Telstra increases mobile plan prices amid comments on pulling back regional coverage investment

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 24 March 2026

Most Telstra postpaid and prepaid mobile plans will see a price increase of between $4 and $5 from May 5. This will make Telstra's cheapest mainline postpaid plan $74 per month with a 50GB allowance, and its cheapest mainline prepaid plan $44 per recharge with a 20GB allowance.

Not only are Telstra's hikes happening against a background of increased fuel prices, interest rate rises, and the component crisis, they coincide with the telco's coverage map fight. Telstra could see a million square kilometres wiped from its coverage map under new standards put forward by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which proposes that areas with signal strengths lower than -115dBM be declared as not having usable services.

Telstra is arguing against the draft standard, with Group Executive for Global Networks and Technology, Shailin Sehgal, saying that more than 1.5 million of its customers use coverage below -115dBM each month.

"Every day in these coverage areas 700,000 voice calls are made, 750,000 texts are sent, and 300TB of data is transferred," wrote Sehgal in a post on the Telstra blog.

Sehgal did, however, also note that the new standard could reduce Telstra's incentive to invest in regional coverage.

"If the draft standard is introduced, the incentive for us to continue investing in regional areas — including at the edge of the network when the comparable map would not represent much of this coverage — is diminished," wrote Sehgal. "This would mean customers in regional and remote areas get less and poorer service over time."

At the same time, Telstra Group Executive for Consumer, Brad Whitcomb, wrote, in a separate blog post, that the price increases are necessary to fund ongoing network investment. While not all network investment happens in regional areas, Telstra's network footprint is a key point of difference for the brand.

A Telstra spokesperson told WhistleOut that these are two separate matters.

"A lot of the investment in our network is in performance (capacity and 5G roll out), reliability and security, not just expanding our network footprint at the edge, which is what could be impacted by the ACMA decision," said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson also pointed to the $12.4 billion Telstra has invested in its mobile network, with $4.7 billion of that going to regional areas.

Below is how pricing is changing for Telstra's postpaid Upfront plans, which either be purchased as a SIM-only plan or bundled with a new phone:

Plan	Old Pricing	New Pricing
Starter	$50 per month for 5GB	$55 per month for 5GB
Basic	$70 per month for 50GB	$74 per month for 50GB
Essential	$80 per month for 180GB	$84 per month for 180GB
Premium	$99 per month for 300GB	$99 per month for 300GB
Mobile Bundle	$57 per month for 25GB	$61 per month for 25GB

Note that Telstra will retire its "Starter" plan on May 5. This will no longer be available to new customers, but existing customers will stay on it at the increased rate.

And here is how pricing is changing for Telstra's prepaid plans:

Expiry	Old Pricing	New Pricing
7 days	$13 for 3GB	$15 for 4GB
28 days	$39 for 15GB	$44 for 20GB
28 days	$49 for 25GB	$54 for 35GB
28 days	$59 for 35GB	$64 for 45GB
28 days	$69 for 70GB	$74 for 80GB
6 months	$180 for 70GB	$200 for 80GB
12 months	$350 for 165GB	$395 for 180GB

Telstra's mobile broadband plans are subject to its smallest price increase, with the bill for these customers going up by just $3 per month in most cases.

Plan	Old Pricing	New Pricing
Small	$30 per month for 30GB	$33 per month for 30GB
Medium	$65 per month for 100GB	$68 per month for 100GB
Data Bundle	$15 per month for 10GB	$20 per month for 10GB

Telstra is even increasing the cost of its eSIM smartwatch plan from $5 to $8. Dubbed the "One Number" plan, this allows smartwatch users to share their primary phone number with their wearable to continue to receive calls and use data when away from their handset.

Alongside the price increases, Telstra will introduce a new "Access" plan and a seniors' discount.

The Access plan will have 5GB of data, but will have capped download speeds from June. Telstra has yet to clarify pricing, but download speeds will be capped to 5Mbps and upload to 3Mbps. Customers will still be able to use the connection at 1.5Mbps after they go over their 5GB. Hotspotting will be limited to 200MB per month.

"The plan is designed to support calling, texting, emails and checking websites and SD video calling, but not suitable for higher data usage needs, like HD streaming," said a spokesperson.

The seniors' discount will kick in from July, and anyone with an eligible concession card will be able to get a 10% discount on any core Upfront postpaid plan.

Telstra is also pointing to its budget brands Boost and Belong as an option for price-sensitive customers. Here are the cheapest plans from Boost and Belong:

$28 Prepaid

8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices

$28.00

Per 28 Day Renewal

Go to Site

$28.00

Per 28 Day Renewal

Go to Site

Telstra's price increases only serve to solidify its position as Australia's most expensive telco. At $74 per month, Telstra's cheapest postpaid plan will be $19 per month more expensive than Optus' cheapest option, and $21 more expensive than Vodafone's, excluding promotional discounts.

Prices are even cheaper when you look outside of the Big Three providers. For comparison, here's a selection of popular plans in the WhistleOut database, sorted by price point.

SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
Swoop	Swoop 30GB SIM Only 5G 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
TPG	TPG 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
Lyca Mobile	Lyca Mobile Unlimited Plan S 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $15 for first 6 renewals when you activate this plan. Offer ends 31.12.26. T&Cs apply $15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 23 SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
OnePass mobile Editor's Pick	OnePass mobile Editor's Pick 28 Day Plan - 22GB 22GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $12.50 - Get 22GB for only $12.50 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $25/22GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply $12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 30 SIM Only 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50GB for $17– Includes $13 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $30. Offer ends 30.06.27 $17.00/mth Min. cost $17 Go to Site	$17.00/mth Min. cost $17	Go to Site
iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied

Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
Yomojo	Yomojo Starter 29GB Plan 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
TPG	TPG 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Pivotel	Pivotel 80GB Mobile Swift Plan 80GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50 Go to Site	$22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50	Go to Site
SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29.00/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29.00/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small Monthly Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$23.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $28 Mobile Plan 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 60GB data on first 6 recharges, then 30GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Swoop	Swoop 120GB SIM Only 5G 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $10 off for first 6 months - $30/mth for first 6 months then $40/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $30.00/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Essential 5G Plan 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service $35.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$35.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $34.00/mth Min. cost $34 Link not supplied	$34.00/mth Min. cost $34	Link not supplied
SpinTel	SpinTel $35 Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $35.00/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35.00/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site

Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
felix mobile	felix mobile felix Unlimited+ Mobile Plan Unlimited data at download speeds up to 80Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network $50.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$50.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $21/mth for 4 months then $42/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $42.00/mth Min. cost $21 Go to Site	$42.00/mth Min. cost $21	Go to Site
SpinTel	SpinTel $50 Mobile Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
More	More 75GB 5G Mobile SIM 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: Get $10/mth off new mobile plans for 36mths, then $4/mth ongoing when you sign up with a CommBank debit or credit card. Ends 31.3.27 $46.00/mth Min. cost $46 Link not supplied	$46.00/mth Min. cost $46	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 120GB Plan 120GB data at download speeds up to 200Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $32 for first renewal when you sign up by 19.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
EZEE Mobile	EZEE Mobile 100GB Mobile SIM Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 5G Mobile Network in selected areas $45.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$45.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile $50 SIM Only 110GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Includes 60GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 04.11.26. T&Cs apply. $49.00/mth Min. cost $49 Link not supplied	$49.00/mth Min. cost $49	Link not supplied
Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $50 SIM Plan 180GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 55GB bonus data for first 3 recharges when you activate by 03.11.26 $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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