Ethical green telcos: carbon neutral phone and internet plans

Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead

Last updated 07 October 2021

Sustainable green telcos: Phone and internet plans that won't kill the planet

Just in case you hadn’t noticed, the world is kinda falling to pieces around us. We’re polluting our waters, air, and creating more waste than we know what to do with, but luckily it’s not all acid-rain clouds.

Sustainable or green business models are becoming more prevalent across a range of industries, and the telecommunications sector is no exception.

In this guide we explore Australia’s green telcos and their sustainability practices.

What is a green telco?
Why you might decide to pick a sustainable telco
Belong
felix mobile
Telstra
Optus
Southern Phone

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $50 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack 40GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $50 SIM for $17 + Includes 80GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $17.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$17.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Link not supplied
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
#4	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#5	Telstra	Telstra $54 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get the $54 Pre-Paid Mobile eSIM for $40 online + Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges $40.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied	$40.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry	Link not supplied

What is an ethical green telco?

This term loosely refers to a telecommunications company which adopts green, or sustainable business practices in order to be an environmentally friendly company.

Most companies have a sustainability plan or policy in place that aims at reducing the impact that the daily running of the organisation has on the planet. The scope of these kinds of policies and procedures vary from encouraging recycling in the office, through to a commitment to carbon neutrality.

Every organisation handles it differently, but when it comes to the environment we also know that lots of little steps amount to make a big impact.

Why you might decide to pick a sustainable telco

Internet and mobile phone companies create a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, almost the same as the aviation industry does.

Going with a green or sustainable telco is a way to help offset the footprint we leave on the world. It gives voice and power to the planet without you having to do anything outside of your usual routine. You could describe it as passive activism.

We see this all the time when people decide to shop locally in order to support small businesses, or choose an electric company that invests in renewables, or opt for a cruelty-free beauty brand, but it may not be something you’ve considered in relation to your phone and internet providers.

Choosing a telco is generally boiled down to a cost to benefit analysis. What can you get and how much do you need to pay in order to get it? Many of the providers featured in this article will give you great value deals, but they also come with a side of environmental consciousness.

What does it mean to be Carbon Neutral?

Carbon Neutrality refers to the act of offsetting carbon emissions by supporting projects that remove the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere as an organisation emits, therefore negating the effects that the operations have on the atmosphere.

To be deemed carbon neutral, organisations must attain a Climate Active certification. In Australia, businesses choose to purchase carbon offset credits which support various certified environmental projects that contribute to neutrality.

Belong: Australia's first carbon neutral provider

Belong was the first Australian telco to become entirely carbon neutral in 2019. Now the provider allows users to stay accountable through its Carbon Thumbprint app.

Your ‘Carbon Thumbprint’ - a term dubbed by the provider, is the amount of greenhouse gas you personally contribute through use of the mobile network. This is measured based on the emissions associated with mobile infrastructure, like towers and cables but also takes the mobile phone itself into account.

The app is available to download on Android and Apple devices.

Belong offers both mobile and broadband services, here are the telco’s mobile plans plans.

25GB Mobile Plan

85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks
Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply.

$34.00/mth

Min. cost $34

Link not supplied

$34.00/mth

Min. cost $34

Link not supplied

And here are Belong’s NBN plans.

#1	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Starter – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $26 off for 6 months - $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#3	Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Fast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
#4	Belong	Belong FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN Premium – Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
#5	Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Ultrafast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 875/80 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $35 off for 6 months - $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site

felix mobile: a tree per person, per month

felix mobile launched in late 2020, with just one plan and a promise to be a telco that gives back to the environment. Dubbed simple, digital and sustainable the telco has just one phone plan, is entirely carbon neutral, powered by 100% renewable energy and pledges to plant one tree per subscriber, per month.

The one plan is as simple as it gets; unlimited talk, text and mobile data (with speeds capped at 20Mbps) for just $35 per month. Originally the speed cap was 5Mbps, which we found to be too slow to be sustainable (the irony is not lost on us) but after just one month the provider upped that to 20Mbps which is much closer to standard 4G speeds.

The provider's goal is to plant one million trees within it's first year, so it's going to need quite a few subscribers to make that happen. If you want to support the planet while also supporting your social media habit then this is a great option.

felix 25GB Mobile Plan

25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network
Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply

$30.00

Per 1 Month Renewal

Go to Site

$30.00

Per 1 Month Renewal

Go to Site

Telstra: now fully carbon neutral

Big T wasn’t far behind Belong in becoming carbon neutral, officially clocking the title in June 2020. Telstra contributes to the Southern Aurukun Savanna Burning Project in QLD, the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Project in WA and a variety of renewable energy projects in India.

