Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 161 mobile plans on the Telstra network from 23 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 7 top picks based on price, data and expert analysis. Not every mobile plan will suit your needs so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Best mobile plans on the Telstra network for July 2024
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $25: Tangerine 12GB 4G SIM
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $30: Boost $35 SIM
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $40: Belong 40GB
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $50: Belong 100GB
Best prepaid plan on the Telstra network: Boost $35 SIM
Best 5G mobile plan on the Telstra network: ALDI $29 5G Plan
Best 12 month Telstra network plan: Boost $230 SIM
Option to bank up to 500GB of data for future use.
You can easily sign up via an eSIM as long as you have a compatible phone.
Tangerine was highly commended in the SIM Only Provider - Value category in the 2024 Finder Product Awards.
You'll be charged $3.50 for non-direct debit payments.
No bundling discount available for those on a Tangerine NBN plan.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $264
Why we chose it
To find the best Telstra network mobile plan under $25, we looked at mobile plans on Finder that run on both the full and wholesale Telstra network and cost under $25 per month. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the mobile plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best Telstra network mobile plan under $30
Boost $35 SIM
Unlimited Calls & Text
45GB
data
$35 per
28 days
for the first 3 recharges
then 25GB for $35.
T&Cs apply. Ends 5.8.24
Boost is the only small provider with access to the full Telstra 4G and 5G networks, the largest network in Australia. This can be handy especially if you live outside metro areas.
Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected destinations, 300 minutes to 30 selected destinations and 300 texts to any country.
Rollover data for future use as long as you recharge your plan before it expires.
Data allowance drops to 25GB from the fourth recharge.
A 28-day expiry means you’ll end up paying 13 bills over the year instead of 12.
Mobile network: Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
To find the best Telstra network mobile plan under $30, we compared mobile plans on Finder that run on both the full and wholesale Telstra networks and cost under $30 per month. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best Telstra network mobile plan under $40
Belong 40GB
Unlimited Calls & Text
60GB
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
$35 per
month
for the first 12 months
then 40GB for $35.
T&Cs apply. Ends 27.8.24
You’ll get 20GB of bonus data each month for the first 12 months.
You can add unlimited international calls and texts to 30 destinations for an extra $5 a month. This can be a handy add-on to have in case your needs change.
Option to share data with other Belong mobile and data users.
Bonus data offer ends after 12 months after which Belong’s allowance will revert to 40GB for $35 a month.
Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps though this is good enough for browsing, streaming, gaming and more.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
To find the best Telstra network mobile plan under $40, we looked at Telstra network mobile plans on Finder that cost under $40 per month. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best Telstra network mobile plan under $50
Belong 100GB
Unlimited Calls & Text
120GB
data. Slowed down to 1Mbps after full speed data used up
$45 per
month
for the first 12 months
then 100GB for $45.
T&Cs apply. Ends 27.8.24
There are no excess data charges. Once you've used your data allowance the download speed will just slow down to 1Mbps.
Unlimited data banking available so you can save any unused data.
Add on an international calling pack for an extra $5 a month, available for selected destinations.
Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps on the 4G and 5G networks.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $540
Why we chose it
We looked at Telstra network mobile plans on Finder that cost under $50 per month. We then gave each shortlisted plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best prepaid Telstra network mobile plan
Boost $35 SIM
Unlimited Calls & Text
45GB
data
$35 per
28 days
for the first 3 recharges
then 25GB for $35.
T&Cs apply. Ends 5.8.24
It's the only small provider to offer access to the full Telstra 4G and 5G networks.
You'll get 20GB bonus data on the first 3 recharges. This can be handy if you find your data needs have suddenly changed.
The plan features unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected destinations, 300 minutes to 30 selected destinations and 300 texts to any country.
Data allowance drops to 25GB from the fourth recharge.
4G and 5G download speeds at 150Mbps.
Mobile network: Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $420
Why we chose it
We compared prepaid plans on Finder that run on the full and wholesale Telstra network for $35 or under per month. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
The unlimited data rollover feature lets you bank unused data for future needs.
Unlimited international calls and texts to 20 selected countries.
It has a handy mobile app that lets you check your balance, set up auto recharge, add data and more.
5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps though this should still be good enough for most online activities.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $348
Why we chose it
We compared mobile plans on Finder that run on the full and wholesale 5G Telstra network for $35 or under per month. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data over 12 months (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
Top pick: Best 12-month Telstra network mobile plan
Access the full Telstra network rather than the wholesale one - Boost is the only prepaid provider outside of Telstra itself that offers this.
Get a bonus 10GB when you sign up for the first 12 months.
International roaming packs available to add on for selected destinations.
Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps on the 4G and 5G networks.
Data reverts to 160GB per recharge after the first 12 months.
Mobile network: Telstra 5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $230
Why we chose it
We compared 12-month and 365-day prepaid mobile plans on Finder that run on the full and wholesale Telstra network for $250 or under per year, including any promotional deals. We then gave each plan a value score by assigning weights to a number of factors including cost per data, network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner.
What are the Telstra network providers in Australia?
There are almost 20 smaller providers or MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use Telstra's mobile network.
