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
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.
AeroMobile*
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao (Netherlands Antilles)
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana (Fr West Indies)
Tahiti (French Polynesia)
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe (Fr West Indies)
Guam and the Northern Marianas
Guatemala
Guernsey
Haiti
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Ireland
Isle of Mann
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea South
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malta
Martinique (Fr West Indies)
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Montserrat (UK)
Morocco
Myanmar
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
St. Barthelemy (Fr West Indies)
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin (Fr West Indies)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Turks and Caicos
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
US Virgin Islands
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Vietnam
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
When you sign up for a Southern Phone mobile plan, you'll be given the option to transfer your current phone number during the activation process. Southern Phone will handle the transfer for you, which typically takes between 24 and 48 business hours. Ensure your existing service is active during this period.
Yes, since Southern Phone plans are offered on a no lock-in contract basis, you typically have the flexibility to change your plan to better suit your needs. You can usually manage plan changes through your online account or by contacting Southern Phone's customer service team directly.
No, Southern Phone doesn't currently offer eSIM support.
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.
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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
DennisJune 8, 2017
What constitutes “data” in regard to mobile phones?
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
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.
BrodieAugust 24, 2016
Hi norm p.
You’ve reached finder, not Southern Phone telco. I would recommend contacting Southern Cross on 1300 019 408.
Most postpaid plans these days don’t tie you down - you can just go month-to-month and switch whenever you find a better deal.
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How to update new credit card details?
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
What constitutes “data” in regard to mobile phones?
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
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.
Hi norm p.
You’ve reached finder, not Southern Phone telco. I would recommend contacting Southern Cross on 1300 019 408.
Cheers,
Brodie