Best Telstra network mobile plans: alternative providers with top coverage

Telstra, Australia's largest telco, boasts the most extensive mobile network nationwide, providing superior 4G and 5G coverage compared to other major Australian carriers. However, this premium coverage comes at a higher price point when subscribing directly through Telstra.

Thankfully, there is a way to access Telstra's industry-leading mobile network without paying a premium, and that's through mobile virtual network operators (or MVNOs).

MVNOs are smaller telco companies that don't operate their own networks. Instead, they purchase network access at wholesale rates from major providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone and then resell this access to consumers at more affordable prices.

There are a number of smaller telcos in Australia which offer access to the Telstra network, such as Boost Mobile, Woolworths Mobile, ALDImobile and more — all of which provide mobile plans at reduced prices. Of course, it's worth noting that only a handful of these carriers currently offer 5G access, and most of their plans come with capped download speeds.

To help you access Telstra's cellular network and save money, we've highlighted the best Telstra network mobile plans from alternative providers in Australia, catering to all budgets. Alternatively, there are also plenty of other cheap mobile plans to check out if you're willing to venture outside of the Telstra network.

Telstra network: Best big-data plan

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

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$480

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100GB SIM only plan | 100GB | AU$38 p/m for first 3 months, then AU$48 ongoing | Telstra 5G network

It’s not the biggest saving, but new customers can score a AU$10 monthly discount for their first 3 months of connection. For this 100GB plan, that means paying just AU$38 p/m, and after that period ends, it returns to the still reasonable AU$48 p/m. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$38 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$546

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Telstra network: Best cheap plan

30GB SIM only plan | 30GB | AU$20 p/m for first 3 months, then AU$30 ongoing | Telstra 5G network

Just like the deal above, new customers who sign up for a Tangerine 5G SIM-only plan will get a AU$10 discount on their monthly bill for the first 3 months, reducing the price of the 30GB plan from AU$30 p/m to just AU$20 p/m. This deal is available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.

Total minimum cost is AU$20 (1-month) | Total cost for first year: AU$330

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Telstra network: best prepaid plan

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 deal for new customers offers insane value, offering 125GB of data for your first 28 days for only AU$17. Of course, the price and data allowance go back to AU$49 and 35GB for future recharges, which isn't hugely competitive, but you can always switch to another provider once that promo period is over.

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

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How we pick the best SIM-only mobile plans

In order to narrow down our list of choices, our team searches for a balance of several factors which we believe most people are looking for from a SIM-only plan.

Value for money is our top priority — the best SIM-only plans will offer a reasonable amount of data without becoming too expensive. On average, each Australian uses around 12GB of data per month, which is why we've set that amount as the minimum monthly allowance.

SIM-only plans should also offer unlimited calls and texts to standard numbers in Australia. Even the most affordable options provide this these days, so you should definitely avoid any plan which imposes a limit on either of them.

Network coverage is another important factor to consider when choosing a SIM-only plan. Depending on the telco you go with, all Aussies will get access to either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone network.

In terms of coverage, Telstra's network has the widest-reaching 4G and 5G coverage in Australia, with Optus a close second. Vodafone's network size may come in third place, but it's worth noting that its 5G coverage has grown by leaps and bounds, reportedly reaching 85% of the population across 10 major Australian cities and regions.

Additionally, we also take perks into consideration, even if they aren't the main reason for our selections. These can include such things as bonus international minutes, rollover data, access to streaming services and even discounts on your groceries.

• SIM-only mobile plans compared: The best Australian picks for every budget