With 5G networks rolling out across the country, accessing 5G networks and services is becoming much easier. The Optus 5G network has been rolling out since 2019 and since then, has expanded across the country and with a wide range of products and services designed to access this super-fast network.
If you want to find out more about Optus 5G, such as Optus 5G coverage and Optus 5G plans, in this guide we’ll take a look at what you can expect from the Optus 5G network and whether it’s the right network choice for you.
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Optus 5G network
The Optus 5G network is still rolling out across the country. Optus has built over 230 5G sites across Australia, but if you’re looking at Optus 5G for your home broadband, this may not yet be available in your area, even if your residence is covered by the 5G mobile network.
If you’re wondering about the Optus 5G coverage and whether it’s available in your area, you can visit the Optus website and check the Optus 5G coverage map. However, Optus 5G mobile coverage is widely available in the following locations:
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Central Coast
- Freemantle Region
- Geelong West
- Hawkesbury River
- Melbourne
- Moreton Bay Region
- Mornington Peninsula
- Perth
- Sydney
Keep in mind while coverage is available in areas across the country, including the above listed areas, coverage maps are approximate and may not reflect your real-world 5G experience. It’s also important to note that in-building 5G coverage may not be widely available yet — so you may be able to connect outdoors, but not inside your home or office.
Optus 5G coverage map Sydney
Optus 5G coverage map Brisbane
Optus 5G coverage map Melbourne
Customers interested in 5G home broadband can enter their address on Optus’ website to check availability. If your home doesn’t yet qualify, you still have the option of signing up for 4G broadband instead and you can make the switch to 5G when it becomes available.
How can I access the Optus 5G network?
In order to access the Optus 5G network, you’ll need to sign up to one of the eligible Optus 5G plans — whether that’s a 5G phone plan or a 5G home internet plan.
Keep in mind that while the plans will include Optus 5G network access, you’ll need a compatible device to access the network. This means either a 5G-compatible modem for 5G internet plans, or a 5G-compatible phone for 5G phone plans.
Here are some of the 5G compatible phones you can pick up on a plan from Optus:
- Apple iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S24 series: Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24+, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy A series: including Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, A35 5G and more
- Google Pixel 8 series: Google Pixel 8a, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Z series: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Samsung Galaxy S23 series: Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- OPPO phones including the OPPO A78 5G
Optus 5G phone plans
Optus’ postpaid SIM-only plans all include 5G network access, provided you have a 5G-ready phone. All plans include a monthly full-speed data allowance, plus unlimited data capped at speeds of 1.5Mbps.
The following table shows all published Optus postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Optus 5G prepaid plans
Optus offers 5G network access on all of its prepaid Flex Plus plans, however speeds are capped to either 150Mbps or 250Mbps, depending on the plan you choose. Plans are available over seven, 28, 186 and 365-day expiry periods and include up to 200GB of data rollover.
Optus 5G Home Broadband
If you’re looking for a 5G home internet solution, Optus offers unlimited 5G home broadband to customers in eligible areas. Optus offers a simple range of 5G home internet plans, with speed caps being the main difference between what you pay. You’ll have a choice between a plan with a 50Mbps speed cap, a 100Mbps speed cap or a plan with uncapped 5G speeds, which makes the most of the fast speeds that 5G is capable of.
Optus 5G Home Internet Plans
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 Plus Everyday 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Link to provider unavailable |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus 5G Home Broadband also comes with a 40Mbps or 50Mbps Satisfaction Guarantee. Customers who don’t achieve download speeds of a least 40Mbps or 50Mbps (depending on your plan), or who experience 5G signal issues, are free to cancel their service with no cancellation fees, provided the included 5G modem is returned in good condition.
How much does Optus 5G cost?
As Optus offers 5G across all of its phone plans, it isn’t charging its mobile customers extra to access its 5G network. 5G-capable devices still being offered on the same postpaid plan options as 4G-only phones.
If you choose to add on a new mobile phone to one of the Optus 5G plans, you’ll be charged monthly for your phone plan and your handset repayment costs. You can choose to split the price of your handset over 12, 24 or 36 months, with the repayment period determining how much you pay each month for your phone.
As for Optus 5G internet, you will pay a bit more if you choose a 5G home internet plan over a 4G home internet plan. However, the 5G plan speeds available are much faster than what you can get with the 4G plan.
How much is Optus investing in the 5G network?
Optus is investing heavily by upgrading existing infrastructure, acquiring more spectrum specifically for 5G and launching their Optus 5G Max mmWave tech. Optus has already spent over $200 million on 5G infrastructure and you can expect Optus 5G coverage and investment to continue expanding.
How fast is Optus 5G?
Peak speeds of 295Mbps have been reported by customers, but real-world speeds may vary: however, you can expect a performance at least as fast as the NBN 50 speed tier. Optus is guaranteeing download speeds of 40Mbps on its cheapest 5G internet plan, and 50Mbps on its two more expensive 5G home internet plans.
Potential speeds on Optus’ 5G mobile network aren’t as easy to find as its 5G broadband speeds. However, a report from internet speed testing company Ookla, found that Optus was the fastest performing 5G network in Australia, reaching median download speeds of 323Mbps. This was reportedly 60% faster than other 5G networks.
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