Ultra fast speeds: 5G plans can deliver download speeds up to 4 times faster than 4G.
Lower latency: 5G networks have faster response times than 4G: ideal for video calls and mobile gaming.
Better bandwidth: 5G can handle more simultaneous connections at the same time, resulting in stable speeds and less network congestion.
Alternative to NBN: 5G home internet plans are often faster and cheaper than entry-level NBN plans.
Cons
Limited coverage: 5G is still being rolled out across Australia and may not be available in your area.
Device compatibility: Some older and cheaper phones don't support 5G.
Higher plan costs: Some providers block 5G access on entry-level plans, forcing you to spend extra. You might also require a larger plan due to increased data usage.
Battery drain: When coverage is weak, 5G phones will keep switching between 4G and 5G while searching for a signal. This wastes battery life.
What do I need to get 5G?
To get 5G in Australia, you'll need three things:
5G where you live: Are 5G networks available in your area?
A 5G plan: Does your mobile plan come with 5G access?
A 5G capable device: Is your phone or tablet compatible with 5G networks?
Vodafone recently doubled its mobile network to 1,000,000 square kilometres via a network-sharing agreement with Optus. The expansion includes additional rural 5G coverage.
With that said, many 5G mobile plans are still unavailable in the regions.
For example, most mobile providers on Telstra are restricted to its wholesale network, which has a much smaller 5G footprint.
This means you are less likely to receive 5G coverage on these plans.
Provider
Full Telstra network
Telstra
✅
Boost Mobile
✅
JB Hi-Fi
✅
Alphacall
❌
Belong
❌
ALDI Mobile
❌
Everyday Mobile
❌
EZEE Mobile
❌
TeleChoice
❌
Tangerine Telecom
❌
Pennytel
❌
TelSim
❌
MATE Mobile
❌
Konec
❌
Exetel Mobile
❌
CMobile
❌
More
❌
Goodtel
❌
Superloop
❌
Did you know?
Most telco providers run interactive 5G maps on their websites (look for a 'Coverage' section up top.) Just add in your address to see if you town is covered.
How much do 5G plans cost?
Outside of promotions, the average cost of a 5G mobile plan is around $45 a month.
However, it's not hard to find 5G plans under $25, with introductory discounts bringing the costs down even lower.
You can check out our top picks for every budget in the best 5G plans guide.
Most smartphones sold in Australia are 5G-enabled. Unless you're buying an ultra-budget model, you can rest assured that it will support at least some 5G bands.
Here is a checklist of things to consider when choosing a 5G phone.
Set a budget: Most current-gen phones now come with 5G, so there's no reason to pay top dollar if you don't want to. There are plenty of mid-range 5G phones with great displays and cameras.
Check supported bands: If you're purchasing from an overseas seller, make sure the phone is compatible with Australia's 5G frequency bands. It will need n78 (3500 MHz) and n28 (700 MHz) at a minimum.
Battery size: 5G can drain battery life faster, so look for a phone with a good-size battery. This is measured in milliampere-hours, or mAh for short. A higher mAh rating generally translates to a longer battery life. You should always refer to independent battery tests on sites like Finder instead of blindly trusting the manufacturer.
OS updates: If you're planning to keep your phone long-term, make sure it's backed with software support. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones offer up to 7 years of OS and security updates. Apple typically offers 5-7 years of software support for the iPhone.
Did you know?
On average, Australians replace their phones every 3 years. It therefore makes sense to get a 5G phone, even if it's not currently supported in your area.
5G speeds can technically reach 20 gigabits per second, but only under ideal lab conditions.
In reality, you're more likely to receive speeds of between 100-200Mbps.
This is due to a range of factors, including 5G tower proximity, signal interference and mobile speed caps. (More on which below.)
Here are the average 5G download speeds for each major network.
