{"source":"CiteHawk AI Index","record":"cell phone plans — 2026-08","url":"https://www.citehawk.com/leaderboards/editions/2026-08/cell-phone-plans/au","immutable":true,"snapshotId":"ded9dbaf-b317-40b5-854a-9689a70532a2","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:46.939+00:00","contentHash":"d4a7b3d02c924fb42c4b3b192b39c50405512bdbbc490f938c7f940778a34c29","contentHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON array (no whitespace, non-ASCII characters unescaped, as JavaScript JSON.stringify emits) of [provider, run, model, text] tuples, one per captured answer, sorted by provider then run","registryRulesHash":null,"registryRulesHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON object {version, aliases, notInCategory, categoryAllow, serviceSlugRe} where aliases is the array of [foldedKey, canonicalName, pinnedDomain, categoryScope] tuples sorted by key, notInCategory and categoryAllow are arrays of [categorySlug, domains] tuples sorted by slug, and every domain/scope list is itself sorted","region":"au","prompt":"What are the best cell phone plans in Australia? Recommend the top brands or products that people actually use.\n\nAnswer as if the user is in Australia.","providers":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_aio"],"models":{"grok":"grok-4.5","claude":"claude-sonnet-5","gemini":"gemini-3.5-flash","openai":"gpt-5.5-2026-04-23","deepseek":"deepseek-v4-flash","google_aio":"google_aio","perplexity":"sonar","bing_copilot":"bing_copilot"},"runsPerProvider":1,"totalCalls":0,"ranking":[{"rank":1,"brand":"Telstra","domain":"telstra.com.au","score":44.3,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":1,"claude":1,"gemini":1,"openai":1,"perplexity":8}},{"rank":2,"brand":"Vodafone","domain":"vodafone.com.au","score":43.1,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":3,"claude":3,"gemini":3,"openai":3,"perplexity":3}},{"rank":3,"brand":"Boost Mobile","domain":"boost.com.au","score":40.9,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":5,"claude":6,"gemini":4,"openai":4,"perplexity":7}},{"rank":4,"brand":"ALDI Mobile","domain":"aldimobile.com.au","score":40.7,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":4,"claude":5,"gemini":8,"openai":5,"perplexity":6}},{"rank":5,"brand":"Felix Mobile","domain":"felixmobile.com.au","score":39.9,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":8,"claude":8,"gemini":5,"openai":10,"perplexity":10}},{"rank":6,"brand":"Optus","domain":"optus.com.au","score":38,"mentions":4,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","grok","openai"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":2,"claude":2,"gemini":2,"openai":2}},{"rank":7,"brand":"TPG","domain":"tpg.com.au","score":33.2,"mentions":4,"recommendedBy":["claude","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":3,"claude":10,"openai":8,"perplexity":1}},{"rank":8,"brand":"amaysim","domain":"amaysim.com.au","score":32.6,"mentions":4,"recommendedBy":["gemini","grok","openai","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":7,"gemini":9,"openai":7,"perplexity":5}},{"rank":9,"brand":"Kogan","domain":"kogan.com","score":24.9,"mentions":3,"recommendedBy":["claude","grok","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":11,"claude":7,"perplexity":4}},{"rank":10,"brand":"Dodo","domain":"dodo.com.au","score":24.3,"mentions":3,"recommendedBy":["claude","grok","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":13,"claude":9,"perplexity":9}},{"rank":11,"brand":"Belong","domain":"belong.com.au","score":17,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["gemini","grok"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":6,"gemini":11}},{"rank":12,"brand":"Everyday Mobile","domain":"woolworths.com.au","score":16.6,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["gemini","grok"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":16,"gemini":6}}],"answers":[{"provider":"bing_copilot","run":1,"model":"bing_copilot","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"Top cell phone plans in Australia balance price, data, and coverage, with popular providers including felix, TPG, Dodo, Boost, and Optus for a variety of needs.