Southern Phone mobile plans review

Southern Phone offers competitively priced SIM-only plans on the Optus network. Our review breaks down its overall value.

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Mariam Gabaji

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Southern Phone mobile review: Our verdict

Southern Phone is a solid pick for budget-conscious Aussies who want access to the Optus 4G and 5G mobile networks without the premium price tag.

Its SIM-only plans will suit a wide range of users, whether you need a low-to-medium monthly data allowance or a high-data plan.

While Southern Phone skips extras like data banking or mobile and internet bundling discounts, you still get perks like international call credit and the option to add on international roaming.

Pros

  • Unlimited local calls and texts
  • $50 international call credit included
  • International roaming add-on available
  • No lock-in contract

Cons

  • 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps
  • A pricey $10 charge for just 1GB if you run out of data

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What features are included with Southern Phone's mobile plans?

Southern Phone's SIM-only plans largely fall into the no-frills category. But you do get a couple of perks.

This includes $50 in monthly credit for standard international calls.

And the option to add a $5 daily travel pass in over 100 Zone 1 countries, or pay as you go in Zone 2 countries.

How does Southern Phone rate for network coverage?

Southern Phone runs on the Optus 4G and 5G networks, which cover around 98.5% of Australians.

That means you'll get essentially the same coverage as if you were on an Optus plan directly.

Keep in mind that its 5G download speeds are capped at 100Mbps across all plans.

However, this is still fast enough for everyday phone use, such as streaming videos, scrolling social media, video calls, and online gaming.

How does Southern Phone rate for customer service?

There are a couple of ways to get in touch with Southern Phone.

You can call its customer support line from 8 am to 6 pm AEST, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Alternatively, you can send a message through the live chat on its website to connect with an agent.

According to the latest Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) report for late 2025,

Southern Phone has seen mixed results. Complaints rose 18.3% in the October to December 2025 quarter, putting it in the top 10 most complained-about telcos.

However, overall complaints are down 38.2% compared to last year, showing a big improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

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6 Responses

    Peter's avatar
    PeterJuly 30, 2018

    How to update new credit card details?

      Jhezelyn's avatarFinder
      JhezelynJuly 30, 2018Finder

      Hello Peter,

      Thank you for your comment.

      To update your payment details, you can either log in to your Southern Phone account in the My Account section found on their website or get in touch with them directly so they can arrange this for you.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Dennis's avatar
    DennisJune 8, 2017

    What constitutes “data” in regard to mobile phones?

      Jonathan's avatar
      JonathanJune 8, 2017

      Hi Dennis!

      Thanks for the comment.

      Data is the exchange of information from the internet and your device or its applications. Whenever you turn-on your “data”, you are connected to the network and download or upload information. This includes emails, chat, browsing, internet banking, using voice over internet apps and many more.

      You may contact your network by calling their hotline for further details on how you can manage your data.

      Hope this clarifies.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    norm p's avatar
    normAugust 22, 2016

    I’m trying to finalise my plan but my mobile cut out. I have rang three times in an attempt to complete my application (which is on your computer file), but to no avail. Don’t email me.

      Brodie Fogg's avatar
      BrodieAugust 24, 2016

      Hi norm p.

      You’ve reached finder, not Southern Phone telco. I would recommend contacting Southern Cross on 1300 019 408.

      Cheers,
      Brodie

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