If you're looking for the best mobile coverage in Australia, you'll need a Telstra mobile plan. While it's a well-known fact Telstra's mobile plans come at a price, especially with some of the fastest 5G speeds backing them, there are ways to keep costs down.
Telstra BYO or SIM-only plans are a way to stay on the Telstra network at a slightly cheaper rate, since you're not also paying for a new phone. Keep reading our guide below to find Telstra's best SIM-only or BYO mobile phone plans and coverage information as well as alternatives to Telstra's mobile phone plans for comparison.
Telstra SIM-only BYO plans
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#1
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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|
#2
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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Telstra's SIM-only or BYO plans are referred to as "Upfront Plans" and have features like data sharing and international talk and text inclusions.
On top of unlimited local talk, SMS, and MMS, every Upfront plan also has 30 minutes of international talk and unlimited internal national messaging, to any destination. Data from Upfront plans can be shared between as many as 10 plans on your account, provided they're also Upfront. This is great news for those looking for family mobile plans.
Telstra Upfront plans are free from excess charges. If you end up going through your monthly allowance, you'll still be able to keep using your data without paying anything extra. You'll be limited to speeds of 1.5Mbps. This effectively means the plans have unlimited mobile data.
Telstra's Upfront plans also have support for Satellite Messaging with eligible phones. This allows customers to send and receive text messages when outside of coverage areas, provided they have a clear view of the sky. Compatible devices include the iPhone 13 family and newer, the Galaxy S24 family and newer, and the Pixel 9 family and newer.
Telstra BYO SIM-only plans currently start at $74 per month, with the Basic Upfront plan. While Telstra's cheapest SIM-only plan used to have a speed cap, this has been removed. As such, all Telstra Upfront plans can go as fast as network conditions allow - in our testing, we've seen speeds over 1Gbps on the Telstra 5G network. Actual speeds can and will vary, but between 200Mbps and 500Mbps is often a safe bet in metro areas.
All Telstra Upfront plans have access to the Telstra Plus perks program. Telstra Plus gives customers cheaper tickets for Event Cinemas, HOYTS, Palace, Dendy, and others. In addition, customers earn Telstra Points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for discounts on tech, gift cards, and more.
Here's how Telstra's SIM-only plans compare to Optus and Vodafone's:
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#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
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#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#5
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#6
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#7
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
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#10
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90
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Dodo's NBN 500 Unlimited plan is our pick for the best NBN 500 plan for September.
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Dodo
FTTP, HFC
Editor's Pick
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
Telstra MVNO SIM-only plans
Telstra's mobile plans start at around mid-range prices and head upwards. If you're after a cheaper SIM-only plan, you can check out providers on the Telstra wholesale network. Telstra-powered providers include Tangerine, More, Exetel, Superloop, Belong, Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile, and Everyday Mobile (formerly Woolworths Mobile).
The Telstra wholesale network is slightly smaller than the full Telstra network. While Telstra’s full network reaches 99.7% of the population, the wholesale version covers 98.8%. It might not seem like a huge difference, but it means that Telstra-powered providers may not be an option for customers in some rural areas. You can look at how the Telstra wholesale network compares to the full Telstra network here.
Boost Mobile is the one exception to this rule, and has access to Telstra's entire network. Boost Mobile, like Belong, is owned by Telstra.
For easy reference, here's a look at popular Telstra network SIM-only plans in our database:
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#1
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Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
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#2
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Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
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#3
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Exetel
Plus One eSIM Plan
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
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#4
|
Telstra
$54 Pre-Paid Mobile
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
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#5
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
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#6
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
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#7
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ALDI mobile
$28 Mobile Plan
$28.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#8
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Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#9
|
More
75GB 5G Mobile SIM
$46.00/mth
Min. cost $46
Link not supplied
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On the other hand, if none of these plans strikes your fancy, there are always other providers out there. Here are the most popular SIM-only plans from outside the Telstra network:
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#1
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
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#2
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Dodo
Editor's Pick
Medium Mobile Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
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#3
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
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#4
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
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#5
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Moose Mobile
Moose 23 SIM Only
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
Link not supplied
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#6
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Coles Mobile
$35 Mobile Plan
$35.00/mth
Min. cost $12
Link not supplied
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#7
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Aussie Broadband
Value 5G SIM Plan
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
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Telstra prepaid plans
While prepaid plans are technically SIM-only and are also paid upfront, prepaid plans are paid through recharges. You can either recharge manually, or set up auto-recharge. With Upfront SIM-only plans, you're always billed automatically.
Prepaid plans tend to offer fewer perks than Upfront plans but are more affordable. This makes them a great option for kids on mobile plans, seniors on mobile plans or anyone struggling to stick to their monthly budget. Telstra's prepaid SIMs range from $15 and $395 and can last anywhere between seven days to 12 months if you're after a long-expiry plan.
Most Telstra prepaid plans have their speeds capped at 150Mbps. The exceptions are the $64 recharge and the $74 recharge, which have a 250Mbps speed cap and uncapped speeds, respectively.
