Compare 5G Phone Plans
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What is a 5G phone plan?
5G stands at the forefront of cutting-edge mobile technology, delivering high-speed connectivity for a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and home wireless solutions. Leading Australian telecommunications companies responsible for managing the nation’s mobile networks have actively implemented 5G infrastructure nationwide, focusing mainly on major metropolitan areas. Ongoing efforts are dedicated to expanding and optimizing these networks, involving upgrades to existing infrastructure and the deployment of state-of-the-art 5G equipment.
The potential speeds offered by 5G are estimated to reach up to 20 gigabits per second for downloads and 10 gigabits per second for uploads, marking a significant advancement. 5G is designed to accommodate a 100x increase in traffic capacity and network efficiency, demonstrating a substantial leap from 4G. Additionally, 5G boasts lower latency compared to its predecessor.
All major providers include 5G access in their postpaid and prepaid plans. It’s crucial to note that unlocking the full potential of 5G requires a compatible smartphone or device. Additionally, be aware that specific plans may impose download speed caps, ranging from 100 Mbps to 250 Mbps. Australia’s 5G networks
Australia’s 5G networks
In Australia, the 5G network has been rolled out and activated since 2019, and 5G plans have become increasingly affordable and widely available. Many phone plans now seamlessly include 5G access.
The country’s three major telecom companies offer 5G plans on their networks, and there are also options from smaller providers with more budget-friendly prices. Affordable 5G phone plans typically start around $30 per month and can vary.
Telstra 5G Postpaid Mobile Plans
- Telstra provides three 5G SIM-only plans that can be paired with 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 5G Pre-Paid Mobile Plans
- Telstra offers six 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, introduced 5G in selected areas and expanded coverage to over 400 cities and towns nationwide. The 5G network, available through postpaid and prepaid plans, offers impressive speeds of up to 7.3Gbps from a test device in an mmWave 5G site.
To access Telstra’s 5G network, users need a compatible phone. They can bring their 5G-ready handset or choose a bundled 5G phone through a device payment plan featuring options from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia, and OPPO. Users can customize their payment approach, either paying for the device outright or selecting a payment plan spread over 12, 24, or 36 months.
*Real-world performance depends on factors like location, device, and network congestion
Optus 5G Postpaid Mobile Plans
- Optus provides five 5G SIM-only plans that can be paired with 5G 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 up to 4Gbps
Optus 5G Pre-Paid Mobile Plans
- Telstra offers six 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, a subsidiary of Singapore-owned Singtel and Australia’s second-largest telecommunications company, has introduced 5G in selected areas and continues to expand its coverage. The Optus 5G network is accessible through both postpaid and prepaid plans, offering impressive speeds of up to 4.5Gbps in commercial environments. Real-world performance is influenced by factors such as location, device type, and network congestion, with 5G consistently outperforming Optus’s existing 4G coverage.
To access Optus’s 5G network, users require a compatible phone. They can bring their 5G-ready handset or opt for a bundled 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.
Optus has introduced a 5G phone Price Match Guarantee for the latest 5G phones, ensuring that Optus matches any competitor’s retail price on the same 5G mobile phone, provided it is in stock, and the price is not tied to any lock-in offers. Explore the most affordable Optus plans available in Australia for further details.
Vodafone 5G Postpaid Mobile Plans
- Vodafone provides three 5G SIM-only plans that can be paired with 5G 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 2Gbps
- 30 Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee
Vodafone 5G Pre-Paid Mobile Plans
- Vodafone offers five 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, a part of TPG Telecom Limited, formerly known as Vodafone Hutchison Australia, underwent a name change following a merger with TPG. As the third-largest wireless carrier in Australia, TPG Telecom also owns various other brands, including TPG, iiNet, AAPT, Internode, Lebara, and Felix. Vodafone’s 5G network is currently available in selected areas across major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Gold Coast, Central Coast, Wollongong, and the Sunshine Coast, covering 3000 suburbs and continuing to expand its reach. The Vodafone 5G network is accessible through both postpaid and prepaid plans, delivering impressive speeds of up to 2Gbps, a record achieved at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Real-world performance is contingent on factors like location, device type, and network congestion, with 5G consistently surpassing Vodafone’s existing 4G coverage.
To tap into Vodafone’s 5G network, users need a compatible phone. They can bring their 5G-ready handset or choose a bundled 5G phone through a device payment plan, with options available from reputable brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OPPO. Users enjoy flexibility in their payment approach, selecting a plan spread over 12, 24, or 36 months.
Other 5G 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 5G Mobile plans
5G Mobile phones
5G Home Broadband
There was once little consideration for 5G Home internet as a viable alternative to traditional home broadband just a few years ago, until the advent of 5G technology. Theoretically, 5G speeds can reach up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps). In real-world scenarios, the highest recorded speed is around 7.3 Gbps with mmWave 5G sites. However, actual download speeds may vary based on the specific network conditions. Providers like Telstra offer speeds ranging from about 200 to 800 Mbps, Optus from about 40 to 200 Mbps, and Vodafone from about 50 to 100 Mbps. While these speeds are comparable to NBN100 and NBN250, the monthly costs are often similar or even more affordable.
Despite the promising features, 5G home internet does come with its drawbacks. One significant limitation is its smaller coverage area compared to traditional broadband options. Additionally, weather conditions can impact the quality of 5G signals, and the distance between your location and the 5G tower may affect your download speed. Consumers need to balance the advantages and disadvantages when considering 5G home internet as a potential replacement for traditional broadband services.