\n\nTop Recommended Providers and Plans\n\n1. felix Mobile – Unlimited Data\n\nfelix is the only Australian provider offering a truly unlimited mobile plan. Data speeds are capped at 40Mbps, but the plan is sufficient for HD streaming, social media, and browsing.\nTypical plan: Unlimited Mobile Plan – $40/month ($20/month for the first 3 months with promo code FELIX50) on the Vodafone 4G/5G network 2 .\nPros: No lock-in contract, eSIM supported, and environmentally conscious (plants a tree per active subscription).\nBest for: Users who value unlimited data without roaming or overage worries.\n\n2. TPG – Best Prepaid Value\n\nTPG consistently ranks as the best overall provider for price-to-data value, including unlimited international calls and texts to 31 designated countries on medium and large plans 2 .\nPopular plan: TPG Small – 25GB for $12.50/month (first 6 months, then $25/month) on Vodafone 4G network.\nBenefits: Great value, option for eSIM, bundle discounts with home internet.\nBest for: Budget-conscious users who want international texting or calls included.\n\n3. Dodo – Large Plans and Perks\n\nDodo offers postpaid plans on the Optus 4G/5G network, including unlimited data banking and no overage fees. Users can bundle with internet and energy plans to save additional money 2 .\nPopular plan: $30 Postpaid – 40GB for $15/month first 4 months, then $30/month.\nBest for: Users who want large data allowances, international call credit, and flexible bundling.\n\n4. Boost Mobile – Telstra Coverage for Less\n\nBoost operates on the Telstra network, offering nearly full coverage without Telstra’s higher cost 1 .\nPopular plan: $300 SIM Prepaid – 240GB/year, first recharge 295GB for $250, then $300/year.\nBest for: Users seeking extensive coverage including regional areas, plus international calls and texts.\n\n5. Optus – Flexibility and Weekend Unlimited Data\n\nOptus plans often provide unlimited data usage on weekends and variety with 28-, 180- or 365-day options 1 .\nPopular plan: Optus Flex Plus $350 – 220GB, with bonus data for the first three recharges.\nBest for: Users looking for telco direct support or planning to combine with a handset repayment plan.\n\nChoosing the Right Plan\n\nMonthly Data Usage: Typical Australians use ~12.8GB/month, so a 25–50GB plan suits most users. High users may prefer felix’s unlimited plan or large plans from Dodo and Boost.\nNetwork Coverage: Telstra (~99.7%), Optus (~98.5%), Vodafone/TPG (~98.5%). Check coverage in your city or regional areas.\nFeatures: Consider eSIM, data rollover/banking, international calls, and app management capability.\nPrice vs Duration: Introductory offers often apply for 3–6 months, after which the price typically increases to standard rates 2 .\n\nSummary of Key Picks\n\nProvider | Plan Type | Data | Price | Network | Notes\nfelix | Unlimited | Unlimited | $40/mo | Vodafone | No lock-in contract, speed cap 40Mbps, eSIM\nTPG | Prepaid Small | 25GB | $12.50/mo (6 mo), then $25 | Vodafone | Intl calls/text included, budget-friendly\nDodo | Postpaid $30 | 40GB | $15/mo first 4 mo, then $30 | Optus | Unlimited data banking, bundle discounts\nBoost | Prepaid $300 SIM | 240–295GB/yr | $250 first recharge, then $300 | Telstra | Excellent coverage, international calls included\nOptus | Flex Plus $350 | 220GB | $350/year | Optus | Bonus data for first 3 recharges, weekend unlimited data\n\nThese plans reflect popular choices and best value across Australia in 2026, providing options for different data needs, budgets, and coverage preferences Finder+2 .","extractedBrands":[]},{"provider":"claude","run":1,"model":"claude-sonnet-5","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"## Best Mobile Phone Plans in Australia (2026)\n\nAustralia's mobile market runs on **three physical networks** — Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone (TPG) — with dozens of smaller \"MVNO\" brands reselling access to those same networks, often much cheaper. Here's the breakdown of what's actually worth using:\n\n### The Big 3 Networks (if coverage is your priority)\n\n- **Telstra** – Best for coverage, especially in regional/rural areas. Telstra has 91% 5G coverage across Australia. It's pricier, but if you travel outside cities a lot, it's usually the safest bet.\n- **Optus** – Strong in cities, and currently leads on raw speed: Optus offers the fastest average 5G download speeds at 229.6 Mbps.