We are often asked if there are unlimited phone plans currently available in Australia. Short answer, yes. Long answer, ‘unlimited’ can be subjective. Depending on what provider you choose, the term ‘unlimited phone plan’ can mean several different things so it’s important to read the fine print before selecting one.
Ok, we hear you, “no one reads the Terms and Conditions”. But guess what? We’ve done the heavy reading for you so enjoy our TLDR summary explaining how to choose from some of Australia’s best unlimited phone plans currently on offer.
Don’t get caught out by speed cap traps
First things first, we need to go over speed caps. But what are speed caps, you ask? Essentially, while your unlimited plan is technically unlimited in terms of the amount of data you use, it isn’t in terms of speed. Once your full speed allowance is exhausted, your data slows down. This is a speed cap.
All three of the big phone providers have them, but your speed cap will differ depending on whether you have a Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone plan. For example, felix’s unlimited data plans are speed capped to 20Mbps however Vodafone’s new Ultra+ plan is unique in that it's truly unlimited in terms of speed and data. The only exception is that you have a 30GB hotspot allowance, after which hotspot data will be slowed to 2Mbps if you're tethering your phone to your laptop.
Most other unlimited data have been capped at 1.5Mbps maximum download speeds and while 1.5Mbps isn't super fast, it should still be fast enough to stream standard definition video, listen to music and browse the web. Just be aware you will notice a difference during peak times when speeds slow.
What kind of unlimited phone plan can I get?
There are plenty of unlimited mobile phone plans available in Australia from a range of providers starting as low as $40 per month. For a slightly cheaper option, you can bring your own handset to the party by selecting a SIM-only plan or you can choose a brand new one for a little bit extra.
Compare what's on offer across Vodafone, Telstra, and Optus below:
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#1
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Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
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#2
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Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
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#3
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Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
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#4
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Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
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#5
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Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
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#6
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Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
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#7
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Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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#8
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Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90
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For a comprehensive list already vetted by our team, check out our editor’s pick for this month’s best mobile plans.
FAQs
How much mobile data do I need?
First, consider how you use your phone. Do you listen to music or podcasts on the way to and from work? Do you watch movies or YouTube videos on your phone? Do you use your phone for gaming? Or do you just Google a lot of things? How you use your phone depends on how much data you use. Check out your screen time settings to get a clearer idea, discover how apps and services use your data or read our guide which breaks down common data usage allowances per plan size.
Why do telcos put speed limits on unlimited data plans?
It may seem disappointing, but including a fixed amount of truly fast data each month is an easy way for the big telcos to offer "unlimited" connectivity, while still maintaining some control over a customer's data use.
It's a move that's similar to the strategies employed by American mobile networks, which will "deprioritise" unlimited data users who exceed a certain number of gigabytes each month - usually upwards of 22GB. These customers may experience noticeably slower speeds during busy periods, or at locations where there is heavier-than-usual network traffic, usually upwards of 22GB. These customers may experience noticeably slower speeds during busy periods, or at locations where there is heavier-than-usual network traffic.
Can I share my unlimited data on a data-sharing or family plan?
Vodafone allows you to share your data allowance with other plans on your account. The one exception to this is the truly unlimited Ultra+ plan. This data can't be shared with anyone else.
Vodafone customers with multiple plans on the same account also benefit from a discount. Vodafone will knock 5% off your total monthly bill for every mobile service you have on your account after the first, up to a maximum discount of 20% if you have five services.
Telstra's new Upfront plans also allow data sharing with any other Upfront plan on your account, up to a maximum of 10 plans.
If you're sharing your data allowance on Optus, all services on your account will be capped to 1.5Mbps after the shared pool is exhausted.
Can I use my data overseas?
More Vodafone fine print: while the new unlimited plans still give you access to $5 roaming, you're only able to use your plan's capped "maximum speed" data when overseas - slowed-down unlimited data isn't accessible when roaming.
If you exceed your "maximum speed data" when using $5 roaming, you'll be billed an extra $5 for each gigabyte of data you use. This extra data can only be used when roaming in eligible countries and will roll over for one billing month.
When it comes to Vodafone's truly unlimited Ultra+ plan, you'll have no restrictions on your mobile allowance when overseas, once again billed at $5 per day. However, the 30GB allowance for tethering still applies and you'll be billed $5 per gigabyte if you exceed it.
Telstra customers have to rely on Day Pass roaming while overseas. For $10 per day, you get unlimited talk and text and 500MB of data. Note these inclusions expire at midnight AEST. Your local inclusions - including your data allowance - are irrelevant when travelling.
Optus' Unlimited Data Day add-on can only be used in Australia, and Optus' unlimited data at 1.5Mbps also only works locally.
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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