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Telstra mobile plans review

Our verdict: You can get excellent network coverage on any mobile plan from Telstra but its premium prices may not always be worth it.

4.0 ★★★★★ (104 reviews) Write a review
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By

Mariam Gabaji

Updated

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Telstra mobile plans review

Telstra boasts Australia's largest mobile network, which can be a key point of difference for those living in rural or regional areas.

The caveat is its prices can be steep, and not everyone will need the extra perks Telstra offers, like earning Telstra Plus points for rewards, getting the latest phone on a plan or taking advantage of its handy mobile app or streaming freebies.

If you're keen to stick to a budget, a smaller provider using the Telstra network may be a better option.

Pros

  • Access to the largest 4G and 5G networks in Australia
  • Multiple customer support options
  • Option to add on international roaming if you're heading overseas
  • No lock-in contract across all plans and the option to sign up via eSIM if you have a compatible handset

Cons

  • Plans are expensive compared to other providers

Compare Telstra SIM-only mobile plans

1 - 3 of 3
Updated regularly
Name Product Data Price Apply Price
Telstra Upfront Basic
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
Telstra Upfront Basic
Postpaid
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
50GB
No excess data charges
$65
per month
View details
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
50GB
Data
$65
per month
View details
Telstra Upfront Essential
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
Telstra Upfront Essential
Postpaid
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
180GB
No excess data charges
$75
per month
View details
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
180GB
Data
$75
per month
View details
Telstra Upfront Premium
PostpaidNo lock-in contract
Telstra Upfront Premium
Postpaid
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
300GB
No excess data charges
$99
per month
View details
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
300GB
Data
$99
per month
View details
loading
1 - 3 of 8
Updated regularly
Name Product Data Price Apply Price
Telstra $12 SIM Kit
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
Telstra $12 SIM Kit
Prepaid
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
3GB
$12
per 7 day recharge
View details
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
3GB
Data
$12
per 7 days expiry
View details
Telstra $35 SIM Kit
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
60GB for the first recharge, then 15GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply
Telstra $35 SIM Kit
Prepaid
60GB for the first recharge, then 15GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
15GB
$35
per 28 day recharge
View details
60GB for the first recharge, then 15GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
15GB
Data
$35
per 28 days expiry
View details
Telstra $45 SIM Kit
PrepaidNo lock-in contract
80GB for $15 for the first recharge, then 25GB for $45/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 7.10.24
Telstra $45 SIM Kit
Prepaid
80GB for $15 for the first recharge, then 25GB for $45/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 7.10.24
  • Unlimited national calls & texts
  • Telstra 5G/4G network
25GB
$45
per 28 day recharge
View details
80GB for $15 for the first recharge, then 25GB for $45/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 7.10.24
  • Unlimited standard national calls & texts
25GB
Data
$45
per 28 days expiry
View details
loading

Compare Telstra phones on a plan

What do Australians think of Telstra mobile provider?

  • 3.9/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — lower than the average of 4.15
  • 4.2/5 for Trust — lower than the average of 4.43
  • 3.75/5 for Customer Service — lower than the average of 4.01

Based on Telstra mobile provider scores in Finder's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Matt Corke's headshot

"I've been on a Telstra plan for years, after switching over from Optus due to poor coverage where I lived. Telstra was the only provider which was able to service the valley I lived in. You definitely do pay more of a premium for Telstra, but it comes with great coverage, in-store service and super-fast speeds. Plus, you earn Telstra rewards, which I've redeemed for things like headphones, smart-speakers and Google Pixel Earbuds. "

Matt Corke
Finder crew member

coverage icon

Coverage

Telstra's 4G and 5G mobile network coverage is the widest in Australia and can be non-negotiable for people living in regional or remote parts of the country.

Its 4G network reaches 99.5% of the population, while its 5G network, still rolling out, currently covers 87% of Aussies.

If you're budget-conscious, consider smaller providers that use parts of Telstra's network. Boost Mobile is the only small provider with full access to Telstra's 4G and 5G networks, so that's a good place to start.

bonus icon

Bonus features

You'll certainly get access to some bells and whistles by signing up with Telstra (you would hope so given the prices!).

1. Data rollover on prepaid plans

Unused data going to waste is a shame. Telstra lets you roll over up to 200GB of data as long as you keep recharging your plan before it expires.

2. No excess charges

Its SIM-only plans won't ever give you a bill shock. That's because once you've exhausted your monthly data allowance your download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbps.