The telco offers a range of phone and internet services. Here are Telstra's NBN plans.

All Fixed Line nbn®

Basic Internet Only Plan

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 25/4 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

Here are Telstra’s SIM-only mobile phone plans.

$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

$74.00/mth

Min. cost $74

Link not supplied

Optus: focusing on waste reduction

Not all providers are carbon neutral, but the vast majority embed sustainable practices into the day to day operations. Optus for example has taken active steps towards reducing waste within it's enterprise.

Most notable is a redesign on SIM card packaging by the provider saves around 50 tonnes of cardboard each year, and recycling 98.5% of the provider’s e-waste.

Here are Optus' NBN plans.

All Fixed Line nbn®

Optus Basic nbn®

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 25/8 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: $68/mth for a year, then $83/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $374. Ends 6/10.

$68/mth

Min. cost $68

Link not supplied

$68/mth

Min. cost $68

Link not supplied

Here are its SIM-only phone plans.

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

Southern Phone: bundle and save the planet

Southern Phone is a smaller MVNO that supplies broadband and mobile services for regional Australia. The provider is a subsidiary of the AGL Energy group which invests heavily in solar energy and renewables.

AGL Energy is currently on a pathway to decarbonisation which began this year and is predicted to end in 2050. As opposed to the aforementioned telcos who offer carbon neutrality included within the plans, AGL allows options for customers to voluntarily support the reduction of carbon emissions and these are now available on products labelled 'carbon neutral.' Southern Phone plans are included in these options.

Here are Southern Phone's NBN plans.

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel All Fixed Line nbn® Home Starter 25/10 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data WhistleOut Special: Includes $28.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $41/mth for first 6 months, then $69.95/mth $41/mth for first 6 mths, then $69.95/mth Min. cost $41 Go to Site	$41/mth for first 6 mths, then $69.95/mth Min. cost $41	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value NBN 25/10 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths, $42.90/month for first 6 months, then $72.90/month. Ends 30.10.26 $42.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $72.90/mth Min. cost $42.90 Go to Site	$42.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $72.90/mth Min. cost $42.90	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® nbn25 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $73.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $43.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $73.99/mth Min. cost $43.99 Go to Site*	$43.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $73.99/mth Min. cost $43.99	Go to Site
#4	Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 25/10 Value All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months - $44.80/mth for 6mths, then $64.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $44.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $64.80/mth Min. cost $44.80 Link not supplied	$44.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $64.80/mth Min. cost $44.80	Link not supplied
#5	amaysim	amaysim All Fixed Line nbn® NBN50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 04.10.26 $45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#6	Flip Editor's Pick	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick Unlimited Premium nbn25 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $17.90/mth off for 12 months - $48/mth for first 12 mths then $65.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $48/mth for first 12 mths then $65.90/mth Min. cost $48 Go to Site	$48/mth for first 12 mths then $65.90/mth Min. cost $48	Go to Site
#7	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Starter – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $26 off for 6 months - $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#8	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Bronze Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 12mths. $49.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $70.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $70.90/mth Min. cost $49.90 Go to Site	$49.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $70.90/mth Min. cost $49.90	Go to Site
#9	amaysim	amaysim FTTP, HFC NBN500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#10	amaysim	amaysim FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site

Here are the provider's SIM-only plans.

#1	Pivotel	Pivotel 25GB Mobile Swift Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $11.45/mth for first 6 months, then $22.90/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45 Go to Site	$11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#3	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 23 SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Link not supplied	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Link not supplied
#4	Swoop	Swoop 30GB SIM Only 5G 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#5	Pivotel	Pivotel 50GB Mobile Swift Plan 50GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $17.50/mth Min. cost $17.50 Go to Site	$17.50/mth Min. cost $17.50	Go to Site
#6	Pivotel	Pivotel 80GB Mobile Swift Plan 80GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50 Go to Site	$22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50	Go to Site
#7	Swoop	Swoop 60GB SIM Only 5G 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $23/mth for first 6 months then $33/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.2027 $23.00/mth Min. cost $23 Go to Site	$23.00/mth Min. cost $23	Go to Site
#8	Dodo	Dodo Small Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $25.00/mth Min. cost $25 Go to Site	$25.00/mth Min. cost $25	Go to Site
#9	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29.00/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29.00/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#10	Swoop	Swoop 120GB SIM Only 5G 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $30/mth for first 6 months then $40/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

Read full bio