Compare 4G Phone Plans
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What is a 4G phone plan?
4G stands as a popular mobile technology, offering fast and stable connectivity for various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and home wireless solutions. Key Australian telecom companies overseeing the nation’s mobile networks have extensively established 4G infrastructure, covering over 99% of the Australian population. However, Australian telecom companies are focusing on 5G networks, either by establishing new 5G infrastructure or upgrading existing 4G cell sites to 5G.
The potential speeds achievable with 4G vary but generally provide relatively fast download and upload speeds compared to 3G networks. However, in comparison to the latest technology, 5G, which is significantly faster than 4G, reaching speeds of up to 250Mbps (similar to nbn250) depending on your location, its speed potential is even greater, theoretically reaching up to 20Gbps.
All major providers include 4G access in their postpaid and prepaid plans. It’s important to note that to fully experience 4G capabilities, you’ll need a compatible smartphone or device (Of course, in 2024, most devices are compatible with the 4G network). Additionally, certain plans may have download speed limits, typically ranging from 20 Mbps to 200 Mbps, while others allow access to both 4G and 5G networks.
Australia’s 4G networks
In Australia, the 4G network has been widely established and operational since 2011, providing accessible and affordable plans. Many mobile plans now naturally come with 4G connectivity.
The country’s major telecom companies offer a variety of 4G plans on their networks, and there are also options from smaller providers with more budget-friendly prices. Affordable 4G phone plans typically start around $10 per month and may vary; sometimes, you can even find plans below $10 during ongoing promotions.
Telstra 4G Postpaid Mobile Plans
- Telstra provides three 4G/5G SIM-only plans that can be paired with 4G/5G phones.
- Each plan includes 30 minutes of international calls and unlimited international SMS and MMS.
- Enjoy an unlimited data allowance, and even after surpassing the high-speed data limit, you can still access data at speeds of up to 1.5Mbps.
- The maximum download speed ranges from 250Mbps to uncapped
Telstra 4G Pre-Paid Mobile Plans
- Telstra offers six 4G/5G Pre-Paid plans, all of which support eSIM
- Download speeds for both 4G and 5G are capped at 150Mbps.
- Most of plans come with unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers.
- Most of plans include international call minutes and texts.
Telstra, a leading Australian telecommunications company, has established an extensive 4G network across the country, encompassing all major CBDs, most suburban areas, and over 1600 regional towns. Accessible through both postpaid and prepaid plans, the 4G network ensures reliable and fast connectivity for users, with real-world performance subject to factors such as location, device, and network congestion. Additionally, Telstra has upgraded select 4G sites to 4GX in specific areas, doubling the bandwidth and enabling download speeds of up to 200Mbps. To benefit from Telstra’s 4GX network, users need a compatible phone—either their 4GX-ready handset or a bundled 4GX phone available through various device payment plans. Telstra does not offer exclusive 4G mobile plans; all plans provide access to both 4G and 5G networks. As your location becomes equipped with a 5G network, you can enjoy even faster connectivity.
These plans offer choices from renowned brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia, and OPPO, providing users with flexibility in payment approaches, including outright purchase or extended payment plans spanning 12, 24, or 36 months.
*Real-world performance depends on factors like location, device, and network congestion
Optus 4G Postpaid Mobile Plans
- Optus provides five 4G/5G SIM-only plans that can be paired with 4G phones.
- All plans include unlimited standard international talk and text, except for the small plan.
- Every plan comes with unlimited data, and the speed will decrease to a maximum of 1.5Mbps once the limit is reached.
- The download speed can reach up to around 100Mbps
Optus 4G Pre-Paid Mobile Plans
- Telstra offers six 4G/5G Pre-Paid plans, all of which support eSIM
- Download speeds for both 4G and 5G are capped from 150Mbps to 250Mbps.
- Most of plans come with unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers.
- Roll over unused data up to 200GB
Optus, Australia’s second-largest telecommunications company and a subsidiary of Singapore-owned Singtel, has established an extensive 4G network across the country, ensuring reliable coverage. The Optus 4G network is accessible through both postpaid and prepaid plans, providing impressive speeds suitable for various needs. Real-world performance may be influenced by factors such as location, device type, and network congestion.
To access Optus’s 4G network, users need a compatible phone. They can bring their 4G-ready handset or opt for a bundled 4G/5G phone through a device payment plan, with options available from reputable brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, ZTE, and OPPO. Users have the flexibility to tailor their payment approach, choosing between paying for the device outright or selecting a payment plan spread over 12, 24, or 36 months.
While Optus places primary focus on the 5G network and continues to expand its coverage. Therefore, Optus does not offer 4G-only mobile plans; all postpaid or prepaid mobile plans support both 4G and 5G networks. Once your location is ready with a 5G network, you can enjoy high-speed downloads.
Vodafone 4G Postpaid Mobile Plans
- Vodafone provides three 4G/5G SIM-only plans that can be paired with 4G phones.
- All plans include unlimited standard international talk and text, except for the small plan.
- Every plan comes with unlimited data, and the speed will decrease to a maximum of 2Mbps once the limit is reached.
- The download speed can up to 25Mbps
- 30 Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee
Vodafone 4G Pre-Paid Mobile Plans
- Vodafone offers five 4G/5G Pre-Paid plans.
- There is no download speed cap on all plans
- All plans come with unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers.
- Roll over unused data up to 200GB
Vodafone Australia, now a part of TPG Telecom Limited following a merger with TPG, was previously known as Vodafone Hutchison Australia. TPG Telecom, the third-largest wireless carrier in Australia, also owns several other brands, including TPG, iiNet, AAPT, Internode, Lebara, and Felix. Vodafone’s 4G network provides widespread coverage across the nation.
The Vodafone 4G network is accessible through both postpaid and prepaid plans, delivering reliable speeds suitable for various needs. Real-world performance may vary based on factors such as location, device type, and network congestion. Similar to Telstra and Optus, all Vodafone mobile plans support both 4G and 5G networks. Users can bring their 4G or 5G-ready handset or choose a bundled phone through a device payment plan to use Vodafone services. Options are available from reputable brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OPPO. Users have flexibility in their payment approach, selecting plans spread over 12, 24, or 36 months.
Other 4G Mobile Plans
- Companies such as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer mobile communication services without owning the wireless network infrastructure.
- MVNOs lease network access from Telstra,Optus & Vodafone
- Typically excludes extra entertainment features but provides more affordable plan options.
Cheapest 4G Mobile plans
4G Home Broadband
Typically, 4G home broadband serves as a reliable backup internet solution in cases of fixed-line internet dropout. The usual download speed for 4G home broadband hovers around 20Mbps, doubling the speed of ADSL. However, in the current online landscape, where websites are laden with numerous scripts and images, browsing such sites can feel akin to the days of dial-up speed.
In essence, 4G home broadband becomes a valuable emergency option when standard internet services are temporarily unavailable. Its higher download speed compared to ADSL makes it a practical choice for swift connectivity during internet outages. Despite the challenges posed by media-rich websites, the efficiency of 4G home broadband is undeniable in bridging the gap during crucial moments when a stable internet connection is paramount.