3. International calls and roaming

You'll get 300 minutes for international calls on all of Telstra's SIM-only plans.

You can also add international roaming, which is handy when you're travelling overseas. Telstra offers roaming packs for both prepaid and SIM-only plans that can be used across 80 countries.

Given there are multiple options available for different use cases, you can read all about them in detail in our guide.

4. Data sharing

You can bundle up to 5 accounts on Telstra's Essential and Premium SIM-only plans. So choose either one, select a Mobile Bundle Plan or a Data Bundle Plan and add it to your service.

5. Telstra Rewards

Telstra's rewards program allows you to earn points to redeem products available in its Rewards Store.

You'll earn 10 Telstra Plus points for every dollar you spend.

6. Streaming perks

Telstra's SIM-only plans often include streaming perks, though these can change from time to time.

Some variations include 2 months of BINGE and 4 months of Spotify Premium for new subscribers.

customer service Icon

Customer service

You can reach Telstra's customer support through various means if you have a question or concern:

  • You can give them a call.
  • Talk to them online via the live chat feature on Telstra's website.
  • Get in touch via the My Telstra app, which is also handy for checking plan details, billing and tracking data usage.
  • Heading into a Telstra store (if convenient) for face-to-face help.

Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?

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Genuine phone addicts. Unlimited scrolling and streaming, we got you. We track all offers daily so you can stay online all the time.

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Cause we all hate caps. Our goal is to bring you all the good stuff, and surface any hidden fees. So you can get back to the fun stuff, like gaming.

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Tried and tested. We give these plans a run for their money and listen to the feedback of the millions of Aussies who have used our plans comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Compare other products from Telstra

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Written by

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

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Mariam has written 272 Finder guides across topics including:
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14 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    philFebruary 5, 2020

    i have my own phone and get pre paid creit every fortninght and is costing me too much can I go on a plan with u guys

      Default Gravatar
      NikkiFebruary 5, 2020

      Hi Phil,

      Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well. Sorry to hear your current prepaid plan is costing you more money than expected. You can apply for a mobile plan with Telstra anytime. Simply choose the plan you want to get while filtering your options on top of the table in our page. Make sure you check the details of each plan carefully by reading the information on the “more details” tab. When you are ready, just click the GO TO SITE button and you will be brought to the main page of the telco provider.

      Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    GregOctober 27, 2019

    Can I purchase a telstra pre-paid SIM plan?

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaOctober 28, 2019Finder

      Hi Greg,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃

      Yes, you can purchase a Telstra prepaid SIM plan. Above, you will see a list of SIM plans. You can use our tables to know more about each plan’s details and descriptions. You can also use the filters to further narrow down your options. Once you’re done comparing, you can then click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    B.April 3, 2019

    Hi!
    I simply need a sim that has a long expiry date, 12 months, for the cheapest price. I also need minimal data and calls provided. It will not be used every week. I’m finding it hard to locate, an option suitable for my needs, amongst all the other prepaid plans; or perhaps everything has changed and I’m unaware. Please note I will not use vodafone; directly or indirectly any more.
    Thank you

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaApril 9, 2019Finder

      Hi B.,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃

      You may consider comparing long expiry prepaid plans based on their descriptions, price, and offers. Once you’re done comparing, click on the corresponding “Go to site” green button to learn more.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    LeaJuly 16, 2017

    I have an 87 year old mother in a nursing home and miss being able to talk to her on the phone. Looking for a deal with a mobile phone not prepaid with a phone with big buttons for her to use. Please help me. Currently have mobiles with Telstra

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 18, 2017Finder

      Hi Lea,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      You may want to consider the Mobile Plans for Seniors for your Mother. We also have a list of mobile phones that you may want to check. While we can’t provide a specific recommendation, but that list should be a good place to start your search for the right phone.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Default Gravatar
    JohnMay 26, 2017

    Hi I’ve just set up a landline 1000gig data with Telstra. For $90 My question is can I get Netflix added to this deal for free or how much will it be extra?

      Default Gravatar
      jonathan.chan@findercrew.comMay 29, 2017

      Hi John!

      Thanks for the comment.

      Netflix is not part of your subscription with Tesltra bundle. If you wish to have it added , you can choose among these monthly subscriptions: Basic ($8.99), Standard ($11.99) or Premium ($14.99). You can check how they differ to each other by checking this link https://www.findershopping.com.au/internet-tv/netflix-australia. Also, you can proceed with the service application by clicking the “”See Content””green button.

      Hope this clarifies.

      Regards,
      Jonathan

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