5G phones are here. They’re getting more affordable, and as the 5G network is rolled out across Australia, connection to the 5G network will become essential. But there’s something to be especially excited about with 5G – the broadband potential. The ability to hotspot your phone anywhere, and to get a super reliable connection to the internet. The endless scrolling on Facebook and Twitter in public, not held back by loading posts or videos that are slow to buffer.
5G internet will tackle these things head on, by one day becoming the premier phone network in Australia – but right now, we are in the early days.
What is 5G mobile broadband?
5G mobile broadband is the next generation on from 4G mobile broadband, which it will soon phase out. 5G mobile broadband is faster, and if you have the right plan and technology in a 5G area, 5G will replace your 4G mobile broadband connection. It makes a good NBN replacement, and should be great for use in your laptop, phone or portable modem.
What is 5G?
5G offers the next generation of mobile network coverage, onward from 4G, the current standard, and 3G, the standard of about six years ago. It’s a mobile network that allows for faster speeds, reliable connections, and ultimately a big upgrade from the 4G network.
When will 5G broadband be available?
5G has only been switched on in some limited areas like in major cities by Telstra and Optus, and Vodafone has begun rolling out its network out this year. We’ve prepared an explainer on Telstra’s 5G network here, including maps of where 5G is in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. We’ve also prepared an explainer on Optus’ 5G network, including the telco’s 5G home broadband solutions.
It’s tough to say when 5G will be available Australia-wide, although it is a priority of the big three to get Australia covered. The network is being rolled out across Australia by Optus, Vodafone and Telstra, and it’s been made a priority by all of them. Being connected and offering fast speeds is the goal, but right now most of Australia can’t actually jump on board the 5G bandwagon.
That said, it will be coming, and you should get ready — it’s just a matter of time when one of the big three telcos rolls its 5G network into your area and 5G-capable devices become the norm.
5G mobile broadband plans
Telstra offers 5G mobile broadband plans. To access 5G, you’ll need to combine your plan with Telstra’s 5G Wi-Fi Pro, which you’ll pay off over 24 months and you’ll then bundle with a month-to-month plan. Apart from this option, there isn’t many 5G mobile broadband plans on the market, and you might have to settle for a 5G mobile plan or a 5G home wireless plan. 5G network access is available with Telstra on Large and Extra Large plans, but not on small or medium plans – which only have 4G access.
The below table features all published Telstra mobile broadband plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from lowest to highest and then by data allowance. These prices do not include the cost of the 5G Wi-Fi Pro modem. Note that only the Medium and Large plans include access to Telstra’s 5G mobile network.
Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $15 over one month |
5GB | $15 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $55 over one month |
75GB | $55 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $85 over one month |
400GB | $85 | Go to Site |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Will 5G replace mobile broadband?
No, not for some time. As the new technology is phased in, the old technology is phased out. 3G will be the first to go before 4G, the current standard. 4G will stick around as more people upgrade and as 5G-ready phones become more affordable and mainstream.
Can I use 5G internet instead of NBN?
You can, but 5G is not an end to the NBN. Although 5G networks are much faster than the NBN, it’s likely that it will be more pricey. There are pros and cons to both the NBN and 5G, but overall it’s unlikely 5G networks will replace the NBN as a go-to broadband service.
If you are unhappy with your NBN speed or service, you can switch to a 5G home internet plan if you live in an eligible area. Here are the plans Optus is offering with 5G home broadband.
The following table shows selected published Optus 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Optus 5G Internet Everyday
min. cost $655 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus 5G Internet Entertainer
min. cost $675 over first month |
Unlimited | $89 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Below, you’ll find 5G home wireless broadband plans offered by Spintel.
Spintel 5G Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows selected published Spintel 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Spintel 5G Home Wireless Contract
min. cost $1,460 over 24 months |
Unlimited | $70 |
Link to provider unavailable |
|
Spintel 5G Home Wireless No Contract
min. cost $110 over first month |
Unlimited | $90 |
Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
How do I know if I can access 5G?
You won’t need to change your SIM card to access 5G coverage! It all comes down to what your device is – if it’s 5G-compatible, it will automatically connect to the faster network. Easy! It’s like when you go through a low-coverage area and you switch from 4G to 3G, or from 4G to SOS. You’ll be able to seamlessly access the network without any trouble.
We’ve put together a list of all of the 5G-ready phones you can use when the network is turned on across Australia. You might own one right now – essentially, more and more phones being released from here on out will most likely have 5G compatibility, as it’s becoming the international standard.
4G Mobile Broadband Plans
Not yet covered by Telstra or Optus’ 5G networks? 4G data is still widely available as an on-the-go alternative to fixed broadband. The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans from leading providers on Canstar Blue’s database.
Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $15 over one month |
5GB | $15 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $55 over one month |
75GB | $55 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $85 over one month |
400GB | $85 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
10GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $20 over first month |
10GB | $20 |
Link to provider unavailable |
|
40GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
40GB | $40 |
Link to provider unavailable |
|
100GB Mobile Broadband Plan
min. cost $60 over first month |
100GB | $60 |
Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Amaysim Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Amaysim mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
SIM Only 7GB
min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period |
7GB | $15 |
Link to provider unavailable |
|
SIM Only 50GB
min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period |
50GB | $40 |
Link to provider unavailable |
|
SIM Only 90GB
min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period |
90GB | $60 |
Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Southern Phone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
7GB | $15 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period |
15GB | $25 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $40 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
100GB | $65 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
What should I do to prepare for 5G?
There’s not a whole lot you can do until the network is ready! Until it is, you can make sure your device is compatible with 5G. Below is a list of 5G-ready phone plans for you to check out.
5G ready phone plans
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the 64GB iPhone 12 on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the 128GB Samsung Galaxy S21 5G on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the Google Pixel 5 on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
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