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).
Rather than owning their own network, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are smaller telecommunication companies that purchase network access from major carriers such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone at wholesale rates. They then offer this access to consumers at more competitive 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
Telstra network: Best cheap plan
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.