Here are Telstra's prepaid plans, sorted from lowest to highest price:
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#1
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Telstra
$44 Pre-Paid Mobile
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#2
|
Telstra
$54 Pre-Paid Mobile
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$64 Pre-Paid Mobile
$64.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$74 Pre-Paid Mobile
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
$200 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan
$200.00
Per 6 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
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#6
|
Telstra
$395 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan
$395.00
Per 12 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
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Telstra mobile phone plans
If these prices don't look as scary as you thought, Telstra also offers plans with a phone. Telstra has quite the selection to choose from, so below we have compiled the most popular handsets available through the provider, grouped by brand:
iPhone 18 Pro 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro Max 512GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro 1TB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro Max 1TB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro 2TB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 18 Pro Max 2TB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 17 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy Z Fold8 256GB
- 7.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S26 FE 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 FE 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy Z Flip8 256GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S25 512GB
- 6.2 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy Z Fold8 1TB
- 7.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Pixel 11 Pro XL 256GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 11 Pro XL 512GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 9 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 11 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 10 Pro 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 10 Pro XL 256GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 11 Pro 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
Pixel 11 Pro Fold 512GB
- 8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.5MP, 10.8MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Pixel 10 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP, 10.8MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 9a 5G 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
All Telstra mobile phone plans are structured in the same way; the outright cost of your phone is divided into equal monthly repayments, which are then paid alongside your monthly phone bill.
Your monthly bill = monthly repayment cost of phone + monthly SIM-only plan cost
The longer you choose to take to repay your phone, the cheaper your monthly fees will be, but you'll end up paying the same amount for your phone at the end of the day. Telstra has 12, 24, and 36-month repayment options for buying a phone on a plan.
All Telstra mobile plans are contract-free, so you can swap to another Telstra Upfront Plan should your needs change. If you want to leave Telstra entirely, you will have to pay any remaining handset repayments in one lump sum.
Telstra coverage
Telstra's coverage is the largest in Australia. The provider covers 99.7% of the population, whereas Optus and Vodafone both cover 98.5%. Telstra's wholesale network slides into second place, covering 98.8% of the population.
These numbers mean that pretty much everyone in Australia should be able to get mobile coverage across one of the three big networks. Naturally, being the largest of the three, Telstra is the better choice for regional and remote Aussies, but it's always worth checking your address on a coverage map just in case.
Like its 4G networks, Telstra leads the race to have the largest 5G network in Australia, now covering 95% of the population. The Optus 5G and Vodafone 5G networks have a smaller footprint. Use the interactive map below to see if you have Telstra 5G available where you live, work, or play.
While it might seem odd to look at coverage as a percentage rather than kilometres squared, in Australia, it kind of makes sense. We have a lot of wide, unpopulated land, and it doesn't really make sense to chuck a cell tower in the middle of nowhere.
Not sure if Telstra is the best option for you? Each month, our team pick the best mobile plans across a whole heap of categories, including SIM-only, prepaid, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and more.
Telstra mobile FAQs
What is Telstra's cheapest mobile phone plan?
Telstra's cheapest postpaid mobile phone plan is the $74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan. You can bundle any mobile phone offered by the provider with this plan.
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
Telstra's cheapest 28-day prepaid recharge is a $44 plan that includes 20GB of data. At the time of writing, it includes a bonus 60GB of data on your first three recharges.
|
Telstra
$44 Pre-Paid Mobile
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Does Telstra offer SIM-only plans?
Yes, Telstra offers SIM-only plans, although they are called Upfront Plans. Telstra's Upfront Plans operate in a similar way to prepaid plans, where you will pay upfront for the service rather than at the end of the month.
All Telstra SIM-only plans are contract-free, so you can switch plans or leave without any penalties.
What do I need to get a Telstra phone plan?
Like any other telco, Telstra requires you to verify your identity and undergo a credit check for many of its phone plans.
You'll need to provide 100 points of ID, which can be achieved with at least one form of primary ID, for example, a Driver's License, a valid Passport or a state-issued proof of age card, and two forms of secondary ID, for example, a Medicare Card, Bank Card, birth certificate or tertiary student ID. Otherwise, two forms of primary IDs are also acceptable.
If you are purchasing a Telstra Upfront Mobile Plan, you will be required to use an Australian driver's license or Australian passport, as these are the only accepted forms of ID for this plan.
If you're after a prepaid Telstra plan, you won't need a credit check.
Does Telstra offer 36-month plans?
Telstra offers 36-month repayment options on new phones and mobile broadband devices.
Do Telstra SIM cards fit all phones?
Yes. Most new Telstra SIM cards are manufactured to break out into three different sizes for various devices - standard, micro and nano SIM.
Does Telstra have eSIM?
Yes. Telstra plans have eSIM, allowing you to take advantage of the new technology.
These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:
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#1
|
Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
|
|
#2
|
amaysim
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN50
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#3
|
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
|
|
#4
|
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value nbn - Unlimited
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
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#7
|
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
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#8
|
Belong
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
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#9
|
Kogan Internet
All Fixed Line nbn®
Silver Unlimited
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
|
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#10
|
Flip
All Fixed Line nbn®
Unlimited Family nbn50
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
|
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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