly with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Or it may decide to acquire another wireless carrier altogether.

Meanwhile, Amazon has filed an application to launch its own satellite-based internet service. Fortunately, we don't have to wait for the to get their act together, because carriers around the world have started offering satellite services to their customers.

Being the curious type, I decided to give one a go and see whether it was actually worth signing up for full time.

How satellite 4G works

(Image credit: Future)

Those reading this from the U.S. may be aware that T-Mobile offers a satellite service powered by Starlink. I live in the U.K., and naturally don't have access to T-Mobile, but the carrier O2 offers a similar service as an optional extra. This extra is also powered by Starlink, costs £3/$4 a month, and gives you access to satellite-based 4G should you find yourself without a cell signal or Wi-Fi connection.

That lack of additional connectivity is crucial to the whole process, because of the way modern smartphones connect to satellites. If there is another form of data connection, be it cellular or Wi-Fi, then the phone will refuse to look for a satellite. The satellite is essentially a last port of call to get your device connected.

This has led to some amusing instances of my phone looking for a satellite when there's zero chance of making a connection — such as when I was traveling several feet underground on the London Underground's Central Line. That's because I disconnected from cell service for more than a few seconds.

Finding the right spot

Blue is good, orange is ok and white is complete loss of service (Image credit: O2)

Surprisingly, the connectivity aspect actually caused a problem for me, because O2's outdoor 4G coverage is surprisingly good in my part of the country. There are plenty of areas in the U.K. that don't get any 4G cell signal, let alone 5G, but the official coverage map shows they're mainly in very rural areas — notably mountainous regions of Wales, Scotland and Northern England.

I live in the South East, roughly around 40 miles from central London. Anyone from different parts of England will be well aware that this is the region where most of the money goes. So, even though I live in a village in a fairly rural area, the cell signal is remarkably robust when you're using an O2 SIM card.

(Image credit: Future)

That's not to say 4G connectivity is universally available. There are various dead spots scattered around the place, according to both O2's own coverage checked and the independent map from mobile regulator Ofcom.

I just had to find one that intersected with a road, ideally one that had ample space to pull over and let me play on my phone. If you've had any experience with British country roads, you'll know that they're often too narrow to do this safely.

Thankfully, I found a spot roughly 30 minutes away by car. Not only is it a good-size deadspot, it also contains a pub with a sizable parking lot. There are certainly worse places to stop and test some new phone features.

The actual connection is easy and automatic

(Image credit: Future)

It took a couple of minutes to drive through the deadspot and park my car, by which point my Galaxy S26 Ultra had already connected to Starlink's satellites. That was rather surprising, considering that satellite connectivity typically needs a direct view of the sky to actually make the connection.

And no, before anyone asks, my car does not have a sun roof. It's totally solid, though I'm unsure of what materials were actually involved in its construction.

Admittedly, the signal wasn't particularly strong inside the car, illustrated as one bar out of three in the S26 Ultra's status bar. This doesn't change the fact that my phone was connected to the satellite through the car roof, and was receiving data from some Starlink satellite in space.

(Image credit: Future)

My next move was to stick the phone out of my window and raise it up towards the sky. It took about a minute for the S26 Ultra to register that circumstances had changed, and there were no obstacles in the way — at which point the signal jumped up to two bars.

It never hit three bars, though, despite the fact I was in an open area with relatively clear skies. I should also note that moving inside the pub, a 350-year old building with a thatched roof, cut off all access to the satellite. So while the signal may be able to penetrate my car, it isn't magic.

(Image credit: Future)

Accessing Google Maps from inside my car was a slightly drawn out affair. The app warned me that it was connected to the satellite, with lower loading times, and it took between 30 and 60 seconds for the actual map interface to load up fully. Shifting things outside and the load times were significantly reduced, though nowhere near as quick as they are with a 4G connection, let alone 5G.

So you're not going to be tapping your feet staring at your phone waiting for an all-important app to load over the course of several minutes. But your speeds aren't going to be as instantaneous as they might be with full bars of cell signal.

This isn't unrestricted 4G like you're used to

(Image credit: Future)

It was a surprisingly effective system, though the main drawback is that there are limitations on the apps you're able to use. These limitations seem to have been coded in at a system level by your phone rather than by the carrier. My personal guess is that this is due to modern phones treating satellite connectivity as an emergency feature, rather than a stable source of data.

This means that you will only be able to use the bare minimum of apps you need to communicate, navigate and potentially allow yourself to be found in an emergency. We're talking about things like Google Maps, Google Find Hub, Messages and the weather.

(Image credit: Future)

The latter may seem like an odd choice, but if you're out in the sticks by yourself with no vehicle or shelter, being able to keep tabs on the weather is essential. It could be the difference between you being stuck in a freak storm and finding somewhere to hunker down and ride it out in relative safety.

Your more frivolous apps, like social media and web browsers, are all disconnected and behave as though you don't have any active data connection. So don't expect to be sitting on a mountain somewhere catching up on your favorite Netflix series. That's not what this system is for, and the app straight up won't work if you try it.

Likewise, any third-party apps that could prove useful in precarious situations, such as mapping apps, still behave as though they are offline. The good news for wilderness-enthusiasts is that you can still get GPS with no data, but if assets haven't loaded, or are hilariously out of date, then the lack of data to update could end up being a problem.

A fantastic backup tool, but it's not replacing cell service yet

(Image credit: Future)

If you live out in a deadspot, or regularly find yourself in one, then gaining satellite access through your carrier is not going to make up for the fact there's no cell signal. The limitations in what the satellite connection can or can't do means that it's not a true replacement for cell service in the way a full Starlink setup would be for home internet.

But this sure as heck beats being stuck with zero access to the internet. Carrier-supplied 4G may not be able to give you access to web browsers and streaming, but it keeps you hooked into the apps that you might actually need in a pinch. In short, it means that you will always be able to reach the outside world in the event that you desperately need to.

Some may not like the fact that it's getting harder and harder to disconnect, but this means that you won't be stuck in the middle of nowhere without support. The fact that satellite access still worked in my car, and loaded up Google Maps, will easily be a major boon for navigating areas with little to no cell service. Which isn't a bad deal for $4 a month (or $10 a month with T-Mobile).

T-Mobile went down: Recap as users reported no signal across the US

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:22:57 +0000

T-Mobile suffered from a huge network outage yesterday, affecting customers across the country.

Reports suddenly spiked to over 60,000 on the outage-tracking site Down Detector where T-Mobile customers are reporting a lack of signal or service from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.

Whilst systems eventually returned to normal, it took several hours for the reports of problems to subside.

Here's how the events progressed.

More than 60,000 outage reports

(Image credit: Down Detector)

Over on DownDetector, there are currently more than 64,000 reports from users across the country.

It appears reports started flooding in around 1:00 pm Pacific before truly spiking 30 minutes later.

Outage appears National

(Image credit: Down Detector)

I'm seeing outage reports from nearly every major city in the United States and multiple states from Florida and California to North Carolina and Washington.

Minnesota, Louisana, and Hawaii are all reporting issues.

THe complaints are all similar, phones are being forced into SOS mode only, though it's not clear if WiFi calling is down as well.

No response from T-Mobile

T-Mobile doesn't appear to have a network status page. I have been checking the official T-Mobile and T-Mobile customer service accounts on Twitter where customers are flooding the accounts with complaints.

However, right now the company's reps are just asking people to DM or saying they're sorry the customer is having problems.

"I’m really glad you reached out and brought this to our attention. I’d be happy to help take a closer look into what’s going on. To make sure your information stays protected, please send me a DM with your contact details and we’ll continue there," is a common response.

I have yet to see acknowledgement of the outage itself.

Megathread on Reddit has thousands of comments

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

I found a megathread on the T-Mobile subreddit where thousands of comments are reporting issues with their phones.

One thread seems to be that iPhone users are having more issues than Android owners. It's not clear why.

Reports are declining but still in the 10s of thousands

(Image credit: Down Detector)

On Down Detector I am seeing reports declining. There are still nearly 40,000 reports which is down from the peak of 64,000.

T-Mobile messaging changes

(Image credit: Tuminds)

Over on Twitter, the T-Mobile Help account messaging has changed a bit. There still isn't an official post acknowledging the outage but this is what I'm seeing now.

"Thank you for reaching out. Our teams are actively working the reports of technical challenges impacting some customers. Any service impacts are in the process of being resolved and are our highest priority. We know how critical it is to stay connected, and every available resource is focused on resolving this as quickly as possible."

I have reached out to T-Mobile for a statement and will update if I receive one.

Leveling off

(Image credit: Down Detector)

Reports have leveled off to around 20,000 on Down Detector and I am still seeing comments reporting where service is out like Oakland, Maryland and Long Island, New York.

One person did say that T-Mobile engineers are on the problem per a call with customer service. Though they didn't have any other information to share.

T-Mobile finally acknowledges the outage

Our teams are actively working on the reports of technical challenges impacting some customers. Any service impacts are in the process of being resolved and are our highest priority. We know how critical it is to stay connected and every available resource is focused on resolving…July 27, 2026

Over two hours after reports spiked on DD, T-Mobile has finally acknowledged the outage with a post on its T-Mobile Help account.

"Our teams are actively working on the reports of technical challenges impacting some customers. Any service impacts are in the process of being resolved and are our highest priority. We know how critical it is to stay connected and every available resource is focused on resolving this as quickly as possible."

Many people in the comments are saying that the outage has lasted even longer, up to 4 hours for many, and are upset with the company's silence to now.

Reports continue slow decline

Over on Down Detector, reports have been started declining again. It's not the steep drop that occurred a couple hours ago.

After holding level around 20,000, we just hit 16,000 as of 4:30 pm Pacific.

Most comments are still reporting SOS mode across the country but I have seen a couple posts about it being back up in California.

Taking a break but keeping an eye on things

It's getting to the end of the work day here on the West Coast. I'm taking a break to walk the dog and get some dinner going but I'll be keeping an eye on the outage and I'll let you know if anything changes.

T-Mobile is forcing long-time customers to move to new plans that cost more

dave.leclair@futurenet.com (Dave LeClair) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:31:36 +0000

T-Mobile Statement to Tom's Guide

We received a statement from T-Mobile, which is as follows:

"We’re retiring our oldest plans, some of which were built nearly 15 years ago – in the 3G and 4G eras, and well before our 5G network was fully deployed. Customers will transition to modern plans that provide access to America’s best wireless technology, enhanced features and a 5-year price guarantee for peace of mind. Some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while some will see a modest adjustment. Every customer moved to a new plan will keep their current benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experiences."

T-Mobile is making a move that's likely to upset some of its most loyal subscribers. While T-Mobile has its justifications for making this move, long-standing customers may feel as though they're being stabbed in the back by being forced off grandfathered plans to new, slightly more expensive ones.

According to The Mobile Report, customers on some Simple Choice and ONE plans will be migrated to newer, more modern plans with price increases of around $4.

Magenta plans could be affected as well, though it's not clear at this point whether that'll be the case. T-Mobile didn't give a full rundown of the plans, but it did say some affected users are on plans that stretch back 10 to 15 years.

The report also claims that new prices are being created specifically for these customers, though the details of the new plans aren't fully clear as of this writing. Apparently, T-Mobile for Business customers could also be affected by the changes.

The exact plans weren't revealed, but The Mobile Report speculated that plans not covered by the new price lock.

(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2020/Getty Image)

Of course, as is usually the case with these kinds of changes, T-Mobile will almost certainly try to spin the move as a good thing, as the carrier does offer some new benefits and perks on these newer plans that aren't on older plans.

But these customers could have switched to a new plan on their own, and they chose not to, so they could keep the price down. I have to assume many users won't see the change as a positive.

In fact, T-Mobile sent out a memo to employees, obtained by CNET, that said: "for our frontline teams ... while the immediate future will bring increased customer contact volume, we are confident this plan simplification will make your job easier over time."

"A rate plan is a snapshot of the capacity and capability of your network in that moment in time," Samson said, citing the limited network capacity when the old plans were active. "Fifteen years ago, you checked the weather, and maybe your stock report, and that was about it. Today we're streaming 4K movies."

You'll know if you're impacted if you get the news via text or through the T-Life app starting today. The reports say you'll have about two weeks from the official reveal to decide what you want to do, whether it be dealing with the new plan or moving to a different carrier, perhaps even one of the best MVNO options, which are cheaper.

Verizon MVNOs: A complete listing, plus the best option for your money

john.velasco@futurenet.com (John Velasco) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:30:00 +0000

I recently put Verizon Wireless to the test for 30 days to see what the hype is all about with the nation’s largest cell phone provider. What it proved to me was how much of a substantial difference 5G Ultra Wideband makes, but these fiber-optic-esque speeds come at a premium cost.

That’s probably why I’ve found Verizon MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) attractive alternatives for those who still crave an all-you-can-eat data menu, but without being left with a hefty bill at the end. Rather than directly competing with the $70+ per line costs for Verizon’s plans, these MVNOs still tap into Verizon's network to provide cell phone coverage, but at a fraction of the cost.

Interestingly, Verizon actually owns a few of its biggest MVNOs directly — like Visible and Straight Talk — but it also leases tower space to dozens of third-party brands you might not know about. That’s why I’ll break down all the Verizon MVNOs out there, along with who they’re for, so you can choose the service that’s right for you.

Verizon MVNOs: Verizon owned MVNOs

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Did you know that Verizon owns and operates many MVNOs under different brands? These are the providers that fall under the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes carriers like Straight Talk, Visible, TracFone, and more. Here's a quick list of these Verizon-owned MVNOs:

Verizon MVNOs: Third-party operators

(Image credit: Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In addition to Verizon-owned MVNOs, you also have independent third-party MVNOs that basically lease Verizon’s tower space and subsequently offer ultra-affordable rates. They might not use Verizon's towers exclusively for everything, as some of them also use towers from carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T.

But the downside to these third-party operators is that they’re often the first to face data deprioritization. Meaning that when the network experiences heavy congestion during peak times, their speeds are the first to drop.

On the flip side, third-party MVNOs aren't always impacted when Verizon experiences a network outage. Because these independent providers manage their own virtual networks — and often lease tower space from multiple major networks — they can seamlessly route your service to alternative towers while Verizon's primary system is down.

The best Verizon MVNOs

(Image credit: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

As you can see, there are several Verizon MVNOs to choose from. We’ve tested a handful of them, but you’ll want to look at each provider separately to see what financially makes sense, whether service is available in your area, and if they support your current phone.

Here are our picks for the best Verizon MVNOs.

Visible+ Pro: $45/month unlimited plan
Nothing beats the Visible + Pro Plan at $45 per month for unlimited service. What makes this Verizon owned MVNO even better is that the plan includes access to unlimited premium data, mobile hotspot, 4K video streaming, and a data plan for a smartwatch.View Deal

Total Wireless: $35/month Total Starter plan
If you don't need premium data, you can still get an all-you-can-eat helping from the Total Starter plan with Total Wireless. For $35 per month, you get unlimited data, 10GB of hotspot data, spam protection, and one of the best rewards programs out there that lets you acquire points when you pay your bill.View Deal

Xfinity Mobile: $15/month Mobile Plus plan
This is easily one of the most irresistible cell phone plan deals right now. You can get Xfinity Mobile's Mobile Plus plan for $15 per month for the first year. On top of unlimited service, you also get international coverage, phone upgrades every year, and Xfinity's Wi-Fi access while on the go. After the first year, you then pay $45/month.View Deal

Why choose an MVNO over Verizon?

(Image credit: Straight Talk)

Frankly, the primary reason to choose an MVNO is price. Verizon’s top-tiered plans are loaded with extra costs to help subsidize phone upgrades, maintain its massive customer service networks, and provide super-fast 5G Ultra Wideband.

The latter is what truly makes Verizon special because none of these MVNOs can match the almost lightning-fast download and upload speeds I got with 5G Ultra Wideband. In fact, I recorded an average of 893 Mbps down in New York City, which explains why its service costs so much.

If you’re not as concerned about synthetic speeds, I know it’s worthwhile to check out a Verizon MVNO. Although it’s worth knowing that some of these MVNOs offer 5G Ultra Wideband on their higher-tiered plans.

I’ve been on Visible for about the last few years now, and the cost savings are unbelievable. I pay a fraction of what I used to with Verizon and still have the same coverage, but with speeds that are slower. I’m perfectly fine with this because I’m still able to watch videos while on the go without huge buffering.

The Tradeoffs

(Image credit: Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com)

Before making the switch, you need to consider some of the trade-offs that come with a Verizon MVNO. The biggest hurdle pertains to new device discounts, which are how Verizon offers its signature free phone promotions. While some Verizon MVNOs do sell hardware, you won’t find nearly the same generous subsidies or trade-in values with them.

Secondly, there’s data throttling, which slows your speeds during peak hours when there’s heavy network traffic. Unless you sign up with a Verizon MVNO that specifically includes premium data, you’re at the mercy of Verizon's network prioritization. I’ve seen this happen countless times with my Visible service at concerts, where the data slows to a crawl due to the sheer amount of congestion.

Finally, there’s customer support. If you run into issues, you usually can’t walk into a physical store to meet face-to-face with a representative. Instead, everything is handled online or over the phone — which I can attest can be incredibly annoying when phone activations go wrong or take too long.

I switched back to Verizon Wireless for 30 days — and now I understand why ultra wideband is such a big deal

john.velasco@futurenet.com (John Velasco) — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

For the last seven years, I’ve been bouncing between a handful of different MVNOs. I finally settled on Visible because it offers one of the best cheap cell phone plans around, but I recently decided to switch back to a carrier that I haven’t used in over a decade — Verizon.

Part of the reason I ditched the carrier years ago was how expensive it ended up being, mainly due to data overage fees that pushed my monthly bill past $100 for a single line. Obviously, Verizon's plans have changed since then, with truly unlimited data now starting as low as $55 per month.

That’s why I switched back for 30 days to see exactly what advantages its premium unlimited service offers. Here’s what I found.

Verizon Wireless review: What you'll pay

(Image credit: Verizon)

The biggest reason I’ve shied away from returning to one of the major carriers, including Big Red, is how expensive they’ve become. Sure, you’ll still pay close to $100 a month for premium unlimited service, but Verizon throws in additional goodies that you just don't get from most MVNOs.

Currently, Verizon Wireless offers three distinct unlimited postpaid plans: Unlimited Ultimate ($95/month), Unlimited Plus ($80/month), and Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). If you enroll in paper-free billing and AutoPay, you’ll get a $10 monthly discount on each of those lines, bringing the entry-level cost down to $65 per month.

	Unlimited Welcome	Unlimited Plus	Unlimited Ultimate
Price (1 Line w/ Auto Pay)	$55/month	$70/month	$85/month
5G Network Access	Standard 5G / 4G LTE	5G Ultra Wideband (C-Band & mmWave)	5G Ultra Wideband (C-Band & mmWave)
Premium Mobile Data	May be slowed during network congestion	Unlimited premium data (Never throttled)	Unlimited premium data (Never throttled)
Mobile Hotspot	None	30 GB high-speed (then 3 Mbps)	200 GB high-speed (then 6 Mbps)
Video Streaming Quality	480p (SD)	Up to 720p on 5G/LTE (Up to 4K on Ultra Wideband)	Up to 1080p on 5G/LTE (Up to 4K on Ultra Wideband)
Other Perks	None	50% off one tablet/watch/hotspot plan	50% off two tablet/watch/hotspot plans

For a long time, I held onto the misconception that any unlimited plan from Verizon would cost $100 a month at the very least. While its $75 starting rate is still noticeably higher than the $35 monthly fee I’ve been paying for Visible, the upgrade comes with distinct network advantages.

What exactly separates these three tiers? For starters, every option gives you unlimited talk, text, and data. The real differences lie in the amount of "premium data" you get, the hotspot allocations, and the network speeds highlighted on Verizon's Broadband Facts labels.

While they all technically offer unlimited data, access to the absolute fastest 5G Ultra Wideband speeds is reserved for the top two tiers, while the starter plan can be a smidge slower during times of network congestion.

$55/month Unlimited Welcome plan @ Verizon
If you're looking to get the cheapest unlimited plan from Verizon, then check out its Unlimited Welcome plan. Not only does it offer unlimited talk, text, and data, but it also includes international texting, plus talk and data in Mexico and Canada.View Deal

Verizon Wireless review: How Verizon’s prices compare

Base unlimited plan	Monthly cost
Verizon Unlimited Welcome	$55
T-Mobile Essentials Saver	$50
AT&T Value 2.0	$50
Mint Mobile Unlimited	$25 (requires $75 upfront payment that covers three months)
Visible	$25

Verizon Wireless remains the largest wireless provider in the U.S., and it commands premium prices for access to its sprawling, reliable network. Making a direct comparison to rivals AT&T and T-Mobile can be tricky, however, because their entry-level unlimited tiers vary significantly in terms of value.

