The secret to accessing the Telstra network for a fraction of the cost

Kate Reynolds - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 29 July 2021

man on phone with white hair and blue shirt

So you've done your research and decided that you want a phone plan that gives you access to the Telstra network. Great!

Telstra has excellent coverage, but if you've browsed Big T phone plans, you'll already know that they often come at a premium.

The good news is that there's a way to get Telstra coverage without hurting your hip pocket.

The secret is that that there are a number of smaller mobile providers re-selling services on the Telstra network. In the industry, they're known as network resellers or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). MVNOs offer access, usually cheaper, to mobile networks that they don't own, and many of them operate on the Telstra network.

Telstra network providers 2021

Here's a list of 9 providers that use the Telstra network:

ALDI Mobile
Belong
Boost Mobile
Lycamobile
MATE
numobile
Pennytel
Tangerine Telecom
Woolworths Mobile

In fact, there are only three phone networks in Australia: the Telstra network, the Optus network and the Vodafone network. Regardless of which provider you choose, big or small, you'll always end up using one of these mobile networks.

However, it's worth noting that 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 5G later on down the track, but for now if you want 5G you'll need to sign up to the Telstra network through Telstra.

And while Telstra’s full network reaches 99.4% of the population the wholesale version covers 98.8%. It might not seem like a huge difference, but it means that Telstra MVNOs may not be an option for customers in rural areas.

Have a look below at some of the popular mobile phone plans - and yep, they ALL use the Telstra network.

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile 80GB Data $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Min. cost $12 Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $12 – save $27. Hurry! Offer ends 30.11.26. Terms Apply	100%	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 15GB Data No Contract $30/mth Min. cost $30 Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply.	94%	Go to Site
#3	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile 12GB Data $28 Per 30 Day Renewal Min. cost $28	38%	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra 50GB Data No Contract $74/mth Min. cost $24 Deal: Get $37/mth off your first 4 months on a new Upfront Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply	31%	Link not supplied
#5	Belong	Belong 200GB Data No Contract $49/mth Min. cost $49 Deal: Includes 100GB monthly bonus data for first 12 months when you activate your new service by 30.11.26. T&Cs apply.	16%	Link not supplied
#6	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile 300GB Data $320 Per 365 Day Renewal Min. cost $320	11%	Link not supplied

Essentially, the MVNOs buy network service at wholesale prices, then resell this service on to us. Because they have lower overheads, smaller advertising budgets, and don't always stock handsets, the MVNOs can offer the same basic products as the big brand telcos, but at much cheaper rates.

The trick to getting a great deal is to know which network gives you the best service at home and in your daily travels, and then match this network with one of the low-cost providers.

Of course, it's the same for Optus and Vodafone.

Check out the popular plans below. Yep, all those carriers are using the Optus network:

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel 25GB Data No Contract $12/mth Min. cost $12 WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth	100%	Go to Site
#2	Dodo	Dodo 40GB Data No Contract $15/mth Min. cost $15 Deal: 50% off! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 6 mths, then $30/mth. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 08.12	36%	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus 100GB Data No Contract $39/mth Min. cost $39 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.	27%	Go to Site
#4	amaysim	amaysim 240GB Data $320 Per 365 Day Renewal Min. cost $320	11%	Go to Site

And popular plans available with carriers that use the Vodafone network:

#1	felix mobile	felix mobile Unlimited Data $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Min. cost $20 Deal: $20/mth for first 6 mths. Reverts to $40/month. Use promo code UNL40. Ends 30.11.26. T&Cs apply	100%	Go to Site
#2	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile 300GB Data $159 Per 365 Day Renewal Min. cost $159 Deal: Get 300GB data for only $159 (incl. $41 off + 100GB bonus data) on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 12.11.26	23%	Go to Site
#3	TPG	TPG 30GB Data $15 Per 1 Month Renewal Min. cost $15 Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.	9%	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 65GB Data No Contract $45/mth Min. cost $45 Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 16.11.26. T&Cs apply.	8%	Link not supplied
#5	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Data $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Min. cost $17.50 Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply.	5%	Link not supplied
#6	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile 180GB Data $200 Per 365 Day Renewal Min. cost $200	5%	Link not supplied

So no matter which carrier you decide on, it's the same networks that the Big Three use. So if you're looking for a phone plan with great coverage that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, consider a plan through an MVNO.