The Best Alternatives To Telstra’s Mobile Network


Got Telstra? Then you’ve probably noticed your existing plan has disappeared from its website.

Last month, Telstra consigned hundreds of active plans to the scrap heap in a massive consolidation of its business. In their place are just four core options with prices starting at $50 a month. While that doesn’t sound too bad for Telstra, adding extras like data roaming and international calls to your plan can hike up the monthly fee considerably.

While you aren’t obligated to switch from a legacy plan just yet, it’s probably only a matter of time before Telstra starts encouraging customers to sign up to its new offerings. Before you do that though, it’s definitely worth checking out what rival telcos are offering.

[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/06/telstras-new-plan-add-ons-how-much-do-all-the-new-extras-cost/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/06/Telstra-store-410×231.jpg” title=”Telstra’s New Plan Add-Ons: How Much Do All The Extras Cost?” excerpt=”Telstra has completely transformed its phone business. Yesterday, it axed more than 1800 active plans and will now offer just four core options to consumers. However, customers can now tailor their plan with a variety of add-ons and extras, with hundreds of possible combinations to choose from. Here’s the full list of new options.”]

With that in mind, here are some non-Telstra options that can save you some money.

Optus Network Plans

Here’s a sample of 10GB BYO phone plans on the Optus 4G Plus network, and if you’re on a Telstra plan you will see the difference straight away. Right now, Telstra has a 15GB BYO plan for $50 per month. That’s an okay price, but you can cut that in half with most of the options above.

It’s worth considering some of the extras you might get in a plan beyond just calls and data too. Also, be sure to pick a no-contract plan if you want the freedom to cancel your plan at any time. (For the record, all of Telstra’s mobile plans are now contract-free.)

Vodafone Network Plans

If you’re a long-time Telstra customer it’s probably been a while since you’ve given serious thought to the idea of using Vodafone. But in that time, the network has gotten so much better, especially if you live in one of the major cities. (Last year, network monitoring app OpenSignal reported that Vodafone has the countries fastest average 4G speeds and the best average latency.)

If this sounds good to you, then check out the first plan in the plan above – it comes with 35GB for just $15. That plan is one of the best value on any network right now. (The plan previously cost $30 per month.)

Telstra MVNO Plans

Finally, you could choose a plan from one of the providers on the Telstra 4G network and save some money. If you’re living in a poor coverage area, this is a good way to get mobile network access without paying top dollar.


Additional reporting by Joe Hanlon at WhistleOut.

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