For example, AT&T's Value 2.0 plan costs $50/month after discounts and offers unlimited data that can be temporarily slowed after 5GB of usage, alongside 3GB of mobile hotspot data. Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s $50/month Essentials Saver plan packages a whopping 50GB of premium data before any network management kicks in. If you want even lower rates, MVNOs like Visible and Mint Mobile offer great alternative plans that start as low as $25 a month.

Premier Unlimited plan	Monthly cost
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate	$85
T-Mobile Experience Beyond	$100
AT&T Elite 2.0	$110
Mint Mobile Unlimited	$25 (requires $75 upfront payment that covers three months)
Visible+ Pro	$45

On the higher end of the spectrum, Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan actually comes in slightly below its AT&T and T-Mobile equivalents — which you can see detailed above.

Ultimately, Verizon Wireless’ biggest strength is its widespread support for 5G Ultra Wideband with Enhanced Video Calling & Streaming, meaning you get the fastest possible data speeds alongside maximum video streaming resolutions. While Mint Mobile and Visible offer cheaper top-of-the-line tiers, neither can match the raw network performance and uncapped speeds of Verizon’s native 5G Ultra Wideband footprint.

Verizon Wireless review: Performance

	Average download speed	Average upload speed
Home	69 Mbps	12.6 Mbps
New York City	893 Mbps	77.5 Mbps
Rural northern NJ	29.5 Mbps	1.45 Mbps

To properly evaluate the performance of Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan, I wanted to see what kind of data speeds it delivered across three distinct locations. For my testing, I chose my home location, New York City, and a more remote area in northern New Jersey.

With service activated on my Motorola Razr Fold, I ran Ookla's Speedtest app three times at each spot and averaged the results (which you can see in the chart above). Testing indoors at home, my device consistently bounced between standard 5G and 5G Ultra Wideband, yielding an average of 69 Mbps down and 12.6 Mbps up. While those aren’t mind-blowing numbers, they still easily outshined the 6.33 Mbps down and 2.29 Mbps up I was getting with Visible's basic unlimited plan on my iPhone 17 Pro.

Moving to my second location — an outdoor setting in New York City — I was absolutely blown away by Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. The phone averaged an obscene 893 Mbps down and 77.5 Mbps up. Those numbers rival the fiber speeds I get at home when wired directly into my router, making it incredibly impressive to see that kind of throughput over a wireless connection.

Finally, for my rural environment test, the network delivered a modest average of 29.5 Mbps down and 1.45 Mbps up. Again, it's nothing to write home about, but at least the download speeds stayed safely out of the single digits.

Ultimately, these real-world tests highlight just how much of a difference 5G Ultra Wideband makes for everyday tasks, whether you're downloading a 1GB file from Google Drive or streaming media. On Ultra Wideband, video streaming quality jumped instantly to its maximum resolution on YouTube and Netflix, whereas at home, videos buffered noticeably longer before playing.

Verizon Wireless review: Verdict

(Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide)

Switching back to Verizon proves to me that premium carrier networks still hold a massive performance advantage over budget MVNOs, but that luxury comes at a cost. If you live or work in a major hub like New York City where the infrastructure is highly developed, you can constantly tap into insane 5G Ultra Wideband speeds.

I personally appreciate that kind of throughput because time is money, mainly because being able to upload and download huge batches of photos and videos on the go makes me significantly more productive for work. It’s a massive time-saver that only happens when you have access to the fastest network infrastructure possible.

However, if you spend most of your time outside of Ultra Wideband coverage areas — where speeds drop closer to standard MVNO performance — sticking with a cheaper alternative like Visible or Mint Mobile remains the smarter financial move.

Mint Mobile just gave customers a rare win — increased data at no extra cost

tom.pritchard@futurenet.com (Tom Pritchard) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:42:23 +0000

It feels like prices are constantly rising, while we seem to get less and less for our money. It's one of the reasons we launched the Tom's Guide Savings Squad and why we want to draw attention to Mint Mobile's latest announcement. The carrier has confirmed it will be raising data allowances for all of its plans without charging customers a penny more in the process.

Previously, Mint offered four separate data plans and we rank the provider as the overall best cell phone plan you can choose. 5GB was the cheapest, followed by 15GB, 20GB, and then jumping all the way up to Unlimited. The allowances for three of those plans have increased, with Mint now offering 6GB, 17GB and 23GB plans.

Obviously, you can't increase unlimited data, but Mint has increased the amount of high-speed hotspot data available to customers on an Unlimited plan. That means Unlimited customers now get 20GB of tethering, instead of the previous 10GB.

So, how much are these plans going to set you back? It depends on how many months you sign up for. So here's a table to illustrate everything:

	3 months	6-months	12-months
6GB	$15.00	$20.00	$15.00
17GB	$20.00	$25.00	$20.00
23GB	$25.00	$35.00	$25.00
Unlimited	$30.00	$35.00	$30.00

Those plans also come with upfront payments, ranging from $45 to $90 for a 3-month plan, $120 to $210 for a 6-month plan, or $180 to $360 for a 12-month plan. Gotta say, though, those 6-month plans don't look particularly enticing and seem like much worse value than the alternatives for new customers. So bear that in mind if you decide to sign up with Mint.

Mint offers a bunch of extra benefits as standard, too. This includes high-speed 5G data powered by T-Mobile's network, free mobile hotspot use, plus free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the U.K. That's on top of unlimited calls and texts that you'd get anywhere else. According to Mint, typical download speeds range from 70Mbps to 357 Mbps. Though the available speeds will obviously vary depending on where you are and what the coverage is like.

This change doesn't seem to be a limited-time thing, and the way Mint is marketing these changes suggests it'll be a permanent increase in data. In other words, if you're not already a Mint Mobile customer, there's no need to rush off and sign up while you can; the boosted data allowance should still be there whenever it's time to leave your current carrier.

T-Mobile is giving its customers gas discounts and a bunch of other free perks in June — here’s how to cash in

john.velasco@futurenet.com (John Velasco) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

I’m not a T-Mobile customer at the moment, but the Un-carrier’s June “Member Month” celebration is giving me a reason to make the switch because of all the epic offers behind it.

Customers can get gas discounts, a free DashPass by DoorDash subscription, free alcoholic drinks on Delta, hotel travel perks, and much more — all to celebrate 10 years of T-Mobile Tuesdays. The carrier is officially declaring June as "Member Month," featuring weekly drops consisting of high-value rewards and offers that run throughout the month.

“T-Mobile Tuesdays helped redefine what customers should expect from wireless — real value beyond connectivity,” said Allan Samson, Chief Marketing Officer, T-Mobile. "Member Month is our biggest celebration of that commitment yet.”

Each week will bring something different, but the only way to get them is to be a T-Mobile customer. This also applies to Metro by T-Mobile, T-Mobile Home Internet, and its small business customers. Whether you're looking for everyday relief on your grocery budget or gearing up for summer travel, here is a complete breakdown of what T-Mobile is giving away.

Essentials Saver Plan: $50/month per line @ T-Mobile
For those looking to make the switch to reap the benefits of its "Member Month" celebration, you can join the Un-carrier with its $50 per month Essentials Save plan. This is the cheapest unlimited cell phone plan you can get, which includes of 50GB of premium data.View Deal

Week of June 2

(Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

If you grew up in the '80s, you’re going to love what’s in store for the first week starting today, June 2. That’s because the lineup includes discounted movie tickets to see He-Man battle it out with Skeletor in Masters of the Universe, along with food and drink promotions at 7-Eleven, Pizza Hut, and more.

Member Month swag with magenta picnic blankets for T-Mobile customers.
Soccer-inspired trio dip bowls for Metro by T-Mobile customers.
$5 movie ticket for Masters of the Universe with Atom Tickets.
Free Slurpee drink, coffee, or Big Gulp at 7-Eleven.
$1 8-piece wings from Pizza Hut.
$5 off any full-size entrée at QDOBA.
Sweepstakes for a $100,000 grand prize.

Week of June 9

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Are you feeling the pain at the pump? Well, T-Mobile’s “Member Month” offer for week two includes discounted gasoline at select locations that should ease some of the burden of costly gas prices. You won’t go hungry on the road, either, because there are more food discounts and freebies available throughout the week.

$2/gallon rates for gas fill-ups to drivers in Los Angeles, Houston and Tulsa/Chicago. What’s even better is that this deal isn’t for T-Mobile members either because everyone can fuel up, while supplies last though.
Additional Shell gas discounts: For this week, T-Mobile is bumping its weekly fuel discount up to 50 cents off per gallon (up to 20 gallons) at participating Shell stations.
Free goodies at 7-Eleven.
Three free PanCoins redeemable for a short stack at IHOP.
Sweepstakes: Chance to win an Austin City Limits Music Festival flyaway trip.

Week of June 16

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This week’s offers are the weakest of the bunch in my opinion, but customers in New York City will benefit the most with a night to remember thanks to a free concert with rapper T-Pain. That's on top of the free in-flight premium alcoholic drinks for customers flying on Delta.

T-Pain concert in New York City.
Free in-flight premium alcoholic drink for customers flying on Delta.
Free in-flight Wi-Fi with Delta.
$9 three-day parking via The Parking Spot
Free three months of Super Duolingo
20 cents off at Shell stations.
Sweepstakes: Chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for four anywhere Delta flies.

Week of June 23

(Image credit: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

T-Mobile is offering its biggest travel and vacation savings during the fourth week of June, featuring major deals on hotel bookings and car rentals. Members can also unlock exclusive partner perks with Hilton, Hertz, and Dollar, plus enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Expanded travel perks: 40% off hotels and rental cars
Up to $2,500 in T-Mobile Cruise credits
Exclusive partner perks with Hilton, Hertz and Dollar
Free Wi-Fi on Royal Caribbean cruises booked through T-Mobile Travel
Three free months of MGM+
Free Popeyes chicken sandwich (with $5 minimum spend)
Sweepstakes: Chance to win a Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix trip with flights and a four-night stay

Week of June 30

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

To wrap up “Member Month,” T-Mobile is introducing T-Mobile Dining Rewards, where members can get up to 10% cash back at thousands of restaurants alongside a free one-year subscription to DashPass by DoorDash. Users will also want to keep a close eye on the T-Life app on Tuesday, June 30, for an exclusive, limited-edition streetwear drop.

T-Mobile Dining Rewards: Earn cash back at thousands of restaurants nationwide. $5 off for new members with an extra $5 bonus for booking reservations through Dining Rewards, plus earn 5% cash back every day and 10% cash back every Tuesday.
Free DashPass by DoorDash .
Limited-edition collab: T-Life app will roll out limited-edition streetwear drop on Tuesday, June 30.
Sweepstakes: Chance to win a $10,000 grand prize or Amazon gift cards.

I downgraded my Verizon phone plan — and am now saving more than $600 a year

mike.prospero@futurenet.com (Mike Prospero) — Mon, 25 May 2026 07:30:00 +0000

When was the last time you looked at your phone bill? I know for me, it was probably the time I upgraded — to the iPhone 14 Pro.

Yes, I work for a tech site, but when it comes to the gear I use every day, I don’t have a compulsion to upgrade to the latest-and-greatest, which is why my phone is three years old, and the TVs in my house are far older than that.

We’ve long been Verizon customers, and while it’s not the cheapest cell phone provider, it’s reliable and covers our area well. Plus, we also use Verizon FIOS for internet service, so I get a bit of a discount by bundling.

Anyway, back when my wife and I upgraded to the iPhone 14 Pro, we also switched our plans to Verizon’s 5G Play More. That gave us unlimited data, as well as a Disney/Hulu/ESPN subscription for a total of $79 per month per line (before all the fees, of course).

Just as I did when we decided to cancel our Amazon Prime subscription, I took a look at just how we were using our phones, and realized that we could get by with much less.

Verizon’s 5G Play More plan has been phased out; the company now offers three unlimited plans: Unlimited Welcome ($55/month), Unlimited Plus ($70/month), and Unlimited Ultimate ($80/month).

The Ultimate tier includes such things as 5G Ultra Wide Band (UWB) service, unlimited international data, and unlimited hotspot use; the Plus plan has 5G UWB and 30GB of hotspot use, while the Welcome plan only offers Verizon’s slower 5G service.

Here’s a breakdown of what we’re currently paying, plus how much it would cost if we switched to a new plan.

	Cost per line	Total for 2 lines	Annual	w/ Disney bundle	Savings
5G Play More	$79	$158	$1896	$1896	n/a
Unlimited welcome	$47.5	$95	$1140	$1260	$636
Unlimited Plus	$62.5	$125	$1500	$1620	$276
Unlimited Ultimate	$77.5	$155	$1860	$1980	$-84

On the surface, it looks like I could just swap my current plan for the Ultimate tier, but due to Verizon’s new policies, I would end up paying even more, because I would have to add the Disney/Hulu/ESPN+ subscription for an extra $10/month.

But do I need what the Unlimited or even the Plus plan offers?

It’s been a year since I traveled out of the country (and I don’t envision going abroad any time soon), I’ve never used my phone as a hotspot, and I spend most of my days within Wi-Fi range. If we were to travel, Verizon offers Travelpass, which costs $12 per day, as well as an International Monthly Plan for $100.

I will be curious to see how much of a performance impact there will be going from 5G UWB to 5G, but I only really use data when driving using navigation or streaming music, neither of which are huge data hogs. And if it becomes a problem, we can always go up a tier, and we’d still be saving a few hundred bucks.

Have you changed up your phone bill recently? Let me know in the comments.

Traveling to the World Cup? Here's what you need to know about international data plans

tom.pritchard@futurenet.com (Tom Pritchard) — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

The 2026 World Cup kicks off in just over two weeks, and for the first time, the tournament will be split across three separate countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States. That means, no matter where soccer fans are from, they may end up crossing multiple international borders to attend all their games

If you've got experience with international travel, you'll know all about the pains of trying to use your existing data plan in a different country. Data roaming can be prohibitively expensive if you're not careful, and it pays to have a plan in place so you can stay connected without hopping between different public Wi-Fi networks. The good news is that multiple U.S. carriers have anticipated this, and have launched travel plans specifically for the World Cup

So whether you're traveling to North America for the tournament, or a U.S. resident crossing over into Canada and Mexico, here's what you need to know about staying connected throughout the World Cup.

AT&T

(Image credit: AT&T)

AT&T has launched a new short-term eSIM package for travellers visiting North America for the World Cup. This system is powered by "eSIM by AT&T" and gives travellers the flexibility to pay for connectivity when they need it.

This means you can buy data passes valid for one, seven, 15 or 30 days, complete with unlimited data and 5GB of hotspot access. The single-day pass is only valid in the U.S., and costs $4 a day. The other three options do offer coverage for Canada and Mexico, but you will have to pay a premium for it. Here's the rundown of the prices, inclusive of tax and other fees.

	U.S. only	U.S., Canada and Mexico
1-Day	$4	-
7-Day	$15	$15
15-Day	$25	$40
30-Day	$41	$60

These plans only include data, and don't include voice or text messaging. So if you need to stay in touch with others, be it family back home or other members of your group, you'll need to use IP-based services like WhatsApp.

Existing AT&T customers can take advantage of the carrier's "International Day Pass," which lets you use your existing plan as if you were still in the U.S. This is available in 210 locations around the world, including Canada and Mexico. This costs $12 a day, and you're automatically charged for 24-hour access whenever you use data on your phone outside the U.S.

T-Mobile

(Image credit: T-Mobile)

International travellers visiting the World Cup can sign up for T-Mobile's US Pass eSIM, which 50GB of high-speed 5G data within the U.S., and 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico. Once you use up those allowances, your connection will be downgraded to 3G, which means noticeably lower speeds. Hotspot data is also included, but the amount you get id dependent on which pass you purchase.

Here are the prices for the different US Pass eSIMs, which do not include taxes or fees. However, each pass does include unlimited calls and text messages across North America.

	Price	Hotspot allowance
7-Days	$25	14GB
10-Days	$30	20GB
14-Days	$35	28GB
30-Days	$50	50GB

Existing T-Mobile customers may be able to get international coverage as part of their existing package, but the level of that coverage depends on which sort of plan you're actually signed up for. For the most part, you get an allowance of high-speed data, after which you get unlimited data throttled to either 256kps or 128kbps speeds. Here are the allowances for Canada and Mexico with unlimited calls and texts:

30GB: Better Value, Experience Beyond, Go5G Next plans. Throttled to 256kbps thereafter
15GB: Experience More, Go5G Plus plans. Throttled to 256kbps thereafter
10GB: Go5G plans. Throttled to 128kbps thereafter
5GB: Max, Plus plans. Throttled to 256kbps thereafter
5GB: Magenta, One plans. Throttled to 128kbps thereafter

All other plans are charged at $0.01 per megabyte of data, $0.25 a minute for calls, and free unlimited texts. Those of you who have T-Mobile's T-Satellite connectivity will also be able to use that in Canada, if you ever find yourself without cell service.

Verizon

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Verizon is the official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for the 2026 World Cup, and even offered free game tickets to its customers. Despite this, the carrier hasn't announced any specific World Cup-branded deals for customers travelling to games. Though it does offer various plans and perks for existing customers who are partaking in international travel.

The good news is that roaming in Mexico and Canada is actually included with all Unlimited plans — but it's not quite the same as using your phone at home. 5G and 4G data have a 2GB daily cap, and after you use it up, you'll be restricted to 3G data speeds. There are no restrictions on how much 3G data you can use, so you won't ever be cut off, but you will have to deal with much slower download speeds as a result.

If you don't have an Unlimited plan, you can pay for a Verizon TravelPass instead. Once added to your plan, these passes will offer unlimited calls, texting and data when you leave the U.S. TravelPass costs $6 a day in Canada and Mexico, which is half the price it would cost if you went elsewhere. If you choose to stick with Pay as You Go roaming, then you'll be charged $2.05 for every megabyte of data you use. A megabyte is not a lot of data, and at those prices, a single gigabyte will end up costing you over $2,000. Obviously, you do not want that to happen.

Verizon does not offer any shorter-term plans, which means you can't just sign up for a few days and temporarily enjoy the carrier's roaming plans. However, its subsidiary Visible is a totally different story.

Visible

(Image credit: Visible)

The Visible eSIM travel pass is powered by Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network, and is designed to offer travellers unlimited data within the United States. The plan also includes 500 minutes of calls from the U.S. to 85 different countries and unlimited texting to over 200 countries. Don't expect ay hotspot data, though.

Sadly, this generous data allowance does not extend to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visible only offers 2GB of high-speed data in those regions, after which you'll be relegated to 3G speeds — though you do get unlimited calls and text messages.

The prices are easily some of the best around, thanks to Visible offering a $10 discount on each plan with the code FIFA10. This means you can expect to pay the following for each of the four passes, inclusive of taxes and fees.

	Price
7-Day	$15
14-Day	$25
30-Day	$35
45-Day	$45

Existing Visible customers from the U.S. can take advantage of the carrier's Global Pass if they plan on travelling to Canada or Mexico for the World Cup. This pass includes 2GB of high-speed data per day, with coverage downgraded to 3G thereafter, as well as unlimited calls and texts.

Coverage in Canada and Mexico is $5 a day if you have a standard Visible plan, but anyone with a Visible+ or Visible+ Pro plan has roaming already included at no extra charge.

Ultra Mobile

(Image credit: Ultra Mobile)

Ultra Mobile, which is owned by T-Mobile, has just launched some new international plans designed for all travellers — including those heading to Mexico and Canada for the World Cup. However, they do not appear to be suitable for international travellers, or anyone who isn't already an Ultra Mobile customer.

There are two different kinds of international "Go Roam" passes on offer at Ultra Mobile right now.

The Go Roam Mexico Data Pass offers 5GB of high-speed data over a period of 30 days. This plan is included with all Unlimited plans, but can be added to any other Ultra plan for $5. The Go Roam World Pass is available for either 5 or 15 days, and covers 200 other countries around the world — including Canada.

A 5-day pass is $5, bundled with 1GB of high-speed data, 100 minutes and 100 outgoing texts. The 15-day pass is $10, which offers 5GB of high-speed data, 300 minutes and 300 texts.

AT&T just announced a new 'Build-A-Plan' that starts at $15 a month: here's what you actually get

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:46:13 +0000

Today AT&T announced a new customizable wireless plan that lets you choose the right features for you starting at $15 per month. The new "Build-a-Plan" is month-to-month and kicks off on Wednesday, May 27.