\n- **Vodafone (part of TPG)** – Good value, solid in metro areas. Vodafone's 5G rollout continues in capital cities. It was also rated Best-Rated Phone-On-A-Plan Provider 2026 by Canstar.\n\n### Best Value / Budget Picks (most Aussies actually use these)\n\nSince you don't need to sign up with the big telcos directly to get their network, cheaper resellers are hugely popular:\n\n- **Aussie Broadband** – Rated Best-Rated Postpaid Mobile Plan Provider 2026 by Canstar, known for excellent customer service.\n- **ALDI Mobile** – Rated Best-Rated Prepaid Mobile Plan Provider 2026. Runs on the Telstra network, extremely popular for its low prices and reliability.\n- **Boost Mobile** – Uses Telstra's network fully: Boost Mobile has full access to both Telstra's 4G and 5G networks, at a much lower price point.\n- **Kogan Mobile** – Runs on Vodafone's network and offers strong value, especially on long-expiry plans, though its mobile plans run on the Vodafone network, so coverage may be patchy if you live in rural or regional Australia.\n- **felix, Dodo, TPG** – Frequently topping \"best value\" roundups. For example, Dodo's Medium Mobile plan includes 40GB, enough for streaming at least 120 hours of Netflix on the go, while TPG's 50GB Medium Plan is a superb all-rounder with unlimited international calls and text to 31 destinations.\n\n### What people typically pay\n\nThe average 5G mobile plan costs around $46/month, while budget SIM-only plans start from $22/month for 25GB on 5G networks.\n\n### How to pick\n\n1. **Check coverage where you live/work first** — this matters more than brand loyalty. From 30 June 2026, all providers must publish standardised 4G/5G coverage maps using four signal categories under new ACMA rules, making network comparisons more reliable.\n2. **Match data to your usage** — light users doing just email, maps or browsing may only need around 10GB, moderate daily social media/streaming users need 20–40GB, and heavy streamers/gamers should look at 50GB+.\n3. **Go month-to-month if you own your phone** — SIM-only plans offer the best value if you own your phone outright, with no lock-in and full flexibility to switch.\n\n### My practical recommendation\n- **Want best coverage, don't mind paying more:** Telstra (or Boost Mobile for the same network at a lower price).\n- **Want the best all-round value with real support:** Aussie Broadband or ALDI Mobile.\n- **On a tight budget, own your phone:** felix, Dodo, or Kogan Mobile.\n- **Business/city use, need speed:** Optus or a plan on the Optus network.\n\nIf you t","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Telstra","domain":"telstra.com.au","position":1},{"name":"Optus","domain":"optus.com.au","position":2},{"name":"Vodafone","domain":"vodafone.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Aussie Broadband","domain":"aussiebroadband.com.au","position":4},{"name":"ALDI Mobile","domain":"aldimobile.com.au","position":5},{"name":"Boost Mobile","domain":"boost.com.au","position":6},{"name":"Kogan Mobile","domain":"kogan.com","position":7},{"name":"felix","domain":"felixmobile.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Dodo","domain":"dodo.com.au","position":9},{"name":"TPG","domain":"tpg.com.au","position":10}]},{"provider":"deepseek","run":1,"model":"deepseek-v4-flash","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"","extractedBrands":[]},{"provider":"gemini","run":1,"model":"gemini-3.5-flash","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"In Australia, very few people buy their mobile plans directly from the big three network providers (Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone) unless they are bundling with home internet or buying a brand-new phone on a contract. \n\nInstead, most Aussies who want the best value look for **SIM-only plans** from **MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)**. These smaller brands lease space on the big three networks and sell the exact same coverage for a fraction of the price.\n\nThe best mobile plans in Australia are categorized below by what everyday users actually choose.