If you're looking for the best mobile coverage in Australia, you'll need a Telstra mobile plan. While it's a well-known fact Telstra's mobile plans come at a price, especially with some of the fastest 5G speeds backing them, there are ways to keep costs down.
Telstra BYO or SIM-only plans are a way to stay on the Telstra network at a slightly cheaper rate, since you're not also paying for a new phone. Keep reading our guide below to find Telstra's best SIM-only or BYO mobile phone plans and coverage information as well as alternatives to Telstra's mobile phone plans for comparison.
Telstra SIM-only BYO plans
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#1
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Telstra
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $24
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $42
Link not supplied
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#3
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Telstra
$99.00/mth
Min. cost $49
Link not supplied
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Telstra's SIM-only or BYO plans are referred to as "Upfront Plans" and have features like data sharing and international talk and text inclusions.
On top of unlimited local talk, SMS, and MMS, every Upfront plan also has 30 minutes of international talk and unlimited internal national messaging, to any destination. Data from Upfront plans can be shared between as many as 10 plans on your account, provided they're also Upfront. This is great news for those looking for family mobile plans.
Telstra Upfront plans are free from excess charges. If you end up going through your monthly allowance, you'll still be able to keep using your data without paying anything extra. You'll be limited to speeds of 1.5Mbps. This effectively means the plans have unlimited mobile data.
Telstra's Upfront plans also have support for Satellite Messaging with eligible phones. This allows customers to send and receive text messages when outside of coverage areas, provided they have a clear view of the sky. Compatible devices include the iPhone 13 family and newer, the Galaxy S24 family and newer, and the Pixel 9 family and newer.
Telstra BYO SIM-only plans currently start at $74 per month, with the Basic Upfront plan. While Telstra's cheapest SIM-only plan used to have a speed cap, this has been removed. As such, all Telstra Upfront plans can go as fast as network conditions allow - in our testing, we've seen speeds over 1Gbps on the Telstra 5G network. Actual speeds can and will vary, but between 200Mbps and 500Mbps is often a safe bet in metro areas.
All Telstra Upfront plans have access to the Telstra Plus perks program. Telstra Plus gives customers cheaper tickets for Event Cinemas, HOYTS, Palace, Dendy, and others. In addition, customers earn Telstra Points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for discounts on tech, gift cards, and more.
Here's how Telstra's SIM-only plans compare to Optus and Vodafone's:
TPG's Home Fast Unlimited plan is our pick for the best NBN 500 plan for October.
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TPG
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
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Telstra MVNO SIM-only plans
Telstra's mobile plans start at around mid-range prices and head upwards. If you're after a cheaper SIM-only plan, you can check out providers on the Telstra wholesale network. Telstra-powered providers include Tangerine, More, Exetel, Superloop, Belong, Boost Mobile, ALDI Mobile, and Everyday Mobile (formerly Woolworths Mobile).
The Telstra wholesale network is slightly smaller than the full Telstra network. While Telstra’s full network reaches 99.7% of the population, the wholesale version covers 98.8%. It might not seem like a huge difference, but it means that Telstra-powered providers may not be an option for customers in some rural areas. You can look at how the Telstra wholesale network compares to the full Telstra network here.
Boost Mobile is the one exception to this rule, and has access to Telstra's entire network. Boost Mobile, like Belong, is owned by Telstra.
For easy reference, here's a look at popular Telstra network SIM-only plans in our database:
On the other hand, if none of these plans strikes your fancy, there are always other providers out there. Here are the most popular SIM-only plans from outside the Telstra network:
Telstra prepaid plans
While prepaid plans are technically SIM-only and are also paid upfront, prepaid plans are paid through recharges. You can either recharge manually, or set up auto-recharge. With Upfront SIM-only plans, you're always billed automatically.
Prepaid plans tend to offer fewer perks than Upfront plans but are more affordable. This makes them a great option for kids on mobile plans, seniors on mobile plans or anyone struggling to stick to their monthly budget. Telstra's prepaid SIMs range from $15 and $395 and can last anywhere between seven days to 12 months if you're after a long-expiry plan.
Most Telstra prepaid plans have their speeds capped at 150Mbps. The exceptions are the $64 recharge and the $74 recharge, which have a 250Mbps speed cap and uncapped speeds, respectively.