This new plan offering looks to put more control in subscribers' hands. According to AT&T's announcement, it's meant to give you more choice and control while offering lower prices compared to T-Mobile and Verizon.

One way it does this is by letting you customize your plan from month to month, rather than being locked into a single contract for a specified period.

"By giving our customers the freedom to tailor their wireless service month to month, we are giving them an affordable way to connect to America’s largest wireless network and still control their budget," said Jenifer Robertson, AT&T's executive vice president and general manager of AT&T Consumer.

How 'Build-A-Plan' works

(Image credit: AT&T)

Build-A-Plan starts at $15 a month, which includes unlimited talk, text and 1GB of data.

From there, you can add data from one of four tiers: 5GB, 15GB, Unlimited Data with SD video streaming, or Unlimited Data with HD streaming. The increased data selections replace the 1GB from the $15 base plan.

For those who need Hotspots, you can add 5GB, 25GB or 50GB data options.

At its most expensive, you could pay $70 a month for unlimited data with HD streaming, 50GB of hotspot data, and unlimited text and talk.

Personally, I rarely, if ever, need Hotspot data, so I would probably choose the 15GB data plan, which only costs $25 per month all in. For a major carrier, that's a great deal and even beats some of the best cheap cell phone plans, including offerings from Mint Mobile — our top pick.

As mentioned, though, if you know you'll need hotspot data or more data, like when you go on vacation, you can bump up or reduce your plan month to month as needed.

AT&T doesn't specify, but it appears you'll need to bring your own phone to the plan. The announcement and website also don't specify how current AT&T subscribers can switch to this plan.

An AT&T spokesperson told Tom's Guide that the plan is bring your device, which must be eSIM capable. Additionally, initially, the plan is meant for new customers but we were told that as the company gains insights it will refine the experience and exapand the plan to more customers.

Build-A-Plan officially goes live starting May 27, and you'll be able to sign up at att.com/plans/build-plan/.

Best long-expiry prepaid mobile plans in Australia: set, forget and save big with the top 180-day and 365-day options

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 19 May 2026 06:59:38 +0000

In Australia, long‑expiry prepaid plans offer a simple, predictable way to manage mobile costs by letting you pay upfront for 6 or 12 months. It's the kind of set‑and‑forget experience that will free you from the constant cycle of monthly bills so you can focus on everything else in your life.

They're also cost-effective, often working out cheaper on a per-month basis than equivalent month-to-month options, sometimes offering more data than even the best cheap mobile phone plans.

Australia's three major telcos, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, all offer long-expiry prepaid plans, though the best value for money can typically be found at smaller telcos, such as Lyca Mobile, Kogan Mobile, Amaysim, Boost Mobile and more.

Long‑expiry plans usually give you a large pool of data upfront and let you manage it at your own pace over the full term. That freedom to control your usage makes them especially appealing to lighter or more unpredictable data users who value having that kind of flexibility.

Alternatively, some long‑term prepaid plans will divide your data into monthly allocations for the sake of convenience, with any unused amount rolling over to the next month. It's a great option for people who like the consistency of a monthly plan but prefer not to deal with the hassle of paying a phone bill every month.

To make things easy for you, we've put together a list of all the top prepaid plans with either 180-day or 365-day expiry periods, starting with some handpicked choices which we think provide the most bang for your buck.

Long-expiry prepaid plans: top picks

Kogan Mobile Extra Large 365 Day Flex Plan | 500GB + 400GB bonus data | No lock-in contract | AU$199 for first year, then AU$300 for future renewals | Vodafone 4G/5G Network

If massive data is your goal, Kogan Mobile’s Extra Large 365‑Day Flex Plan is hard to top. For the first year, it’s discounted by AU$101 and boosted with an extra 400GB on top of the standard 500GB. You can take the full 900GB upfront or receive it in 75GB monthly chunks. Your first year comes to AU$199 — effectively AU$16.58 p/m or just AU$0.22 per GB — with renewals priced at AU$300. You'd better act fast, though — this offer expires on May 24, 2026.

Total minimum cost is AU$199 | Total cost per year: AU$199, then AU$300 ongoingView Deal

Lyca Mobile Medium Plan | 360GB | AU$150 first year, then AU$240 ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G Network

Lyca Mobile is offering a great deal for those willing to pay upfront for a whole year of service. The telco's Medium long-term plan gives you a total of 360GB, split into 30GB chunks that are renewed every 30 days for 12 renewals, at a reduced price of AU$150, down from AU$240 — that works out to just AU$12.50 per renewal, making it an awesome bargain. Once the introductory period ends, the price for your next 12 renewals returns to the regular rate. This offer is valid until May 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$150 | Total cost per year: AU$150, then AU$240 ongoingView Deal

Boost Mobile $365 Prepaid | 375GB for new activations, then 365GB from next recharge | No lock-in contract | AU$365 | Telstra 5G Network

If you’re after an affordable year-long prepaid option on Telstra’s 5G network, Boost Mobile’s $365 Prepaid plan is worth checking out. New customers score 375GB to use in their first year, which averages about 32.2GB a month. From the second recharge onwards, the allowance is 365GB annually, or roughly 30.4GB per month. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$365 | Total cost per year: AU$365View Deal

Long-expiry prepaid plans by price

How we pick the best long-expiry prepaid plans

When comparing long‑expiry mobile plans, our goal is to pinpoint options that deliver the strongest value for money, with particular attention to the dollars‑to‑data ratio — the real measure of how far your recharge actually goes. Because these plans lock you in for several months at a time, getting the right balance upfront matters even more.

The Aussie Tom's Guide team prioritises plans that stretch your budget as far as possible. A good long‑expiry option should provide generous data inclusions at a cost that remains competitive over the full term. Since the average Australian uses roughly 12GB of data per month, we treat that as the baseline when assessing whether a plan’s total data allowance is genuinely practical across its lifespan, whether that be 180 or 365 days.

Unlimited standard calls and texts are now standard across almost all long‑expiry offerings, so any plan that still caps these features is unlikely to represent good value. We also show preference to any long-expiry plan which includes extras, such as rollover data or international minutes.

Coverage also plays a major role in determining overall worth. Depending on the provider, your long‑expiry plan will run on either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone network. Telstra continues to offer the most extensive 4G and 5G footprint nationwide, with Optus and Vodafone close behind.

By weighing these factors — cost efficiency, data longevity, unlimited national use, and network performance — we focus on long-expiry plans that deliver the strongest overall return for your money.

New Optus SIM-plan discounts deliver a one-two punch of AU$15 off and 50GB bonus data — plans from AU$40 a month

Stephen Lambrechts — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:04:59 +0000

Optus is set to hike its mobile plan prices next month, but there is a way around it – at least for the next 12 months. Better still, you can lock in a discounted monthly rate for the entire year, along with some bonus monthly data thrown-in for good measure.

Currently, Optus has slashed prices on two of its best SIM-only mobile plans by AU$15 p/m for the entire first year, which'll save you AU$180 in total. That's already a great discount, but the telco is also providing 50GB of bonus data per month.

First up is the $55 Promo Plan, offering 100GB of monthly data (50GB plus a 50GB bonus) and discounted to AU$40 p/m for the first 12 months.

Alternatively, the $65 Promo Plan offers 250GB of monthly data (200GB plus a 50GB bonus) and is now down to just AU$50 p/m for the first year.

Those are great prices by Optus standards, though it is worth noting that Vodafone has currently discounted its SIM-only plans by 50% for the first 6 months, offering slightly better value over the course of a year.

For instance, Vodafone's 200GB plan comes in at AU$39.75 p/m on average for the first year, meaning you get twice as much data as Optus' 100GB plan at a slightly cheaper price point.

Of course, that doesn’t factor in the 50GB of bonus data included with Optus' equivalent 200GB SIM-only plan, or the provider’s better 5G coverage, both of which could justify paying a bit extra each month.

Either way, you’ll need to act fast to lock in the discounted Optus pricing for the next year, as the AU$15 p/m discount ends on May 17, 2026. The very next day, May 18, 2026, the telco will also bump up the cost of all its SIM-only plans by AU$5 p/m for both new sign ups and existing customers, making now the perfect time to secure your reduced monthly rate for the next 12 months.

Vodafone has extended its half-price sale on SIM-only mobile plans — this is your last chance to get 400GB for AU$36.50 p/m

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:54:12 +0000

UPDATE: Thought you’d missed out on Vodafone’s half-price madness? Good news — the telco has extended its SIM-only sale for a couple more weeks, meaning this is truly your last chance to bag these discounted rates.

The sale sees Vodafone offer new customers a 50% discount across all three of its SIM only mobile plans for the first six months, which means you can nab its epic 'Large' plan with 400GB of monthly data for just ~~AU$73 p/m~~ AU$36.50 p/m.

That works out to AU$0.09 per GB, which is the best dollars-to-data ratio I've seen from any mobile plan ever. That’s not simply a generous offer — that’s the work of a value-minded super-telco.

Alternatively, you could pay even less by opting for Vodafone's 'Small' plan, which offers 60GB of monthly data for ~~AU$53 p/m~~ AU$26.50 p/m, or its 'Medium' plan, which provides a substantial 200GB of monthly data for only ~~AU$63 p/m~~ AU$31.50 p/m.

Score a 50% discount on your Vodafone SIM only plan for the first 6 months

Vodafone has halved the price of all its SIM-only plans for the first six months, dropping the 400GB Large plan to AU$36.50 p/m, which is an incredible deal, while the 60GB Small and 200GB Medium plans fall to AU$26.50 and AU$31.50 p/m respectively. This offer expires on May 19, 2026. T&Cs apply.View Deal

However, from a value standpoint, it simply makes more sense to live large with more data when the price difference between these discounted plans is so minimal — I know that's what I would do.

Just to be clear, once the six-month introductory period ends, your mobile plan will return to the full monthly rate. The good news is that Vodafone’s SIM-only plans are month-to-month with no lock-in contracts, so you can easily switch to a cheaper plan or switch to another telco once the discount wraps up.

If you're looking for an obscene amount of mobile data to play with, this deal is about as good as it gets. Of course, I wouldn't wait around too long to swoop on this, as this offer is set to expire on the updated date of May 19, 2026.

Get 125GB of data on Telstra's full network for just AU$17 with this epic Boost Mobile deal

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:56:05 +0000

While Boost Mobile is not typically the cheapest Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Australia, its higher price is offset by the fact that it's the only third-party provider to offer access to Telstra's full network, which covers 99.7% of the Australian population.

But what if you could get that same access without the high cost? That's exactly what's on offer with Boost Mobile's latest deal for new customers, which slashes 65% off the price of its AU$49 prepaid SIM with 28 day expiry, while also providing stacks of bonus data.

Customers who sign up before April 20, 2026 can get Boost Mobile's AU$49 prepaid SIM with a whopping 125GB of data for just AU$17 — that's just under AU$0.14 per GB, which is the best dollars-to-data ratio you'll find in all of Australia.

Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid | 35GB + 90GB bonus data | No lock-in contract | AU$17 for first 28 days, then AU$49 for future recharges

Boost Mobile stands out because it's the only Telstra reseller that uses the entire Telstra network. That means you get the exact same coverage as Telstra, without any of those pesky wholesale network restrictions. This online-only deal for new customers offers insane value, providing 125GB of data for your first 28 days for only AU$17. This offer expires on April 20, 2026 and must be activated before May 4, 2026.

Total minimum cost is AU$17 (28 days) | Total cost for first year: AU$556View Deal

So what's the catch? Well, this price and data allowance is only available for your first 28 days of connection, with all future recharges costing the usual price of AU$49 for 35GB of data, which works out to AU$1.40 per GB.

That's not the most competitive offer around, but you always have the option of switching to another provider once the initial promo period is over.

If you're still keen on scoring a massive 125GB of data to play with over a 28-day period for price of a few cappuccinos, you should act fast — this offer is only available until April 20 and must be activated before May 4.

Looking for a cheaper phone plan? Ezee Mobile’s 30% off sale makes it easy as

Stephen Lambrechts — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:46:07 +0000

Chemist Warehouse has been saving Aussies money on their prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, cosmetics and fragrances since the turn of the century, and now it's partnered with Ezee Mobile to do the same for your phone bill by offering data-heavy plans at fantastic prices.

A relative newcomer to the Australian telco scene, Ezee Mobile operates on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, offering 4G and 5G coverage to about 98.7% of the population. In other words, you can expect reliable service almost everywhere, except in Australia’s most remote areas.

Right now, Ezee has slashed 30% off all of its prepaid plans for new customers for their first 3 recharges. That means you can get started from just ~~AU$29~~ AU$20.30 per recharge during this period for 29GB of data.

Our top pick sits at the higher end of the plan options: grab a huge 160GB of data for just AU$38.50 per recharge for the first three renewals, down from AU$55, which comes to an amazing AU$0.24 per GB. Now that’s a steal!

Alternatively, you might find the perfect middle-ground with its 100GB plan, which typically costs AU$45 per recharge but is currently only AU$31.50 for the first 3 renewals (just AU$0.31 per GB).

Of course, this introductory offer is only available for a limited time and is set to expire on May 31, 2026. So, if you're looking to cut down on phone costs, you may want to consider going the Ezee route.

Verizon has made it more difficult to unlock your phone: how the new policy works

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:14:37 +0000

After winning a waiver from the FCC, Verizon has been quick to update its unlock policies, making it harder for customers to leave with their devices for a rival carrier. The changes don't affect just people who use Verizon, but also several MVNOs that piggyback on Verizon's network.

Compared to AT&T and T-Mobile, the policies are largely the same, especially when it comes to prepaid devices. AT&T appears to still respect the 60-day window that was waived for Verizon.

Here's how the big three compare.

Verizon

Devices purchased after Jan. 27, 2026 are locked until the device is paid off or terms of contract are fulfilled.
• For post-paid phones, if you have a balance, you can't switch.
• If you pay off a device online or in the My Verizon App, unlocking is delayed 35 days. It also applies if you use a Verizon gift card, paper check or magnetic stripe swipe.
• To avoid the delay, you have to use a secure payment like a credit card with an EMV chip, cash or contactless payment in a Verizon store.
• Devices purchased before 1/27 will automatically unlock after 60 days of service.

AT&T

AT&T requires the device to be purchased more than 60 days prior and paid in full. If you're on an installment plan, it must be at zero.

• Your AT&T bill must be current. If those requirements are met it will unlock on its own after 60 days.

• Additionally, your device can't have been reported lost or stolen.

T-Mobile

Eligibility is determined by four factors.

•The phone must be sold by T-Mobile and not reported lost or stolen.

• Your account must be in good standing. Postpaid phones need to have been active on T-Mobile's network for 40 days. If financed or leased, it needs to be have been paid in full.

• On prepaid plans, the device needs to be active for 365 days on the network. Less than that and it needs to have more than $100 in refills for each line active on the account and more than 14 days need to have passed.

How we got here

In January, the Federal Communications Commission agreed to waive a 60-day phone unlock requirement that had been imposed on Verizon since 2008, when it acquired licenses to use the 700 MHz spectrum. It was reupped in 2021 when Verizon bought TracFone.

Verizon has argued that the shorter unlock window contributed to "device fraud" and increased phone prices. The FCC agreed.

“Today, criminal networks are specifically targeting Verizon handsets due to the company’s unique unlocking policies,” the FCC’s filing said.

As Ars Technica reported in January, the company almost immediately introduced a new unlocking policy for TracFone and other prepaid brands that enforced a 365-day lock period. That affects brands like StraightTalk, Total Wireless and Walmart Family Mobile.

Verizon associated MVNOs

If you're unfamiliar, an MVNO is a mobile virtual network operator. Simply, these are carriers that utilize a larger carrier's network to offer services.

Verizon partners with more than a dozen MVNOs that use its networks. Some of them are partially or wholly owned by Verizon like Visible and TracPhone. The largest and most visible one is Xfinity Mobile, which offers cell service for customers who also get internet from Comcast.

Verizon's key MVNOs are:

Xfinity Mobile
Twigby
Ting
Spectrum Mobile
Page Plus
Pix Wireless
Credo Mobile
Lively
Net10
Reach Mobile
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Total Wireless
TracFone

Verizon struggling

Reportedly, Verizon is struggling to retain customers. The most recent earnings call reported a 32.6% decline in operating income and a cancellation rate of 0.95% among postpaid phone customers, a much higher rate than in previous quarters.

CEO Dan Schulman blamed it on price increases "without corresponding value," friction in billing, onboarding and customer service, and a shift to MVNO carriers.

A Market Force Information survey from 2025 found that Verizon customers, on average, spend $157 a month on their phone bills, the highest among the big three. Customer satisfaction was quite low as well.

Between price hikes, several major outages in the last six months, and now this harsher unlock policy, Verizon is doing itself no favors.

I'm looking for an affordable mobile plan that comes with big data, and these are the three I'm considering

Stephen Lambrechts — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:02:00 +0000

For years, I was able to get by on my current mobile plan and its modest data allowance without any real danger of reaching my monthly limit. However, the arrival of Spotify Lossless means that I now burn through data much faster than before.

Since streaming lossless audio consumes roughly 1GB of data per hour, it's evident that I'm going to need a big-data mobile plan if I'm to maintain this high-fidelity lifestyle that I've become accustomed to. And if I can get this extra data without paying a premium, even better.

Going by my average listening time, I think 100GB of monthly data should be more than enough for me to comfortably stream up to 24-bit audio without worrying about hitting my limit. Factoring in my desire to keep my phone bill below AU$50 p/m, I've landed on three SIM-only mobile plans that seem to suit my needs.

My top 3 mobile plan picks for big data

Yomojo comes in as the sharpest deal, with its Pro Plan offering a hefty 105GB on the Optus 4G network for just AU$29.90 per 30‑day renewal. While that price only applies for the first six renewals, the ongoing cost is only AU$5 more — still landing at an impressive AU$0.33 per GB.

That said, there are downsides — for starters, Yomojo is prepaid only, which could prove a problem if I do reach my data limit. Additionally, 5G access is not included, and the plan is speed capped at 150Mbps.

Yomojo Pro Plan | 105GB data | AU$29.90 per 30-day renewal (first 6 renewals, then AU$34.90) | Optus 4G Network

Looking for massive data at a bargain price? Yomojo's Pro Plan delivers incredible value. For the first six months, it's an absolute steal at only AU$29.90 per renewal, translating to a mere AU$0.28 per GB. Even after the introductory period, when the price adjusts to AU$34.90 every 30 days, it remains a fantastic deal, breaking down to just AU$0.33 per GB. This promotion is available until February 28, 2026, so this is your last chance to secure this deal before it expires. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$29.90 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$388.80View Deal

My next option comes in the form of TPG's 100GB Large Plan, which as the name suggests offers 100GB of data per month. This one has a cheaper cost during the first 6 months, priced at just AU$22.50 p/m. However, that price will double to AU$45 p/m beyond the introductory period.

Sure, that's a full tenner more expensive than the Yomojo Pro Plan for slightly less data, but it comes with some significant advantages — firstly, it's a postpaid plan, which suits me better, and also offers access to Vodafone's 5G network. Additionally, it has the fastest speed cap of all three plans at 250Mbps.

TPG (100GB Large Plan) | 100GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$22.50p/m (first 6 months, then AU$45p/m) | Vodafone 4G/5G network

Like the deal above, this offer has been on the table for ages, but it's still an excellent deal. TPG is offering new customers a whopping 100GB of data per month for just AU$22.50p/m. Of course, there's a catch — that price is only for the first 6 months, after which the price goes up to AU$45p/m (or AU$40p/m if you bundle it with a TPG internet plan). If that price is too rich for your blood, you can just cancel and switch to another provider. Please note, this offer is only available to new connections. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$22.50 | Total cost per year: AU$405 for first year, AU$540 each year after thatView Deal

Last (but not least) is Belong, which has an epic 'double data' deal for new customers during their first 12 months of connection. That means its 100GB Mobile Plan actually provides 200GB of monthly data, which is more than enough for my streaming needs. It also manages to stay below my AU$50 p/m limit, priced at just AU$45 p/m.

While that introductory price is excellent for the first year, the data allowance does drop back to 100GB per month once the promo ends, putting it on level footing with the TPG plan above. In practical terms, it means choosing between double the data or paying half the price during those first 12 months. I'll also have to consider whether I'm willing to accept Belong's 150Mbps speed cap.

Belong (100GB Mobile Plan) | 100GB + 100GB bonus data (first 12 months) | No lock-in contract | AU$45p/m | Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G network

Need massive data? Belong's 100GB Mobile Plan offers double the data for new customers during their first 12 months of connection for just AU$45 p/m — that works out to only AU$0.22 per GB, which is incredible value. That said, the data limit will drop back down to 100GB p/m once that promo period has ended, which works out to a very reasonable AU$0.44 per GB. This offer expires on March 23, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$45 | Total cost per year: AU$540View Deal

As you can see, each plan gives me more than enough data, but each also comes with its own trade-offs, whether that’s price, speed or bonus inclusions. Now I just need to decide which one feels just right for me.

