Exetel Mobile Phone Plans Review
You may not have heard the name ‘Exetel’ bandied about when it comes to mobile phone plans – probably because it was founded as a technology consulting company back in the 1990s before making its way into the world of fixed and mobile broadband.
However, Exetel is now a serious player in the mobile market and prides itself on being a low-cost provider of simple, easy to understand phone plans that represent great value for money (as well as offering some of the cheapest NBN plans out there). So how does Exetel really stack up when it comes to value for money?
How does Exetel compare to other providers?
The following table shows a selection of phone plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of lowest standard monthly cost to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see all plans available on Canstar Blue’s database. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB of data, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try out our comparison tool for mobile phone plans to see a range of offers from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
The following table shows a selection of SIM-only postpaid plans with a minimum of 60GB data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try out our comparison tool for mobile phone plans to see a range of offers from other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Exetel phone plans at a glance
Exetel offers a range of prepaid plans as no lock-in plans with a 30-day expiry period. All plans are offered on parts of Telstra’s 3G, 4G and 5G networks. Exetel also offers a range of broadband plans including NBN.
The following table shows all published Exetel prepaid plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers.
What does Exetel offer?
While Exetel doesn’t offer the extras or entertainment options that you might find on plans from Telstra (or the other larger telcos), there is a focus on providing reasonably generous data inclusions, with the call and text basics that most of us will expect from a mobile plan.
Exetel does offer international call inclusions, but only on higher-level plans. You can also get global roaming with Exetel and it’s easy to turn off and on, simply log into your account.
| SIM-Only plans | |
|---|---|
| Entertainment bonuses | |
| Data-free video streaming | |
| Data-free music streaming | |
| International calls/texts | |
| International roaming | |
| Set-up fees | |
| Data overage fees |
Exetel network and coverage
Exetel is powered by the Telstra 3G, 4G and 5G wholesale networks, with coverage to 98.8% the population. If you have access to the Testra network in your area, you may also have access to a range of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), like Exetel, which use this network to power their mobile coverage. Keep in mind the Telstra wholesale network isn’t the full Telstra network, and only offers service to parts of the mobile network.
Features and bonuses
All of the SIM-only plans that Exetel offers come with unlimited standard national calls and text, plus some of the higher-level plans include some international call inclusions.
- International calls and text: You’ll receive included unlimited international calls and SMS to 15 select countries on four of the six plans.
- Data banking: Exetel’s mobile phone plans all include data rollover, allowing you to store up to 500GB of unused data to access at any time when you need it.
Exetel 4G phone plans
Exetel 5G phone plans
Exetel contact details/customer support
Need some help with your Exetel plan or service? The telco offers several contact and support options, including:
- General customer support: 13 39 38
- The Exetel Facebook page
- Twitter: @exetel
- Exetel Mobile app for both iPhone and Android
How does Exetel compare?
Exetel isn’t the only telco offering Telstra coverage at lower prices. The following providers also use parts of the Telstra network.
Is Exetel a good deal?
While Exetel doesn’t offer any entertainment extras, the telco’s focus is very much on simple and hassle-free mobile plans. If you’re happy with choosing a prepaid phone plan, there are definitely options to suit everyone’s mobile needs.
If you plan on keeping in touch with friends and family overseas, you might find the options a bit more restrictive than what other telcos offer. To determine just how much international call value you’ll need, look at the international call rates to determine which phone plan is right for you.
Exetel does, however, offer some really good value for money. The lower-level plans are good options as a first phone plan for kids and pre-teens, or simply for light phone users. The higher level plans offer a good amount of data for a reasonable price, so overall, Exetel’s plans are by no means lacking in inclusions. So if you’re looking for a plan using the Telstra mobile network, Exetel is well worth looking into.
About the author of this page
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent over seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including NBN plans, wireless technology, the latest mobile devices and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of.