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Telstra is Australia's largest network provider, so it's hardly surprising that it has a huge range of plans available. We'll go through Telstra's plans in detail and review them further down the page, but if you already know what you're looking for, you can start comparing using the tables below.
Highlights:
Telstra's SIM-only plans are postpaid, meaning you'll pay for your usage every month, making them suited to regular mobile users. If you're looking for prepaid plans, including long expiry options, click here.
Telstra's prepaid plans focus on good data value for the first few recharges. Any unused data you have left will rollover to the next month, and expiry periods range from seven days all the way up to a year.
The tables below show the top new phone models that you can pair with a Telstra SIM-only plan. You can switch between the Samsung S21, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 and Samsung S20 5G. Alternatively, you can pick your own handset by clicking "Filter results" and choosing the model that you want.
Although Telstra offers three separate types of plans – prepaid, SIM-only and plans with a phone – many of them share common features. These include unlimited standard calls and texts, access to Telstra Air Wi-Fi and the Telstra Plus rewards program.
Prepaid plans are split into regular monthly Pre-Paid Mobile plans and Pre-Paid Casual Mobile plans, which has replaced Telstra's older PAYG options.
Pre-Paid Mobile plans suit regular mobile users who aren't worried about running through their data, and like having their monthly usage sorted out in advance.
Here's a brief comparison between Telstra's long-expiry plans and its 28 day options:
Plan | Expiry period | GB available over a year | How does it compare? |
---|---|---|---|
$30 Pre-Paid Mobile | 28 days | 165GB/12 months (25GB for first 3 months, 10GB for the rest) | Over 365 days, you'll spend $360 for 165GB. In subsequent years, that value plummets (since you don't get more bonus data). |
$150 Pre-Paid Mobile | 180 days | 120GB/12 months | Over 365 days, you'll spend $300 for 120GB - saving $60. Each 1GB of data is more expensive, though ($2.5/GB vs. $2.18 for the 28 day plan). |
$300 Pre-Paid Mobile | 365 days | 150GB/12 months | Over 365 days, you'll spend $300 for 150GB - saving $60. This is better value than the monthly plan, overall. |
Telstra's Pre-Paid Casual plans replace its older PAYG options.
Telstra recently unveiled a new set of SIM-only plans, replacing all of its old postpaid plans. Telstra's Upfront SIM-only plans are as below:
When you buy a phone on a plan from Telstra, you'll sign onto a contract that gives you a handset and one of Telstra's SIM-only plans (the ones we mentioned above). The main difference is that the monthly repayment cost of your handset will be added onto the plan's cost, and you'll be locked into this plan for a set period of time.
When you buy a phone from Telstra, you can look out for its "Blue Tick" phones if that's something that interests you. Telstra's "Blue Tick" phones have been tested by Telstra and shown to provide superior voice coverage in rural and regional areas.
You used to be able to pay a fee to upgrade your handset to a new one after just a year under the Telstra "New Phone Feeling" initiative. However, this feature is no longer available to customers who have purchased a plan after 14 January 2020.
There's a reason that most people think of Telstra when they're asked about mobile plans. Being Australia's largest telco comes with a strong brand reputation, and with unparalleled network coverage, it's easy to see why Telstra is impressive. That being said, you might realise in your comparison journey that Telstra's prices aren't exactly the cheapest around.
Telstra justifies its premium pricing with two main reasons: that it boasts the widest network coverage our of the three mobile networks in Australia (the other two being Optus and Vodafone), and because it offers way more bonus features on its plans than any other provider.
Here are some of Telstra's headline features:
In addition to the main ones listed above, Telstra has even more extras for its customers:
There's a reason Telstra charges more for its plans than other companies. So the answer to this question is: it depends.
Of all its plans, Telstra's prepaid options have the best data value, but only for the first three recharges. After this, their value dips sharply, though Telstra's long expiry plans do come out okay.
The real value in Telstra comes from its bonus features and its reputation as Australia's biggest provider. If these features are what you're looking for, or you want that big network security, the extra cost could be worth it.
Conversely, if these features don't speak to you, you'll definitely get better value for your money from one of the many other providers on the market, such as amaysim or ALDImobile.
Right now, Telstra does not offer roaming on their Upfront Mobile plans, but they plan to introduce it later in the year.
Roaming is not available as an option for prepaid plans, either.
Find out more about coverage areas, data plans and compatible mobile devices in our Telstra 5G guide.
We help you find the best Telstra phone on contract with our comprehensive guide to the best phones you can buy right now in Australia.
Make the most of your mobile or Internet plan by spending your Telstra Plus points in the Telstra rewards store.
Australia's largest mobile network isn't passing up Samsung's latest smartphones.
Telstra has announced its contract pricing for the brand-new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
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The most popular phone paired with Australia's biggest mobile network - here's how the match-up breaks down.
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Easily compare every Australian iPhone plan.
i have my own phone and get pre paid creit every fortninght and is costing me too much can I go on a plan with u guys
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well. Sorry to hear your current prepaid plan is costing you more money than expected. You can apply for a mobile plan with Telstra anytime. Simply choose the plan you want to get while filtering your options on top of the table in our page. Make sure you check the details of each plan carefully by reading the information on the “more details” tab. When you are ready, just click the GO TO SITE button and you will be brought to the main page of the telco provider.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
Can I purchase a telstra pre-paid SIM plan?
Hi Greg,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃
Yes, you can purchase a Telstra prepaid SIM plan. Above, you will see a list of SIM plans. You can use our tables to know more about each plan’s details and descriptions. You can also use the filters to further narrow down your options. Once you’re done comparing, you can then click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Hi!
I simply need a sim that has a long expiry date, 12 months, for the cheapest price. I also need minimal data and calls provided. It will not be used every week. I’m finding it hard to locate, an option suitable for my needs, amongst all the other prepaid plans; or perhaps everything has changed and I’m unaware. Please note I will not use vodafone; directly or indirectly any more.
Thank you
Hi B.,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃
Based on the details you mentioned, the closest page that I can give you is this guide. On that page, you will be able to compare long expiry prepaid plans based on their descriptions, price, and offers. Once you’re done comparing, click on the corresponding “Go to site” green button to learn more.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
I have an 87 year old mother in a nursing home and miss being able to talk to her on the phone. Looking for a deal with a mobile phone not prepaid with a phone with big buttons for her to use. Please help me. Currently have mobiles with Telstra
Hi Lea,
Thank you for your inquiry.
You may want to consider the Mobile Plans for Seniors for your Mother. We also have a list of mobile phones that you may want to check. While we can’t provide a specific recommendation, but that list should be a good place to start your search for the right phone.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Hi I’ve just set up a landline 1000gig data with Telstra. For $90 My question is can I get Netflix added to this deal for free or how much will it be extra?
Hi John!
Thanks for the comment.
Netflix is not part of your subscription with Tesltra bundle. If you wish to have it added , you can choose among these monthly subscriptions: Basic ($8.99), Standard ($11.99) or Premium ($14.99). You can check how they differ to each other by checking this link https://www.finder.com.au/internet-tv/netflix-australia. Also, you can proceed with the service application by clicking the “”See Content””green button.
Hope this clarifies.
Regards,
Jonathan
what’s the boost prepaid deal covers?
Hi Vicky,
Thanks for your question.
I would like to clarify, are you referring to Boost Mobile Plan prepaid deals? If you do, you can refer to this page for a full list of Boost Mobile plans. Each plan offers different features which you can check by clicking the “More Info” button.
Cheers,
Anndy
can you please help me
Hi Kaine,
Thanks for reaching out. Please feel free to let me know how I can help.
Cheers,
Anndy