For international students and travellers arriving in Australia for the first time, getting a SIM card is a top priority. There are many mobile carriers in Australia, and the variety of mobile plans can be overwhelming. So how do you choose an satisfying mobile plan? Which one offers the best value for money? Today, uhomes will analyze all the questions about mobile plans for you. This article will recommend the cheapest SIM cards and mobile plans in Australia, compare their contents and prices, and hopefully help everyone make a decision.
1. Introduction to Australian Telecommunications Operators
1.1 Basic Information
In Australia, there are approximately fifty telecommunications operators, among which Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the three telecom giants that essentially dominate the Australian telecommunications market and network coverage. They mainly operate in fixed-line telephony, home internet, mobile networks, and mobile phone plans. Most of their plans are postpaid plans, which require signing contracts ranging from 1 to 3 years. If the contract is terminated early, an early termination fee will be charged. International students should pay particular attention to this aspect when making their choices.
Telstra
As Australia’s largest mobile communication operator, Telstra boasts comprehensive network coverage with strong signals and fast internet speeds. It typically experiences minimal disruptions in connectivity. However, it is worth noting that Telstra’s services are relatively expensive. Generally speaking, Telstra is suitable for tech-savvy individuals with high demands for internet speed or those with ample budgets.
Optus
The second-largest telecommunications operator in Australia, Optus, offers the best value for money. While its signal quality may be slightly lower than Telstra’s, it generally performs well within urban areas with minimal signal issues. However, in remote regions, network problems may arise.
Vodafone
Its primary advantage lies in affordability, with cheap plans and inexpensive international long-distance calling rates. While its network coverage may not match Telstra’s, it competes favorably with Optus, each having its own strengths. Due to its affordability, signal quality is generally moderate.
1.2 Network Coverage Rate
For both working professionals and students, the three major telecommunications operators generally offer similar levels of mobile network coverage across various cities. However, it’s worth noting that Telstra tends to have poorer signal performance in underground car parks.
For travelers and individuals with specific job requirements, such as tour guides, long-haul drivers, holiday workers, etc., Telstra and Optus provide better network coverage in remote areas.
2. Virtual Network Operators
In addition to the three major telecommunications operators, there are also virtual network operators (VNOs). VNOs are mobile network operators that do not own their own physical network infrastructure. Instead, they purchase network access from network providers and market their services under their own brand. As a result, their prices are generally cheaper than those of the three major operators. Australia has a large number of VNOs, totaling over 200, making them a popular choice among international students.
VNOs primarily offer prepaid mobile plans, which are cheaper and do not require credit checks. There are no contracts; users simply pay for their usage on a monthly basis and can choose to stop using the service without penalties. VNOs often provide generous data allowances, and many plans include free international calls to countries such as China (including Hong Kong), Japan, Singapore, the United States, and more. Additionally, users need not worry about network coverage issues as VNOs utilize the networks of the three major Australian operators.
2.1 Advantges of Virtual Netwok Operators
- Smaller virtual telecom operators offer better value for money.
- They allow you to keep your phone number and switch providers without extra fees.
- Plans typically include more data and often feature unlimited international calls.
- They offer flexible SIM-only plans with monthly payments.
- Smaller operators usually provide better customer service.
- They utilize the same network infrastructure, ensuring consistent data speeds.
2.2 List of Well-Known Virtual Network Operators in Australia
Telstra
- ALDImobile
- Boost Mobile
- Belong
- Pennytel
- TeleChoice
- Mate
Optus
- Amaysim
- Blink
- Catch Connect
- M2 Commander
- Dodo
- Exetel
- iiNet
- iPrimus
- Moose Mobile
- Jeenee Mobile
- Over the Wire
- Vaya
- Vocus
- Yomojo
Vodafone
- TPG
- CMOBILE
- gotalk
- Hello Mobile
- Lebara
- Kogan mobile
3. Types of Payment for Australian Mobile Plans
Pre-paid
This type refers to temporary SIM cards where you pay upfront before usage. You recharge according to your usage and must make payment at a store or online before usage. You can deactivate or change the plan anytime. It’s divided into regular cards (calls + data) and data-only cards (Prepaid Data Only).
SIM only plan
This type refers to contract plans, usually for 12 or 24 months, requiring a visa with a validity longer than the contract period. Once signed, you cannot change during the contract period. Compared to prepaid plans, they’re cheaper and typically involve postpaid usage.
