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Phone plan prices in Australia update constantly — what was cheapest three months ago may not be cheapest today. This guide is updated June 2026 with current verified prices. The short answer: SIM-only plans from smaller providers start from $12.50 per month on the same physical network infrastructure as the major carriers.
How Cheap Phone Plans Actually Work
Every cheap phone plan in Australia runs on one of three networks: Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. Smaller providers — called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) — lease capacity on these networks and resell it at lower prices because they don't carry the infrastructure costs of the big three.
This means a $15/month plan from a smaller provider and a $65/month Telstra plan can use exactly the same towers in your area. The coverage difference mainly affects regional and remote areas — for metro and suburban Australians, MVNO coverage is typically indistinguishable from the major carrier.
Cheapest Plans Available Right Now (June 2026)
Under $20/month — Best for Light Users
| Provider | Price | Data | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnePass Mobile | $12.50/28 days | 20GB | Optus 5G | Cheapest plan in Australia — intro price for first 6 recharges, then $25 |
| Lycamobile | $13/month | 8GB | Optus | Good for light users and international calls |
| TPG / iiNet | $17.50/month | 50GB | Vodafone 5G | Exceptional data value at this price point |
$20–$30/month — Best Overall Value
| Provider | Price | Data | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpinTel | $22/month | 25GB | Optus 5G | One of the best ongoing rates available |
| Amaysim | $25/month | 30GB | Optus 5G | Reliable, no lock-in, well-rated |
| Boost Mobile | $26/28 days | 7GB (30GB intro) | Full Telstra 5G | Only MVNO with full Telstra 5G network access |
| Aldi Mobile | $29/month | 29GB | Telstra wholesale | Good Telstra coverage at low price |
| Yomojo | $29.90/28 days | 105GB | Optus 5G | Excellent data allowance — intro price first 6 recharges |
Best Annual Plans — Pay Once, Forget It
| Provider | Annual Price | Data | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePass Mobile | ~$130/year | 200GB | Optus |
| ALDI Mobile | $289/year | 5G plan | Telstra wholesale |
| Boost Mobile | $300/year | Large data | Full Telstra 5G |
| Kogan | Under $350/year | Large data | Vodafone |
Prices correct as of June 2026 based on Finder, GadgetGuy and provider websites. Mobile plan pricing changes frequently — verify directly with each provider before signing up.
Which Network Should You Choose?
Telstra — Best for Regional Australia
Telstra has Australia's widest coverage, reaching areas where Optus and Vodafone have no signal. If you travel to regional areas, live outside a major city, or work in industries requiring remote travel, Telstra network coverage is worth the premium.
Best Telstra MVNO options: Boost Mobile ($26/28 days — only MVNO with full Telstra 5G) or Aldi Mobile ($29/month — Telstra wholesale, excellent regional 4G coverage).
Optus — Best Value for Metro Users
Optus covers 98.5% of the Australian population with a strong 5G network in major cities. For most metro and suburban Australians, Optus coverage is indistinguishable from Telstra day-to-day. MVNOs on Optus — SpinTel, Amaysim, Yomojo, OnePass Mobile — offer the best value plans in Australia right now.
Vodafone — Best Budget Data Plans
TPG and iiNet use the Vodafone network and currently offer some of the best data-per-dollar plans in Australia: 50GB for $17.50/month is exceptional value. The Vodafone/Optus network sharing agreement has significantly improved Vodafone's regional coverage since 2025.
The 28-Day Trap — Read This Before Signing Up
Many prepaid plans run on 28-day cycles rather than calendar months. This means you pay for 13 billing periods per year instead of 12 — one extra monthly payment per year you may not have accounted for. A plan advertised at $25/28-day renewal actually costs $325/year, not $300. Always confirm whether a plan is 28-day or monthly before comparing costs across providers.
How Much Data Do You Actually Need?
The ACCC found average Australian mobile data usage is around 14GB per month. If you're mostly on Wi-Fi at home and work, a 15–25GB plan is very likely sufficient. Check your current usage before choosing:
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → scroll down to usage per app
- Android: Settings → Network → Data Usage
Many Australians discover they're paying for a 100GB plan when they've never used more than 12GB in a month. Knowing your actual usage prevents paying for data you don't consume.
How Much Can You Save by Switching?
Average monthly spend on Telstra, Optus or Vodafone direct plans: $63–$99/month.
Best MVNO ongoing rate: $22–$29/month.
Annual saving for one person switching: $408–$924. A household with two people on major-carrier plans switching to competitive MVNOs saves $800–$1,800 per year — one of the fastest, easiest bill reductions available.
How to Switch in 5 Steps
- Check your current data usage in your phone settings
- Verify coverage in your area at the new provider's website
- Sign up online and request a number port to keep your existing number
- Your number transfers within 1–4 hours — stay on your old SIM until it's complete
- Cancel your old plan — the port usually triggers automatic cancellation of postpaid plans
The whole process takes about 20 minutes. For a deeper comparison of networks and the 28-day billing trap, see our complete Australian mobile plans guide.
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