\n\n---\n\n### 1. Best for Full Coverage (Regional & Rural): **Boost Mobile**\nIf you travel outside the major cities, go camping, or live in regional Australia, you need the Telstra network. However, direct Telstra plans are notoriously expensive. \n\n* **Why people use it:** Boost Mobile is the **only** provider besides Telstra itself that has access to the *full* Telstra retail network (covering 99.7% of the population). Other budget brands on the Telstra network (like Belong or ALDImobile) only use the slightly smaller Telstra \"Wholesale\" network (which covers 98.8%).\n* **Best plans:** \n  * **The 12-Month Long-Expiry:** Aussies love the \"set-and-forget\" 365-day plans. Boost’s **$300 for 240GB** (or up to 295GB on first-recharge promotions) is incredibly popular. It works out to just $25 a month for roughly 20GB–24GB of data. \n  * **28-Day Prepaid:** Their **$39 plan** gives you a generous 30GB with data rollover to the next month.\n\n### 2. Best for Unlimited Data: **Felix Mobile**\n\"Unlimited\" data plans in Australia usually come with a catch: once you hit your data cap, your speed is throttled to a barely usable 1.5Mbps. Felix Mobile does things differently.\n\n* **Why people use it:** It is the only provider offering a **truly unlimited data plan**. Felix (which runs on the Vodafone network) doubled its unlimited plan's maximum speed cap to **40Mbps**. At 40Mbps, you can easily stream 4K video, video call, and hotspot your laptop without ever worrying about a data limit.\n* **Eco-friendly bonus:** Felix is carbon-neutral and plants a tree for every month you stay connected. \n* **The Plan:** **$40/month for Unlimited Data** (speeds capped at 40Mbps). It is a massive favorite on online forums like Whirlpool and Reddit.\n\n### 3. Best for Saving on Groceries: **Everyday Mobile (by Woolworths)**\nIf you do your weekly grocery run at Woolies, this plan practically pays for itself.\n\n* **Why people use it:** Everyday Mobile (running on the Telstra Wholesale network) offers a killer perk: **10% off one in-store Woolworths grocery shop every calendar month**. If you do a big family shop of $200, you save $20—which completely offsets the cost of a budget phone plan.\n* **Best plans:** \n  * **The $25 or $30 30-Day Prepaid:** Gets you 22GB–30GB of data, 5G network access, and the ability to bank up to 1,000GB of unused data.\n\n### 4. Best Overall Budget & Data Rollover: **ALDImobile**\nIf you want Telstra network coverage on a budget without committing to a 365-day plan, ALDI is the crowd favorite.\n\n* **Why people use it:** ALDImobile is highly rated for customer satisfaction. Its best feature is **unlimited data rollover**. Any data you don’t use simply rolls over into a \"Data Bank\" forever, as long as you recharge on time. It’s common for ALDI users to have hundreds of gigabytes stockpiled over a couple of years.\n* **The Plan:** Their **$23/30-day plan** gives you 12GB of data and access to Telstra's wholesale 4G and 5G networks. \n\n### 5. Best Value on the Optus Network: **Amaysim** or **SpinTel**\nIf Vodafone coverage is weak in your area but Optus is strong, these are the two standout MVNOs on the Optus network.\n\n* **Amaysim (Prepaid):** Known for having some of the best customer service in the industry. They frequently offer heavily discounted starter packs (e.g., getting 30GB-50GB for under $15–$20 for your first few renewals) and offer great international call inclusions.\n* **SpinTel (Postpaid):** If you prefer a traditional month-to-month bill instead of recharging prepaid, SpinTel is consistently praised by comparison sites. They regularly run promotions like **$12–$14/month for 15GB–25GB** for the first 6 months, which is incredibly cheap.\n\n---\n\n### Which one should you choose?\n* If you **live in the country or travel a lot**: Go with **Boost Mobile**.\n* If you **use a ton of data (or stream everything)**: Go with **Felix Mobile** ($40/mth unlimited).\n* If you **want to offset your bill with groceries**: Go with **Everyday Mobile (Woolworths)**.\n* If you are **on a tight budget but want reliable coverage**: Go with **ALDImobile** or **SpinTel**.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Telstra","domain":"telstra.com.au","position":1},{"name":"Optus","domain":"optus.com.au","position":2},{"name":"Vodafone","domain":"vodafone.