This killer offer from Samsung and Vodafone can save you up to AU$1,200 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Z Flip 7 or Z Fold 7

Stephen Lambrechts — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:10:48 +0000

With the Galaxy S26 series set to be unveiled in a matter of weeks, Samsung is cleaning out its old inventory, starting with an exceptional deal on its online store that brings the already-discounted Galaxy S25 Ultra down to under a thousand bucks for the very first time, and the standard to Galaxy S25 down to under AU$200!

Samsung has teamed up with Vodafone for an exclusive offer that slashes a mammoth AU$800 from the price of the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 at checkout when paired with a specific 24-month plan.

To access the discount, simply choose your desired handset from the list above, head to the 'Choose a plan' section of the device's listing page, then apply the '$65 Vodafone BYOD 24mth Plan' option to access the discount.

As the name suggests, this plan, which includes 80GB of monthly data, will cost you AU$65 p/m over 24 months, meaning you'll pay a minimum of AU$1,560 over the entire 2-year contract period, plus the upfront cost of your chosen device.

For the S25 Ultra, that AU$800 discount is applied on top of an existing AU$400 price reduction, resulting in a total saving of AU$1,200 on the device's RRP. In other words, you can score the 256GB model of Samsung's current flagship phone from as little as ~~AU$2,149~~ AU$949.

Get AU$400 off the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra + another AU$800 off when you pair it with Vodafone's 24-month BYOD plan

Score a total saving of AU$1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra when you combine an existing $400 discount with Vodafone's 24-month $65 BYOD plan for an additional AU$800 saving, bringing the device's price down to just AU$949 for the 256GB model. T&Cs apply.View Deal

Of course, if you really want to spend as little as possible, you can stack that AU$800 discount on top of the existing AU$400 saving on the standard Galaxy S25, bringing its price down to an earth-shatteringly low ~~AU$1,399~~ AU$199!

Get AU$400 off the Samsung Galaxy S25 + another AU$800 off when you pair it with Vodafone's 24-month BYOD plan

You can save a massive AU$1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25 thanks to this exclusive offer on the Samsung online store. Combine an existing AU$400 discount with an additional AU$800 saving when you pair the device with Vodafone's $65 24-month BYOD plan to score the 256GB model for only AU$199. T&Cs apply.View Deal

While only the entry-level Galaxy S25 and top-level Galaxy S25 Ultra are eligible for a stackable discount, all the other phones mentioned above still benefit massively from the AU$800 saving that comes with Vodafone's 24-month BYOD plan. It brings the starting price of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 down to ~~AU$1,799~~ AU$999 and the Galaxy Fold 7 down to ~~AU$2,899~~ AU$2,099.

If you've been waiting for a good deal to snag a new Galaxy smartphone, now is a great time to do so. It also bears repeating that this offer is exclusive to Samsung's online store, meaning you won't find it on Vodafone's website.

Best family mobile plan bundles in Australia: pool your data and cut your monthly phone costs

Stephen Lambrechts — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:11:39 +0000

Most parents will be very familiar with how expensive mobile phone plans can be, especially when accounting for a whole family. While individual phone bills may seem affordable at face value, the cumulative cost can place a significant strain on the typical Aussie household's budget.

Luckily, some Aussie telcos have family mobile plans that can ease the financial strain. Bundling your family’s mobile services into a single account is a simple and effective way to save on household phone costs, and the best deals in Australia offer more than just cheaper bills — they also provide a shared data pool and make account management effortless for parents.

For your convenience, we've detailed the leading family mobile plans in Australia from providers like Optus, Vodafone, Aldi Mobile and more, including an in-depth breakdown of each plan's cost, shared data allowance and general inclusions.

To keep this as simple as possible, we're only highlighting proper family bundles that offer reduced rates for additional users. There are some telcos that offer data-gifting as an alternative to family bundles, but we'd argue this approach doesn't make things easier for parents.

Best family mobile plan: Optus

Families of at least four people should take note of the Optus Family Mobile Plan, which offers four SIMs for AU$165 p/m and includes a shared monthly data pool of 320GB. That works out to AU$41.25 per SIM and 80GB for each person every month.

Need more SIMs? Optus allows you to add up to four extras, making a total of eight, at AU$29 p/m each. The catch is that they all share the same 320GB of monthly data, so the value decreases as you add more. For instance, with eight SIMs, you’d be spending AU$281 p/m (about AU$35 per SIM) for 40GB of data per person.

Still, it's unlikely that every member of the family will burn through 40GB of data each month, meaning lighter data users will effectively balance out those who use more — by this, we mean that each SIM isn't allocated its own 40GB, but rather they all draw from the same pool. The Family Mobile Plan includes 5G network access, along with unlimited talk and text to standard Australian numbers (13/1300 numbers included).

The plan also includes a subscription to the McAfee Safe Family App (valued at AU$8.99 p/m) at no additional cost, allowing parents to monitor their kids' device activity, set screen time limits and cut off times, and even receive location alerts.

Optus Family Mobile Plan: AU$165 p/m for 4 SIMs | 320GB data pool p/m | AU$29 p/m per additional SIM (up to 4)

Optus' Family Mobile Plan provides four SIMs for AU$165 p/m with a shared 320GB data pool, working out to AU$41.25 and 80GB per person. You also have the option of adding up to four additional SIMs for AU$29 each, maxing out at AU$281 p/m, though you'll all be sharing the same 320GB data allocation. Despite this, it's still a great option for larger families.View Deal

Discounts for bundling: Vodafone

Vodafone doesn't offer a traditional family plan. However, the telco does allow you to bundle up to four plans under one account to receive stacking discounts for each additional plan.

For instance, bundling a second plan on your account will get you a AU$5 discount on your monthly bill, bundling a third plan will get you an additional AU$15 off for a total monthly discount of AU$20, while bundling a fourth plan will get you another AU$15 off, resulting in a AU$35 discount on your monthly total.

Vodafone: Bundle multiple plans under one account for tiered monthly savings of AU$5-AU$35

Although Vodafone doesn't offer a traditional family plan, its Bundle and Save program can score you significant savings when you bundle multiple plans under one account. You'll get a AU$5 discount for two plans, a AU$20 discount for three plans, and a maximum discount of AU$35 for four plans.View Deal

Shared data pool: Yomojo

While Yomojo doesn't offer a specific family plan with a shared data pool, the telco does provide increasing discounts on your total monthly bill for each additional prepaid plan you bundle, topping out at six plans.

Two plans will save you 5%, three plans will save you 7.5%, four plans will save 10%, five plans will save you 12.5% and six plans will get you a maximum discount of 15% on your total monthly bill.

Each user has the option of choosing from one of Yomojo's four prepaid plans, starting with the Starter 29GB plan, followed by the Essential 42GB plan, the Pro 105GB and the Ultra 220GB plans. All four prepaid plans are capped at 150Mbps and operate on the Optus 4G network.

Yomojo family bundles: increasing discounts for each additional plan (6 plans maximum) | 5-15% discount

Rather than a shared-data family plan, Yomojo provides a multi-service discount that scales from 5% for two plans up to 15% for six plans on a single monthly bill. Customers can choose from four different Yomojo prepaid plans with a 30-day expiry, ranging from 29GB to 220GB with speeds capped at 150Mbps.View Deal

Pre-paid family plan: Aldi Mobile

Aldi Mobile offers three separate family plans, each one catered to a certain number of services and providing varying amounts of data and some slight variations to their international inclusions.

The first option is the $55 5G Family Plan, which provides 50GB of shared data for two services, on a 30-day expiry period. That works out to 25GB and AU$27.50 per service.

Next, is the $95 5G Family Plan, which comes with a 100GB shared data pool for up to four services on a 30-day expiry period, which breaks down to 25GB and AU$23.75 per person, making it the best option from a value-standpoint.

At top end of Aldi Mobile's family bundle offerings is the $125 5G Family Plan, which gives you 150GB to share with up to six services on a 30-day expiry period, working out to 25GB and AU$25.33 per person.

Each plan operates on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, and includes speed-capped 5G access, rollover data to share, unlimited standard calls and texts and unlimited international calls and text to 20 select countries, along with limited access to an additional 30 countries.

Aldi Mobile Family Plans: from AU$55-AU$125 per 30 days for 2-6 SIMs | 50GB-150GB data pool per 30 days

Aldi Mobile's family plans start at AU$55, providing 50GB for two services, and top out with a AU$125 plan that delivers 150GB for up to six services. However, the best value is reserved for the AU$95 plan, which works out to AU$23.75 per person for up to four services. Regardless of which plan you go for, each user gets a 30-day expiry period and an average of 25GB to play with.

Is a family mobile plan worth it?

For parents looking for greater control of their family's smartphone usage, family mobile plans are worth it. Family mobile plans make it easier for parents to manage several users under one bill and one account. That said, you might be able to save money by opting for individual SIM-only mobile plans that are tailored to the needs of each user.

Family mobile plans also typically provide additional parental controls and cyber security features. Plans with shared data pools can be a great choice, especially if lighter data users help balance out those who use more.

However, family mobile plans often don’t offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to data, which can be a downside for families where everyone’s a heavy user.

Vodafone's Summer Switch sale just discounted all its best mobile plans — these are the 5 plans I recommend

Stephen Lambrechts — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:57 +0000

Is there anything more unpredictable than the current Aussie summer? One day it's scorching hot, the next day it's cold and rainy — like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.

Thankfully, there are still some good surprises sneaking up on us this season, and I'd argue that Vodafone's Summer Switch sale definitely falls within that category.

In an effort to make people "switch" to Vodafone, the telco has slashed prices across all of its mobile plans — postpaid and prepaid alike.

Right now, new customers will save AU$14 p/m on plan fees across all of Vodafone's SIM only mobile plans for the first 12 months. That's a total saving of AU$168 over the entire year.

Vodafone Summer Switch sale: Postpaid plan deals

In other words, the Small SIM Only Plan with 60GB of monthly data is only AU$39 p/m (or AU$0.65 per GB) during your initial year, after which the price returns to AU$53 p/m (AU$0.88 per GB).

For even better value, the Medium SIM Only Plan with net you a generous 200GB of data per month for only AU$49 p/m (around AU$0.24 per GB) for the first 12 months, then back to its full price at AU$63 p/m (just AU$0.31 per GB).

Of course, if you really want to make the most of your first year on Vodafone, you could opt for the Large SIM Only Plan, which gives you a ridiculous 400GB of monthly data to play with at the discounted rate of AU$59 p/m (or roughly AU$0.15 per GB). Once those initial 12 months are up, however, the Large plan will return to its usual cost of AU$73 p/m (or AU$0.18 per GB).

Vodafone Summer Switch sale: Prepaid plan deals

Vodafone Summer Switch sale: Save AU$14 p/m across all SIM Only Plans for the first 12 months

New Vodafone customers can save AU$14 p/m on all SIM-only mobile plans for the first 12 months, amounting to a total saving of AU$168 over the year before prices revert to their standard rates. The three available plans offer varying amounts of monthly data at different price points during this introductory period, offering great value for data usage.View Deal

If prepaid is more your speed, you're in luck — Vodafone's Summer Switch sale has slashed prices on three of its prepaid plans, starting with the $35 Prepaid Plus SIM plan, now only AU$12 per 28 days for the first 3 recharges, and offering a data boost to 70GB instead of the usual 25GB during that initial period.

Next up is the $55 Prepaid Plus SIM plan, now only AU$25 per 28 days for the first 3 recharges, and offering a whopping 125GB of data instead of the 50GB per recharge.

That said, if you'd rather pay for your entire year up front, you may want to consider the $250 Prepaid Plus SIM plan with 12 months expiry period for 200GB of data, now only AU$179 for the first year, which averages out to AU$14.91 per month and 16.6GB per month. After that initial year, however, the price will go back to AU$250 with 12 month expiry and 150GB over the year.

Vodafone Summer Switch sale: Big savings on select Prepaid Plus SIM plans

Vodafone's Summer Switch sale is offering significant discounts on three of its prepaid plans, making it a great time for customers to switch. The $35 Prepaid Plus plan is reduced to AU$12 for the first three 28-day recharges, with a data boost from 25GB to 70GB. Similarly, the $55 Prepaid Plus plan is now AU$25 for the first three recharges, offering 125GB instead of 50GB. For those preferring an annual plan, the $250 Prepaid Plus 12-month plan (200GB total) is discounted to AU$179 for the first year, averaging out to AU$14.91 per month, after which it will return to AU$250 and 150GB per 12 months.View Deal

A strong 50% discount pushes TPG’s 50GB mobile plan to the front of the pack — it's my pick of the week

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:18:15 +0000

It may not be the latest deal out there, but as someone who's always on the hunt for the best value SIM-only mobile plans, I keep coming back to TPG’s 50% off introductory period as arguably the best bang-for-your-buck offer you can get this week.

TPG's pricing was already very reasonable to begin with, thanks to the solid cost-to-data ratio across all three of its SIM-only plans, but when you cut those prices in half for the first 6 months, you get truly exceptional value.

In my opinion, the best TPG mobile plan for most people is the telco's Medium Plan, which provides 50GB of monthly data and is priced at just AU$17.50 p/m (that's only AU$0.35 per GB) for the first 6 months, after which the price returns to AU$35 p/m (or AU$0.70 per GB).

TPG (50GB Medium Plan) | 50GB data | AU$17.50 p/m (first 6 months, then AU$35 p/m) | Vodafone 4G/5G network | 150Mbps speed cap

TPG has been running this excellent half-price promotion on its 50GB Medium SIM-only plan for a while now, but hey, we're not going to look a gift horse in the mouth! For the first six months, you can get 50GB of data, unlimited national calls and texts, and 100 international call minutes to 31 select countries, all for just AU$17.50 p/m. After this initial period, the plan reverts to its (still reasonable) standard price of AU$35 p/m.

Total minimum cost is AU$17.50 | Total cost for first year: AU$315, then AU$420 each year after thatView Deal

However, for those willing to drop an extra tenner per month, I would absolutely recommend TPG's Large Plan from a value standpoint, priced at just AU$22.50 p/m for the first 6 months.

For starters, it offers 100GB of data per month (twice as much as the Medium Plan), which at the discounted introductory rate works out to around AU$0.22 per GB. Even after this plan goes back to its usual AU$45 p/m price point, that's only AU$0.45 per GB.

Additionally, TPG's Large Plan is also the fastest mobile plan that the telco offers. While the Medium Plan is speed capped at 150Mbps, the Large Plan has a 250Mbps limit, which can make a noticeable difference in day-to-day use.

TPG (100GB Large Plan) | 100GB data | AU$22.50 p/m (first 6 months, then AU$45 p/m) | Vodafone 4G/5G network | 250Mbps speed cap

Like the Medium Plan above, this offer has been on the table for ages, but it's still an excellent deal. TPG is offering a whopping 100GB of data per month for just AU$22.50 p/m. Of course, there's a catch — that price is only for the first 6 months, after which the price goes up to AU$45 p/m (or AU$40 p/m if you bundle it with a TPG internet plan). If that price is too rich for your blood, you can just cancel and switch to another provider or plan. Also, note this offer is only available to new connections.

Total minimum cost is AU$22.50 | Total cost per year: AU$405, then AU$540 each year after thatView Deal

Whether you think TPG's 50GB Medium Plan or its 100GB Large Plan is better suited to your needs, I can confidently say that you'll be getting excellent value for money —especially if you're a new customer and can take advantage of the 50% discount during your first 6 months.

It's also worth mentioning that you can save an additional AU$5 p/m (after the introductory period) if you bundle your mobile phone plan with a TPG internet plan.

That's not to say that TPG is perfect for everyone — in my TPG mobile phone plans review, I noted that while the telco provides terrific value for money and big data allowances, its customer service reputation was far from great, and there were no real perks to speak of.

Still, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind skimping on customer support or extra perks, TPG should work just fine.

Felix Mobile phone plans review

Stephen Lambrechts — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:20:44 +0000

Felix Mobile is one of Australia’s most affordable telcos, offering SIM-only plans that provide more data than you'd expect for their cost – and there's even an unlimited data plan, albeit with a 40Mbps speed cap. Felix's simplicity is a major part of its appeal, especially compared with the more complex and expensive offerings from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

Price is where Felix most clearly undercuts the big three. Like many other mobile virtual network operators (or MVNOs), Felix keeps costs low by capping speeds and avoiding premium extras. For everyday browsing, streaming and social media use, most Aussies will probably find its value hard to beat.

Felix operates on Vodafone’s 4G/5G network, which performs reliably in metro and suburban areas. However, users who reside in Australia's especially remote regions may experience weaker signals (or sometimes no service at all) despite Vodafone's recently expanded reach, courtesy of a network-sharing agreement with Optus.

Customer service feedback for Felix ranges from mixed to positive, though it's worth noting that the telco operates entirely online, which means dealing with automated chatbots in most situations, and no option to speak to someone on the phone.

In many ways, Felix's simplicity can be considered both a strength and a weakness. Its simple plans, affordable price points and carbon‑neutral positioning could be very appealing for environmentally minded users. However, the lack of high‑speed data, roaming value or premium extras will probably turn off heavy users or frequent travellers.

In short, Felix Mobile is a strong fit for Aussies who want low‑cost unlimited data and live in areas with solid Vodafone coverage. That said, it’s probably not ideal for speed‑hungry users, especially if they live in remote areas. Still, for metro customers prioritising affordability over premium performance, it remains one of the most compelling budget options.

Felix Mobile plans and pricing

Affordable pricing
50% off introductory offer
Unlimited data plan

In keeping with its ethos of simplicity, Felix Mobile offers just three SIM-only plans, all charged on a per-month cycle. The first is its 25GB Mobile Plan, which is priced at AU$25 p/m (that's AU$1 per GB), followed by its 50GB Mobile Plan, which is far better value at AU$30 p/m (just AU$0.60 per GB).

Of course, the Felix Mobile plan that's grabbed the highest number of headlines is surely the Unlimited Mobile Plan, which is priced at AU$40 p/m and has no set data allowance, but comes with a significant caveat: download speeds are capped at just 40Mbps.

The result is an Unlimited Mobile Plan that's over three times slower than Felix's 25GB and 30GB Mobile Plans, which are both capped at 150Mbps. In other words, users will have to decide whether excess data charges are more of a concern than slowed download speeds.

Additionally, new and approved Felix customers will get a 50% discount on any of the telco's mobile plans during your first 3 months of connection. That brings prices across its three main offerings down to just AU$12.50 p/m, AU$15 pm and AU$20 p/m. This offer is valid until withdrawn.

Felix Mobile coverage

Access to Vodafone's expanded network
Still behind the Telstra network in regional Australia

Since Vodafone's parent company and Optus began their network-sharing deal in February 2025, the Vodafone network, which Felix uses, has greatly expanded its coverage, improving its reach significantly in regional Australia.

Previously reaching 96% of Australia’s metropolitan population (note the wording used), this network-sharing agreement means that its coverage has now surged by 150%, expanding from 400,000 to over 1,000,000 square kilometres. This boost puts Felix Mobile’s reach at 98.4% of the entire Australian population, just a hair behind Optus at 98.5%.

Even though Felix Mobile's regional coverage is comparable to Optus and Vodafone, it still falls short of Telstra’s reach in Australia’s more remote areas. It’s also worth noting that Vodafone’s 5G rollout has been slower than that of Optus and Telstra. That means you should expect to be on 4G most of the time when you're outside of a major city.

Felix Mobile plans: Extras, perks and offers

Unlimited calls and text included
Unlimited data banking
Trees!

As you'll no doubt have noticed by now, Felix Mobile keeps costs down by doing away with the bells and whistles offered by some of the larger Aussie telcos. Because of this, you shouldn't expect too many extras or perks.

That said, all of Felix’s mobile plans include unlimited talk and text within Australia as standard, and the 25GB and 50GB plans even come with unlimited data banking (naturally, there’s no need for it on the Unlimited plan).

Of course, the biggest (and most unique) perk that comes with being a Felix Mobile customer is one that won't necessarily impact your plan but will absolutely impact our planet — for every month that you stay connected to Felix Mobile, the telco will plant a tree in your honour, which is honestly a brilliant incentive to make the switch.