Phone plan
| Feature | Prepaid SIM Card | Postpaid SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Channels | Stores, official website (with visa duration requirements) | Stores, official website, mobile phone shops, and supermarkets (no visa duration requirements) |
| Payment Model | Pay first, then use, typically requires manual online renewal | Pay after consumption, usually deducted automatically by the bank, billed monthly |
| Plan Renewal | Billed monthly | Billed by the day: 7/21/28/30/35 days options |
| Plan Cost | Higher minimum plan cost, around AUD 50 | Lower minimum plan cost, around AUD 30 |
| Talk & Text | Unlimited local landline & mobile calls, mid-tier and above plans may include international standard call minutes or unlimited | Unlimited local landline & mobile calls, mid-tier and above plans may include international call minutes or unlimited |
| Data | Varies from 7GB to 150GB, data resets at the end of the month | Varies from 2GB to 55GB, pure data cards may go up to 100GB, most data does not reset at the end of the month |
| Special Services | May include services like number retention and international roaming with limitations | No number retention service, international roaming services have limitations |
In summary:
If you’re staying in Australia for a short period (<12 months), have low data requirements, and want the flexibility to make occasional international calls, a prepaid plan would be more suitable due to its freedom and flexibility.
If you plan to study or work in Australia for at least 1 year, have high data requirements (>50GB/month), and hope to enjoy some exclusive student discounts from telecommunications companies, then a contract SIM-only plan would be more cost-effective.
Virtual network operators (VNOs) are generally cheaper than the three major operators (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone). If you’re buying a prepaid plan, consider these VNOs. However, if you’re signing up for a SIM-only contract plan, it’s still advisable to choose one of the major operators.
4. Affordable Phone Cards and Mobile Plans Recommendations in Australia
4.1 Meta
Mate is an Australian virtual mobile communication provider that utilizes the Telstra 4G and 3G networks, covering 98.8% of the Australian population.
Features:
- Plans do not require contracts and can be canceled at any time.
- You can bring your own phone and transfer your existing number.
- Unlimited calls to 15 countries including China.
- Offers data banking feature, allowing you to store unused data for future use.
- SIM card is delivered to your home free of charge.
4.2 Amaysim
Amaysim is currently the largest MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) in Australia, utilizing the Optus network, which covers approximately 98.5% of Australia. With Amaysim, you are charged a fixed fee according to the plan, and you won’t incur extra charges for exceeding the data allowance.
Although Amaysim may not be as well-known, its stability is attributed to using the Optus network. Its data plans are also reasonably priced, making it suitable for users who don’t frequently make calls, have access to Wi-Fi, occasionally use data, and prioritize signal reliability.
Features:
- No contract required, and you can switch plans at any time.
- You can bring your own phone.
- You can bring your existing number or purchase a new one.
- Some plans include international calls.
- International roaming is available.
- Provides a three-in-one SIM card.
4.3 Tangerine
Tangerine Telecom is an Australian broadband NBN provider and a telecommunications company that offers mobile communication services, including SIM-only phone cards. It also utilizes the Telstra network, covering 98.8% of the Australian population.
Features:
- No contract required, with a minimum usage period of 1 month.
- You can bring your own phone.
- You can bring your existing number and transfer it to Tangerine Telecom.
- Supports paid international roaming.
4.4 ALDImobile
As one of the top three chain supermarkets in Australia, Aldimobile has shown remarkable growth in its venture into the mobile industry in recent years. Utilizing the Telstra network, Aldimobile covers 98.8% of the Australian population, offering both affordability and quality service.
Features:
- No contract required, allowing for flexible plan switching.
- You can bring your own phone.
- You can bring your existing number or purchase a new one.
- Free international long-distance calls.
- Data accumulation feature.
- Provides a three-in-one SIM card.
4.5 Boost mobile
Boost Mobile is the only mobile network operator in Australia that has access to the complete Telstra 3G/4G network. This network covers 99.4% of the Australian population and was the first Telstra MVNO to gain access to 5G.
Features:
- No contract required.
- You can bring your existing number.
- You can bring your own phone.
- Unused data from the current month can be rolled over to the next month.
- SIM card delivery is free of charge.
5. How much data do you need?
1-10GB: If you enjoy browsing social media, websites, sending and receiving emails, and listening to music while you’re out and about, this level of data should suffice.
11-50GB: For most users, this level of data is more than enough. It offers great value for money and allows for activities like streaming music, downloading videos, and enjoying social media content.
51-100GB: Ideal for power users who consume a lot of data. It can also be used to tether your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices, stream high-definition videos, and download large files.
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FAQ
Prepaid mobile plans offer flexibility, allowing users to control their spending and usage without being tied to a contract. They are ideal for short-term stays (<12 months), users with low data requirements, and those who occasionally make international calls.
Consider your data usage habits: 1-10GB is suitable for browsing, email, and music streaming; 11-50GB is ample for most users including music streaming and video downloads; 51-100GB is for heavy users who may also tether their devices or stream HD videos.
Several providers like Aldimobile, Boost Mobile, and Amaysim offer affordable plans utilizing networks like Telstra and Optus, providing extensive coverage across Australia. These options are suitable for various needs, ranging from occasional users to power users requiring high data allowances and international calling features.
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