If you're looking for 5G mobile coverage, you might be about to get lucky. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone have all rolled out 5G, and coverage keeps getting larger. In this guide, we'll give you the low-down on what we know about 5G coverage across Australia.
Before we start, here are the most popular 5G mobile plans with WhistleOut users:
How to compare 5G coverage in your area
WhistleOut's coverage checker tool features 5G coverage maps for Australia, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G at your location. Regardless of whether you're in a big city like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or out in Cooladdi our map will show what mobile coverage is available in your area.
All you need to do is punch in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions, such as buildings.
Optus 5G coverage map
Click to activate the map below. It will display Optus' 5G and 4G coverage. You can untick the boxes to see less of one network if you like. You can even toggle over to get a look at Telstra and Vodafone's networks.
The Optus 5G network covers 80.5% of the Australian population. You can get access to the mobile 5G network on every Optus postpaid plan and single prepaid plan.
Here are Optus' postpaid plans with 5G:
Most Optus MVNOs also have access to the Optus 5G network, including amaysim, Aussie Broadband, and Moose Mobile. Here's a look at popular 5G-enabled plans from Optus-powered providers:
One of Optus' key focuses is 5G home wireless broadband, a 5G-powered alternative to the NBN. You can pick between plans with speeds capped at 50Mbps or 100Mbps, or an uncapped plan. Both have unlimited data. In our testing, we've seen speeds over 300Mbps.
Here are Optus' 5G home wireless broadband plans:
SpinTel also offers 5G home internet plans powered by the Optus network:
Vodafone 5G coverage map
Click to activate the map below. It will display Vodafone's 5G and 4G coverage. You can untick the boxes to see less of one network if you like. You can even toggle over to get a look at Telstra and Optus' networks.
Vodafone has the smallest 5G network of the Big Three providers. While Vodafone doesn't provide a concrete coverage figure, the telco says its 5G footprint covers 85% of the population in Australia's ten largest cities and regions, which include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Wollongong, and the Sunshine Coast.
Vodafone ultimately aims to have its 5G network cover between 81% and 90% of the Australian population.
All of Vodafone's prepaid and postpaid plans have 5G. Here are Vodafone's postpaid 5G-ready mobile plans:
Vodafone-powered providers like felix mobile, TPG, and Lebara all sell 5G mobile plans. Here's a look at the most popular 5G plans from providers on the Vodafone network:
Vodafone, TPG, and iiNet all also offer 5G home internet plans.
Telstra 5G coverage map
Click to activate the map below. It will display Telstra's 5G and 4G coverage. You can untick the boxes to see less of one network if you like. You can even toggle over to get a look at Optus and Vodafone's networks.
The Telstra 5G network now covers 95% of the Australian population. All of Telstra's Upfront and prepaid mobile plans have access to the telco's 5G network. Some of its prepaid plans have capped speeds, however. Here are Telstra's Upfront 5G mobile plans:
Telstra offers a large range of 5G devices, including the iPhone 17 range, the Galaxy S25 family, and more.
Telstra opened up access to its 5G network for Telstra MVNOs in 2022, but all except Boost Mobile only have access to the wholesale coverage area rather than the full Telstra network.
Here's a look at some of the popular 5G-ready plans you can get from Telstra-powered providers. Be aware that these plans have their speeds capped at either 100Mbps, 150Mbps, or 250Mbps.
Apart from the mobile offering, Telstra has a single 5G wireless internet plan. In our testing, we got speeds up to 400Mbps but the actual performance will vary depending on the strength of your coverage, placement of the modem, congestion, and other factors.
How fast is 5G?
5G speed is hard to quantify, as it will depend on your coverage and network. In our 5G speed testing, we've seen speeds approaching 1Gbps, but we've also seen speeds under 50Mbps in less ideal conditions. If you're in a decent coverage area, you should currently be able to expect speeds of between 250Mbps and 500Mbps, for the most part.
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5G coverage map FAQs
How can I check 5G in my area?
You can check 5G coverage in your area by following the steps in the how to compare 5G coverage in your area portion of this guide.
What areas have 5G in Australia?
Most major cities in Australia have access to 5G, but you may not find it in all rural areas.
Who has the best 5G coverage in Australia?
Telstra has the widest 5G coverage, reaching 95% of the population.
When will 5G be available in my area?
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to tell when 5G is coming to your neighbourhood. The telcos don't have a rollout schedule, so it's a case of "wait and see".
Is 5G home internet coverage different to 5G mobile coverage?
5G home internet uses the same network as 5G phones, but just because your phone can get 5G service doesn't mean you'll be able to get 5G internet. Providers only see 5G home internet to addresses where they believe they can guarantee a good connection. In some cases, providers only sell a limited number of 5G internet services per postcode to ensure that everyone in the area can achieve a fast connection.
Alex Choros
