What is the cheapest 5G plan?

With Telstra, Optus and Vodafone rolling out their 5G networks across Australia – and more 5G phones hitting the market – you may be considering a switch to a 5G phone plan.

5G mobile plans are still only offered by a handful of providers, and some are still on the pricey side of things when compared to 4G-only options. But what’s the cheapest 5G plan available in Australia? Read on to find out.

What is the cheapest 5G phone plan?

The cheapest postpaid 5G phone plan in Australia is currently Belong’s $20 plan, which comes with 20GB data per month but is capped at speeds of 100Mbps. Next, from Vodafone, it’s the $40 Lite plan, with 10GB of data.

Southern Phone offers a cheap 5G plan on the Optus network, priced at $50 per month for 20GB data. If you’re considering Telstra, its cheapest 5G plan is its Small Upfront plan, which is $58 per month for 40GB. Keep in mind, this excludes discounts and deals may apply. Below you’ll find the cheapest available 5G plans from different providers.

The following table shows selected published 5G phone plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to see plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

What is the best 5G phone plan in Australia?

Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Aussie Broadband, Southern Phone, Belong, Woolworths Mobile, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, Mate and Spintel are the few providers that actually offer 5G phone plans, with varying prices, data inclusions and plan extras.

Spintel, Southern Phone and Aussie Broadband provide coverage on the Optus 5G network as MVNOs, while Belong, ALDI Mobile, Boost Mobile, Mate and Woolworths Mobile operate on Telstra’s 5G network. Below you’ll find a selection of available 5G SIM-only plans in Australia, for both postpaid and prepaid users.

Do I need a 5G phone?

If you want to access a 5G signal, you’ll need both a 5G phone and a 5G capable phone plan. Most phone manufacturers have started making 5G devices to support the rollout of 5G coverage worldwide, and major brands such as Samsung, OPPO, Google, and now Apple have launched phones compatible with Australian 5G networks. If you’re interested in buying a 5G phone, they’re becoming more affordable, with outright pricing starting at just under the $500 mark.

Can a 5G phone plan use a 4G network?

All 5G phone plans and devices in Australia can use 4G and 3G networks as well, so you won’t be stuck without coverage when you’re away from a 5G signal.

The difference between networks isn’t big enough to cause a huge dip in quality when moving from 5G to 4G, but you will always have a faster connection on a 5G network. If having a 5G signal is important to you, check your service provider’s website to make sure 5G is available in your area.

Related: 4G vs 5G: What’s the difference?

Is 5G available in my area?

All three 5G networks (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone) are being rolled out at different paces and in different places, although Telstra has said that as of mid-January 2021, one in two Aussies are in an area covered by its 5G network. If you’re unsure about 5G being available in your area, check your provider’s website.

Can I use 5G to replace my internet at home?

A number of providers are offering 5G home wireless broadband plans, which are designed to replace your home wired broadband connection. Still using a plug-in modem to connect your devices, 5G home wireless is only offered by a few providers, and is generally more expensive, but you can also expect faster speeds. However, like most other 5G services, it won’t be available to everyone, meaning you’ll have to check with your provider to see if your home is compatible with 5G home wireless.