TL;DR
The Australian mobile market has split: Telstra/Optus/Vodafone charge premium prices ($45–$65/month for decent data), while MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) using the same network infrastructure charge $10–$30/month. In 2026, Boost ($15–$30/month, full Telstra network) offers the best coverage at budget prices. Lyca ($10–$25/month, Optus network) is the cheapest option with international call inclusions. Tangerine ($15–$25/month, Telstra wholesale) provides good value for data-heavy users. The average Australian can save $300–$500/year switching from Telstra to Boost (same network, half the price).
Why MVNOs Are So Much Cheaper
MVNOs buy network access wholesale from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone and resell it at lower margins. They don’t maintain cell towers, run retail stores, or sponsor AFL/NRL teams—that overhead is what you’re paying for with the big three. The trade-off: MVNO customer support is online-only (no stores), international roaming is limited or absent, and 5G access may be restricted or deprioritized during congestion.
Cheapest Mobile Plans Compared
| Provider | Network | Cheapest Plan | Data | 5G | International Calls | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyca | Optus | $10/mo | 5GB | ❌ | Unlimited to 15 countries | Prepaid (28 days) |
| Boost | Full Telstra | $15/mo | 10GB | ✅ | Pay-as-you-go | Prepaid (28 days) |
| Tangerine | Telstra Wholesale | $15.90/mo | 12GB | ✅ | ❌ | Month-to-month |
| More Telecom | Telstra Wholesale | $18/mo | 15GB | ✅ | ❌ | Month-to-month |
| Southern Phone | Optus | $15/mo | 8GB | ❌ | ❌ | Month-to-month |
1. Boost — Best Coverage at Budget Prices
Boost is the only MVNO with access to the FULL Telstra network (not the limited “wholesale” network that other Telstra MVNOs use). This means the same coverage as a Telstra direct customer—important for regional and rural areas where Telstra is the only reliable network. The $15/month prepaid plan includes 10GB data with unlimited data banking (unused data rolls over). 5G access is included, which is rare among MVNOs.
2. Lyca — Cheapest with International Calls
Lyca Mobile’s $10/month plan includes 5GB data and unlimited calls to 15 countries (India, UK, USA, China, NZ, etc.)—the best value for Australians who make regular international calls. The network is Optus, which has good metro coverage but underperforms Telstra in regional areas. Lyca is prepaid with 28-day expiry (not monthly), meaning you get 13 “months” per year instead of 12—small but real savings.
See Lyca Mobile’s cheapest plan →
3. Tangerine — Best for Data Users
Tangerine uses the Telstra wholesale network (covers 98.5% of the population vs 99.5% for full Telstra) with competitive data allowances. The $15.90/month plan includes 12GB—enough for moderate users. Tangerine’s pricing is straightforward without the “28-day expiry” trick (365-day plans available for further savings). No lock-in contract; cancel anytime.
4. More Telecom — Best for NBN Bundles
More Telecom offers mobile plans that bundle with NBN internet for additional savings. The $18/month standalone plan includes 15GB on Telstra wholesale. If you also get More NBN ($65/month), the mobile plan drops to $15/month. If you’re already with More for internet, adding mobile is a no-brainer.
5. Southern Phone — Regional Australia Focus
Southern Phone has been serving regional Australia since 2002. Their $15/month plan on the Optus network includes 8GB with no lock-in contract. Australian-based support is a plus for customers who prefer talking to a local team.
How to Choose
- Regional/rural: Boost (full Telstra network, same coverage as Telstra direct)
- Cheapest with international calls: Lyca ($10/mo, unlimited to 15 countries)
- Most data for the price: Tangerine ($15.90/mo for 12GB)
- Bundled with NBN: More Telecom (discount on mobile with NBN)
- Australian support: Southern Phone (regional-focused, Australian call center)
FAQ
What’s the difference between Telstra full network and Telstra wholesale? Telstra wholesale covers 98.5% of Australians; full Telstra covers 99.5%. The missing 1% is primarily very remote areas (outback highways, remote national parks). For city and regional town dwellers, the difference is negligible. For remote workers/farmers/truckers, Boost (full Telstra) is essential.
Will I notice the difference between 4G and 5G on a cheap plan? For everyday use (browsing, social media, maps, streaming up to 1080p), 4G is perfectly adequate. 5G matters for 4K streaming, large file downloads, and future-proofing. Boost includes 5G at no extra cost.
What are “28-day expiry” plans? Many prepaid plans expire after 28 days (not a calendar month). Over a year, you pay for 13 recharges instead of 12—an effective 8.3% price increase. Boost, Lyca, and some Tangerine plans use this. More Telecom and Southern Phone are true monthly.
Can I keep my number? Yes—porting your number to any of these providers is free and takes 15–60 minutes during business hours. You’ll need your account number from your current provider.
Final Verdict
For most Australians, Boost at $15/month offers the best combination of coverage (full Telstra), 5G access, and data (10GB with rollover). For international callers, Lyca at $10/month is the cheapest all-in option. Switching from Telstra direct to Boost (same network) saves $300+/year with effectively identical service.
Switch to Boost → | Compare Lyca → | Check Tangerine →
Disclosure: Affiliate links. Pricing as of May 2026.