Read and leave reviews for all providers in Australia
On our site, we cover all providers active in Australia. If you’re an existing customer, you can leave a review of your experiences, and if you’re weighing up different options, you can read reviews and easily compare each provider’s services – from prepaid plans and SIM only plans to mobile broadband.
With so many providers on the market today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. However, it is actually quite straightforward – as long as you focus on certain factors when comparing the different options. Below, we’ve listed the key considerations to keep in mind to help you make the best and most cost-effective choice.
Choose your provider based on the following factors
Network coverage or availability
If you’re looking to buy a SIM only plan, prepaid plan or mobile broadband, comparing the network coverage in your area is an essential first step. Without good network coverage, your service simply won’t deliver what you need.
If you’re looking for fixed internet (NBN), your address determines which providers and speeds are available to you. On the broadband providers’ websites, you’ll always start by entering your address to check if they can supply internet to your home, and if so, which technology type (e.g., FTTP, FTTN) and speeds apply.
Range on offer
The range of services can vary significantly between different providers. Some offer both SIM only plans, Prepaid plans and various types of internet, while others may focus solely on SIM only plans.
Start by checking which providers offer the specific service you’re looking for, then choose the provider whose range of data allowances or speeds best matches your preferences and needs.
Prices
Just as the range of services on offer varies, so do prices between different providers, with the larger network owners (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) generally charging more – sometimes by a large margin. However, these bigger providers usually offer a wider selection, premium perks (like sports subscriptions), and more comprehensive support.
That said, this doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual quality of the connection. There are several so-called “budget providers” (MVNOs) that offer an excellent range and responsive support – even if their support hours are not as comprehensive.
Ultimately, it comes down to your own preferences and priorities. The most important thing is not to choose a provider based solely on price. Instead, draw up a few options that meet your other requirements (like coverage area) and then pick the most affordable among them.
Service and support
Some providers offer support by phone, chat, and email, while others (especially low-cost digital providers) may only provide support via an app or online chat. If you value being able to speak directly with support and receive personal guidance should you encounter any issues, the level of customer service is an important factor to consider when comparing your options.
The major networks (MNOs) in Australia
In Australia, these three companies own and operate the physical towers:
- Telstra: Australia’s largest network. Best for rural coverage and 5G speeds. Offers SIM only plans, prepaid plans, and mobile broadband.
- Optus: Strong balance of value and coverage. Known for entertainment bundles (SubHub) and data pooling. Offers SIM only plans and prepaid plans.
- Vodafone: The value choice for metro areas. Known for infinite data and $5 roaming. Offers huge data on SIM only plans.
Popular virtual providers (MVNOs)
These providers offer great value by using the major networks mentioned above.
- Boost Mobile. The top choice for regional users wanting prepaid plans.
- Amaysim. A market leader for no-lock-in SIM only plans and great customer service.
- Woolworths Mobile. Offers 10% off your grocery shop if you sign up for their SIM only plans.
- ALDI Mobile. Popular for families with shared data on prepaid plans.
- TPG / iiNet. Great for bundling with your NBN home internet.
Mobile providers that share networks
| Telstra | Optus | Vodafone |
|---|---|---|
| ALDI Moible | AGL | Felix Mobile |
| Alphacall | Amaysim | iiNet |
| Belong | Aussie Broadband | Kogan Mobile |
| Boost Mobile (Full Network) | Coles Mobile | Lebara |
| CMobile (both Telstra & Optus) | Dodo | TPG |
| Everyday Mobile | Exetel | |
| Flip | iPrimus | |
| Goodtel | Moose Mobile | |
| Konec Mobile | Southern Phone | |
| Lyca Mobile | SpinTel | |
| MATE | Swoop | |
| More | Telsim | |
| OnePass Mobile | Yomojo | |
| Pennytel | ||
| Pivotel (both Telstra & Optus) | ||
| Superloop | ||
| Tangerine | ||
| TeleChoice |
Vodafone and TPG are part of the same company
Since the merger in 2020, Vodafone and TPG operate as TPG Telecom, creating a massive third player in the Aussie market to rival Telstra and Optus.
This means that a wide range of popular providers – including iiNet, Internode, Lebara, and the eco-friendly brand Felix – all connect you via the same Vodafone 4G/5G mobile network. So, whether you sign up with the main Vodafone brand or one of their budget-friendly siblings, you’re utilizing the exact same towers and infrastructure
Which mobile provider offers the best network coverage?
According to umlaut’s (part of Accenture) Mobile Network Test 2025, Telstra’s network offers the best overall network coverage and reliability in Australia, while Optus frequently takes top awards in Opensignal’s reports for 5G speed and video experience.
Keep in mind that results can vary depending on the type of test carried out. However, when looking at the overall network experience – particularly in rural and regional areas – Telstra still consistently comes out on top in terms of pure geographical reach.
That said, network coverage does vary significantly across this vast country. This means that neither Telstra nor Optus can guarantee the best reception exactly where you live. Before choosing a SIM only plan, prepaid plan, or mobile broadband plan, it’s important to check the provider’s network coverage map for your specific suburb. On the providers’ websites, you can enter your address (not just postcode) to see their coverage strength.
Who are the largest broadband providers in Australia?
- Telstra (The market leader with the largest share)
- TPG Telecom Group (Includes TPG, Vodafone, iiNet, Internode and Lebara)
- Optus
- Vocus Group (Includes Dodo and iPrimus)
- Aussie Broadband (Rapidly growing challenger brand)
Which broadband provider offers the fastest broadband?
Which provider can offer you the fastest broadband depends heavily on the NBN technology type available at your address (e.g., FTTP, HFC, or FTTN). Not all providers offer the ultra-fast “Ultrafast” (1000 Mbps) speed tier in all areas.
That said, according to recent ACCC “Measuring Broadband Australia” reports, smaller performance-focused providers like Exetel, Superloop, and Leaptel frequently clock the highest average download speeds during peak hours (7 pm – 11 pm).
However, this landscape is changing. The nationwide rollout of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) upgrades is progressing steadily. A large proportion of Australian households can now upgrade their connection to access speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) if they choose a participating provider.
Which providers have the highest customer satisfaction?
When it comes to mobile services, smaller MVNOs often have the highest overall customer satisfaction – according to surveys by Roy Morgan and Canstar Blue.
These surveys consistently show that providers like ALDI Mobile, Amaysim, and Boost Mobile outperform the major networks in terms of value and customer service.
For broadband, Aussie Broadband is the undisputed leader in customer satisfaction. They have won the “Most Trusted Brand in Telecommunications” (Roy Morgan) and “Best NBN Provider” (Choice) awards for several consecutive years. This is largely due to their local Australian-based support team and transparent communication. Other providers that rank highly for satisfaction include Superloop and Mate.
Can you switch provider if you’re not satisfied?
Yes, you can switch provider or internet supplier if you’re not satisfied with your current one.
In Australia, most modern mobile and NBN plans are “no lock-in contract” (month-to-month). This means you can usually switch whenever you like without paying a termination fee, as long as you pay your final bill.
Important Exception: If you are paying off a device (like a phone or a modem) in monthly instalments, you will need to pay the remaining balance of that hardware in one lump sum if you leave early.