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Boost Mobile","domain":"boost.com.au","position":4},{"name":"Felix Mobile","domain":"felixmobile.com.au","position":5},{"name":"Everyday Mobile","domain":"woolworths.com.au","position":6},{"name":"Woolworths","domain":"woolworths.com.au","position":7},{"name":"ALDImobile","domain":"aldimobile.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Amaysim","domain":"amaysim.com.au","position":9},{"name":"SpinTel","domain":"spintel.com.au","position":10},{"name":"Belong","domain":"belong.com.au","position":11}]},{"provider":"google_aio","run":1,"model":"google_aio","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"","extractedBrands":[]},{"provider":"grok","run":1,"model":"grok-4.5","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"I'll research the current best and most popular mobile plans in Australia for you.Next I'll check detailed comparison sites and popular providers for current plan details.**Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone (TPG) dominate as the three main mobile network operators (MNOs) in Australia, holding the vast majority of the market (around 87% combined, with Telstra leading at roughly 41%, Optus ~29%, and TPG/Vodafone ~17%).** MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that resell access to these networks make up the rest (~13% and growing) and are widely used for better value.[[1]](https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/communications-market-report-2024-25.pdf)\n\nMost Australians use SIM-only plans (prepaid or no-lock-in monthly/postpaid-style) rather than phone-included contracts these days. Prepaid is especially popular for flexibility and no bill shock. Always check coverage for *your* specific areas (home, work, travel) first using the providers’ maps or tools on sites like WhistleOut—Telstra has the largest footprint overall (especially regional/rural), while Optus and Vodafone are strong in metro areas (Vodafone has improved via network sharing with Optus).[[2]](https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/who-has-the-best-mobile-coverage)\n\n### Top Brands People Actually Use\n- **Telstra** — Market leader for reliability and coverage. Preferred by many in regional areas or who want premium service/support. More expensive.\n- **Optus** — Strong competitor with good 5G and city coverage; competitive plans and perks.\n- **Vodafone (TPG)** — Solid value, improving coverage; popular for deals.\n- **Popular MVNOs (what many switch to for savings)**:\n  - **ALDI Mobile** (Telstra Wholesale) — Extremely popular for value, customer satisfaction awards (e.g., Canstar Blue most satisfied/trusted prepaid), data rollover, and simplicity. Widely recommended.[[3]](https://www.aldimobile.com.au/)\n  - **Boost Mobile** (full Telstra network) — One of the few with access to Telstra’s complete coverage (not just wholesale). Great if you need max reception without full Telstra prices.[[2]](https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/who-has-the-best-mobile-coverage)\n  - **Belong** (Telstra-owned, Wholesale) — Simple, no-frills plans with good data options.\n  - **Amaysim** (Optus) — Strong reviews, data banking, long-expiry options, eSIM-friendly.\n  - **felix Mobile** (Vodafone) — Highly rated for unlimited data plans and ease; often tops “most loved” lists.[[4]](https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans)\n  - Others frequently used: TPG/iiNet/Kogan (Vodafone network, aggressive intro deals), Yomojo/Dodo/Moose (Optus), Everyday Mobile (Woolworths/Telstra), Coles Mobile.\n\nMVNOs generally offer better prices and similar (or capped-speed) performance in covered areas, with happier customers in many reviews, though support can vary and speeds may be throttled on some plans.[[5]](https://www.reviews.org/au/mobile/mvno/)\n\n### Recommended Plans by Need (Current Typical Value as of Recent Comparisons)\nPlans change often with intro discounts, bonus data, and promos—always verify on the provider site or comparison tools like WhistleOut, Finder, or Canstar. Prices are approximate ongoing (many have cheaper first months). Most include unlimited standard national calls/SMS.\n\n**Best overall value / most people in metro areas**:\n- **ALDI Mobile** (Telstra Wholesale, 5G options) — e.g., around $23–$39 for 12–75GB+ (with double data promos on first recharges, rollover). Excellent cost-per-GB and awards.