Optus today announced that it will now allow Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) powered by its network to resell postpaid 5G mobile plans. SpinTel is the first Optus MVNO to launch new plans following this news.
SpinTel's 5G mobile plans are completely discrete from its 5G plans, all priced at a slight premium. SpinTel's 5G plans start at $35 per month with a 10GB allowance, while its 4G only plans max out at $34.95 per month with 40GB. Both plans are available with a $5 per month discount for the first six months, however.
While SpinTel's 5G plans are pricier than their 4G companions, it’s the cheapest we've seen 5G on the Optus network. Optus' base plan will set you back $39 per month with 10GB. Alternatively, you can pay $40 for 50GB on SpinTel.
SpinTel's 5G plans don't include international talk and text. SpinTel suggests that its 5G customers can expect average download speeds of 147Mbps during busy periods when connected to a 5G network. Optus has currently more than 900 5G sites switched on around the country. You can see Optus' 5G coverage using the interactive map below.
At this stage, Optus is only offering postpaid 5G plans to MVNOs. This means prepaid-based Optus powered providers like amaysim and Coles will be left in the cold for now. An Optus spokesperson said there's currently no timeline as to when prepaid MVNOs will get access to 5G.
Optus MVNO Moose Mobile has confirmed it will begin to offer both 5G mobile and home internet services shortly, although wasn't able to confirm a date. WhistleOut understands a number of other Optus powered providers will follow suit, with further news coming as early as next week.
Optus opening up 5G to MVNOs is a milestone for the next generation network, as to date, customers needed a phone plan with either Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone to get 5G access. MVNOs have a reputation for offering their plans at a cheaper rate than their parent network, so hopefully the move should make 5G connectivity more accessible to more Australians.
Neither Telstra or Vodafone currently offer 5G to providers to their respective MNVOs. It is on the cards for Telstra, however.
"We are currently building the capability to offer 5G to our wholesale customers." said a Telstra spokesperson. "We don’t have a date yet as we continue to work through a number of technical and market factors."
Vodafone did not respond in time for publication.
Optus first opened up its 5G network to wholesale providers at the end of July, but only for 5G home internet.
Alex Choros
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