Mobile Networks
Compare coverage, speeds, and providers across Australia's major mobile networks.
Optus
Providers
Telstra
Providers
Telstra Wholesale
Providers
Vodafone
Providers
Network Comparison
How Australia's major mobile networks compare on key metrics
| Network | Coverage | 5G Availability | Number of Providers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Optus |
98.50% | 80.50% | 16 |
|
Telstra |
99.00% | 91.00% | 5 |
|
Telstra Wholesale |
98.80% | 75.00% | 17 |
|
Vodafone |
98.50% | 53.30% | 12 |
Network Coverage
Understanding mobile network coverage across Australia
Coverage Explained
Mobile network coverage refers to the geographical area where a network provides service. In Australia, coverage is typically measured as a percentage of the population that can access the network.
While major cities and regional centers generally have excellent coverage across all networks, rural and remote areas may have limited or no coverage depending on the network.
When choosing a mobile plan, it's important to consider where you'll be using your phone most frequently and check the coverage maps for those areas.
5G Rollout
5G is the fifth generation for wireless mobile and internet services, offering improvements on transmission speeds, lower latency for data, and greater network base capacity than 4G networks.
Australia's first 5G commercial launches occured as early as 2019, but service rollout is ongoing country-wide with coverage largely available in major cities and expanding to rural areas. The three major networks are progressing with varied progress:
- Telstra: Has the countries most extensive 5G network presently serving customers in both metropolitan and regional areas.
- Optus: Strong 5G presence in metropolitan areas and a number of major regional centres, with more locations being added.
- Vodafone: 5G available in a number of major metropolitan and regional centres, utilising the recent partnership with Optus.
5G availability is constantly improving as networks continue to invest in infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mobile network refers to the physical infrastructure (towers, base stations, etc.) that provides cellular coverage. In Australia, there are three major mobile networks: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Vodafone who is owned by TPG Telecom and as at 31st January 2025 is now co-sharing network infrastructure with Optus, which in some cases is existing Vodafone towers or in areas with no or older Vodafone infrastructure utilising Optus towers.
A provider (or carrier) is a company that sells mobile plans to consumers. While Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone operate their own networks and sell plans directly, many other providers (known as MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators) sell plans using one of these three networks.
Generally, MVNOs provide the same geographic coverage as their host network, but there can be some differences:
- Some MVNOs may have access to only parts of the host network. Telstra for example does limit network access to some MVNOs.
- MVNOs may not have full access to the latest network technologies (like 5G) or full network speeds on some plans as soon as it's available to the host network.
- During network congestion, traffic from the host network's direct customers may in some cases be prioritized over MVNO customers.
It's always best to spend some time comparing specific coverage details according to your requirements by using network maps for any provider you're considering signing up with.
Telstra generally has the most extensive coverage in rural and remote areas of Australia. This is partly due to its history as the national telecommunications provider and its ongoing investment in regional infrastructure, through government fundings and contributions.
Optus has also significantly improved its regional coverage in recent years, while Vodafone typically has had more limited coverage outside major population centres but is now benefitting regionally from the partnership with Optus.
If you frequently travel to or live in rural areas, it's recommended to check the specific coverage maps for those locations before choosing a provider as there are known pockets of the country that have limitations to single networks.
In areas where you have reduced signal owing to either network coverage boundaries, physical obstructions or building construction you may find benefit in mobile booster technologies or utilsing alternative internet connectivity and Wifi calling on specific devices.
The Regional Tech Hub has more information on utilising these technologies and can discuss your individual requirements - Understanding your mobile phone connection
Whether 5G is worth paying extra for depends on several factors:
- Device compatibility: You will need a 5G-compatible device to access 5G networks.
- Location: 5G coverage is still expanding in many parts of the country and may not be available in all areas at this time. 5G does have some effective distance limitations.
- Usage patterns: If you primarily use your phone for basic browsing and messaging, you might not notice significant benefits from 5G.
- Data needs: For users who download large files, stream high-definition content, or play online games, 5G can provide noticeable improvements.
As 5G becomes more widespread, many plans now include 5G access without additional cost, making it an increasingly standard feature rather than a premium add-on.