Telco
Average speeds
Optus
212Mbps
Telstra
179Mbps
Vodafone
158Mbps
4G maxes out at 100Mbps on most mobile devices, with 45-55Mbps being more common.
Most mobile providers impose speed caps on 5G plans, which limits how fast data can be downloaded.
This is ostensibly done to prevent network congestion. (If we're being cynical, it also incentivises users to pay for a faster plan.)
Speed caps vary considerably, ranging from 40Mbps to 250Mbps.
You should always check a 5G plan's maximum speed before signing up. This is usually listed in the plan's features, but it's sometimes buried away in a Critical Information Summary (CIS).
How to get uncapped 5G speeds
For most users, 100-150Mbps will be all the speed you'll need. This is fast enough to handle nearly all mobile phone activities, including 4K video streaming, online gaming and hotspotting to multiple devices.
But what about the serious power user? If you're dealing with lots of big downloads, you might want to consider a plan with uncapped speeds. (Yes, these plans do exist.)
Telstra, Boost, Optus, iPrimus, Aussie Broadband, Bendigo, JB Hi-Fi and SpinTel currently provide uncapped download speeds on selected 5G plans.
How much data do I need on a 5G plan?
5G monthly data allowances range from 10GB all the way up to unlimited. But how much do you actually need?
5G home broadband is a wireless alternative to the NBN. It uses a stationary modem equipped with a SIM card to connect you to the internet.
If you're looking for a cheap internet plan, 5G home internet provides better value than the NBN, especially when speed is concerned.
Here's a breakdown of the costs and download speeds for each plan type.
Plan type
Price range
Maximum download speeds
5G
$49–$73
300Mbps
NBN 12
$40–$75
12Mbps
NBN 25
$60–$90
25Mbps
NBN 50
$70–$110
50Mbps
NBN 100
$80–$125
100Mbps
NBN 250
$95–$210
250Mbps
NBN 1000
$89–$225
1000Mbps
On the downside, 5G home internet has the same coverage limitations as 5G mobile. It is also more vulnerable to signal interference from trees, buildings and the weather. (Fixed-line NBN connections are more stable.)
To check if 5G home internet is available at your address, simply enter your location on the provider's website. If you're within the coverage zone, you'll get confirmation and an option to sign up.
Australia's 5G networks use a mix of low, mid and high frequency bands to transmit 5G signals to your devices.
Lower bands provide the widest coverage, while mid and high bands deliver faster speeds across smaller areas.
If you want to access 5G speeds in Australia, your phone must support at least one of these bands.
Band
Name
Used By
700 MHz
n28
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
850 MHz
n5 / n26
Telstra, Vodafone
900 MHz
n8
Optus
1800 MHz
n3
Vodafone
2100 MHz
n1
Optus, Vodafone
2300 MHz
n40
Optus
2600 MHz
n7
Telstra, Optus
3500 MHz
n78
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
26 GHz
n258 (mmWave)
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
Did you know?
Some international phones use region-specific 5G bands that don't operate in Australia. Always check the supported frequencies before importing a 5G phone from overseas.
Frequently asked questions
No. 5G is the exact same technology as 4G; it just uses slightly different frequencies.
There are some outlandish conspiracy theories about 5G, ranging from increased cancer risks to the deliberate spreading of COVID. None of these theories are supported by credible evidence.
You can check the coverage maps on each mobile provider's website. Just type in your address to see if you're covered.
5G has much faster speeds and lower latency than 4G, making it more suitable for home broadband. However, it largely depends on your proximity to 5G towers and how much speed you need. An FTTP connection from the NBN is usually faster and more reliable.
No. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone have officially shut down their 3G networks to focus on upgrading and improving their 4G and 5G services.
Chris Jager is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience in the Australian tech industry. He has contributed his expertise to top tech publications like PC World, Gizmodo, Business Insider, and Lifehacker Australia, where he also served as editor for five years. Chris holds a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Western Sydney and is widely regarded as a trusted voice in the tech space.
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