Boost Mobile has become the first Telstra MVNO to launch a 5G plan, getting the jump on other providers powered by Big T's network. Last week Telstra said its MVNO partners would be able to start selling 5G plans from July, but Boost may have been able to get in early thanks due to being the only smaller provider powered by the full Telstra network.
So far, 5G is exclusive to Boost's most expensive 28-day recharge. The plan is billed at $70 per recharge and includes 65GB of data. You do however get 35GB of bonus data on your first three recharges, bringing it to a total of 100GB during your first three months.
Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid
| Carrier | Boost Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | 150GB Data |
| Type | Prepaid (28 Days) |
| Current Deal | Get 150GB data on first 6 recharges, then 100GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 |
| Total Price |
$74 per 28 days
|
| Go to Site |
When you exclude the bonus data, Boost's plan offers less value than Telstra's Upfront plans, but more than its prepaid. Telstra's cheapest Upfront plan is billed at $65 per month and includes 80GB of data. On the other hand, Telstra's cheapest 5G prepaid plan is a $60 recharge with 40GB of data. You do however get a bonus 25GB on your first three recharges, getting you 65GB on your first three months.
While it's early days for 5G on smaller Telstra providers, this fits with the trend we've seen with the Optus network. 5G is currently a premium proposition, and smaller providers don't have the ability to undercut their parent networks in any significant way. This is quite different to 4G-only plans, where MVNOs can offer much better deals.
WhistleOut understands that promoting its new 5G offering isn't a priority for Boost, with founder Peter Adderton last week tweeting he doesn't "recommend anyone buying a 5G as a premium plan from Boost Australia or any MVNO until it's no longer at a premium price".
The news coincides with Boost announcing it has doubled its market share over the last four years, saying that it now has 7% of the Australian prepaid market. This telco says this represents more than 700,000 customers, and hopes to grow this to over a million in the short term.
"These latest figures show that Boost Mobile is taking it to the big guys and whether there is network ownership or not, we have a plan to make sure Aussies are getting the best deal, on prepaid and beyond," said Adderton.
Alex Choros
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