Optus 5G home internet gets a huge coverage boost

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 17 September 2024

Optus has increased its 5G home internet footprint by over 50%, making the NBN alternative available to around 3.6 million homes and businesses. This number was 2.1 million back in January this year.

The core reason for the coverage boost is Optus has now launched 5G Standalone (5G SA) for internet customers. 5G SA is a variant of 5G that doesn't rely on 4G to underpin it. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all use 5G SA as part of their 5G networks, but Optus is the first to use it for 5G home internet.

In addition to the expanded footprint, 5G SA brings a few other benefits. Since 5G SA doesn't rely on 4G, it should provide a lower latency experience. Latency is one area where 5G internet hasn't fared as well as NBN plans, so 5G SA could help bridge the gap.

All customers who've signed up for an Optus 5G home internet plan with the Optus Ultra WiFi 5G modem from August 26 onward this year will already have access to 5G SA. Prior customers with the said modem will gain 5G SA access before the end of the year.

Here are Optus' 5G home internet plans:

Optus Plus Everyday 5G

5G Home Internet 50/11 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: $54/mth for a year, then $69/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $522. Ends 6/10.

$54/mth

Min. cost $54

Link not supplied

$54/mth

Min. cost $54

Link not supplied

5G SA internet is currently only available through Optus itself. Providers like SpinTel and Yomojo that resell Optus 5G don't have access to the expanded footprint it offers.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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