Can a cheaper provider really get you Telstra coverage?

Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead

Last updated 23 August 2021

If you want Telstra coverage, Telstra isn’t your only choice. Although there are plenty of carriers in Australia, there are only three mobile networks, Optus, Vodafone and Telstra. Smaller providers, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) buy capacity on these networks and resell it at lower costs. Since these carriers have lower overhead costs, and generally come sans perks, they can offer similar plans to those of big telco but at heavily discounted rates.

However, just because MVNOs use the Telstra network doesn’t necessarily mean they’re equal. One of the main drawbacks of using a Telstra MVNO is that they don't have access to the 5G network. That's not to say that they won't get access to the high speed 5G network later on down the track, but for now if you want 5G you'll need to be with Telstra proper.

We’ve compared the main contenders to help you make the best decision for your Telstra-lite mobile plan.

Before you scroll any further, here are a bunch of Telstra MVNO plans to compare.

#1	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $28 Mobile Plan 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#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	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $34 Mobile Plan 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $34.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$34.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 100GB 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. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Link not supplied	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Link not supplied
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile $40 SIM Only 70GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $40.00/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40.00/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 75GB data on first 6 recharges, then 45GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#10	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile 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

Below we compare the main contendors to Telstra so you can decide which providers are worth the trade offs.

Belong vs. Telstra

Belong is Telstra's very own MVNO, owned and operated by the mother-company. Similar to Big T, Little T has just a handful of contract-free plans.

The provider's data-sharing options are a standout feature. Every Belong mobile plan comes with Data Banking, Data Rollover and Data Gifting, allowing customers to take full advantage of their data allowance.

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

Features	Belong	Telstra
Postpaid
Prepaid
Mobile Phone Plans
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Data Bank
Data Rollover
Data Gifting
International Roaming
Unlimited Data
Data-free Streaming
Uses full Telstra Network
Perks

Woolworths Mobile vs. Telstra

Woolworths mobile is a unique MVNO, offering mobile phone plans as well as some on-brand perks. Customers can pick up a range of handsets on a 24 or 36-month plan, including the newest Samsung S series range and 'only at Woolworths' OPPO smartphones.

The Fresh Food People SIM-noly plans come with no contract, and have perks such as 10% off your shop once per month.

$40 SIM Only

70GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks
Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply

$40.00/mth

Min. cost $40

Link not supplied

$40.00/mth

Min. cost $40

Link not supplied

Features	Woolworths Mobile	Telstra
Postpaid
Prepaid
Mobile Phone Plans
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Data Bank
Data Rollover
Data Gifting
International Roaming
Unlimited Data
Data-free Streaming
Uses full Telstra Network
Perks

Boost vs. Telstra

Boost Mobile has the best of both worlds, offering great value inclusions on the full Telstra 4G network. Unlike other MVNOs operating off the wholesale network, Boost has the same coverage that Telstra proper does, but boasts lower costs, and long-expiry options. You'll also nab data-free streaming for Apple Music on eligible recharges.

You'll still need to bring your own phone if you want to join Boost, but the provider's wide range of prepaid plans mean you'll be sure to find something that suits.

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $14 Prepaid 6GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$14.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $28 Prepaid 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$28.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 75GB data on first 6 recharges, then 45GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 105GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 105GB data on first 6 recharges, then 55GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $59.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 150GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 150GB data on first 6 recharges, then 100GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $180 Prepaid 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 160GB data on new activations, then 100GB from next recharge. Activate by 02.11.26 $180.00 Per 6 Month Renewal Go to Site	$180.00 Per 6 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $300 Prepaid 290GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 290GB data on new activations, then 240GB from next recharge. Activate by 02.11.26 $300.00 Per 12 Month Renewal Go to Site	$300.00 Per 12 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $365 Prepaid 365GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab the $365 SIM for $305 – save $60. Hurry! Offer ends 12 October 2026. Terms Apply $305.00 Per 12 Month Renewal Go to Site	$305.00 Per 12 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Features	Boost	Telstra
Postpaid
Prepaid
Mobile Phone Plans
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Data Bank
Data Rollover
Data Gifting
International Roaming
Unlimited Data
Data-free Streaming
Uses full Telstra Network
Perks

ALDI Mobile vs. Telstra

Much like the shopping giant itself, ALDI Mobile offers no frills at high value. With no contracts, and generous data inclusions for the price the provider offers a no-risk service. You'll also need to bring your own device as the operator doesn't sell mobile phones on a plan, although you might be able to nab one in their infamous middle aisle.

ALDI prepaid prices cap out at a maximum of $45 per month, but won't include any special buys along with the recharge.

$28 Mobile Plan

12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks

$28.00

Per 30 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

$28.00

Per 30 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

Features	ALDI Mobile	Telstra
Postpaid
Prepaid
Mobile Phone Plans
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Data Bank
Data Rollover
Data Gifting
International Roaming
Unlimited Data
Data-free Streaming
Uses full Telstra Network
Perks

Other Telstra MVNOs

While ALDI, Belong, Woolworths and Boost are the top contenders against Telstra in the MVNO category, there are plenty of other small providers offering deals on the Telstra network. Here are some of the other providers with plans on the Telstra network:

100%

Go to Site

Plans from $30/mth

Telstra Wholesale Network

All Telstra Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) run on the Telstra wholesale network to the exception of Boost Mobile. While Telstra’s full network reaches 99.4% of the population the wholesale version covers 98.8%. That still is wider coverage than any other provider in the country.

Here’s how the regular Telstra network and Telstra’s wholesale network compare.

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.

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