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Key takeaways
- Unlimited data plans can help you avoid excess data charges. However, they almost always come with a catch.
- Plans either offer unlimited data with capped speeds or a set data allowance with slower speeds after it's used up. Both options help you avoid extra charges.
- We often don't use as much data as we pay for, so review your past usage or try a data calculator to choose the right plan.
What is unlimited data in Australia?
In Australia, an unlimited data plan means you won't face excess data charges or bill shock, so you can use as much data as you need without worrying about extra costs.
The caveat here is all unlimited data mobile plans come with some sort of download speed cap.
That's why, from 2018 onwards, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ruled that mobile providers couldn't label their plans as 'unlimited' if they included any restrictions.
How does unlimited data work in Australia?
An unlimited data plan will work pretty much like your regular mobile plan but with a couple of differences.
There are 2 types of unlimited data plans available in Australia:
- If a provider has no monthly data limit on its plan, there's likely going to be a speed cap in place throughout. This is the closest you'll get to a truly unlimited data mobile plan.
- If the plan comes with a monthly data allowance and you use it up before your next billing cycle, your speeds could be slowed down to anywhere between 1 to 10Mbps.
The main thing is you won't be hit by excess data charges on any of these plans, which can help you avoid bill shock.
| Provider | Regular data speed cap | Speed slowed down to |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 250Mbps | 1.5Mbps |
| Optus | 150-250Mbps | 1.5Mbps |
| Vodafone | None | 1.5-2Mbps |
| Belong | 150Mbps | 1Mbps |
| felix | 20Mbps on its unlimited data plan | 1.5Mbps |
| Dodo | None | 256kbps |
What is the best unlimited data mobile plan in Australia?
The best unlimited data mobile plan for you will depend on your own preferences including network coverage, how much data you want, what speed caps you're okay with and any other plan features you're after.
We've narrowed down our top 5 picks to help you get started:
- Best mobile plan with no data limit: felix Subscription
- Top pick for cheapest unlimited data mobile plan: Dodo $10 Plan
- Top pick for cheapest Optus unlimited data mobile plan: Optus Small Choice Plus Plan
- Top pick for cheapest Vodafone unlimited data mobile plan: Vodafone $35 Prepaid Plus Starter Pack
- Top pick for cheapest Telstra unlimited data mobile plan: Telstra Upfront Basic
Do I need unlimited data?
An unlimited data mobile plan is great for avoiding excess charges, while capped plans can be effective if you monitor your data usage.
Check your past bills to gauge your data needs and choose accordingly.
You probably don't need as much data as you think.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports Aussies use 12.8GB on average, yet Finder's survey shows we're paying for around 40GB.
If you're still unsure, use our mobile data usage calculator to figure out how much data you need and then sign up to a plan accordingly.
"I love the freedom of unlimited data, but I probably don't actually need it! Over the last 12 months I've used an average of 20GB or so per month, which is a little above the Aussie average of 12.8GB, but not by much. I think I got burned a bit too much by running out in the past. That said, my current plan, the felix $40 unlimited plan, is very reasonably priced, and it means I don't ever have to think about how much data I'm using."
Telstra unlimited data plans
Telstra boasts Australia's largest mobile network which reaches 99.5% of the population.
With its Upfront mobile plans you get:
- Access to its 4G and 5G network with uncapped speeds all plans
- No excess data charges. Once you've used up your data allowance, your speeds will be capped at 1.5Mbps until your next billing cycle kicks in
- Data sharing with up to 20 eligible mobile or data plans on 1 account
- Unlimited international texts and 30 minutes of calls
- Telstra Plus points that can be put towards rewards
- Bonus freebies - 3 months Telstra device security, 2 months BINGE and 4 months Spotify Premium
Optus unlimited data plans
Optus's network covers 98.5% of Australians and its Plus plans come with a bunch of inclusions such as:
- Access to its 4G and 5G network at uncapped speeds
- No excess data charges. Once you've used up your monthly data allowance, your speeds will be slowed to 1.5Mbps until your next billing cycle
- Data sharing across eligible plans on the 1 account
- Unlimited calls and texts to 35 selected countries across majority of its Plus plans, except for the entry level option
- Discounted Optus Sport - you'll pay $9.99 a month instead of $24.99
- Up to $20 credit on eligible subscriptions via Optus SubHub
You can also add-on Unlimited Data Day on its Plus plans for an extra $5. This allows you to use as much data as you want for 24 hours.
Vodafone unlimited data mobile plans
Vodafone used to be the only major telco to offer a truly unlimited data plan but it scrapped it back in January 2023.
But you can still access endless data and a few other perks on its SIM only plans such:
- Access to its 4G and 5G network at uncapped speeds until your data runs out for the month
- No excess data charges. If your monthly data allowance runs out earlier than expected, your speeds will be slowed down to 2Mbps.
- Data sharing with up to 10 services on 1 account
- Unlimited international texts and unlimited international minutes on the medium plan and above
- $5 per day international roaming add-on that lets you use your plan overseas
felix unlimited data mobile plan
felix is currently the only mobile provider in Australia that comes close to offering a truly unlimited data plan in Australia. That's why it easily won Finder's 2023 Best Prepaid Mobile Provider - High Data award.
felix originally came out with a singular plan - unlimited data but capped at 20Mbps at all times.