Here are Telstra's prepaid plans, sorted from lowest to highest price:
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#1
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Telstra
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
$54.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#3
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Telstra
$64.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#4
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Telstra
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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#5
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Telstra
$200.00
Per 6 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
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#6
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Telstra
$349.00
Per 12 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
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Telstra mobile phone plans
If these prices don't look as scary as you thought, Telstra also offers plans with a phone. Telstra has quite the selection to choose from, so below we have compiled the most popular handsets available through the provider, grouped by brand:
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
- 7.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
- 8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- 8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- 6.6 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP, 10.8MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 42MP
- 8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.5MP, 10.8MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
All Telstra mobile phone plans are structured in the same way; the outright cost of your phone is divided into equal monthly repayments, which are then paid alongside your monthly phone bill.
Your monthly bill = monthly repayment cost of phone + monthly SIM-only plan cost
The longer you choose to take to repay your phone, the cheaper your monthly fees will be, but you'll end up paying the same amount for your phone at the end of the day. Telstra has 12, 24, and 36-month repayment options for buying a phone on a plan.
All Telstra mobile plans are contract-free, so you can swap to another Telstra Upfront Plan should your needs change. If you want to leave Telstra entirely, you will have to pay any remaining handset repayments in one lump sum.
Telstra coverage
Telstra's coverage is the largest in Australia. The provider covers 99.7% of the population, whereas Optus and Vodafone both cover 98.5%. Telstra's wholesale network slides into second place, covering 98.8% of the population.
These numbers mean that pretty much everyone in Australia should be able to get mobile coverage across one of the three big networks. Naturally, being the largest of the three, Telstra is the better choice for regional and remote Aussies, but it's always worth checking your address on a coverage map just in case.
Like its 4G networks, Telstra leads the race to have the largest 5G network in Australia, now covering 95% of the population. The Optus 5G and Vodafone 5G networks have a smaller footprint. Use the interactive map below to see if you have Telstra 5G available where you live, work, or play.
While it might seem odd to look at coverage as a percentage rather than kilometres squared, in Australia, it kind of makes sense. We have a lot of wide, unpopulated land, and it doesn't really make sense to chuck a cell tower in the middle of nowhere.
Not sure if Telstra is the best option for you? Each month, our team pick the best mobile plans across a whole heap of categories, including SIM-only, prepaid, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and more.
Telstra mobile FAQs
What is Telstra's cheapest mobile phone plan?
Telstra's cheapest postpaid mobile phone plan is the $74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan. You can bundle any mobile phone offered by the provider with this plan.
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Telstra
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $24
Link not supplied
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Telstra's cheapest 28-day prepaid recharge is a $44 plan that includes 20GB of data. At the time of writing, it includes a bonus 60GB of data on your first three recharges.
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Telstra
$44.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
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Does Telstra offer SIM-only plans?
Yes, Telstra offers SIM-only plans, although they are called Upfront Plans. Telstra's Upfront Plans operate in a similar way to prepaid plans, where you will pay upfront for the service rather than at the end of the month.
All Telstra SIM-only plans are contract-free, so you can switch plans or leave without any penalties.
What do I need to get a Telstra phone plan?
Like any other telco, Telstra requires you to verify your identity and undergo a credit check for many of its phone plans.
You'll need to provide 100 points of ID, which can be achieved with at least one form of primary ID, for example, a Driver's License, a valid Passport or a state-issued proof of age card, and two forms of secondary ID, for example, a Medicare Card, Bank Card, birth certificate or tertiary student ID. Otherwise, two forms of primary IDs are also acceptable.
If you are purchasing a Telstra Upfront Mobile Plan, you will be required to use an Australian driver's license or Australian passport, as these are the only accepted forms of ID for this plan.
If you're after a prepaid Telstra plan, you won't need a credit check.
Does Telstra offer 36-month plans?
Telstra offers 36-month repayment options on new phones and mobile broadband devices.
Do Telstra SIM cards fit all phones?
Yes. Most new Telstra SIM cards are manufactured to break out into three different sizes for various devices - standard, micro and nano SIM.
Does Telstra have eSIM?
Yes. Telstra plans have eSIM, allowing you to take advantage of the new technology.
These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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