Felix Mobile plans: customer service and community reviews

Overwhelmingly negative online user reviews
Offshore call centres

Felix Mobile has earned fairly positive reviews on Product Review, with an overall score of 3.3 stars out of 5. Users on this site are typically pleased with their Felix Mobile experiences, though several reviews note frustrating customer service interactions and resolved technical issues as their main grievances.

However, user reviews are far more negative on Trustpilot, where the telco scored a dismal 1.7 stars out of 5. Complaints here are mostly linked to coverage quality, customer service and number transfers.

Felix Mobile plans: Bottom line

There's no doubt that Felix Mobile delivers impressive value for money, pairing low‑cost SIM‑only plans with a refreshingly simple approach that outperforms many bigger telcos on price alone. Its unlimited data option, even with a 40Mbps speed cap, will suit everyday users who mainly browse, stream and message, provided they live in areas with strong Vodafone coverage. That said, the online‑only support model and reliance on chatbots won’t suit everyone.

Environmentally minded users and budget‑focused metro customers will appreciate Felix's carbon‑neutral stance and straightforward plans, while heavy data users and those in remote regions may find its speed caps and network reach a touch too restrictive.

Best Telstra network mobile plans from resellers

Tangerine's juicy SIM-only summer sale slashes 50% off Telstra 5G plans — prices from just AU$15 a month

Stephen Lambrechts — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000

Looking to squeeze some extra value out of your phone plan in 2026? Tangerine's ripe for that right now, thanks to its deliciously juicy summer sale on mobile plans, which provide Telstra 5G network access at prices that are almost too good to be true.

New customers who sign up to one of Tangerine's 5G SIM-only plans before March 1, 2026 can currently score a 50% discount for the first 4 months of service. That means its 30GB plan will cost you just AU$15 p/m during that promo period, before reverting back to AU$30 ongoing.

But that's not all! New customers can also benefit from a separate Double Data promotion that Tangerine is currently running, so long as you activate your plan before February 3, 2026.

Best plan for most people: 60GB* SIM only plan | 30GB + 30GB bonus data for first 6 months | AU$15 p/m for first 4 months, then AU$30 ongoing | Telstra 5G network

New customers who sign up for a Tangerine 5G SIM-only plan before March 1, 2026 can halve their monthly bill for the first 4 months, reducing the price of the 30GB plan from AU$30 p/m to just AU$15 p/m. Not only that, but by activating before February 3, 2026, you can also capitalise on a concurrent Double Data offer, boosting your allowance to a total of 60GB per month for the first 6 months. Tangerine's half-price promotion is available until March 1, 2026, while its Double Data promotion ends on February 3, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$15 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$300View Deal

Taking the cheapest 5G plan (AU$30 for 30GB a month) as an example, savvy shoppers can net themselves 30GB of bonus monthly data (or 60GB total for those who don't have an abacus within reach) for the first 6 months of connection. And you'll only pay ~~AU$30~~ AU$15 p/m during the initial 4-month period.

Need more perspective? The entry-level 5G plan detailed above works out to a total first-year cost of just AU$300 for 540GB of data — that's an average of AU$25 for 45GB a month — and that includes a 1000GB databank, so any unused monthly data will continue to accrue to use later on. Talk about an exceptional bargain!

Of course, those same half-price/double data promotions work across every other 5G SIM-only plan that Tangerine offers, meaning you can currently lock down 320GB of total monthly data for the staggeringly low price of ~~AU$60~~ AU$30 p/m during those initial 4 months.

Take our word for it — prices this low that include this much data don't come around often (especially on the Telstra 5G Wholesale Network), which is why we'd seriously consider jumping on these deals before they expire!

Thinking of a new phone? This carrier just swept the awards for best performance and reliability

richard.priday@futurenet.com (Richard Priday) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:39:00 +0000

The scores are in for the U.S.A.'s Big 3 mobile carriers in Ookla RootMetrics's State of the Mobile Union Report for the second half of 2025. And it's clear that Verizon comes out on top this time.

Reports like this can be a good way to judge which of the best phones carriers is going to be the best for where you live. And given that RootMetrics' findings are based on 3 million tests conducted from July to December 2025 across the country, and in 125 major urban areas, it's safe to say it's pretty thorough.

The big winner is Verizon, which won five of RootMetrics' eight headline awards outright, and tied for another two. Its haul of trophies includes wins for overall performance and reliability, plus it scored best for general 5G performance, while also improving its download speeds in metro regions.

AT&T tied for three awards, putting it in second place. It came second on a state-by-state basis too, and managed to improve both its metro test results, managing to meet gold standard of 100 Mbps download speeds in the 125 metro test regions for the first time.

A table of results from RootMetrics' testing, showing current scores for the Big Three carriers compared to what they scored in H1 2025 (Image credit: RootMetrics/Ookla)

T-Mobile shares just one award - U.S. Network Speed - with AT&T, earning it the bronze medal. That said, the UnCarrier still managed to have the highest 5G availability nationally, while also improving on a state and metro level too. City-dwelling T-Mo users do especially well, as it's the only carrier of the three tested to manage 100 Mbps download speeds in every metro tested, with all but one of those also hitting the 200 Mbps mark.

In the 1H 2025 report by RootMetrics, AT&T earned four outright wins and tied Verizon for data performance and text performance. And Verizon won for network responsiveness and video performance.

Good to know — especially if you're in the market for a new phone

(Image credit: Technizo Concept/YouTube)

While anyone subscribed to Verizon is probably feeling a little smug right now, none of the big three did disasterously badly in this set of testing, so don't feel like you need to immediately escape your contract to sign up to Verizon if you're not already a member. However, it's perhaps worth keeping in mind as phone releases for 2026 start to get into gear.

The big one to keep in mind is the Samsung Galaxy S26, which is should be revealed by the end of February and go on sale in March. But the crystal ball suggests we may see the Google Pixel 10a, and perhaps an iPhone 17e, shortly after that. If you're planning to upgrade, it could be worth investigating if buying any of these phones with a Verizon contract is the best option for you, or maybe T-Mobile if you live in one of the city regions where the network fared particularly well.

Want massive data? This brilliant Exetel mobile deal gets you 260GB for only AU$40 on your first six recharges

Stephen Lambrechts — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:31:23 +0000

It's the start of a new year, so why not celebrate by rewarding yourself with stacks of data at an alarmingly low price? Exetel’s Plus One prepaid eSIM plan is providing exactly that, offering new and upgrading residential customers double data on their first six recharges.

Exetel’s Plus One plan was already terrific value, offering 130GB of data for just AU$40 per recharge. Add an extra 130GB on top — taking the total to 260GB — and it turns into an outright steal.

To put its immense value into perspective, that works out to just AU$0.15 per GB, which is the cheapest per GB rate I've seen from any telco lately. And once that introductory period has ended, you're still only paying AU$0.30 per GB, which is still a bargain.

Exetel Plus One Plan | 130GB + 130GB bonus data (first 6 recharges) | AU$40 per 30-day renewal

Exetel’s Plus One prepaid eSIM is offering an unusually generous deal, doubling its already strong 130GB-for-AU$40 recharge to 260GB for your first six recharges and delivering data at just AU$0.15 per GB — the cheapest rate around. Even after the intro period, the cost stays low, and no long‑expiry plan comes close to matching the sheer volume on offer.

Total minimum cost is AU$40 (30 days) | Total cost for first year: AU$480View Deal

Long‑expiry plans are often seen as the gold standard for value, but none I’ve come across deliver anywhere near this amount of data. Even with Exetel’s Plus One plan limiting its double‑data perk to your first six recharges, you still walk away with 2,340GB in your first year for just AU$480.

In terms of other plan inclusions, you get 5G access on Telstra's Wholesale Network (speeds capped at 150Mbps), unlimited standard calls and texts within Australia and to 15 select countries, and a 1000GB data bank.

Awesome deal, right? Of course, you won't want to wait too long to jump on it, because orders for this offer must be placed before February 3, 2026 and activated by February 17, 2026.

Verizon customers will have to wait to unlock their phone going forward — here’s why

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:01:27 +0000

You could be stuck with Verizon on your prepaid phones longer than you want after the Federal Communications Commission agreed to waive the carrier's 60-day phone unlock requirement.

It means Verizon no longer has to unlock smartphones 60 days after activation, as reported by Ars Technica. Instead, Verizon will have to abide by carrier-friendly voluntary guidelines set by the CTIA wireless trade group. The CTIA suggests carriers unlock prepaid phones one year after activation, while postpaid plans can be unlocked after the contract ends or after an early termination fee.

The change comes after Verizon petitioned the FCC in October 2025, at the time asking the FCC and the Trump administration to allow the carrier to lock phones for up to six months. Verizon argued that the 60-day requirement "benefits bad actors and fraudsters."

FCC rejects shorter unlocking periods

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the decision, the FCC said the Verizon waiver will remain until the agency “decides on an appropriate industry-wide approach for the unlocking of handsets.”

Additionally, the FCC rejected the 6-month locking period, saying that the CTIA policies are “an adequate threshold of ensuring Verizon consumers have competitive options and that granting this waiver will not impede those competitive options. We thus decline to limit today’s waiver to a period of 180 days.”

Unlike AT&T and T-Mobile, Verizon has had this requirement since 2008, when the company purchased 700 MHz licenses and again in 2021 when it bought TracFone. The FCC required Verizon to unlock phones faster as a condition of approving the mergers.

“Today, criminal networks are specifically targeting Verizon handsets due to the company’s unique unlocking policies,” the FCC’s filing says.

60 Days likely won't become the norm

In 2024, the Biden Administration version of the FCC proposed a rule to make automatic 60 Day unlocking an industry standard.

"When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier you want and not have the device you own stuck by practices that prevent you from making that choice," former FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at the time.

Of course, T-Mobile and AT&T quickly responded, claiming that the rule was more harmful to consumers than carriers. "A handset unlocking mandate would also leave providers little choice but to limit their handset offers to lower cost and offer lesser performing handsets," T-Mobile's response read.

Opposition and "fraud"

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Verizon's initial filing was opposed by a number of consumer groups like Public Knowledge, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, iFixit and Consumer Reports.

“It facilitates the resale and reuse of mobile devices, reduces e-waste, and enables low-cost carriers and MVNOs to compete on a more level playing field," a counter filing reads. "The opposite, which Verizon seeks through its waiver request, merely serves as a way to keep customers locked in one provider.”

The FCC under President Trump has been more amenable to corporations, though it couched the waiver decision in terms of concern over fraud. The agency claimed that 60 days is insufficient to deter bad actors.

“The FCC’s action will end bad actors’ ability to exploit the FCC’s unlocking rules to profit from easier access to expensive, heavily subsidized devices in the US that they traffic and sell to other parts of the world,” Verizon said in a statement seen by Ars Technica.

Black Friday mobile plans: I'm rounding up all the best discounts from Australia's top telcos

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:48:41 +0000

Be honest: when was the last time you checked what you're paying for your phone bill? If it’s been more than 12 months, you could be basically donating money to your telco and paying more than you need to. In other words, customers who set-and-forget are generally not getting the best value plans on the market. Luckily, Black Friday 2025 offers a timely opportunity to change that.

For the next week, many providers are offering incentives like waived first-month fees, doubled data allowances, or discounted recharge costs – 365-day SIM only plans, for example, can be up to 60% off. All the big players, such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, are getting in on the action, though you can expect some of the best offers to come from smaller providers, like Kogan Mobile, Boost Mobile and more.

To help you lock down the best savings on your phone plan this sales season, we've scoured all the Black Friday mobile plans deals currently available and have hand-picked the ones we think provide the most bang for your buck. OK, enough talk — here's a guide to the best Australian prepaid and postpaid phone plan deals available for the 2025 Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales period, which comes to a halt on December 2.

Black Friday mobile plan deals: the big three

Vodafone

Vodafone is currently offering some excellent deals on its month-to-month SIM-only plans, so for the first year you get:

• AU$14 p/m discount
• Double data allowance

With those applied, we reckon the Small Plan should suit most people perfectly, as per month it comes down to just AU$39 for a generous 120GB. Meanwhile, the Large Plan features an astounding 800GB of monthly data for only AU$59p/m over the same period, which should be more than enough for even the most data-hungry user.

Small Plan (60GB+60GB bonus): AU$39p/m (usually AU$53p/m)
Medium Plan (200GB+200GB bonus): AU$49p/m (usually AU$63p/m)
Large Plan (400GB+400GB bonus): AU$59p/m (usually AU73p/m)

Optus

For Black Friday 2025, Optus is discounting rates on select plans for the first 12 months of connection. This is an online-only deal.

• 30% off the Small and Medium Choice Plus Plans

For the first 12 months, users on the Small Choice Plus Plan will pay just AU$38.50p/m for the usual 50GB of monthly data. After this introductory period, the price will revert to AU$55p/m. Those selecting the Medium Choice Plus Plan will receive 200GB of monthly data and pay AU$45.50p/m for the first 12 months. Following the initial year, this plan will return to its standard price of AU$65p/m.

Small Choice Plus Plan (50GB): AU$38.50p/m (usually AU$55p/m)
Medium Choice Plus Plan (200GB): AU$45.50p/m (usually AU$65p/m)

Telstra

Telstra is offering discounts of up to AU$20p/m for the first year of connection on its SIM-only plans, depending on which plan you opt for.

• Save AU$10p/m for 12 months on Basic or Essential Upfront plans
• Save AU$20p/m for 12 months on Premium Upfront plans

To receive the AU$10p/m discount on Telstra's Basic or Essential Upfront plans for the first year, simply apply the code FRIDAY10 at checkout. Alternatively, those opting for Telstra's Premium Upfront plan can save AU$20p/m over 12 months by applying the code FRIDAY20 at checkout.

Basic Upfront plan (50GB): AU$60p/m (usually AU$70p/m)
Essential Upfront plan (180GB): AU$70p/m (usually AU$80p/m)
Premium Upfront plan (300GB): AU$79p/m (usually AU$99p/m)

Black Friday mobile plans: best MVNO deals

Of course, the big three telcos aren't alone in serving up tasty deals this Black Friday, and a number of smaller Australian providers (more formally known as mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs) are also offering compelling discounts – and as is often the case, they can be substantially cheaper than what you'll find from Optus, Telstra or Vodafone.

Superloop (Telstra wholesale network)

Superloop is rolling out some terrific mobile plan deals for Black Friday, including double data and sweet extra perks if you bundle your mobile with a Superloop internet plan.

• Double data for first 6 recharges
• Free 2nd recharge when bundled with a Superloop internet plan (existing customers)
• Save up to AU$15p/m when you bundle mobile SIMs with an internet plan

The combination of double data for the first six recharges and the option to save at least AU$5p/m when bundling extra SIMs (with a maximum saving of AU$15p/m) makes even the most budget-friendly choices highly attractive, especially for those who are also willing to switch to a Superloop internet plan.

Essential 5G (35GB+35GB bonus): AU$35 per recharge (first 6 recharges)
Choice 5G (75GB+75GB bonus): AU$40 per recharge (first 6 recharges)
Plus 5G (130GB+130GB bonus): AU$50 per recharge (first 6 recharges)
Max 5G (160GB+160GB bonus): AU60 per recharge (first 6 recharges)

Dodo (Optus network)

Dodo is cutting right to the chase this Black Friday, offering half-price plans for half a year.

• 50% off for the first 6 months on its Medium and Large plans

Dodo is positioning itself as a price leader rather than focusing on data incentives like many rivals, making it one of the cheapest entry points on the Optus network this Black Friday. At these prices, we recommend the Large plan, as 80GB for AU$20 is frankly unbeatable.

Medium 40GB: AU$15p/m (usually AU$30p/m)
Large 80GB: AU$20p/m (usually AU$40p/m)

Felix Mobile (Vodafone 4G and 5G network)

Felix is offering select plans at half price for the first 3-4 months.

• Unlimited Data: 50% off for the first 4 months
• 50GB Plan: 50% off for the first 3 months

Although the promotional period for these plans is shorter than some other options featured, they still offer considerable savings: you can save up to AU$80 over 4 months on the Unlimited Plan, or AU$45 over 3 months on the 50GB Plan.

Unlimited: AU$20p/m (usually AU$40p/m). Code: UNL4
50GB Plan: AU$15p/m (usually AU$30p/m)

Kogan Mobile (Vodafone 4G and 5G network)

Kogan Mobile is currently offering its best discounts on its long-term 365-day prepaid plans, which also include bonus data.

• 17% off its Small 365 days prepaid plan
• 29% off its Large 365 days prepaid plan
• 37% off its Extra Large 365 days prepaid plan

While the company does offer price reductions on the first month of its Medium and Large monthly plans, these aren't as significant as the savings on the annual options.

Small 365 days prepaid plan (140GB+110GB): AU$149 (usually AU$179.90)
Large 365 days prepaid plan (300GB+100GB): AU$169 (usually AU$240)
Extra Large 365 days prepaid plan (500GB+150GB): AU$189 (usually AU$300)

Exetel (Telstra wholesale network)

Exetel doesn’t have the largest Black Friday offering, opting instead to push one "hero" deal that offers massive data on the Telstra 5G Wholesale network.

• Double data for first 6 recharges on Plus One 5G Plan

For the first six recharges, the Exetel Plus One 5G Plan is an exceptional deal, offering a massive 260GB of data for only AU$40 per recharge. Even after this initial period, the plan continues to be highly competitive, providing 130GB of data for the same AU$40 recharge price.

Plus One 5G Plan (130GB+130GB bonus): AU$40 per recharge (first 6 recharges)

Black Friday mobile plan deals: our top picks

Vodafone's Black Friday data deal is exceptionally strong, offering a massive 400GB of monthly data for the first year on its Medium Plan for just AU$63p/m. This represents outstanding value, especially when compared to Telstra, which provides only 50GB of data for a similar monthly cost.

Alternatively, if saving money is your top priority, Dodo's Large 80GB plan offers incredible value. For the first six months, it costs only AU$20 per recharge.

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon duke it out in TV ads over network performance — which one is telling the truth?

Philip Michaels — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

You can't turn on your TV these days without clapping eyes on an actor touting the merits of one of the Big Three U.S. phone carriers. And in each one, the actor looks right into the camera to tell you the wireless carrier they're representing has the best network.

The latest instance features Luke Wilson strolling around a wind-swept prairie and declaring AT&T to be the phone network to beat. This ad echoes a T-Mobile spot that debuted a few months earlier, in which Billy Bob Thornton strolls around a different wind-swept prairie while singing the praises of the Uncarrier.

Meanwhile, Verizon offers neither wind-swept prairies nor late '90s leading men in its ads, but it does include the claim that its network happens to be the best.

Three ads for three phone carriers all claiming to offer the fastest, most reliable wireless service — so which one is correct? The answer depends on whose data you're using.

Comparing the phone network ads and their claims

Let's start with the T-Mobile ad, since it was the one that triggered this latest round of "My network is better than yours" back and forth. T-Mobile rolled out the spot in June around the same time it was previewing its soon-to-launch satellite connectivity, and the ad featured Billy Bob Thornton proclaiming that the Uncarrier had overtaken Verizon in the network performance rankings.

"Now the best mobile network in the U.S. is T-Mobile," Thornton says in the ad. "Some fancy experts finished a network test, and T-Mobile sort of opened a can of whoop-up."

The fancy experts in question are from Ookla, a mobile testing firm, which had just released its Speedtest Awards for the first half of 2025. In that testing period, T-Mobile posted the best Speedtest Connectivity score, which measures speed, video streaming and web browsing performance. T-Mobile scored 79.95 in that metric, compared to 75.49 for Verizon and 72.47 for AT&T.

If you thought AT&T was going to take that lying down, you were badly mistaken. The carrier dispatched Luke Wilson to tell its side of the story in an ad that's airing regularly during this month's World Series coverage.

"AT&T is America's first network and it's still the best," Wilson assures us. "That's not me talking, that's the scoreboard."

Or rather, that's the word from Rootmetrics and its testing report covering the first half of 2025. In that report, AT&T gets the nod for best overall network performance, while also winning top honors for network reliability, network speed and call performance. AT&T and Verizon were joint winners in Rootmetrics' data performance and text performance categories.

T-Mobile didn't exactly come up empty in the Rootmetrics report. It's cited for having the best 5G availability, meaning you're most likely to get a 5G signal in more locations. Rootmetrics also called out T-Mobile's "stellar speeds in major cities."

As for Verizon, its current ads are more focused on a promotion that lets AT&T and T-Mobile customers bring in their bill to see if Big Red can offer them a better deal. But the carrier does include a nod to its own network performance in those commercials.

"Better deal, best 5G network," the ad notes, with the fine print in the commercial pointing to the same Rootmetrics report cited by AT&T. And that report does recognize Verizon for offering the best 5G experience along with the fastest and most reliable 5G performance.

