If you want Telstra coverage, Telstra isn’t your only choice. Although there are plenty of carriers in Australia, there are only three mobile networks, Optus, Vodafone and Telstra. Smaller providers, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) buy capacity on these networks and resell it at lower costs. Since these carriers have lower overhead costs, and generally come sans perks, they can offer similar plans to those of big telco but at heavily discounted rates.
However, just because MVNOs use the Telstra network doesn’t necessarily mean they’re equal. One of the main drawbacks of using a Telstra MVNO is that they don't have access to the 5G network. That's not to say that they won't get access to the high speed 5G network later on down the track, but for now if you want 5G you'll need to be with Telstra proper.
We’ve compared the main contenders to help you make the best decision for your Telstra-lite mobile plan.
Before you scroll any further, here are a bunch of Telstra MVNO plans to compare.
Below we compare the main contendors to Telstra so you can decide which providers are worth the trade offs.
Belong vs. Telstra
Belong is Telstra's very own MVNO, owned and operated by the mother-company. Similar to Big T, Little T has just a handful of contract-free plans.
The provider's data-sharing options are a standout feature. Every Belong mobile plan comes with Data Banking, Data Rollover and Data Gifting, allowing customers to take full advantage of their data allowance.
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Belong
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
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| Features | Belong | Telstra |
|---|---|---|
| Postpaid |  |
 |
| Prepaid |  |
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| Mobile Phone Plans | |
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| Unlimited Talk | |
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| Unlimited Text | |
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| Data Bank | |
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| Data Rollover | |
 |
| Data Gifting | |
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| International Roaming | |
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| Unlimited Data | |
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| Data-free Streaming | |
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| Uses full Telstra Network | |
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| Perks | |
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Woolworths Mobile vs. Telstra
Woolworths mobile is a unique MVNO, offering mobile phone plans as well as some on-brand perks. Customers can pick up a range of handsets on a 24 or 36-month plan, including the newest Samsung S series range and 'only at Woolworths' OPPO smartphones.
The Fresh Food People SIM-noly plans come with no contract, and have perks such as 10% off your shop once per month.
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Everyday Mobile
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
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| Features | Woolworths Mobile | Telstra |
|---|---|---|
| Postpaid | |
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| Prepaid | |
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| Mobile Phone Plans | |
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| Unlimited Talk | |
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| Unlimited Text | |
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| Data Bank | |
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| Data Rollover | |
|
| Data Gifting | |
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| International Roaming | |
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| Unlimited Data | |
|
| Data-free Streaming | |
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| Uses full Telstra Network | |
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| Perks | |
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Boost vs. Telstra
Boost Mobile has the best of both worlds, offering great value inclusions on the full Telstra 4G network. Unlike other MVNOs operating off the wholesale network, Boost has the same coverage that Telstra proper does, but boasts lower costs, and long-expiry options. You'll also nab data-free streaming for Apple Music on eligible recharges.
You'll still need to bring your own phone if you want to join Boost, but the provider's wide range of prepaid plans mean you'll be sure to find something that suits.
| Features | Boost | Telstra |
|---|---|---|
| Postpaid | |
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| Prepaid | |
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| Mobile Phone Plans | |
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| Unlimited Talk | |
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| Unlimited Text | |
|
| Data Bank | |
|
| Data Rollover | |
|
| Data Gifting | |
|
| International Roaming | |
|
| Unlimited Data | |
|
| Data-free Streaming | |
|
| Uses full Telstra Network | |
|
| Perks | |
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ALDI Mobile vs. Telstra
Much like the shopping giant itself, ALDI Mobile offers no frills at high value. With no contracts, and generous data inclusions for the price the provider offers a no-risk service. You'll also need to bring your own device as the operator doesn't sell mobile phones on a plan, although you might be able to nab one in their infamous middle aisle.
ALDI prepaid prices cap out at a maximum of $45 per month, but won't include any special buys along with the recharge.
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ALDI mobile
$28.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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| Features | ALDI Mobile | Telstra |
|---|---|---|
| Postpaid | |
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| Prepaid | |
|
| Mobile Phone Plans | |
|
| Unlimited Talk | |
|
| Unlimited Text | |
|
| Data Bank | |
|
| Data Rollover | |
|
| Data Gifting | |
|
| International Roaming | |
|
| Unlimited Data | |
|
| Data-free Streaming | | |
| Uses full Telstra Network | |
|
| Perks | |
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Other Telstra MVNOs
While ALDI, Belong, Woolworths and Boost are the top contenders against Telstra in the MVNO category, there are plenty of other small providers offering deals on the Telstra network. Here are some of the other providers with plans on the Telstra network:
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#1
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 100%
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Plans from $30/mth
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Telstra Wholesale Network
All Telstra Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) run on the Telstra wholesale network to the exception of Boost Mobile. While Telstra’s full network reaches 99.4% of the population the wholesale version covers 98.8%. That still is wider coverage than any other provider in the country.
Here’s how the regular Telstra network and Telstra’s wholesale network compare.
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
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