[[3]](https://www.aldimobile.com.au/)\n- **felix** (Vodafone) — 25GB for ~$25 (or unlimited ~$40, often discounted initially). High satisfaction.\n- **TPG/iiNet or Yomojo** — Aggressive half-price intro periods (e.g., 25–100GB for $12.50–$22.50 first 6 months).\n- **Amaysim** long-expiry options for set-and-forget bulk data.\n\n**Best coverage (regional/rural or max reliability)**:\n- **Boost Mobile** (full Telstra) — Plans like ~$28–$49 for solid data with bonus periods, or longer-expiry packs. Worth the slight premium over pure wholesale MVNOs.[[6]](https://www.shopback.com.au/blog/finance/boost-vs-felix-vs-aldi-vs-amaysim-mvno-mobile-2026)\n- Telstra’s own upfront/SIM plans (e.g., Essential or higher tiers with 50–300GB) if you want full features/support—pricier (~$70+).\n\n**Unlimited or heavy data users**:\n- **felix Unlimited** on Vodafone (capped speeds on some, but popular and highly scored).\n- Higher-tier Optus/Telstra or bulk long-expiry prepaid (e.g., Amaysim, Boost, Kogan 365-day plans with 200GB+).\n\n**Budget/light users**:\n- Entry prepaid from ALDI (~$15–25 range), Lebara/Lycamobile, Kogan, or TeleChoice for smaller data allowances.\n- Long-expiry (180–365 day) SIMs from Boost, Kogan, Optus, or Coles for infrequent use/travel.\n\n**Postpaid/no-lock-in monthly**:\n- Belong, Dodo, SpinTel, or big-3 Choice/SIM-only plans. Often similar pricing to good prepaid but with easier billing. Optus and Vodafone frequently run year-long discounts.[[4]](https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans)\n\n### Quick Tips for Choosing in Australia\n- **Coverage first** — Use interactive maps. Telstra/Boost for bush/outback; Optus/Vodafone networks fine for most cities/suburbs.\n- **Prepaid vs ongoing** — Prepaid (or “subscription” prepaid) for control; many MVNOs make it feel like monthly plans with auto-recharge.\n- **Extras** — Look for data rollover/banking (ALDI, Amaysim, Belong), international inclusions, eSIM support, family sharing, or supermarket rewards (ALDI, Woolies Everyday, Coles).\n- **5G** — Available on most modern plans/networks in covered areas; some MVNOs have speed caps (e.g., 100–250 Mbps).\n- **Switching** — Easy number porting. Watch for port-in deals.\n- **Compare live** — Sites like WhistleOut (sorted by popularity/price), Finder, and Canstar update constantly and show current deals.[[7]](https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Compare-Prepaid-Mobile-Phone-Plans)\n- **Other considerations** — Fair use policies on unlimited, international roaming add-ons if travelling, and customer service reputation (MVNOs can be app/online-focused).\n\nFor most Aussies, starting with an ALDI Mobile, Boost, felix, or Amaysim plan (matched to your coverage needs) delivers the best real-world balance of price, data, and reliability that people actually stick with. Check your exact address coverage and current promos, as deals move quickly. If you share your location type (city/regional), data usage, or budget, I can refine this further.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Telstra","domain":"telstra.com.au","position":1},{"name":"Optus","domain":"optus.com.au","position":2},{"name":"Vodafone","domain":"vodafone.com.au","position":3},{"name":"TPG","domain":"tpg.com.au","position":3},{"name":"ALDI Mobile","domain":"aldimobile.com.au","position":4},{"name":"Boost Mobile","domain":"boost.com.au","position":5},{"name":"Belong","domain":"belong.com.au","position":6},{"name":"Amaysim","domain":"amaysim.com.au","position":7},{"name":"felix Mobile","domain":"felixmobile.com.au","position":8},{"name":"TPG","domain":"tpg.com.au","position":9},{"name":"iiNet","domain":"iinet.net.au","position":10},{"name":"Kogan","domain":"kogan.com","position":11},{"name":"Yomojo","domain":"yomojo.com.au","position":12},{"name":"Dodo","domain":"dodo.com.au","position":13},{"name":"SpinTel","domain":"spintel.net.au","position":14},{"name":"Coles Mobile","domain":"colesmobile.com.au","position":15},{"name":"Woolworths","domain":"woolworths.com.au","position":16}]},{"provider":"openai","run":1,"model":"gpt-5.5-2026-04-23","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"## Short answer — the plans I’d actually shortlist in Australia\n\nIf you want a **normal, good-value