Keep in mind that access to Telstra's mobile network works in 2 ways:
Full Telstra network coverage. This is only available through Telstra itself and Boost Mobile. JB Hi-Fi's mobile plans are a bit of a special case as it resells Telstra's plans under its own brand so it also gets full access. This covers 99.5% of Australians.
Wholesale Telstra network coverage. All other MVNOs run off the wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of Australians in comparison. While the difference is only 0.7%, those in regional and rural areas may be affected by the slight decrease in coverage.
We've broken down all the Telstra network providers available on Finder.
Provider
Network
5G
Telstra
Full Telstra
✅
Boost Mobile
Full Telstra
✅
JB Hi-Fi
Full Telstra
✅
Alphacall
Wholesale Telstra
❌
Belong
Wholesale Telstra
✅
ALDImobile
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Everyday Mobile
Wholesale Telstra
✅
TeleChoice
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Tangerine Telecom
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Pennytel
Wholesale Telstra
✅
TelSim
Wholesale Telstra
✅
numobile
Wholesale Telstra
✅
MATE Mobile
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Konec
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Exetel Mobile
Wholesale Telstra
✅
CMobile
Wholesale Telstra
✅
More
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Goodtel
Wholesale Telstra
✅
Superloop
Wholesale Telstra
✅
BetterLife
Wholesale Telstra
❌
Escapenet
Wholesale Telstra
❌
Having the option for a 5G trial allows you to test speeds before committing to a 5G mobile plan down the line as they can come with the heavier price tag.
You can see the difference between the full Telstra network coverage and wholesale coverage in the images below.
How do you find the best mobile plan on the Telstra network?
The key here is to understand the difference between full Telstra coverage and wholesale.
Apart from Boost Mobile, other smaller providers using Telstra have access to its wholesale 4G network which covers 98.8% of the Aussie population compared to 99.5% on the full network.
Unless you live in a very remote area, Telstra's wholesale network should suit you well.
Expert tip: If you aren't sure Telstra's wholesale network will suit your needs or location, sign up to a cheap plan and take it for a spin. On the off chance that you do notice a difference, just ditch the plan and sign up with Boost Mobile or Telstra itself.
I've been with Boost Mobile for 4 years now and have definitely noticed the difference of being on the full Telstra network, compared to the wholesale network. If my partner and I are hiking in the Blue Mountains, his reception will usually fizzle out before mine as he's with Everyday Mobile which runs on the slightly smaller wholesale network.
With Woolworths Mobile, you can get a mobile plan on its own or pair your SIM with a phone plan. It stocks the latest Samsung S23 or other popular Android devices.
You will also get 10% off your monthly groceries (up to $50) with a Woolworths Mobile plan
Data banking is available on most plans up to 500GB
Offers unlimited international calls to 22 countries on most of its plans, otherwise you can add on for an extra $5 a month
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MATE's mobile plans offer great bang for buck and it does one better when you bundle mobile and NBN. In return you'll get $10 off per month. You also get:
Data banking up to 500GB
Unlimited international calls and texts to 15 selected countries on most plans
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How we researched the best mobile plans on the Telstra network
We looked at mobile plans in our database designed for personal use that run on both full and wholesale Telstra networks.
Other selection criteria to narrow down our shortlist included looking at active Finder partners across the categories which allowed for this.
Promotional discounts were also taken into account during scoring.
Best Telstra network mobile plan categories
Each month, we select the best Telstra network mobile plans across 7 categories.
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $25: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $25.
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $30: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $30.
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $40: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $40.
Best Telstra network mobile plan under $50: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to plans equal to or under $50.
Best prepaid plan on the Telstra network: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to prepaid plans equal to or under $35.
Best 5G mobile plan on the Telstra network: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to 5G plans equal to or under $35.
Best 12 month Telstra network plan: Based on our internal value scoring system, limiting results to 12-month and 365-day prepaid plans equal to or under $250.
How does Finder's value scoring system work?
For certain categories, we use a value scoring system to choose the best mobile plan on the Telstra network by scoring the following factors:
Cost per gigabyte. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 12 months divided by the amount of data (GB). The price includes any promotional offers that are valid for 2 or more weeks from when we selected the plan.
Network coverage. We awarded scores depending on how wide the network coverage is across Australia.
Data rollover. We weight providers that offer data rollover higher than those that don't have this feature.
International calls. We weight providers that offer international calls higher than those that don't have this feature. This includes those that offer unlimited calls or credit/minutes for international purposes.
Wi-Fi calling. We weight providers that offer Wi-Fi calling higher than those that don't have this feature.
We then assign a weight to each of the factors in order to calculate a value score. Price and data are given the highest weighting.
Frequently asked questions
If you're on a budget then sticking to MVNOs will suit you better as they offer more affordably priced mobile plans.
For those in rural or regional areas where network coverage is a big concern, try Boost Mobile. It has access to the full Telstra 4G/5G network compared to other MVNOs that run on the wholesale network.
On the off chance you're still struggling, you may need to sign up to Telstra directly and see if it makes staying connected easier.
Yes, it does. Woolworths Mobile can access Telstra's wholesale 3G/4G network which reaches 98.8% of the Aussie population.
ALDImobile boasts well-priced plans for the whole household and has the added advantage of running on Telstra's wholesale 4G/5G network.
Here's the full list of providers on Finder that run on the Telstra network:
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 251 Finder guides across topics including:
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