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Vodafone’s 5G network explained

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Vodafone’s 5G mobile network rollout is underway, with coverage available now in selected suburbs. In this article Canstar Blue explores Vodafone’s 5G coverage and its selection of 5G-capable smartphones and mobile plans.

Where is Vodafone 5G available?

Vodafone’s 5G network first went live in 2020, offering limited coverage exclusively in and around the Sydney suburb of Parramatta.

Vodafone’s 5G network is currently being rolled out in selected areas of Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, the Central Coast, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Wollongong. Vodafone 5G is available in over 3,000 suburbs within these locations.

Below, you’ll find general maps of anticipated 5G coverage areas in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart. To check current coverage in your area, head to Vodafone’s website.

Vodafone 5G coverage map in Sydney

Vodafone 5G coverage in Sydney

Vodafone 5G coverage map in Melbourne

Vodafone 5G coverage in Melbourne

Vodafone 5G coverage map in Brisbane

Vodafone 5g coverage in Brisbane

Vodafone 5G coverage map in Perth

Vodafone 5g coverage in Perth

Vodafone 5G coverage map in Hobart

Vodafone 5g coverage in Hobart
Images: Vodafone

Which phones can access Vodafone’s 5G network?

Vodafone now stocks a sizeable range of 5G-ready smartphones, available on a 12-, 24-, or 36-month handset payment plans.

Below is more information on two of the most popular 5G devices available on Vodafone plans, the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S24.

Apple iPhone 16 series

Vodafone offers the full iPhone 16 range — the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

You can use the full iPhone 16 range on Vodafone’s 4G and 5G networks (where available), although you may need to make sure 5G mobile is activated in your device’s settings.

Once you’ve selected your device and payment period, you’ll then bundle your phone with your choice of Vodafone’s postpaid phone plans, which all include 5G network access along with no excess data charges, so you can keep using your data at the capped speed of 2Mbps.

Compare Vodafone iPhone 16 plans

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 128GB iPhone 16 plans as published 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. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 128GB iPhone 16 Plus plans as published 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. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 128GB iPhone 16 Pro plans as published 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. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max plans as published 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. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series

Vodafone stocks the S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra on 12, 24, or 36-month payment options. You can combine your device with a Vodafone SIM-only mobile plan.

All 5G-capable phones in the Samsung Galaxy ranges will work with Vodafone’s 4G network, so you’ll still be able to use data in areas without 5G coverage. If you’re planning to use 5G where available, make sure you’ve switched on 5G mobile in your device’s Settings app.

Below is a selection of published 24-month Vodafone plans for the 256GB Samsung Galaxy S24 from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of advertised standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. These are products with links to referral partners.

How much do Vodafone 5G phone plans cost?

Vodafone has said that it will not charge customers extra for 5G access. Customers are able to access 5G as long as they have a 5G capable device and are in a 5G network.

  • Vodafone SIM-only postpaid options start at $49 per month for unlimited standard national talk and text, 50GB of maximum speed data and unlimited extra data capped at speeds of 2Mbps.
  • Plans go up to $69 monthly for 360GB of full speed data, plus unlimited 2Mbps data, although Vodafone does frequently offer loyalty discounts and price cuts for those purchasing new devices.

5G access is available on all three of Vodafone’s postpaid mobile plans, but you’ll need to be using a 5G-ready phone (and be in a 5G-covered area) to use the new network.

Below is a selection of published Vodafone SIM-only plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of advertised standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see a wider range of plans from other providers. These are products with links to referral partners.

How fast is Vodafone 5G?

While we know that 5G mobile has the potential to be ten or more times faster than existing 4G, Vodafone has said that it is designed to operate at average speeds of 150-200Mbps, with peak speeds reportedly reaching over 1Gbps.

With Optus reporting average 5G speeds of 229Mbps and up, and Telstra 5G delivering a slightly slower performance on 5G devices, Vodafone customers can expect similar speeds from the telco’s 5G network.

Can I get Vodafone 5G internet?

All Vodafone customers in areas with Vodafone 5G coverage can connect to the telco’s 5G home internet plans, which begin at $65 per month for unlimited data.

Vodafone offers two 5G internet options:

  • $65 plan with speeds capped at 50Mbps
  • $70 plan with speeds capped at 100Mbps

Both plans are contract-free, with a free Vodafone 5G Home Broadband Modem when you stay connected to your plan for 36 months.

Customers may need to wait for Vodafone’s 5G network rollout to progress before they can access these plans.

5G Home Internet Plans

The following table shows selected published 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
TPG Logo

Ultimate 5G Home Broadband

  • $54.99 per month for first 6 mths then $64.99/mth
  • 100 mbps
  • $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract
  • $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months
  • Special offer: Save $60 on first 6 months

min. cost $54.99 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $54.99Advertised Data^^/billing period Go to Site
iiNet Logo

Home Broadband Max

  • $59.99 for first 6 mths then $69.99/mth
  • $0 set up fees and no lock-in contract
  • $0 5G modem
  • Special offer: Save $60 on first 6 months

min. cost $59.99 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $59.99Advertised Data^^/billing period Go to Site
Vodafone Logo

Premium 5G Home Broadband

  • $55 per month for existing Vodafone customers
  • $60 for first 6 months then $70/mth
  • $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract
  • Special offer: Save $60 over 6 months or $90 if you have a Vodafone Mobile plan

min. cost $60 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $60Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Telstra Logo
  • 5G speeds
  • Speeds capped at 25Mbps after 1TB allowance exceeded
  • Includes Telstra 5G Home Modem ($0 when you stay connected for 24 months)
  • Special offer: first month free for new customers. Terms apply.
  • Special offer: 3 months free BINGE standard. Terms apply.

min. cost $85 over one month

1TBMax Data**/billing period $85Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Optus Logo

Optus 5G Internet Entertainer

  • No speed cap
  • Includes the Optus supplied Nokia modem
  • Special offer: First month plan fees free. Terms apply.

min. cost $90 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Spintel Logo

SpinTel 5G Unlimited

  • No speed cap
  • Nokia 5G modem included
  • Special offer: $80 per month for first 6 months, then $90 per month ongoing. Terms apply.

min. cost $90 over one month

UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period $90Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

5G Mobile Broadband Plans

The following table shows a selection of published 5G mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their 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
Optus Logo

Large Data SIM Plan

  • SIM Only
  • Month-to-month plan (SIM plan price, inclusions & add-ons may change as notified)
  • 5G network access
  • Includes Optus Sport + OS Fitness
  • No excess data charges in Australia. Speed will be capped at max 1.5Mbps

min. cost $45 month to month

60GBMax Data**/billing period $45Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Telstra Logo

Medium

  • SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access included
  • Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account

min. cost $55 over one month

75GBMax Data**/billing period $55Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Optus Logo

Large Data SIM Plan

  • SIM Only
  • Month-to-month plan (SIM plan price, inclusions & add-ons may change as notified)
  • 5G network access
  • Includes Optus Sport + OS Fitness
  • No excess data charges in Australia. Speed will be capped at max 1.5Mbps

min. cost $60 month to month

100GBMax Data**/billing period $60Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
Telstra Logo

Large

  • SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay
  • No excess data charges in Australia
  • 5G access included
  • Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account

min. cost $85 over one month

400GBMax Data**/billing period $85Advertised Cost^^/billing period Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue

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Tara Donnelly
Utilities Editor
Tara Donnelly is an internet and mobile expert - sectors she’s spent a decade covering - and also oversees energy and consumer technology content. She holds a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and has shared her expertise on national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise and the ABC.

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