What is a 5G mobile plan?

With a 5G mobile plan, you get access to the latest generation of mobile connectivity, offering significantly faster speeds and lower latency compared to 4G. In Australia, 5G is now widely available on both postpaid (month-to-month) and prepaid plans. However, to connect to the 5G network, your handset must be 5G-compatible, and your telco must have 5G coverage in your specific area.

Tip! Today, most Australian telcos offer 5G as part of their mobile plans, and it is standard among the major network providers. However, just like with 4G plans, the price, data inclusions, and 5G availability vary between different providers. To find the best value and the most affordable option, you should compare plans before signing up. You can easily do this using the comparison table above.

One thing to keep in mind is that 5G is backwards compatible. This means you can use a 5G-enabled SIM in a 4G phone; however, you will only be able to access the 4G network. To experience 5G speeds, you need both a 5G-ready plan and a 5G-capable device.

Things to consider when choosing a 5G mobile plan

  • Ensure your smartphone is 5G-compatible. Most models released from 2020 onwards support it, but it’s always worth a quick check in your settings.
  • Choose between postpaid and prepaid: Postpaid plans usually offer more data and “no lock-in” flexibility with monthly billing. Prepaid plans are great for budget control and often come with data banking (rollover of unused data).
  • Check the coverage map: Don’t just take the provider’s word for it. Use their official coverage map to see if 5G is actually available where you live, work, and commute. Remember that regional coverage varies significantly between the Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone networks.
  • Understand the Telstra network: If you choose a provider on the Telstra network, check if they use the full Telstra network or the Telstra Wholesale network. Currently, Telstra and Boost Mobile are the only ones with full access, which offers slightly wider 5G coverage in very remote regional areas
  • Look beyond the price: A cheap plan isn’t always the best deal. Many telcos (especially MVNOs) offer 5G plans with speed caps of 100 Mbps or 250 Mbps. If you want a “true” 5G experience with uncapped speeds, you need to check the fine print. Also, look for value-added features like data banking or data rollover, which are huge in Australia and can save you money in the long run if your data usage fluctuates.

Pros and cons of 5G mobile plans

  • Stream 4K video and download large files in seconds
  • Essential for lag-free mobile gaming and video calls
  • Better performance in crowded areas

  • 5G can consume more battery than 4G on some older devices
  • 5G coverage is still more limited than 4G in regional and rural Australia

Which is the cheapest 5G mobile plan?

CMobile C Red 0.5 GB is the cheapest pay monthly 5G mobile plan right now (checked on 21/10/26). The cost is $10.90/month when you sign a 0-month contract.

Get the deal at CMobile

ALDI Mobile 365 Days is the cheapest prepaid 5G mobile plan right now (checked on 21/10/26). Recharge from $2.00.

Get the deal at ALDI Mobile

What speeds can you expect with a 5G mobile plan?

In Australia, 5G download speeds typically range between 100 Mbps and 500 Mbps, though in ideal conditions near a 5G tower, speeds can exceed 1 Gbps. These speeds are significantly higher than the average nbn fixed-line connection. Be aware that many budget-friendly providers (MVNOs) now offer tiered 5G plans. It is common to see speed caps of 100 Mbps, 150 Mbps, or 250 Mbps. If you want the fastest possible experience, look for an ‘uncapped’ 5G plan

However, your actual speed will depend on your distance from the nearest tower, local congestion, and whether your telco has placed a speed cap on your specific plan.

5G Standalone (5G SA) – The “true” 5G

Australia’s major carriers are currently rolling out 5G Standalone (5G SA). Unlike the initial 5G rollout (NSA), which relied on 4G infrastructure, 5G SA uses a dedicated 5G core. This results in even lower latency, better indoor coverage, and improved battery life for your device. Telstra and Optus are leading the way with 5G SA deployment in major capital cities.

What do you need to use 5G Standalone?

  • An 5G SA compatible plan: Currently, 5G SA is primarily available on Telstra Upfront plans and specific premium Optus postpaid plans. It is less common on prepaid or budget MVNO plans. Always check your Critical Information Summary (CIS) or your provider’s fine print.
  • The right hardware: Most flagship phones released from 2023 onwards support 5G SA via a software update. This includes the iPhone 15 and 16 series, Samsung Galaxy S23, S24 and S25 series, and the Google Pixel 8 and 9.
  • A 5G-ready SIM or eSIM: You may need a modern SIM card or, even better, an eSIM, which is often the easiest way to ensure your profile is provisioned for 5G SA.
  • 5G SA coverage: You must be within a 5G SA coverage zone to access the network. In Australia, this currently means being in a major metropolitan area like the Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane CBDs, where Telstra and Optus have upgraded their towers to the standalone core.

Frequently asked questions about 5G mobile plans

Can I get a 5G mobile plan for 365 days?

Yes, these are commonly called long-expiry plans. You can buy a 365-day prepaid plan with 5G and a large upfront data allowance (e.g., 200 GB or 500 GB). This is often the most cost-effective way to get 5G if you don’t want a monthly bill.
Can I get an unlimited 5G mobile plan?

Most postpaid 5G plans in Australia offer “endless data,” which means you have unlimited data but your speed is throttled (usually to 1.5Mbps or 2Mbps) once you hit your monthly limit. Truly unlimited high-speed data is rare. Prepaid plans are usually not unlimited and will stop working if you run out of data.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?

Most modern SIMs work with 5G. However, if your SIM is several years old, your provider might suggest switching to a new “5G-ready” SIM or an eSIM to ensure you get the best speeds and access to 5G SA.
Are 5G plans more expensive than 4G?

5G is now included at no extra cost on most mid-to-high tier plans. However, some “Value” plans from smaller providers are still restricted to 4G to keep the price as low as possible.
Can I keep my number when switching to a 5G plan?

Absolutely. Under Australian law, you can keep your existing mobile number when switching between any provider (this is called “porting”). The process is usually completed within a few hours.