By
Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead
Last updated

Few people realise that Telstra actually sells access on its network to other smaller providers, like ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile and Everyday Mobile, just to name a few. These smaller providers are called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and the way they keep prices down is by having fewer overheads, like marketing or additional plan features. 

Almost all Telstra MVNOs only have access to the Telstra "Wholesale" network — the lone exception being Boost Mobile, which does operate over the full Telstra network. The biggest difference between these two networks size, with the former accounting for just over half the physical footprint of the latter.

In this guide, we'll discuss how it all works, who these telcos are, the difference in mobile coverage between Telstra and smaller providers on its network, as well as plan costs and mobile broadband speed.

But first, here's a quick look at popular plans in our database from smaller telcos that use the Telstra network:

#1
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$39 Prepaid

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#2
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

30GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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 Offer available until withdrawn.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
#3
Exetel
Exetel

Plus One eSIM Plan

  • 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#4
Telstra
Telstra

$54 Pre-Paid Mobile

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 35GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Saver 4G Plan

  • 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
  • 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
#6
Belong
Belong

25GB Mobile Plan

  • 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#7
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$28 Mobile Plan

  • 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$28.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#8
Everyday Mobile
Everyday Mobile

Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge

  • 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
  • Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#9
More
More

75GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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

Are you overpaying for your data?

When plans have similar inclusions, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. One way to compare is on the value per GB. As a rule of thumb, anything at $1 or under per GB is good value.

$
GB

Telstra network coverage explained


Telstra doesn't share its full access to its network with MVNOs. Just part of it. That more limited slice of Telstra's network is known as the Telstra Wholesale network. It covers just 1.4 million square kilometers where the full network accounts for 2.14 million square kilometres. Here's what this difference look like:

Telstra and Telstra wholesale coverage compared

You might also find Telstra MVNOs put download limits on their mobile plans, whereas Telstra plans are uncapped. 

To clarify, here's how coverage compares between Telstra, Optus and Vodafone and each of their respective MVNOs across both 4G and 5G coverage:

Australian Mobile Network Coverage

Network 4G coverage 5G coverageNetwork Size
Telstra network* N/A N/A2.14 mil square km
Telstra Wholesale network N/A N/A1.4 mil square km
Optus network 99.1% 94.5%1.2 million square km
Vodafone network 99% 94.5%1.2 million square km

Numbers shown are a percentage of the Australian population.
*Telstra no longer provides population-based coverage figures. Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO with access to the full Telstra network.

Does 4G vs. 5G matter?

In many cases, cheaper plans from Telstra MVNOs are limited to 4G, while premium plans get some form of 5G access. This 4G limitation might feel like a red flag or bargain-bin option, but these 4G-only plans usually have a maximum download limit of 100Mbps — that's the same as an NBN 100 plan. 

As long as Telstra Wholesale coverage is good in your area, you should get good enough speed to handle just about anything you might want to do on your phone.

Tangerine vs. Telstra network coverage


Tangerine Telecom's network: Telstra Wholesale

  • 1.4 million square kilometers

Tangerine is another Telstra MVNO well worth a look if you're after a value-for-money plan. It's got a wide range of mobile plans that include unlimited calls and text, data banking, eSIM options and, for its 5G plans, calls to the top 15 countries included and discounts for bundling in your NBN plan.

If you're a Tangerine customer keen on travelling, Tangerine also offers a range of very flexible add-on international roaming packs. Some have a bit of everything while others just offer data. They can also be stacked together to build a custom plan. Tangerine even offers support for wearables like the Apple Watch via its Shared Number plans, which start at $10 per month.

#1
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

30GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#2
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

50GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $18/mth for 4 months then $36/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$36.00/mth
Min. cost $18
#3
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

75GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#4
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

100GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $24/mth for 4 months then $48/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$48.00/mth
Min. cost $24
#5
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

160GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $30/mth for 4 months then $60/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$60.00/mth
Min. cost $30

Here's a look at Tangerine vs. Telstra:

Features Tangerine Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access  *
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available  ^

Boost vs. Telstra network coverage


Boost Mobile's network: Full Telstra Network

  • 2.14 million square kilometers 

Despite having a bunch of handy features like eSIMs, international roaming packs and frequent promo deals, Boost plans are still more affordable than Telstra. Its plans also offer more data options than Telstra (meaning you won't be paying more for data than you're using), and it even has some solid long-expiry options. You will need to bring your own phone or choose from one of its refurbished handsets, but the provider's wide range of prepaid plans means you'll be sure to find something that suits you.

Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO with coverage that uses the full Telstra network, despite not being owned by the larger telco. This means, when comparing Boost vs. Telstra, you'll get the same network coverage.

#1
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$14 Prepaid

  • 6GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$14.00
Per 7 Day Renewal
#2
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$28 Prepaid

  • 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$28.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#3
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$39 Prepaid

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#4
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$49 Prepaid

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 75GB data on first 6 recharges, then 45GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26
$49.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#5
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$59 Prepaid

  • 105GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: Get 105GB data on first 6 recharges, then 55GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26
$59.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#6
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$74 Prepaid

  • 150GB Uncapped download speed
  • Deal: Get 150GB data on first 6 recharges, then 100GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#7
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$180 Prepaid

  • 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 160GB data on new activations, then 100GB from next recharge. Activate by 02.11.26
$180.00
Per 6 Month Renewal
#8
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$300 Prepaid

  • 290GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 290GB data on new activations, then 240GB from next recharge. Activate by 02.11.26
$300.00
Per 12 Month Renewal
#9
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$365 Prepaid

  • 365GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Grab the $365 SIM for $305 – save $60. Hurry! Offer ends 12 October 2026. Terms Apply
$305.00
Per 12 Month Renewal

Here's a look at Boost vs. Telstra:

Features Boost Mobile Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available

Belong vs. Telstra network coverage


Belong's network: Telstra Wholesale

  •  1.4 million square kilometers

Belong is an MVNO owned and operated by Telstra, but isn't just a cheaper version of its parent company. As a subsidiary, you might expect similar coverage when comparing Belong vs. Telstra, but Belong operates over the Telstra Wholesale network, and so doesn't have full Telstra network access.

While Belong has just a handful of plans with small, medium, and large data allowances, these are all contract-free and with data-sharing options. Every Belong mobile plan comes with unlimited data banking and data gifting, allowing customers to take full advantage of their data allowance and share it with other Belong customers.

Belong
Belong

25GB Mobile Plan

  • 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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

Here's a look at Belong vs. Telstra:

Features Belong Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available

ALDI Mobile vs. Telstra network coverage


ALDI Mobile's network: Telstra Wholesale

  • 1.4 million square kilometers

Much like the shopping giant itself, ALDI Mobile plans offer no-frills plans at lower prices. With no contracts and generous data inclusions for the price, you can give its plans a try and then switch without drama if you're not satisfied. And while it doesn't sell mobile phones on a plan, who knows? You might be able to nab one from a store's infamous middle aisle.

ALDI offers award-winning plans, including 30-day expiry plans and a 365-day long-expiry PAYG plan. There's also the option to bundle multiple SIMs onto a single family plan, which comes with handy data sharing features.

#1
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$28 Mobile Plan

  • 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$28.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#2
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$34 Mobile Plan

  • 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$34.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#3
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$39 Mobile Plan

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$39.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#4
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$49 Mobile Plan

  • 120GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$49.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$59 Mobile Plan

  • 175GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
$59.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#6
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$60 Family Plan

  • 90GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$60.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#7
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$118 Family Plan

  • 180GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$118.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#8
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$160 Family Plan

  • 270GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$160.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#9
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$289 365 Day Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$289.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied

Here's a look at ALDI Mobile vs. Telstra:

Features ALDI Mobile Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access  *
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available

ALDI Mobile does offer a form of international roaming, but it's Pay As You Go (PAYG) and thus more expensive than most other international roaming inclusions
*On select plans.

Everyday Mobile vs. Telstra network coverage


Everyday Mobile's network: Telstra Wholesale

  • 1.4 million square kilometers

This Woolworths-owned telco's mobile coverage is delivered via the Telstra Wholesale network. Everyday Mobile (formerly Woolworths Mobile) offers a unique deal to save its customers a bit more money each month. 

The Fresh Food People's SIM-only plans come with no contract, and once a month you can save 10% off your shop (up to $50) once per month. You get to choose which shop to apply this to, so you don't have to worry about it auto-appending to that cheeky chocolate bar you grab on your way home from work. Everyday Mobile also offers eSIM connectivity for smartwatches like the Apple Watch and the Samsunsg Galaxy Watch.