SIM-only plan**, don’t start with Telstra/Optus/Vodafone direct unless you need a phone on repayments, premium support, or specific roaming/bundling perks. Australia’s mobile market is dominated by the three network groups — Telstra 41%, Optus 29%, TPG/Vodafone 17%, and MVNOs 13% as at 30 June 2025 — but the ACCC’s price data shows the big flagship brands are usually much dearer than sub-brands/MVNOs. ([accc.gov.au](https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/communications-market-report-2024-25.pdf))\n\n### My top picks\n\n| Best for | Brand / plan to check first | Why |\n|---|---:|---|\n| **Best overall coverage/value** | **Boost Mobile** | Uses the **full Telstra Prepaid Mobile Network**, so it’s the first plan I’d check if you travel regionally or want Telstra-like reach without Telstra pricing. Current recharges include $39/30GB, $49/45GB, and $300/240GB for 12 months. ([boost.com.au](https://www.boost.com.au/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Cheapest decent Telstra-network option** | **ALDI Mobile** | Great for light/medium users. The $23 plan includes 12GB on Telstra Wholesale, and the $29 5G plan includes 29GB plus a current double-data promo for eligible new services. Note: the $23 and $29 plans are being withdrawn for new customers after **29 September 2026**, but can be locked in until August 2027 if you join in time. ([aldimobile.com.au](https://www.aldimobile.com.au/products/23-mobile-plan)) |\n| **Best if you shop at Woolworths** | **Everyday Mobile from Woolworths** | Uses the Telstra Wholesale network and includes **10% off one Woolworths in-store shop each month** on selected plans. Current offers include $30/60GB prepaid and discounted SIM-only plans such as $36/140GB for Everyday Rewards members, with promo end dates in August 2026 for the bonus data. ([mobile.everyday.com.au](https://mobile.everyday.com.au/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Best Optus-network MVNO** | **amaysim** | Easy, popular, no-lock-in Optus-network choice. Current catalogue shows $25/30GB, $35/42GB, $40/80GB, $45/95GB and long-expiry options, all on Optus 4G/5G. ([amaysim.com.au](https://www.amaysim.com.au/products/catalogue/plans)) |\n| **Best cheap Vodafone/TPG network plan** | **TPG Mobile** | Strong value if the Vodafone/TPG network is good where you live. Current SIM-only pricing is $25/25GB, $35/50GB and $45/100GB, with 5G on the medium/large plans and a 50%-off-first-6-months offer for new connections. ([tpg.com.au](https://www.tpg.com.au/sites/tpg/files/2025-05/TPG_Mobile_SIM_Only_210525.pdf)) |\n| **Best annual/bargain-hunter option** | **Kogan Mobile** | Often very cheap if you’re happy paying upfront and using the Vodafone network. Current offers include $149 for 140GB over 365 days and discounted monthly starter deals, but some plans are flagged to change from **19 August 2026**, so check before buying. ([koganmobile.com.au](https://www.koganmobile.com.au/)) |\n| **Best “unlimited-ish” mobile data** | **felix mobile** | Good if you want heaps of data and Vodafone coverage works for you. The unlimited plan is $40/month at speeds up to 40Mbps, and the 50GB plan is $30/month; both have no lock-in and current first-3-month discount offers for new customers. ([felixmobile.com.au](https://felixmobile.com.au/plan/unlimited-data-mobile-plan)) |\n| **Best premium/mainstream choices** | **Telstra or Optus direct** | Telstra direct is for maximum coverage, retail support, satellite-to-mobile messaging on eligible plans/devices, and phone bundles — but it’s expensive. Optus direct is worth checking if you want full Optus network access, handset deals, data sharing, or Optus roaming/bundling perks. ([telstra.com.au](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/plan-pricing-updates)) |\n\n## What I’d choose\n\n- **If you live/travel regionally:** **Boost Mobile** first. If budget matters more and you only need Telstra Wholesale coverage, try **ALDI Mobile** or **Everyday Mobile**.\n- **If you’re in a metro area:** **amaysim**, **TPG**, **Kogan**, or **felix** are usually better value than Telstra/Optus/Vodafone direct.\n- **If you shop at Woolies:** **Everyday Mobile** can be excellent because the monthly 10% grocery discount can effectively pay for much of the plan.