A phone that works on one network will not necessarily work on another. If you’re buying a phone from overseas, or planning a trip down under, be sure to check if your phone will function on Aussie networks beforehand.
Mobile networks operate on different bandwidth frequencies measured in megahertz bands, such as 850MHz or 2100MHz. This is important, because not all mobile phones support all frequencies. In order to work on an Australian phone network, your phone's radio needs to match the local network bands.
To start, you'll want to look your phone's specifications. Ensure any information you find is from the same country as your phone, as many devices have subtle regional variations.
Your phone manufacturer's website tends to be a good bet. This information can be presented in a number of different ways, but in a spec sheet you want to look for UTMS or HSPDA for 3G networks, and FDD LTE for 4G networks.
3G networks are typically referred to using their frequency, while 4G networks can also be designated by their band number. In some cases, a manufacturer or a store may also refer to 3G frequencies by their band number.
The below gallery has a couple of examples of where you'd find the relevant information in a phone's spec sheet.
In Australia, 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz are the common 3G frequencies. B1, B3, B5, B7, B7, and B28 are the main 4G bands. If you want to use a phone in Australia, it will need to support these frequencies and bands.
Australian Network Frequencies
Please note that it's not enough to match just one frequency. Australian phone networks are built using multiple frequencies, and not all frequencies are available in every location. The network frequencies used in rural areas are often completely different to those used in the city.
* Telstra and Vodafone are both phasing out 3G support on their 2100MHz holdings. Telstra intends to turn off 2100MHz coverage on March 25. Vodafone will progressively turn convert its 2100MHz spectrum from 3G to 4G across the course of 2019. This has already happened in the ACT, and will begin in NSW from March 18. As such, some 3G-only devices may no longer work on Telstra and Vodafone.
Aussie carriers and networks
The three mobile networks in Australia are owned and operated by Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. The numerous other service providers are all powered by this trio of network networks. These smaller telcos are called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). MVNOs typically tend to offer basic services at a cheaper rate.
Australian networks use the GSM standard. This is the same as most other countries, although some places like the US and Japan also rely on CDMA. If you have a CDMA-only phone you will not be able to access 3G networks in Australia, which means no talk and text. You may be able to access 4G networks, but 4G networks are data-only.
Each of the major networks operates over its own set of frequencies. There's some overlap, but this isn't always the case.
2G shutdown
If you're using an older phone - such as a feature phone - there's a good chance you won't be able to use it in Australia, as we no longer have 2G networks. If your phone is only capable of making calls and sending texts, then there’s a good chance it’s a 2G device.
This can also be an issue if you have a dual-SIM device. Older dual-SIM smartphones were limited to 2G on the second SIM slot. This means that you won't be able to put an Australian SIM into your secondary slot, but you'll still be able get connectivity using your primary SIM.
Plans and trends
If you’re bringing a phone from overseas, or taking a phone between carriers, you’re probably looking at either a month-to-month, or prepaid plan.
Month-to-month, "SIM-only", or "BYO phone", all typically refers to postpaid plan, where you get a bill at the end of a billing month. While you can sign a 12-month contract on some of these plans, many are available on a no contract basis where you can leave at any time. Just make sure you check how far in advance you have to notify your carrier you’re leaving; some require a full month’s warning.
Month-to-month plans mean that you can't run out of credit. You are given a monthly allocation of talk, text and data. If you go over any of these, you'll start paying excess usage fees, rather than being cut off. Talk and text tend to be unlimited in Australia now, and carriers will send you alerts as you burn through your data. You'll get notifications within 48 hours of hitting 50%, 85%, and 100% of your data cap.
With a prepaid plan, you pay for your service upfront. You buy your talk, text, and data in advance. Once you go through these inclusions, you'll need to recharge before you can use your service again. Prepaid credit tends to expire after 28 days in Australia, although some carriers offer longer recharges.
If you're visiting Australia and need help picking a phone plan, check out our guide here.
Telstra
Once wholly-owned by the government and now a private entity, Telstra is Australia’s telecommunications juggernaut. Telstra has reputation for having superior network coverage and reception, and this is often true, depending on where you are. The downside is that it also charges a premium for access to its network.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of rural travelling, then access to Telstra’s network may be advised, either through Telstra itself or through one of its MVNOs. If you are planning more of an urban stay then the other networks are equally valid as choices, depending on where you're going.
Optus
Australia’s second-largest provider, Optus has been aggressively cutting the price of data, and offers some of the best bang-for-buck plans around.
Optus is Austalia's biggest network wholesaler, with the majority of local MVNOs relying on the Optus network to deliver services.
Vodafone
Vodafone is Australia's third major telco player, and has made large inroads when it comes to connectivity and customers in cities. While Vodafone matches or bests Optus in many areas when it comes to 4G connectivity, Telstra is often still the best option in rural areas.
A large part of Vodafone's return to the fore is its focus on big deals and special features like $5 per day international roaming. It is rare that this provider doesn't have some kind of bonus promotion going.
FAQ
How easy is it to switch between carriers?
In Australia it's very easy to move from one provider to another. All carriers use the same basic technologies, so cross-compatibility isn't an issue in the majority of cases, especially if your phone was bought in Australia.
If you are on a long-term contract, you must finish it before switching carriers (unless you are willing to pay an early termination fee). If you are on a month-to-month plan, or prepaid, then you can switch any time you like.
Read more about changing your phone provider here.
Can I keep my number?
If you already have an existing and active Australian mobile number then it is very easy to switch between providers and keep your number. When you sign up to a new plan, make sure to either input your current number (if applying online) or tell your salesperson that you want to keep your number. Your new provider will contact your existing provider to arrange the transfer.
It usually takes between 15 minutes to 48 hours for the transfer to take effect. During this time you can usually continue to use your phone via your old telco. Once it stops working, switch out the old SIM card for your new one and keep going about your business.
If you are bringing a phone from overseas then you will be allocated a new phone number when you sign up to an Australian telco.
Is there an easy way to check if my phone will work?
The easiest way is to visit your phone manufacturer's website and check the device specifications. Make sure you are researching on an Australian website, as it is common for manufacturers to release models with different hardware in different regions.
Check the MHz frequencies against the table we've compiled at the top of the page.
What is the cheapest plan option?
If you already own a phone, the cheapest option is usually to go with an MVNO. These are small providers who buy access to the larger networks at wholesale prices and re-sell that access to customers at a discount.
You can check out a full list of Australia's MVNOs here.
If you need a new phone, and are planning on staying in Australia for at least two years, then you can sign up to a 24-month contract on Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Take a look at contract plans with phones here.
How do I check if my phone is locked?
Most phones sold in Australia are now unlocked, which means you can use them on any local phone network.
The main exception to this is if you've bought a phone on a prepaid plan, in which case you will need to get your provider to unlock it. If you've had it for a short amount of time, there may be a fee involved.
If you're visiting Australia with a phone you've bought overseas, you may need to ask your carrier before you leave. If you've bought your phone through your carrier, it may be locked to its network.
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