And the winner is ... everybody?

Normally, when you have three different companies claiming the same thing, you'd have to assume that two of them are incorrect. But in this instance, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon can all point to third-party reports that back up their claims.

(Image credit: Rootmetrics)

Verizon is paying $100 million in settlements — here's how to check if you're getting paid

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Verizon has begun distributing $100 million to customers from its class-action settlement over undisclosed fees. The payments started rolling out in mid-2025 via direct deposit, Zelle transfers, and physical checks. Individual amounts vary from $5 to $100, with higher payments going to customers who paid these disputed charges for longer periods.

At issue were "Administrative Charges" and "Telco Recovery Charges" that Verizon added to postpaid wireless bills between January 2016 and November 2023 without adequate disclosure. Though Verizon didn't admit wrongdoing, they agreed to settle rather than face continued litigation expenses.

For customers who submitted claims before the April 15, 2024 deadline, there are several ways to check payment status and understand what comes next.

1. Check your claim and payment status

(Image: © LightField Studios/Shutterstock)

Review your email for confirmation from the Verizon Administrative Charges Settlement Administrator. If you submitted a claim before the April 15, 2024 deadline, you should have received a confirmation email or letter. Without this confirmation, you likely didn't file a claim and won't receive payment.

Visit the official settlement website through consumer protection portals like Top Class Actions or ClassAction.org to verify your claim status. Contact the settlement administrator directly using information on the official site — they can confirm whether your claim was approved and when payment should arrive.

Check your selected payment method. Monitor your bank account if you chose direct deposit or Zelle, or watch your mailbox if you selected a mailed check.

2. Payment amounts and distribution methods

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Each approved claimant receives a base payment of $15, plus $1 for each month they paid the disputed fees, up to a maximum of $100 per person. Your actual amount depends on how long you paid the fees, the total number of valid claims, and administrative costs deducted from the fund.

Payments are being distributed via Zelle, direct deposit, or mailed checks depending on your selected method. Zelle and direct deposit payments arrive within days of processing, while mailed checks take several weeks due to postal delivery.

3. Who was eligible and why it matters

(Image: © Tada Images/ Shutterstock)

Customers with postpaid wireless or data plans between January 1, 2016 and November 8, 2023 qualified if they were charged administrative or telco recovery fees and filed claims by the deadline. Customers who opted out of the settlement are not eligible.

The case highlights billing transparency issues in telecommunications. Verizon agreed to clearer billing disclosures going forward, and the settlement sets a precedent that could encourage greater oversight of postpaid billing practices across the industry.

How to contact the settlement administrator

(Image: © Marilia Castelli)

Visit the official settlement website through established consumer protection portals to find verified contact information. Have your claim confirmation number ready when contacting them for faster assistance.

Do not respond to unsolicited emails or calls about the settlement. Scammers target settlement recipients. Only use official channels verified through the settlement website to avoid fraud.

AT&T settles $177 million data breach lawsuit — here's how you can claim your share up to $7,500

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:38:39 +0000

Two data breaches that resulted in a class action lawsuit against AT&T are coming to a resolution, with the phone carrier agreeing to pay $177 million. AT&T agreed to pay the sum to avoid a trial.

The settlement was preliminarily approved by a Texas judge in August. Under the terms of the deal, affected customers may be able to claim up to $7,500. A settlement website from Kroll, the risk and financial advisory firm acting as the settlement administrator, is now available.

How we got here

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The class action lawsuit was filed against the telecom giant over two different breaches from 2019 and 2024. The 2019 breach was not reported by AT&T until 2024, when data from that breach was being sold on the dark web.

That breach involved the personal data of more than 73 million former and current AT&T customers. Sensitive data included Social Security numbers, legal names, and birth dates. AT&T was forced to reset passcodes for millions of its customers.

The second breach hit in 2024 with hackers getting into data stored in AT&T's cloud-based data warehouse, Snowflake. Reportedly, that breach affected 109 million AT&T customers.

The stolen data mostly surrounded call information like mobile and landline numbers, calls and texts sent over AT&T's network, aggregate call duration and some cell site identification numbers. This data could be enough to figure out the identities of AT&T customers.

Separate lawsuits were filed over both data breaches before being consolidated into a single class action lawsuit.

"Parties have settled the actions in their entirety without any admission of liability or wrongdoing," the settlement website says.

How to know if you have a claim

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The agreed-upon settlement is being split into two tiers: AT&T 1 Settlement Class and AT&T 2 Settlement Class.

The first tier covers the 2019 breach and is eligible for $149 million of the payout. The second tier covers the 2024 breach and is eligible for the remaining $28 million.

The Kroll Settlement Administration should send you an email if you qualify for the settlement. So keep an eye on your mailbox, including the spam folder.

If you believe you qualify but haven't received communication, you can reach out.

You can call (833) 890-4930 or send an inquiry letter to:

AT&T Data Incident Settlement
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324

How to file a claim

A claim can be filed on the Kroll website or through the mail using the address above. You'll need to have a Class Member ID to file a claim, which should be provided by Kroll once it reaches out to you via email or otherwise.

If you don't want to submit online, you can print out the claim form and mail it.

These are the forms you'll need:

The claim must be submitted or postmarked by December 18, 2025.

What the settlement could pay

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

For those affected by the 2019 data breach you have to prove documented financial loss because of the breach. If so, you're eligible for up to $5,000. If you were affected by the 2024 breach you can qualify for up to $2,500.

Technically, you may qualify for both, but you might need to provide Kroll with proof for each incident.

If you can't prove that the breach directly led to financial loss but you still qualify, you'll receive a pro rata share of the remaining money. This will depend on how many people make claims.

LTE’s days could be numbered at T-Mobile — what that means for your wireless phone coverage

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:48:01 +0000

The death knell for 4G networks may be ringing soon as T-Mobile is reportedly going to phase out 4G coverage starting in 2026, making LTE-only devices obsolete.

According to a leaked document discovered by The Mobile Report, the network carrier is set to transition away from 4G next year, which will include ending support for 5G non-standalone (5G NSA) devices as well.

The older 2G and 3G networks started shutting down in 2022, with T-Mobile only just ending its 2G network in February of this year. Doing away with the older networks opened up frequencies for 4G and 5G migration, improving the reach of the newer networks.

Per the document, T-Mobile has already started dismantling its 4G network with plans to use those frequencies for 5G over the next two years to support 5G Standalone (5G SA). Currently, 5G SA is the main version of 5G and doesn't rely on 4G infrastructure.

The document notes that LTE will exist on T-Mobile networks until 2035 to support legacy devices, likely IoT products and industrial applications, but performance will be significantly degraded.

How does this affect your device?

(Image credit: Samsung Galaxy S10)

The first 5G phones started showing up in 2019, and most handsets available today are built for 5G. If you've bought a new phone in the last three to four years, the disappearance of 4G shouldn't affect your device at all since it's likely already 5G-capable.

During the 2G/3G transition, T-Mobile offered compatible devices, so it could do something similar for people on 4G or 5G NSA phones. What the dismantling of 4G should do is speed up 5G, giving the network access to more channels and frequencies.

Currently, T-Mobile's network has 600 MHz n71 (low-band 5G) and 2500 MHz (mid-band 5G) frequencies. The older 4G network uses 2, 4/66, 12, and some 71 frequencies; removing 4G opens those up to new 5G bands.

One example of an older device (which I still have) is the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, which supports 5G NSA and requires an LTE and 5G signal to work, but does not support 5G SA.

Additionally, many 'dumb' phones like flip phones only support LTE. T-Mobile currently sells a TCL flip that cannot connect to 5G.

A stepping stone to 6G

(Image credit: Future / Tom's Guide)

The retirement of 4G on T-Mobile's network should be mostly completed in 2028, just in time for the arrival of 6G. Qualcomm has already promised that it will have 6G devices ready by 2028. Though the standard isn't expected to take effect until 2030.

Apple has reportedly been working on 6G since at least 2021. And a study from October of 2024 found that 6G is 9000 times faster than 5G, capable of sending 1TB of data per second over the network.

It's expected that 6G will most likely be built on top of existing 5G infrastructure. That said, reportedly, T-Mobile didn't use legacy 4G infrastructure to bring 5G to its customers starting in 2020. This means that it will be easier for T-Mobile to switch off 4G in favor of 5G.

As for AT&T and Verizon, those companies did use legacy 4G infrastructure so it may take them longer to transition the network.

T-Mobile's response

Tom's Guide reached out to T-Mobile for comment on its plans for LTE and the veracity of the document. A spokesperson did not comment on the document itself but implied that an LTE phase out is not coming in the near future.

"Someday far in the future – years and years from now – we’ll likely consolidate older technologies like LTE to make room for the latest and greatest, including 5G and beyond," Anushka Bishen, senior communications manager for T-Mobile, said. "For now, the T-Mobile network...has more than enough capacity to handle the heavy data demands of the modern wireless user."

Verizon is giving away thousands of free World Cup tickets — here's how you can get them

tom.pritchard@futurenet.com (Tom Pritchard) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:10:59 +0000

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and while the first games won't kick off until next year, Verizon is already getting ready to hype up the tournament. How, you might ask? By giving customers free tickets to the games, as part of what it's calling Verizon Ultimate Access.

The 2026 World Cup will take place all across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with Verizon being one of the key sponsors. So North American soccer fans will be able to experience the action on their home turf — and perhaps even without the pain of trying to purchase the tickets for themselves.

Naturally, the carrier has signed on soccer legend David Beckham to help promote all this free stuff.

Thousands of free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the My Verizon app via the Verizon Access rewards program. The first ticket drop starts this Thursday (October 2) at 9.00 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT.

New tickets will be dropped hourly, with the final one taking place at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Following this, Verizon will have daily ticket drops at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT from October 3 to 13. All those games are scheduled for June 13-16, and will take place in locations across the U.S.

(Image credit: Verizon)

November will also see the launch of new sweepstakes, giving customers the chance to win hundreds of "Golden Tickets" that come with pitchside access. Plus, there will be additional giveaways at various points leading up to the tournament, which officially starts in Mexico City on June 11.

Various all-star players will also be on the road with Verizon in the run-up to the World Cup, offering meet-and-greets and surprise events along the way. Those players include Tim Howard, Alyssa and Giselle Thompson, Chucky Lozano and Sergio (Kun) Agüero.

So long as you're a Verizon customer, you can sign up for Verizon Access and be in with the chance to get those tickets for yourself. Membership also makes you eligible for all the other giveaways that happen throughout the year.

If you're not a member of Version Access, joining up is simple. Either head to the My Verizon website, then click Account > More > myAccess. Alternatively, from the My Verizon app, head to the Me tab > myAccess. Then be sure to keep an eye on the myAccess area for the next big giveaway.

6G is coming sooner than you think — Qualcomm is ready to have 6G devices 'as early as 2028'

Darragh Murphy — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:02:53 +0000

Qualcomm is gearing up to reveal its next set of products at its Snapdragon Summit 2025, with rumors about its Snapdragon X2 chip heating up. But in a kickoff to the event today (September 23), the company brought up another next-gen technology — 6G connectivity

During the Vision Keynote presentation at its annual event, CEO Cristiano Amon revealed that Qualcomm will be ready to have the first set of devices with 6G connectivity "as early as 2028."

That's pre-commercial devices, by the way, which means test devices that will be able to show off 6G's capabilities, so don't start budgeting for your 6G phone now. Still, it's an important milestone as industry leaders like Qualcomm turn their attention to the upcoming 6G wireless standard.

This would be the next step over 5G connectivity, which is now commonly seen in the best phones today. In the U.S., 5G launched commercially in 2019.

"We have been very busy working on the next generation of connectivity...which is 6G. Designed to be the connection between the cloud and Edge devices," Amon said.

(Image credit: Future / Tom's Guide)

"The difference between 5G and 6G, besides increasing the speeds, increasing broadband, increasing the amount of data, it's also a network that has intelligence to have perception and sensor data," Amon added. "We're going to have completely new use cases for this network of intelligence — connecting the edge and the cloud.

"We have been working on this for a while, and it's sooner than you think. We are ready to have pre-commercial devices with 6G as early as 2028. We're going to have context-aware intelligence at scale."

Looking ahead at the future of devices, Amon noted that 6G would play a key role in the evolution of AI technology, with AI models becoming hybrid. This includes a combination of cloud and edge devices (like user interfaces, sensors, etc). According to Qualcomm, 6G will make this happen.

While Apple has already talked about working on 6G as far back as 2021, we're now seeing how 6G will be implemented and when it will start to arrive. While Amon states the next-gen connectivity will be seen in "pre-commercial" devices first, we're sure to see companies adopt 6G not long after — potentially before the end of this decade.

That's still a while away, but seeing as how we could buy the first 5G phones six years ago, it's now time for the next level of connectivity in 6G. We're sure to see faster network speeds with higher amounts of data, but it's also set to help bring more out of AI in devices.

Again, it's still early days, and we won't know the full extent of 6G until it arrives. But according to Qualcomm, we'll start to see what it can achieve as soon as 2028. We're on the ground at Snapdragon Summit 2025, so stay tuned for even more updates from Qualcomm (fingers crossed for next-gen chips).

Belong mobile phone plans review

Stephen Lambrechts — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:28:32 +0000

Belong is one of two mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) owned and operated by Telstra, the other being Boost Mobile. That might make you think the two provide near-identical services, like TPG and iiNet, but they are actually quite different.

To begin with, Belong provides flexible month-to-month SIM-only mobile plans, whereas Boost Mobile operates solely on prepaid options. Another major difference is that Belong operates on Telstra's wholesale network, while Boost Mobile offers access to Telstra's full network. This means Belong users might get spotty coverage in Australia's more remote areas. Thankfully, all of Belong's plans offer 5G access.

Belong's prices are quite similar to other Telstra resellers, with its more expensive plans offering the best value for your data needs. Great inclusions are also part of the package, such as unlimited data banking and the option to share data with other Belong customers. However, international calls and texts are considered add-ons for all but the telco's highest-tier mobile plan.

Regarding customer service, Belong has a mixed reputation — though some of the telco's support team is based in Australia, the company does use overseas call centres, which will never compare to speaking with a locally based representative.

Overall, Belong provides a solid alternative to the major telcos with its data-friendly plans, affordable pricing, and the dependable coverage of Telstra's wholesale network. Here's how Belong stacks up in 2026.

Belong mobile phone plans: pricing

Data-friendly plans
Budget-friendly rates

Belong offers just four SIM-only mobile plans, all of which offer 5G network access. Pricing starts at AU$30p/m for the 25GB plan, which works out to AU$1.20 per GB.

The plan that follows provides a significant boost in value, and not just because it currently delivers double data for the first 12 months. Belong's 40GB plan is priced at AU$35p/m, which works out to AU$0.87 per GB. Factor in the double data bonus, and you'll be paying AU$0.44 per GB for the first year of connection.

Next up is the 100GB plan, which is priced at AU$45p/m and also comes with double data for the first 12 months. That's an incredible price to pay for 200GB of monthly data, which works out to AU$0.22 per GB during your initial year.

Finally, there's the 160GB plan, priced at AU$55p/m. Unlike the other two plans, this one doesn't include double data, but you do get 80GB of bonus data each month for the first year, bringing the total to 240GB. That means you'll be paying just AU$0.23 per GB during that initial 12-month period.

Unfortunately, Belong will be hiking those prices shortly — from May 5, 2026, each of Belong's four SIM-only mobile plans will be going up by AU$4 each month, meaning pricing will soon start at AU$34 p/m for the 25GB plan.

Just like many other smaller telcos, Belong regularly offers bonus data deals for new customers, typically double the data during the first 12 months of connection, after which the monthly data allowance goes back to normal.

Generally, Belong's pricing is aligned with what other carriers on the Telstra wholesale network are offering, give or take a buck or two. For example, Tangerine's 25GB plan is priced slightly lower at AU$29p/m, while its 150GB plan offers less data than Belong's 160GB plan (even before the bonus data) and is slightly more expensive at AU$58p/m.

Belong mobile phone plans: coverage

Access to Telstra's wholesale network
Coverage is better in metropolitan areas

Belong offers the reliability of Telstra's wholesale network, which, while not as extensive as Telstra's full network, still provides slightly more coverage than Optus and Vodafone.

Overall, Belong's network reaches about 98.8% of the Australian population, covering all major metropolitan areas, though getting a good signal in remote regions might be challenging.

In terms of download speeds, Belong's first three plans are capped at 150Mbps, while its top plan is fastest at 250Mbps.

As previously noted, Boost Mobile is the only reseller providing full access to Telstra's network, covering 99.6% of Australia's population. However, Boost Mobile operates solely on a pre-paid basis, which might not appeal to everyone.

Belong mobile phone plans: extras, perks and offers

Unlimited data banking
Data gifting to other Belong customers

Belong is a great choice for your data needs. With unlimited data banking as long as you pay your bills on time and generous data limits on the top two plans, running out of data might become a thing of the past.

Additionally, you can share data with friends or family on Belong up to five times a month in 1GB chunks, which is pretty handy in a pinch.

Belong's biggest drawback when it comes to extras is that international calls and texts are excluded from three out of the telco's four plans. This means that unless you’re on the 160GB top plan, you’ll have to pay an additional AU$5p/m for unlimited standard calls and texts to 30 selected destinations.

It's also worth mentioning that Belong's international roaming rates are outrageously high, costing AU$30 for just 3GB of data, usable in 45 selected destinations for only 15 days. At AU$10 per GB, it fares even worse than Telstra, which offers 2GB of data for AU$5 per day.

Belong mobile phone plans: customer service and community reviews

Mixed customer reviews
Overseas call centres

Based on online reviews, Belong's service seems to be a mixed bag. Belong holds a disappointing score of 2.6 out of 5 on Product Review, and an even lower score of 1.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot. While some customers praise the telco's affordability, others criticise its service quality and complain about the lack of customer support.

Regarding Belong's service quality, that largely depends on the customer's location. While Telstra's wholesale network is generally reliable, its coverage isn't as extensive as Telstra's full network, which could lead to poor reception in rural areas.

The complaints about Belong's customer support likely stem from the use of overseas call centres. Although the exact location of these offshore teams isn't publicly disclosed, many user reviews highlight issues with their quality, citing scripted responses and lack of escalation as key concerns.

Belong mobile phone plans: bottom line

Belong offers flexible SIM-only plans with a focus on affordability. Pricing is competitive, with higher-tier plans offering better data value, unlimited data banking, and data sharing, though international calls and texts will cost you extra, and its roaming charges are absurd. It's also unfortunate that customer service quality isn't up to snuff, likely due to the use of overseas call centres. However, Belong is a good alternative to major providers, offering competitive plans, reasonable pricing, and reliable coverage in metropolitan areas via Telstra's wholesale network.

Best Telstra network mobile plans from resellers

Moose Mobile's got some buckin' good deals on SIM-only plans right now — from AU$12.40p/m for 40GB

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:27:45 +0000

Looking to cut down on mobile costs? You're in luck — Moose Mobile just slashed prices on all its SIM-only plans, and not only that, its cheapest option now comes with bonus data. Just a heads-up, these deals are for new customers only, or existing customers transferring to a new number.

Right off the bat, the Moose 27GB SIM Plan is now just ~~AU$26.80~~ AU$12.40p/m for the first 6 months, which is a discount of AU$14.40p/m (or AU$86.40 over the whole 6-month period). On top of that, the plan also includes 13GB of bonus data per month, which brings the total amount to 40GB to use each month during this time.

For now, we recommend skipping the next plan up, as it offers the same data at a higher cost. However, the Moose 100GB SIM Plan is an incredible offer: a scorching AU$29.80p/m for the first six months, down from AU$41.80. This is an unbelievable price for 100GB of monthly data!

Of course, the best value is reserved for the Moose 220GB SIM Plan, which is now priced at ~~AU$55.80~~ AU$$45.80 — that’s an incredible AU$0.20 per GB during the initial six months.

In addition to all of this, each of Moose Mobile’s plans offers 200GB data banking, unlimited standard calls and texts within Australia, no lock-in contracts and access to the Optus 4G and 5G networks.

You’ll have to get a wriggle on, though — these deals are only available until August 31, 2025. You also have to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Australian residential address.

Forget Verizon — one of my favorite cheap carriers is bringing back family plans

Philip Michaels — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 18:36:51 +0000

As the person responsible for evaluating the best phone carriers at Tom's Guide, I find that there's a lot to like about Visible, the Verizon-owned wireless service that offers lower-cost coverage on its parent company's network. But if there's a knock against Visible, it's the carrier's lack of family plans offering discounted rates when you add more lines.