Last month, it released new plans in a more similar style to the bigger telcos. You have the choice between 25GB or 50GB of monthly data, with no excess data charges if your surpass this limit.
Signing up with felix means you'll:
- Get access to Vodafone's 4G network
- Be signed up to a carbon neutral plan
- Have a tree planted on your behalf each month your subscription remains active
Good to know: 20Mbps isn't as slow as it might sound. For example, Netflix recommends at least 3Mbps for high definition quality, 5Mbps for full high definition and 15Mbps for ultra high definition.
Belong unlimited data mobile plans
Belong is the only small provider that offers endless data on the Telstra network. It also won Finder's 2023 Best Postpaid Mobile Provider - High data award.
On a Belong mobile plan you get:
- 4G or 5G speeds capped at 150-250Mbps depending on the plan
- No excess data charges. Your speeds will be slowed down to 1Mbps once you've used up your data allowance
- Unlimited data banking
- Option to add calls and texts to 30 selected countries for $5 a month
Dodo unlimited data mobile plans
Dodo is the only small provider in Australia that gives you access to endless data on the Optus network.
With Dodo, you get:
- Access to Optus's 5G network on selected plans
- No excess data charges. Your speeds will be slowed down to 256kbps once you've run through your data allowance for the month
- Unlimited data banking on most plans or up to 500GB on the entry-level plan
- Between $100 to $400 worth of international call credit depending on which plan you sign up to
Why compare mobile phone plans with Finder?
Genuine phone addicts. Unlimited scrolling and streaming, we got you. We track all offers daily so you can stay online all the time.
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.
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.
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Ask a question
I note Amaysim seems t have dropped off the radar? As an Amaysim customer seeking a better deal am I missing something?
I am after unlimited calls. An account billing per month and approx 15 Gb data per month? Help please
Regards Glen
Hi Glen,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You can visit our list of Mobile Phone Plans. On the page, is a comparison table you can use to see which provider suit you. Make use of the search filter according to what you need in a mobile plan. You may adjust the features and it will show you a list of mobile plans that you can compare. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to Site” button to be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Please ensure you review the relevant PDS and T&C before applying.
Cheers,
Rench
Three.ie unlimited data and no throttling. While calls and texts are limited depending on plan, everyone uses data to communicate.
Ok Sorry but the reaaoning given by the 3 telcos is a load of nonsense. A modern city like HK with a third the population of Australia ALWAYS has unlimited data and plenty of call time in all their plans. There is NO difficult decision to make or justifiable reason why the telcos here can t offer unlimited data. The ONLY reason is pure GREED. Comparing the situation to the very scattered and poorly serviced US network smacks of a cover up. Your writers can do better than that.
Hello Nick,
Thank you for your inquiry.
We appreciate your sharing on this matter. Indeed many Australians are looking forward to that day when we can use unlimited data on our mobile phone plans. Just to clarify some points though, it is not the only US that uses “capping” on their unlimited offers. Many providers, including the ones in Australia, are doing that in compliance with the Fair Usage Policy (FUP), which will ensure equal distribution of network resources to all customers.
While no signs can be seen yet if Australian providers will give this, your options will be to use home/office wifi, use public wifi, if you’re a Telstra fixed broadband customer you can use Telstra Air, pre-load your content if you’re watching videos, or use mobile broadband device.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
What about Vivid Wireless?
They have an Unlimited Internet Plan for $89 per month.
Vividwireless LTE internet service provides up to 10mbps download and 1 mbps upload.
Hi Steven,
Thank you for getting in touch.
The technology of Vividwireless is purpose built for data rather than mobile phone services, which means they do not include call or text services. They would fall under the mobile broadband category instead.
Kind regards,
Jason
I’m on 2dollars a day plan with Optus pre-paid it’s unlimited everything for 2buks a day. The catch is if use ur credit it will charge 2 dollars but only 2dollars for that day. I don’t know if they still have this plan. Since I’ve had it for years now no doubt the best pre-paid plan Iv found all up 60 bucks a month but has unlimited internet. I use my hotspot all day and it only charges me 2 dollars. I don’t know Wat ur on about for not having unlimited in Australia
Yes i am on the Optus $2 a day 3G ready plan. Had it for years and still loving it. I use it for personal hotspots and letting my friends go crazy on it. I use up to 30-50 gigs a month. Imagine the cost in comparison to today’s plans?
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, as of this writing, Optus is still having the $2 Prepaid product with 4G Coverage, however, the data allowance included is only at 500MB (counted in 1KB increments) for use within Australia with 7-day expiry. Please note though that this offer and plan may change in the future.
Most networks nowadays are generally not having unlimited data on their mobile data plans due to the huge number of mobile data users, which in turn could impair providers economically. Companies find that improving the data speed is costly to maintain. Although the data is not unlimited, most of these companies have dropped the outright data pricing and one example for that is the $2 Prepaid from Optus.
Cheers,
May