Best mobile networks in Australia – 5G coverage, speed, performance 

Planning your next trip to Australia? Vodafone, Optus and Telstra are the reliable guides for connectivity, powerful 5G and mobile data. They all offer competitive rates and loyalty deals. So, to simplify your connection experience, we present the overview of mobile networks in Australia to help you choose the best travel companion. 

What are the special features of mobile networks in Australia?

Australia has a developed but uneven mobile network. The main operators provide coverage in cities, but in remote areas, Telstra operates mainly. The speed and quality of communication depends on the location: 5G and fast LTE networks are available in metropolitan regions, while 3G and satellite solutions are often used in suburban zones.

The country ranks 28th in terms of internet speed by Speedtest Global Index.

In January 2025, the average download speed reached 117.18 Mbps and the average upload speed was 10.26 Mbps. The latency is 21 ms. 

The infrastructure deployment is expensive due to the country’s large territory. This affects tariffs – communication is quite expensive. On average, it starts at $65 for 50GB, unlimited calls and SMS. However, MVNO operators (which rent capacity from large companies) provide more favorable options and more flexible terms. 

Innovations, such as the expansion of 5G and satellite technologies, are intended to improve the communication quality, especially in remote areas. According to the Australian Telecoms Market Report, Telstra and Optus have signed a contract with SpaceX to provide mobile satellite communications services via the Starlink satellite. The providers will deliver high-quality communications where traditional mobile infrastructure is down or coverage is weak. The services will be available by the end of 2025. Users will receive:

• Connectivity in remote areas;
• Better emergency communication – coverage will be available in the case of natural disasters or interruptions in the operation of land-based networks;
• Expansion of 4G/5G coverage.

Australia has vast sparsely populated areas where coverage is weak. The contract will help to reduce communication “dead zones” and make services available even in the most remote corners.

3 best mobile networks in Australia

There are only a few large mobile operators in Australia – Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. This is due to high infrastructure costs and the demand for large capital to cover the vast territory.  

It is a challenging task for operators to reach all areas with mobile coverage. It imposes extra costs on new entrants. This is a barrier for operators-newcomers. 

Vodafone 

This leading player delivers mobile and fixed-line internet services. The company continues to actively develop its infrastructure, especially in the area of 5G, significantly expanding its coverage in 2025. As a part of TPG Telecom Group, Vodafone serves millions of customers, offering international roaming and Internet backup for home users. Customer service is an important business component – the operator has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, its own stores and a contact center for support. 

Vodafone’s 4G coverage is available in most cities across the country. The operator is most active in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. In the Southern and Western parts, 4G coverage is available only on the coasts. Moreover, the supplier has excellent coverage in the Northern parts – Alice Springs, Yulara, Tennant Creek. The price for the Sim Only package starts at $39.

Vodafone comes with some of the best SIM-only plans. Here are some key advantages:

• The provider stands out from the competition with International Roaming Packages. Customers enjoy cheap rates for calls and Internet in more than 80 countries (for $5 per day). 

This is extremely convenient for people who often travel or work abroad.

• Vodafone allows its users to share data between multiple devices through the Data Sharing option. This works perfectly for users who have multiple gadgets. You can collect data on one main account and distribute it to tablets or other phones.
• Vodafone is actively developing its 5G network, enabling users to experience the fastest internet speeds in cities where they have coverage. Their network is considered one of the most stable among the three operators.
• The provider has special deals for first-time customers and students. For example, 200GB and $10/month savings for 12 months on a Small SIM Only plan. There are also double data packages – you pay less, but get more Internet.

Optus

This Australian telecom company is a part of Singapore’s Singtel. They serve more than 11 million customers and cover 98.5% of the Australian population. Optus operates a variety of services: mobile communications, internet, cable TV, and even satellite communications.  

However, in 2022, the company faced a serious problem – a large-scale cyberattack that stole the personal data of almost 10 million customers. This led to a class action lawsuit from more than 100,000 victims. Despite these challenges, the operator continues to develop and introduce new technologies to improve its services for Australians.

Optus also has several unique offerings that make them appealing to consumers:

• The supplier has exclusive rights to sports broadcasts. The connected user gets access to the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and other popular sports tournaments. This is an excellent option for sports fans who prefer watching matches at no extra cost to other streaming services.
• Optus is also actively developing a 5G network, bringing high-speed Internet access to most major cities in Australia. Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth have the best coverage in terms of 5G experience. This mobile network in Australia is considered to be very stable.
• There is a shared data access for all family members. This is one account to which you connect the tariff plan and share the benefits between family members.
• There are many extra perks, such as free access to Apple TV+, which is a great benefit for people looking to watch popular shows and movies.

These services cost from $62 per month. 

Telstra Australia

Telstra is undoubtedly one of the largest and most reliable operators in Australia. Its coverage extends across most of the country’s population – South, East, West, and most of Northern Australia are connected to Telstra. 

Prices for tariff plans start from $65 per month. In return, you receive the following options:

• Telstra is by far the leader in remote areas of Australia. Their coverage is the widest of all mobile operators. This is an important aspect for users staying in rural areas or traveling around the country. Telstra is also actively working to improve coverage in regions where competitors may not have access. These are, for example, the Northern regions.
• Customers can enjoy exclusive access to Telstra TV. This includes watching thousands of movies, TV shows, and other media at no extra cost. 
• The company has separate deals for small and medium-sized businesses, featuring special packages that include more data and discounts for corporate clients. These are advanced security, round-the-clock technical support, and 4G backup in case of an outage.

Top mobile virtual network operators in Australia

MVNOs are virtual mobile operators that don’t possess their own network but rent infrastructure from large companies. This allows them to reduce the cost of launching services. The popularity of MVNOs is growing due to flexible tariffs. They often present narrowly targeted packages: for tourists, gamers, or budget-oriented consumers. Prices are lower than those of traditional operators. Another advantage is digital orientation. 

Many virtual mobile networks in Australia operate only online, simplifying connection and maintenance. Clients save time by avoiding offices. Among the disadvantages is dependence on the main operator. The communication quality can suffer when the network is overloaded. 

Let’s take a look at the most popular MVNOs in the country:

Vodafone, Optus and Telstra – a detailed overview

Have you understood enough about mobile networks in Australia by now? If you have any doubts, we are ready to dispel them using the Opensignal report for October 2024. So, Optus has become the most awarded carrier, winning five awards on its own and three more jointly. 

Vodafone won the 5G Availability award, as network users had a 5G connection 53.3% of the time, which is significantly higher than the 47.3% in April.

Vodafone is also the undisputed leader in download speeds at 84.3Mbps.

Telstra takes the top spot in the coverage categories, receiving 9.5 points out of 10 for coverage in populated areas.

To sum up 

The mobile networks in Australia are trying to deliver as many useful plans, data, and benefits as possible for locals and tourists. Telstra has the most extensive 5G coverage and packages for businesses and entrepreneurs. Optus delivers a high level of experience when watching videos, playing games, and downloading 5G content. Vodafone attracts favorable international tariffs, expanded connectivity, and super-fast downloading.

Mobile internet prices in Australia are quite high, making eSIM a convenient choice for traveling. It allows you to connect to local operators without a physical SIM card. It saves time and eliminates the problem of losing or damaging a physical SIM card.

You can get an Australian eSIM online with Ohayu and choose a data plan starting from $7.49, install it online before your trip, and activate it after you arrive in the country.

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Article by Filip Kopycki

Founder’s Associate at Ohayu

Filip specializes in mobile communications market analysis and business research. With a background in economics, he focuses on network performance, pricing, and eSIM adoption trends worldwide.

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