\n- **If you use little data:** **ALDI $23/12GB** or **amaysim $25/30GB** are sensible starting points.\n- **If you want a phone on repayments:** go direct with **Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone** and compare the total cost over 24–36 months.\n\nTwo traps to watch: many prepaid plans are **28-day**, not monthly, so you pay about **13 recharges per year**; and coverage varies street-by-street, so check the coverage map for your home, work, commute, and any regional places you visit before porting.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Telstra","domain":"telstra.com.au","position":1},{"name":"Optus","domain":"optus.com.au","position":2},{"name":"Vodafone","domain":"vodafone.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Boost Mobile","domain":"boost.com.au","position":4},{"name":"ALDI Mobile","domain":"aldimobile.com.au","position":5},{"name":"Everyday Mobile","domain":"mobile.everyday.com.au","position":6},{"name":"amaysim","domain":"amaysim.com.au","position":7},{"name":"TPG Mobile","domain":"tpg.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Kogan Mobile","domain":"koganmobile.com.au","position":9},{"name":"felix mobile","domain":"felixmobile.com.au","position":10}]},{"provider":"perplexity","run":1,"model":"sonar","capturedAt":"2026-08-05T04:03:47.089Z","text":"The **best mobile plans in Australia** depend on whether you want the **cheapest SIM-only deal, the best value, or the best network coverage**. Based on current Australian plan roundups, the providers that show up most often as top picks are **TPG, Circles.Life, Vodafone, Kogan, amaysim, ALDImobile, Boost, and Telstra**.[2][3][4][8][14][15]\n\nIf you want the short version, these are the most commonly recommended options:\n\n- **Best prepaid value:** **TPG Small** — WhistleOut lists it as best prepaid, with **50GB from $17.50/month**.[3]\n- **Best SIM-only value:** **Circles.Life** — WhistleOut lists a **105GB plan from $22.50/month** as its best SIM-only pick.[3]\n- **Best budget/value overall:** **Dodo $30** — Finder names it its **best value mobile plan**.[4]\n- **Best unlimited-data option:** **felix Subscription Unlimited** — Finder names it best for unlimited data.[4]\n- **Best high-data plan:** **amaysim 95GB Plan** — Finder’s top high-data pick.[4]\n- **Best 365-day prepaid plan:** **Kogan Extra Large 365 Days Flex**.[4]\n- **Best for kids / low-use:** **Kogan** — WhistleOut lists a **15GB plan from $20/month** as best for kids.[3]\n- **Best for international calls:** **TPG**.[3]\n\nFor **brand recognition and real-world use**, the most established names Australians actually use a lot are **Telstra, Vodafone, Optus-network resellers like Boost, ALDImobile, amaysim, Kogan, and TPG**.[8][12][13][15] Choice’s satisfaction research has also repeatedly put **amaysim** and **ALDImobile** near the top of provider ratings, which suggests strong customer approval rather than just low headline prices.[8]\n\nA practical way to choose:\n\n- **Choose Telstra** if you care most about coverage and want a major-network brand.[2][12]\n- **Choose Boost** if you want the **Telstra network** experience in a prepaid format.[15]\n- **Choose ALDImobile or amaysim** if you want a well-known budget provider with strong satisfaction history.[8][13]\n- **Choose TPG, Dodo, or Circles.Life** if you want the cheapest or best-value SIM-only deals.[3][4]\n- **Choose Kogan** if you want a long-expiry prepaid plan and don’t want to recharge often.[3][4]\n\nIf you want, I can also rank the **best Australian plans by your usage** — for example **under 20GB, 50–100GB, family plans, or the best Telstra-network options**.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"TPG","domain":"tpg.com.au","position":1},{"name":"Circles.Life","domain":"circles.life","position":2},{"name":"Vodafone","domain":"vodafone.com.au","position":3},{"name":"Kogan","domain":"kogan.com","position":4},{"name":"amaysim","domain":"amaysim.com.au","position":5},{"name":"ALDImobile","domain":"aldimobile.com.au","position":6},{"name":"Boost","domain":"boost.com.au","position":7},{"name":"Telstra","domain":"telstra.com.au","position":8},{"name":"Dodo","domain":"dodo.com.au","position":9},{"name":"felix Subscription Unlimited","domain":"felixmobile.com.au","position":10}]}]}