That's about to change later this month, as Visible announced a new Inner Circle program that allows groups of people to save money on their monthly cell phone bills. Best of all, the people included in your Inner Circle plan don't even need to be family members — anyone can link together their Visible data plans and reap the benefits of lower rates.

Starting August 21, customers can pool together up to seven lines at Visible on a single account, with Visible offering discounts on its two premium plans for accounts with two or more people. With Visible Inner Circle, you can save $5 on the cost of either a Visible Plus or Visible Plus Pro plan, two unlimited data offerings that normally cost $35 and $45 a month, respectively.

The standard Visible unlimited data plan keeps its $25/month cost, even on Inner Circle plans.

	Regular monthly cost	Monthly cost with 2 or more Visible Inner Circle accounts	Plan details
Visible plan	$25	$25	Unlimited data
Visible Plus plan	$35	$30	Unlimited data with no speed caps, fastest 5G service
Visible Plus Pro plan	$45	$40	Unlimited data with no speed caps, fastest 5G service, 4k video streaming

The potential to lower the price of the Visible Plus plan via Visible's new family plan offering seems especially intriguing, since I consider Visible Plus to be the best unlimited data plan you can get right now. The regular $35 rate is already pretty low for unlimited data — it's a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable plans at AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon — and Visible stopped putting a cap on the amount of high-speed data you can enjoy with Visible Plus. Even modest savings of $5/month through Visible Inner Circle make a great plan already more appealing.

Visible says that Inner Circle members can mix and match different plans. In this scenario, I could have three other people in an Inner Circle group, with one of us subscribed to the standard plan, while two others pay for Visible Plus and the fourth signs up for Visible Plus Pro. The first person would pay $25/month, the Visible Plus subscribers would pay $30 each for their service, and the Visible Plus Pro subscriber would pay $40.

Visible Inner Circle family plans: Available August 21 @ Visible
Starting August 21, you'll be able to pool up to seven different lines of data in an account, with $5 monthly discounts on Visible Plus (normally $35) and Visible Plus Pro (normally $45) unlimited data plans. Each account can handle its own billing and manage its own account, giving you greater flexibility than more traditional family plans.View Deal

Besides the discounted rates, the other noteworthy thing about Visible Inner Circle is the ability to add anyone — not just family members — to your family plan. That means anyone from roommates to distant relatives can pool their wireless plans together. Even though the accounts are connected, billing can be assigned separately, with each member of your Inner Circle responsible for their own plan.

It all sounds very similar to the old Visible Party Pay program the carrier offered half a dozen years ago, where accounts could be grouped together for significant discounts. Visible dropped its Party Pay program as it expanded to offer more plan options, so it's good to see a similar program return, even if the per-line discounts are more modest this time around.

The ability to create family plans that aren't necessarily restricted to family members will make the new Visible offer appealing to some customers when it debuts next week. That said, the best family cell phone plans I've found offer more significant discounts the more lines you add. For example, a four-line plan at Total Wireless — another Verizon-owned carrier — reduces the per-line cost of unlimited data to $27.50, totaling $110 per month.

Still, in this day and age, flexibility counts for a lot, and Visible's soon-to-launch Inner Circle program certainly offers that to a wider audience than just immediate family members.

eSIM cards: What they are and how they’ll help you on your next trip

Emily Long — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:39:33 +0000

If you’ve ever upgraded from one cell phone to another, you have likely had to swap your SIM card: the tiny chip that pops into a storage slot in your device to connect you to your carrier’s cellular network. Increasingly, though, phone manufacturers and carriers are skipping physical SIM cards altogether in favor of a digital alternative.

eSIM — or embedded SIM — is a digital SIM card that is built into your device and can be activated virtually, no manual switch required. Most flagship smartphones in 2025 support eSIMs.

Here's what you need to know about eSIMs, and how they can be a real help when you travel overseas.

How does an eSIM work?

Unlike a traditional SIM card, which must be removed and swapped out from an old device to a new one or replaced if you want to change numbers or service providers, an eSIM is programmed remotely to give you instant access to your carrier network upon activation.

You can download your eSIM over Wi-Fi instead of heading into a carrier store or waiting for a physical chip to arrive in the mail. With an eSIM, you no longer need to worry about different SIM card sizes or the process of locating and opening the card slot.

eSIM technology also allows you to seamlessly switch between multiple numbers — such as a personal and business line — on the same phone as long as your device supports this feature.

Why you should choose an eSIM for your next trip

Since eSIMs can be purchased and activated remotely, they’re a convenient way to stay connected on your next trip. If your existing carrier plan isn’t particularly travel-friendly, you can get an eSIM with more affordable international options, such as unlimited data for the countries or regions you’re visiting.

Some providers also offer eSIMs with local phone numbers in the event you need one for calls, texts, or other services. You typically don’t need to commit to a long-term contract with travel eSIMs, as you can purchase plans for as little as a few days (though you can get extended coverage if you’re a frequent flyer).

With an eSIM, you can continue using your current phone as normal without interrupting your existing carrier plan, and you don’t need to obtain and keep track of multiple SIM cards as you cross borders. In fact, you can purchase and install an eSIM before departure so it is ready to go when you arrive at your destination.

If your device supports dual SIMs, you can toggle between them in your phone’s settings. Note that your device will need to be unlocked to use an eSIM from another carrier, so be sure to check before buying an eSIM.

Dodo is offering 50% off its three top mobile plans for the first 4 months — grab this deal before it goes extinct

Stephen Lambrechts — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:20:56 +0000

If you're looking to save money on your mobile phone plan, Dodo has a great deal right now that gets new and returning customers a 50% discount on its best plans for the first 4 months.

Kicking things off is the 30GB plan, which is just ~~AU$28~~ AU$14 p/m during the initial 4-month period, after which it will revert to its regular price. It's also worth noting that this plan is limited to the Optus 4G network, while the rest of the discounted plans get 5G access with a 100Mbps speed cap.

Dodo's next discounted plan offers 40GB of monthly data and costs just ~~AU$33~~ AU$16.50 p/m for the first 4 months. That's followed by the 60GB plan, which is priced at ~~AU$38~~ AU$19 p/m during the same introductory period.

All three plans come with unlimited data banking, unlimited standard calls, text and MMS, no lock-in contracts, no excess data charges and access to Dodo's international roaming day pack, which is priced at AU$10 per day for 1GB of data. The plans also come with varying amounts of international call credit.

That's a significant amount of value for anyone looking to cut down on costs for the next four months. Of course, this offer is only available until September 30, 2025. In other words, it would be a good idea to grab Dodo's deal now before it goes the way of... well... the dodo.

Tangerine Telecom mobile plans review

Stephen Lambrechts — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:14:57 +0000

Tangerine Telecom is one of Australia's fastest-growing mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), using Telstra's wholesale network to provide an affordable alternative to major carriers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

If you're after a simple SIM-only mobile plan, Tangerine's a great choice, offering just six postpaid plans that are all about value. Many plans offer attractive bonuses, such as data banking of up to 1000GB, unlimited international calls and texts to specified countries, and reduced rates when bundled with Tangerine NBN.

Tangerine's plans offer significantly more data than comparably priced Telstra plans. However, unlike Telstra's uncapped speeds, Tangerine's plans have speed caps ranging from 100-250Mbps. Thankfully, all Tangerine plans outside of its entry-level option include 5G access.

In terms of customer support, Tangerine has a fairly decent reputation, earning more positive online user reviews than many of its rivals. That said, the telco's support team is based overseas, which can result in frustration due to long wait times and unresolved issues.

Still, if you're after the reliability of Telstra's network without paying Telstra prices, and you have a preference for postpaid plans, Tangerine is a great, cost-effective option.

Tangerine Telecom mobile plans and pricing

Affordably priced plans
Decent data allowances

Refreshingly, Tangerine's six postpaid plans all feature transparent pricing that, unlike many smaller Australian telcos, does not increase after an initial six-month period. So, while other telcos may advertise cheaper plans at the outset, they don't always represent great value once that introductory period is over.

Firstly, you should completely avoid Tangerine's entry-level 14GB plan, which frankly sucks from a value standpoint at AU$25 p/m. Apart from being the only Tangerine mobile plan limited to 4G network access, its download speeds are capped to just 100Mbps, and its rollover databank maxes out at 500GB — half of what every other plan offers. On top of these drawbacks, it's the only Tangerine mobile plan which doesn't offer unlimited international calls and texts to 15 specified countries.

By comparison, the 30GB plan is only slightly more expensive (AU$30 p/m) and offers over twice the monthly data (working out to AU$1 per GB), double the databank (1000GB), 5G network access, shared number functionality (more on that later) and the aforementioned international inclusions. That's an awful lot to sacrifice for the equivalent cost of one cappuccino per month.

As the monthly data allowance of each plan increases, so does its cost-effectiveness, with Tangerine's top-tier 160GB plan offering the best value at AU$60 p/m, equating to around AU$0.37 per GB. Not only does this plan provide amazing value for money, but it also boasts the fastest download speeds of any Tangerine mobile plan, reaching up to 250Mbps.

It's worth noting that new customers can receive a a AU$10 p/m discount for the first three months of connection, after which the price will go back to the full amount.

Tangerine Telecom mobile coverage

Access to Telstra's wholesale network
Coverage is better in metropolitan areas

Thanks to its access to Telstra's network, Tangerine boasts a broader coverage footprint than many comparably priced rivals using Optus or Vodafone networks, reaching around 98.8% of the Australian population.

Of course, Tangerine operates on Telstra's wholesale network, not it's full network. That means Aussies can expect Tangerine's coverage to match Telstra's service in metropolitan areas but will likely encounter weaker mobile signals throughout Australia's more rural regions.

If, however, you still want the 99.6% coverage promised by Telstra's full network, Boost Mobile is the only reseller offering complete access. Just know that Boost's plans are strictly prepaid-only.

Tangerine Telecom mobile plans: extras, perks and offers

Databank offers up to 1000GB of rollover data
10% discount when bundled with Tangerine NBN

Tangerine's mobile plans provide a range of additional perks, starting with the ability to bank up to 1000GB of unused data on all but its entry-level postpaid offering. That's great value when you consider that many other providers just let that unused data go to waste, even though you've technically paid for it.

Those same plans also provide unlimited calls and texts to 15 select countries, including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UK and USA. You can add more countries with international calling add-on packs, which are priced at AU$5 and offer between 60 and 300 minutes of talk time based on the pack you choose.

Those who smartly avoid Tangerine's entry-level 12GB plan will also get Shared Number functionality, which essentially shares your mobile plan's data and call inclusions with a compatible LTE-enabled smartwatch, allowing it to receive calls and use data without the need for your phone to be nearby. Honestly, we don't know why this isn't a standard offering on every phone plan.

On top of all of this, Tangerine also offers a 10% discount on your phone bill when you bundle your mobile plan with one of its NBN plans. Sure, that really only saves you a few bucks per month, but every dollar counts these days.

Tangerine Telecom mobile plans: customer service and community reviews

Better than average customer reviews
Offshore call centres

Although Tangerine does have some local customer service representatives, the company's support team is primarily based in Manila, Philippines.

Online reviews suggest that Tangerine's customer service is typically polite and often helpful, however, some customers have complained of long wait times, unresolved issues and the feeling that you're getting scripted, generic responses from its help team.

In terms of online user feedback, Tangerine holds an impressive score of 4.2 on Product Review, but falls short with a less than stellar rating of 2.0 on Trustpilot. Admittedly, there's quite a gulf between those two scores, but if you average them out, they're still leagues ahead of major telcos like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

Tangerine Telecom mobile plans: bottom line

If you're after an affordable, data-packed mobile plan on Telstra's reliable network, Tangerine Telecom has plenty to offer. The plans include practical perks like data banking and international calls. However, the capped download speeds and offshore support might not suit everyone. Even so, Tangerine stands out with competitive pricing and a solid customer reputation, making it an easy choice to recommend.

Best Telstra network mobile plans from resellers

Heading overseas this summer? 3 reasons why an eSIM should be part of your travel planning

Emily Long — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:48:18 +0000

If you’re traveling abroad this summer, you’re probably considering the best way to stay connected while overseas. Fortunately, an eSIM makes it easy to transition seamlessly from one country to the next — no device or SIM card switching required.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that links your phone to a carrier’s cellular network, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and use cellular data. eSIMs are purchased, installed, and activated remotely, so you can add a different plan to your existing eSIM-compatible device without visiting a carrier store or purchasing a physical SIM card.

Three reasons why you need an eSIM

Limited coverage

Some carriers have limited (if any) coverage for areas outside your home country — and if you don’t plan ahead, you may pay a premium for international roaming, leading to an unpleasant surprise on your next bill. While you may be able to add a travel pass to your existing contract in advance, an eSIM is an easy alternative for accessing an affordable, travel-friendly data plan.

It's customizable to your itinerary

With an eSIM provider, you can customize your plan for your itinerary, including country-specific plans or those covering larger regions. If you’re traveling around the European Union, for example, you don’t need to change SIM cards each time you cross a border. You can choose contract lengths ranging from a few days to a month or longer, with options for extended or global coverage if you frequently travel overseas.

It saves you time at the airport

Another major advantage of an eSIM for international travel is that you can install it in advance so you’re covered the minute you arrive. If you rely on a physical SIM card, you have to find a vendor locally, leaving you disconnected for a period of time. Plus, you’ll have to keep track of the chip if you want to use it in the future. Physical SIM cards are at risk of being lost or stolen. (Note that some smartphones actually lack SIM card slots altogether, so you’d need to purchase a second device to use a traditional card.)

Bottom line

Because eSIM-compatible devices typically allow you to have multiple SIMs active at once, you can use your eSIM for affordable data while still receiving calls and texts to your main number while abroad. When you return home, you can easily switch back to your primary SIM and network with a simple update to your phone’s settings.

eSIMs have made it a lot easier to travel, and for a variety of reasons. Just be sure to research which carrier makes the most sense for you when you travel abroad.

Verizon confirms bad news for millions of customers via email

dave.leclair@futurenet.com (Dave LeClair) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:54:55 +0000

Verizon customers aren't having the best week. First, we heard the carrier was planning to increase fees, and now it appears that Verizon is raising fees and removing discounts from some plans, leaving customers forced to spend extra money.

This is likely to upset some people and potentially lead them to switch to one of the other top phone carriers, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, or any of the popular MVNOs, which can be significantly more affordable.

The gigantic mobile carrier is pulling loyalty discounts from customer accounts on September 1, at least that's what emails posted on Reddit claim.

"We are writing to let you know that a discount on your account will soon end. This discount will be removed no sooner than September 1, 2025. It is important to us to be upfront and transparent when changes are made to your account," reads the alleged email.

Verizon just confirmed it's raising fees again — here's what you'll pay now

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:14:16 +0000

Verizon, one of the best phone carriers, may have introduced a three-year price lock in April, but prices can still go up on your phone bill. The company confirmed to Tom's Guide that it's "making some adjustments" that will raise various fees starting in September.

In a statement, a Verizon spokesperson said that the "vast majority" of customers would see an increase of "less than 30 cents" to their monthly bill.

"To continue delivering the best customer experience on America's best 5G network and industry-leading services and tools that save our customers’ time and money, we're making some adjustments," the statement reads.

A recent Reddit thread (spotted by PhoneArena) revealed a number of fees that would see increases; Verizon spokesperson's confirmed those increases. The affected fees include the Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge which is used by Verizon to pay for "direct and indirect" costs like property taxes, and was already raised by the carrier last December.

According to the Reddit post, the recovery charge will increase by 28 cents to $3.78 per voice line. Data-only plans are taking a massive leap from $1.60 to $3.97 per line.

The Verizon Regulatory Charge is also rising 3 cents from $0.19 to $0.21 per line. This charge is an assessment that the carrier uses to to cover "various government charges."

"These adjustments are in line with market rates and allow us to continue to provide top-tier products and services," the spokesperson said.

While Verizon's three-year price lock keeps your main plan at a friendlier price for longer, it doesn't specifically lock fees and taxes. The guaranteed price lock is only available to customers on a newer myPlan subscription.

Lastly, the post indicates that Verizon is also raising the price of its device activation fee from $35 to $40, which can already be seen on the Verizon website. Tablet plans are also rising by an additional $5 a month.

Here's one way to encourage Switch 2 purchases — Nintendo is raising prices on the original Switch and Switch OLED

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 18:33:41 +0000

Today, August 1, Nintendo announced price increases for the "original Nintendo Switch family of systems...and select accessories" effective August 3. The gaming giant blamed the changes on "market conditions."

Though not specified, it is highly likely that the increases are in response to the tariffs enacted by the Trump administration on August 1. Those new taxes included 20% tariffs on Vietnam and on 30% on China, two countries that produce a lot of Nintendo's hardware.

In 2019, during the first Trump administration, Nintendo moved most of its hardware production out of China to Vietnam to avoid tariffs introduced then, as reported by the New York Times. However, between tariff introductions earlier this year and the current ones, Nintendo has not been able to escape the impact.

Nintendo Switch 2 takes what worked about its best-selling predecessor and makes impactful upgrades across the board. From the excellent, and noticeably larger, 7.9-inch display to the more powerful internal specs, the Switch 2 is a full leap forward and the best hybrid console you can buy.

Nintendo Switch 2: $499 @ Best BuyView Deal

Nintendo's announcement did not confirm what the new pricing would be but Nintendo stock tracker Wario64 pointed out that Target's website briefly showed higher prices.

The original Switch bumped up by $40 to $339.99. The Switch OLED version went up by $50 to $399.99, while the Switch Lite was priced at $229.99, a $30 hike. Currently, Target shows the original pricing.

The announcement says the Nintendo Switch 2, and Switch and Switch 2 games would "remain unchanged." However, the announcement does not that "price adjustments may be necessary in the future."

Additionally, it also indicates that some Switch 2 accessories — including Amiibos and the random Alarmo clock — will see "adjustments."

We've also seen that the Joy Con 2 controllers are getting a $5 increase making them $99.99.

If you were considering picking up either an original Nintendo Switch or the new Nintendo Switch 2, not might be the time before the tariffs raise prices even higher.

Best eSIM plans in Australia 2026: Get connected easily and enjoy your new plan in minutes

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:07:40 +0000

While the best eSIM plans in Australia are not supported by every handset, many of the best phones of 2026 no longer require physical SIM cards — they've simply embraced the added convenience and security of digital eSIM technology, allowing users to activate new plans or switch carriers directly from their phone's settings. In many cases, activation is as easy as scanning a QR code.

Of course, not all Aussie telcos are fully on board yet — Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer eSIM support, as do many other mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), though there are still some smaller providers that only use physical SIMs. This means you'll want to double-check if your preferred carrier supports eSIMs before you commit to a new phone or plan.

That said, eSIM support is steadily expanding, and it’s likely to boom with Australian telcos over the next couple of years. For those ready to say goodbye to physical SIM cards, we’ve compiled a list of the best eSIM plans in Australia for April 2026.

Best eSIM plans in Australia: value

Lyca Mobile Medium Plan | 360GB | AU$150 first year, then AU$240 ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G Network

Lyca Mobile is offering a great deal for those willing to pay upfront for a whole year of service. The telco's Medium long-term plan gives you a total of 360GB, split into 30GB chunks that are renewed every 30 days for 12 renewals, at a reduced price of AU$150, down from AU$240 — that works out to just AU$12.50 per renewal, making it an awesome bargain. Once the introductory period ends, the price for your next 12 renewals returns to the regular rate. Be sure to choose ‘eSIM’ at checkout to receive your QR code via email instead of a physical SIM. This offer is valid until December 31, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$150 | Total cost per year: AU$150, then AU$240 ongoingView Deal

TPG (100GB Large Plan) | 100GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$22.50p/m (first 6 months, then AU$45p/m) | Vodafone 4G/5G network

This offer has been on the table for ages, but it's still an excellent deal. TPG is offering new customers a whopping 100GB of data per month for just AU$22.50p/m. Of course, there's a catch — that price is only for the first 6 months, after which the price goes up to AU$45p/m (or AU$40p/m if you bundle it with a TPG internet plan). If that price is too rich for your blood, you can just cancel and switch to another provider. Please note, this offer is only available to new connections. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$22.50 | Total cost per year: AU$405 for first year, AU$540 each year after thatView Deal

Yomojo Pro Plan | 105GB data | AU$29.90 per 30-day renewal (first 6 renewals, then AU$34.90) | Optus 4G/5G Network

Looking for massive data at a bargain price? Yomojo's Pro Plan delivers incredible value. For the first six months, it's an absolute steal at only AU$29.90 per renewal, translating to a mere AU$0.28 per GB. Even after the introductory period, when the price adjusts to AU$34.90 every 30 days, it remains a fantastic deal, breaking down to just AU$0.33 per GB. Currently, this promotion runs until July 31, 2026, though the deadline has been extended several times in recent months.T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$29.90 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$388.80View Deal

50GB SIM only plan | 50GB + 50GB bonus data (first 6 months) | AU$26 p/m for first 3 months, then AU$36 ongoing | Telstra 5G network

New customers who sign up for a Tangerine 5G SIM-only plan can save on their monthly bill for the first 3 months, reducing the price of the 50GB plan from AU$36 p/m to just AU$26 p/m. Additionally, Tangerine is offering double data for the first 6 months of connection. This double data promotion is available until August 27, 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$26 | Total cost for first year: AU$402View Deal

Best eSIM plans in Australia: data

Plus One eSIM Plan | 130GB | No lock-in contract | AU$40 p/m | Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network

No discounts on this Exetel plan, but it still provides exceptional value, nonetheless. For just AU$40 p/m, you'll get a massive 130GB of monthly data, which works out to AU$0.30 per GB. Just know that this plan is eSIM only and has a speed cap of 150Mbps.