By being an Everyday Mobile customer, you're also supporting its charitable work with OzHarvest — an Australian charity aimed at collecting surplus fresh food from over 500 Woolworths stores and delivering it to over 1,600 local charities.

#1
Everyday Mobile
Everyday Mobile

$40 SIM Only

  • 70GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
#2
Everyday Mobile
Everyday Mobile

$50 SIM Only

  • 110GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#3
Everyday Mobile
Everyday Mobile

$60 SIM Only

  • 165GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply
$60.00/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied

Here's a look at Everyday Mobile vs. Telstra:

Features Everyday Mobile Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access  *
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available

*On select plans.

Exetel vs. Telstra network coverage


Exetel's Mobile's network: Telstra Wholesale

  • 1.4 million square kilometers

Exetel's's mobile coverage is delivered via the Telstra Wholesale network and the provider's singular mobile plan comes with many of the same perks found through other MVNOs that use the Telstra network. This provider offers eSIM, 1000GB of data banking, unlimited international talk and text to 15 countries, and free incoming SMS while abroad. 

Exetel
Exetel

Plus One eSIM Plan

  • 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal

Here's a look at Exetel Mobile vs. Telstra:

Features Exetel Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access  
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available

Superloop vs. Telstra network coverage


Superloop's network: Telstra Wholesale

  • 1.4 million square kilometers

Superloop's mobile coverage is delivered via the Telstra Wholesale network. That puts it on par with almost every other MVNO that uses the Telstra network, but it's not the only thing this provider has going for it.

Superloop's prepaid mobile plans also come with no-contract, eSIM support, a 1000GB data bank, and unlimited standard international calls & SMS to 15 countries. Lastly, you can save up to $15 per month on the cost of your internet if you bundle together both services via Superloop. 

#1
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Saver 4G Plan

  • 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
  • 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
#2
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Essential 5G Plan

  • 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#3
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Choice 5G Plan

  • 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#4
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Plus 5G Plan

  • 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service
$50.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#5
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Max 5G Plan

  • 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps
  • Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service
$60.00
Per 30 Day Renewal

Here's a look at Superloop vs. Telstra:

Features Superloop Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access  *
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available

*On select plans.

MVNOs compared


Now we've seen each of these popular MVNOs compared against Telstra, how do they stack up against each other?

Features Belong Boost ALDI Mobile Everyday Mobile Tangerine Exetel Superloop Telstra postpaid Telstra prepaid
Postpaid
Prepaid
Uses full Telstra network
Phone payment plans
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
Data banking or rollover
Data gifting
Data sharing or family plans
International roaming packs
5G access  *  *  *  *
Uncapped 5G speed
eSIM available  

*On select plans.

If it's reception you're after, Boost Mobile's coverage footprint is bigger than the other MVNOs, thanks to its unique deal with Telstra that nets it access to the full network. The difference is small for 4G coverage, but for 5G it's significant.

Belong comes ahead on data, thanks to unlimited data banking data gifting and unlimited data. That last feature is full-speed data up to your allowance before your plan is slowed to 1.5Mbps – basically it means you can still access the internet (to a degree) with no excess data charges.

Generally, the more perks you get from a provider or plan, the more you can expect to pay.

Plans from these MVNOs

We've looked at the included features and perks of going with each of the above Telstra providers, so you might be wondering how their pricing compares.

Here's a look at how the cheapest monthly plans with at least 20GB of data from each of these telcos compare, ranked by price for at least the first six months:

#1
Everyday Mobile
Everyday Mobile

Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge

  • 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps
  • Deal: Get 10% off an eligible Woolworths shop in store every month when you link your Everyday Rewards card. T&Cs apply
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#2
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom

30GB 5G Mobile SIM

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#3
Belong
Belong

25GB Mobile Plan

  • 85GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#4
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile

$34 Mobile Plan

  • 45GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$34.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
#5
Superloop
Superloop

SuperSim Essential 5G Plan

  • 35GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • 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
#6
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

$39 Prepaid

  • 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 05.10.26. Terms Apply
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
#7
Exetel
Exetel

Plus One eSIM Plan

  • 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
#8
Telstra
Telstra

$44 Pre-Paid Mobile

  • 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
  • Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula Wiwatowska
Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

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