A Newcomer's Guide to Australian Mobile & Internet Plans

Setting up a phone and home internet is one of the first practical tasks after landing in Australia. The market is competitive, coverage in cities is excellent, and most providers welcome newly-arrived residents without a local credit history.

Mobile networks and providers

Australia has three mobile networks: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone/TPG. Telstra has the widest regional coverage; Optus and Vodafone are typically cheaper and perform well in metro areas. Dozens of MVNO resellers - such as Boost, Belong, Amaysim and Kogan Mobile - run on these networks at lower prices.

• Prepaid SIMs start at around AUD $15 per month with 10-30 GB of data.
• Postpaid plans on a bring-your-own handset start around AUD $35 per month.
• You need your passport and visa grant number to activate a SIM under national ID rules.

Home internet and the NBN

Fixed-line home internet is delivered over the National Broadband Network (NBN). You choose a speed tier (NBN 50, 100, 250 or 1000) and a retail provider such as Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Telstra or TPG. Most households find NBN 50 (around AUD $75/month) is enough for streaming and work-from-home.

Alternatives to the NBN

5G home wireless from Telstra, Optus and TPG is a strong option in metro areas and can be activated within a day. Renters and short-stay migrants often start with 5G home wireless before committing to an NBN contract.

Tips for saving money

Compare plans on Whistleout or Finder before signing. Avoid 24-month lock-in handset contracts unless the total cost is genuinely lower. Bundling mobile and NBN with the same provider rarely saves much - shop each separately.

In summary

You can be fully connected - mobile, home internet and streaming - for under AUD $120 per month if you shop carefully. Prioritise coverage where you live and work, and keep your first contract short while you settle in.