Total minimum cost is AU$40 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$480View Deal

Spintel $35 Mobile Plan | 100GB | No lock-in contract | AU$435p/m | Optus 5G Network

Simplicity is the name of the game here, with Spintel's $35 Mobile Plan giving you 100GB of monthly data. No bonus period, no jump in price or halving of data after a few months — just exactly what it says on the tin. For just AU$35 p/m, that amount of data works out to just AU$0.35 per GB.

Total minimum cost is AU$35 (1 month) | Total cost for first year: AU$420View Deal

Vodafone Medium Promo Plan | 250GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$55p/m for first 12 months, then AU$68p/m ongoing | Vodafone 4G/5G network

Now is a great time to sign up to Vodafone thanks to a half-price promotion for new customers. That means you can get the Medium Promo Plan with a whopping 250GB of monthly data for only AU$55p/m for the first 12 months. If you don’t need that much data, the Small Promo Plan offers 80GB a month and is discounted from AU$58p/m to AU$45p/m for the same first-year period. This offer is available July 30. 2026. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$55 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$660View Deal

Max 5G Plan | 160GB | No lock-in contract | AU$60 per recharge (2nd recharge free) | Telstra 5G Network

Looking for a prepaid plan with plenty of data and a speed cap that’s faster than average? Superloop’s Max 5G Plan fits the bill, offering 160GB of data (just AU$0.37 per GB), speeds up to 250Mbps, and a massive 1000GB databank on a 30-day cycle. Need more convincing? Well, new customers will also get their 2nd recharge for free, which in this case means a rather substantial AU$60 saving.

Total minimum cost is AU$60 (1 month) | Total cost for first year (including free 2nd recharge): AU$660View Deal

How we pick the best eSIM plans in Australia

When selecting the best eSIM plans in Australia, the Tom's Guide team focuses on several key factors that we believe are important to most users.

Our initial step is to exclude carriers that do not currently support eSIM technology.

Value is a top priority — the ideal eSIM plans offer a sensible amount of data without being overly expensive. Given that the average Australian consumes about 12GB of data monthly, we consider this our minimum data allowance. We also examine premium eSIM plans that provide ample data, even if they come at a higher cost.

eSIM plans should always include unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers. This is a common feature even in affordable options, so we avoid any plan that limits these.

Network coverage is another crucial element. Australians can expect access to either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks, depending on their chosen provider. Telstra boasts the broadest 4G and 5G coverage, with Optus and Vodafone following closely.

Finally, while not the primary driver for our choices, we also consider additional perks such as bonus international minutes or data rollover.

With Optus 5G access and 50% off, Aussie Broadband's SIM-only mobile deals might be the best I've seen this EOFY

Stephen Lambrechts — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:40:07 +0000

With less than a week left in the EOFY 2025 sales, now's the time to lock-in an awesome deal that will keep the savings going with your mobile plan until the end of the calendar year.

We've already seen some excellent EOFY telco deals throughout the month of June, but this offer from Aussie Broadband might be the best one we've seen so far.

If you were under the impression that Aussie Broadband was solely an internet provider, think again — the trusted telecommunications company has been offering SIM-only mobile plans since 2021, but has gotten more competitive with its pricing in the last few months.

Now the telco is doubling down on its strategy for EOFY, offering new customers a 50% discount for their first 6 months on selected Aussie Broadband prepaid plans when they apply the code DEALMOB at checkout. After those initial 6 months are up, the plans will go back to full price for as long as you stay connected.

In other words, plans that usually range in price from AU$35 p/m to AU$70 p/m will now range from AU$17.50 p/m to AU$30 p/m. When you consider that these plans offer from 40GB to 220GB of monthly data on the Optus 5G network, that's incredible value for money.

Aussie Broadband | Save 50% p/m for the first 6 months with code ‘DEALMOB’ on select plans

New Aussie Broadband customers can snag a fantastic EOFY deal: 50% off selected mobile plans for the first 6 months. Just use the code DEALMOB to unlock this discount on four of Aussie’s prepaid plans, all of which offer Optus 5G network access. Here's what you're looking at in terms of monthly data and price:

• Value 5G SIM Plan (40GB p/m) — AU$17.50 p/m for the first 6 months, then AU$35 p/m ongoing
• Essential 5G SIM Plan (100GB p/m) — AU$25 p/m for the first 6 months, then AU$50 p/m ongoing
• Premium 5G SIM Plan (120GB p/m ) — AU$30 p/m for the first 6 months, then AU$60 p/m ongoing
• Elite 5G SIM Plan (220GB p/m ) — AU$35p/m for the first 6 months, then AU$70 p/m ongoingView Deal

As you can see, all of these deals are exceptional from a value standpoint. However, I would personally opt for either the Premium 5G SIM Plan or the Elite 5G SIM Plan, as these plans not only offer stacks of data, they also offer full speed access to the Optus 5G Network, while the other two plans have their download speeds capped at 150Mbps.

Of course, you'll have to hurry if you want to take advantage of this deal, as the offer will expire on June 30, 2025.

T-Satellite with Starlink is launching next month — what you need to know about T-Mobile's satellite-to-mobile service

Philip Michaels — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:33:31 +0000

Starting next month, it should be easier than ever to stay connected on T-Mobile's wireless network, as the carrier has just announced plans to launch its satellite-to-mobile service starting July 23.

T-Satellite launches initially with support for text messaging, with plans to offer data connectivity over satellite in October.

The T-Satellite service is the result of a collaboration between T-Mobile and Starlink that was first announced three years ago.

As detailed by T-Mobile president Mike Katz during a press event today (June 23), the T-Satellite service will be included with T-Mobile's $100/month Experience Beyond plan as well as older Go5G Next plans. Other T-Mobile plans will offer T-Satellite connectivity as a $10/month add-on.

T-Satellite: How it works

T-Satellite relies on a network of 650-plus satellites. Katz says that phones will automatically connect to the satellite-based network when there's no cellular connection, so users won't have to go through a connection process whenever they're out of range.

According to T-Mobile, satellite connectivity will work with around 75% of the devices used by the carrier's current customer base. That covers nearly any that's been made in the last four years, Katz says.

Both Android and iOS devices will have text message support at launch, and Android users will also enjoy support for MMS messaging. MMS support for iPhones will follow.

Starting October 1, T-Satellite will expand to data-based connectivity, with satellite-enabled apps from AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, Google, WhatsApp and X that coverage weather, mapping and messaging, among other crucial tasks for when you're in remote areas.

T-Mobile is also offering developer tools to help app makers ready their own software for T-Satellite's data service.

The initial launch of T-Satellite includes support for 911 texting by T-Mobile customers, but in October, T-Mobile says it will expand emergency texting to any mobile customer of any carrier who uses a compatible phone.

New T-Mobile promotions

T-Mobile announced the T-Satellite launch as part of an event to mark an award from third-party testing firm Ookla that names T-Mobile the best phone network in the U.S. It's quite a turnaround for the carrier which found itself ranked last in network performance surveys a dozen years ago.

"We not only dream about going from worst to best, we actually do it," said chief operating officer Srini Gopalan. "We're a good two years ahead of Verizon and At&T and i believe that lead is going to grow."

T-Mobile also made two other announcements today aimed at expanding its customer base.

Perks offered by the company to subscribers will now included a free DashPass membership from DoorDash. DashPash normally costs $10/month and eliminates delivery fees while reducing service fees among other benefits. CEO Mike Sievert said the benefit will come to T-Mobile's "most popular plans," including the current Experience Beyond and Experience More options.

In a move targeting Verizon customers looking to switch carriers, a new T-Mobile promotion called Easy Upgrade offers to pay off the balance customers owe to Verizon for their current phone.

Those switchers will then receive a flagship phone — Sievert specifically mentioned devices like the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 — from T-Mobile.

Best EOFY telco deals: Optus, Vodafone and Telstra are slashing prices on phones, plans and more

Stephen Lambrechts — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:53:15 +0000

With the end of financial year rapidly approaching, now is a great time to take advantage of the EOFY sales happening at Australia's major telcos.

Carriers like Optus, Vodafone and Telstra are currently offering great deals on phone plans, along with discounts on handsets, smartwatches and more.

We've taken the liberty of rounding up the best EOFY telco deals you can get right now by carrier, with big savings up for grabs — especially if you're willing to stay connected to an eligible plan for 24 or 36 months.

Of course, these deals will end as soon as the new financial year begins on July 1, so don't wait too long to snag a bargain if you see one!

Optus EOFY deals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Save AU$400 and get a free Galaxy Watch 7

Want to get your hands on the best phone in the world right now at a huge discount, and get a free smartwatch while you're at it? This deal from Optus offers just that, with a AU$400 discount on the phone and a free Galaxy Watch 7 for those willing to stay connected to an eligible Optus phone plan for 24 or 36 months. That's AU$1,098 in value! T&Cs apply.View Deal

Get 20% off Small and Medium SIM plans for 12 months with code

In this online-exclusive deal, Optus is offering a 20% discount on Small and Medium SIM only plans for 12 months when you apply the code YES20 at checkout. That gets you a saving of AU$11 p/m on the Small plan and AU$13p/m on the Medium plan, which is quite decent! T&Cs apply.View Deal

Vodafone EOFY deals

Get 100GB for just AU$39p/m for first 12 months on Small SIM Only Plan

Want stacks of data without breaking the bank? This EOFY deal from Vodafone gets you 100GB of data for just AU$39p/m on the telco's Small SIM Only Plan for the first 12 months. That's twice the data the plan normally offers, along with a AU$10 monthly discount, saving you AU$120 over the first year connected. T&Cs apply.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Save AU$300 + AU$500 bonus trade-in credit with eligible device on 36 months plan

If you've got an eligible device to trade in, you can get a bonus AU$500 in trade-in credit towards the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which already has a AU$300 discount on it for EOFY. Of course, you'll need to stay connected to an eligible plan for 36 months months to take advantage. T&Cs apply.View Deal

Telstra EOFY deals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Save AU$500 when you buy on repayment

Those willing to stick with Telstra on an eligible 12, 24 or 36 months plan can save AU$500 over the course of their contract when they buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on repayment. T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy S25: Save AU$300 when you buy on repayment or AU$200 when you buy outright
Samsung Galaxy A56: Save AU$200 when you buy outright or AU$240 on selected 12 month plans
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Save AU$850 when you buy on repayment or AU$500 when you buy outright.

Trump Mobile launching with gold T1 phone and unlimited data — here's how they stack up

Philip Michaels — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:19:02 +0000

President Trump not only wants to sell you your next phone but provide the mobile wireless service for that device.

Technically, the phone is being developed by the Trump Organization, the business run by the president's children that's launched a number of side hustles related to his presidency.

Indeed, the T1 Phone from the Trump Organization appears to be exactly that, with its announcement date of today (June 16) timed to mark the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump announcing his first run for the presidency.

The gold-toned T1 Phone is supposed to ship in August for $499, and the Trump Organization says it will be built in the U.S. That's in keeping with a stated goal of the president, who wants to return more manufacturing jobs to the U.S., especially tech devices.

Just last month, President Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on Apple unless it moved iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. — a tricky demand since the U.S. lacks the kind of manufacturing facilities and equipment to build phones at the scale Apple needs.

Even before the phone arrives, the Trump Organization plans to launch its own wireless service called Trump Mobile. The carrier's lone plan, the 47 Plan, features unlimited data for $47.45/month — prices that coincide with Trump's two terms in office.

(Image credit: Trump Mobile)

Trump Mobile is what's known as a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, in that it will rely on other carriers' towers for cellular service. In a statement announcing the launch of Trump Mobile, the Trump Organization says it offering "5G service through all three major cellular carriers," which would mean AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

Should you consider either the T1 Phone or getting your wireless service from Trump Mobile? Here's what we know so far about the phone and how Trump Mobile's advertised plan compares to other wireless options.

The T1 Phone: What we know so far

The Trump Organization has posed a few specs for the T1 Phone, though some key details are missing. The phone will feature a 6.8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. A 5,000 mAh battery that supports 20W charging speeds supplies the power. There's no indication the phone will offer wireless charging.

Images of the phone depict a triple-camera array, though the listed specs suggest a less-than-robust setup. While the main camera uses a 50MP sensor, those other rear cameras are apparently a 2MP depth sensor and 2MP macro lens.

While it's not uncommon for sub-$500 phones to lack a dedicated telephoto lens — the Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro are two exceptions — many devices in the T1 Phone's price range do feature an ultrawide lens. The Pixel 9a, our current pick for the best cheap phone under $500, has a dual-lens setup with an ultrawide camera joining the main shooter.

The T1 Phone promises 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage. Information about the system-on-chip that will power the phone isn't listed.

In terms of design, the back of the phone looks to feature a giant T1 logo on top of a smaller logo of the American flag.

While the phone isn't supposed to arrive until August, the Trump Organization is taking pre-orders now, though you'll have to put up a deposit $100 — around one-fifth of the total cost to secure your order.

Considering this is the Trump Organization's first stab at making a phone, I'd be inclined to hold on to my money until there was a shipping product, especially since you're able to bring your current phone to the Trump Mobile service if you decide to make that MVNO your wireless carrier.

For what it's worth, a reporter for 404 Media tried placing a pre-order for the T1 Phone. According to his account, the website failed and his credit card was charged $64.70.

The Trump Mobile 47 Plan: What you get

So should you turn to Trump Mobile for your wireless coverage? If you do, you'll have just one plan — the $47.45/month 47 Plan, which promises unlimited data with 5G coverage. However, only 20GB of that unlimited data is guaranteed to be high-speed data.

In terms of perks, the Trump Organization says the 47 Plan includes free international calling to 100 countries, with families of military service members receiving free calls to overseas bases. Other perks include device protection, 24/7 roadside assistance and teleheath services.

How the Trump Mobile 47 Plan compares

In an interview with Fox Business, Eric Trump — both the president's son and the executive vice president of the Trump Organization — touted the low cost of the 47 Plan. "It's going to be cheaper, 47 bucks a month," he said. "You're going to have more internet. More international dialing for free, hundreds of countries. International dialing for free. It is the biggest bang for the buck."

A $47.45/month unlimited plan certainly undercuts what the big carriers charge for unlimited data. T-Mobile's Essentials Saver plan costs $50/month after an autopay discount, and AT&T has a $51/month Value Plus plan. At Verizon, the Unlimited Welcome plan starts at $65/month, but the carrier's prepaid options include a $50/month unlimited plan.

Those unlimited plans from the major carriers are pretty bare-bones in terms of perks, though, and certainly lack the extras Trump Mobile's 47 Plan promises.

Unlimited plan	Monthly cost	High-speed data cap
Trump Mobile 47 Plan	$47.45	20GB
AT&T Value Plus plan	$51	Speeds can be slowed if network is congested
Boost Mobile Unlimited plan	$25	30GB
Mint Mobile	$30 (with upfront annual payment)	None
T-Mobile Essentials Saver	$50	50GB
Verizon Unlimited Welcome	$65	Speeds can be slowed if network is congested
Visible Plus plan	$35	50GB

The 47 Plan compares less favorably to unlimited data offerings from fellow MVNO outfits.

Visible currently offers my pick for the best unlimited data plan with its $35/month Visible Plus plan, which delivers fast Ultra Wideband 5G from Verizon's network. What's more, that plan features 50GB of high-speed data, dwarfing the 20GB in the Trump Mobile plan. A current promotion at Visible running through the end of June cuts the Visible Plus rate to $30/month for the next three years when you sign up with a 'SAVE5' promo code.

If you don't mind paying for a year of cellular service in advance, Mint Mobile also offers a low monthly rate on unlimited data. A year's worth of service normally costs $30/month or an upfront payment of $360, though currently Mint is discounting that with $20/month or $240. Mint gets its wireless coverage from T-Mobile, which also owns Mint. It's also notable that Mint has no cap on high-speed data.

Boost Mobile is building out its own network, with supplemental coverage from AT&T and T-Mobile to extend its reach nationwide. That carrier has a $25/month unlimited plan with a 30GB on high-speed data. Boost also says it will lock in that rate for as long as you're a customer, meaning no price hikes.

In other words, Trump Mobile may be touting the low cost of its cell phone plan. But multiple carriers beat it on price.

Telstra's announced another round of price hikes for its internet and mobile plans — and just days after network coverage accusations

Stephen Lambrechts — Wed, 21 May 2025 07:08:06 +0000

Just days after being accused by Vodafone of providing misleading cellular network coverage claims to customers, Telstra has announced a new round of price adjustments across its postpaid mobile, mobile broadband and NBN plans.

Price hikes seem to be increasing in frequency at Australia's largest telco, with Telstra's last mobile plan price hike rolling out just 7 months ago, in October 2024.

The newest changes, set to take effect on July 1, will see increases of up to AU$7p/m on some plans, however, Telstra is also lowering the price of its two fastest NBN plans.

Unfortunately, all of Telstra's mobile broadband plans will become more expensive, though the Medium plan will get a larger data allowance. The prices of only three plans will remain unchanged, with the Premium and Starter mobile plans, as well as the entry-level (12Mbps) NBN plan escaping unscathed.

For a complete rundown of Telstra's upcoming price adjustments and how they compare to current pricing, simply check out the tables below.

Postpaid plans:

	Current price	Price as of July 1
Mobile bundle (25GB)	AU$52	AU$57
Basic plan (50GB)	AU$65	AU$70
Essential plan (180GB)	AU$75	AU$80

Mobile broadband plans:

	Current price	Price as of July 1
Data bundle (10GB)	AU$10	AU$15
Small plan (30GB)	AU$25	AU$30
Medium plan (100GB, up from 75GB)	AU$58	AU$65

NBN plans:

	Current price	Price as of July 1
Basic (25Mbps)	AU$89	AU$93
Essential (50Mbps)	AU$105	AU$109
Premium (100Mbps)	AU$110	AU$113
Ultimate (250Mbps)	AU$130	AU$129
Ultrafast (1,000Mbps)	AU$150	AU$139

Is it time to go elsewhere?

Given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in Australia, you could be forgiven for wanting to look elsewhere for a cheap mobile plan or cheap NBN plan.

As expected, Telstra's decision to increase pricing has been met with pushback from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), which released a statement saying "the price increases will place an impost on millions of Australians already under financial pressure."

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett also encouraged Australians to "assess their data needs and compare major telco offerings with smaller providers" and pointing out that these "may offer better value while still using the capacity of a major network.”

So if you're feeling the pinch from Telstra's mobile plan price hikes but still want access to Australia's largest network, you may want to consider some Telstra network mobile plans from alternative providers. For convenience, we currently think these two plans from more-affordable Telstra network providers are particularly good value:

Belong 160GB SIM Only Plan | 160GB data | No lock-in contract | AU$55p/m

Wholly owned by Telstra, Belong is an excellent option for those looking to access Australia's largest network for less. For just AU$55p/m, this plan gets you a massive 160GB of monthly data, which works out to just AU$0.34 per GB. On top of that, you also get 5G network access (capped at 250Mbps).

Total minimum cost is AU$55 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$660View Deal

Tangerine | 150GB data | Unlimited calls and texts | No lock-in contract | AU$58p/m

This SIM-only plan from Tangerine offers 150GB of data each month, with a double data bonus on the first three months for new customers. It uses parts of the Telstra 5G, 4G and 3G network and speeds are capped at 250Mbps on 4G and 5G, but for just AU$58p/m, this is a cracking deal.

Total minimum cost: AU$58 | Yearly cost: AU$696View Deal

Of course, if an alternative mobile broadband or NBN source is what you're after, you should know that the best-value internet plans are generally much more affordable than Telstra's pricing. You can find our reader's favourites in those categories below.

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