Basics
After the merger of Vodafone and Three in 2009-13, three national networks remain in Australia:
- Telstra
- Optus (yes)
- Vodafone Hutchison Australia
This is added by a very competitive MVNO market on all three operators. They are sometimes cheaper, but some of them still don't offer 4G/LTE or only good data SIM cards: ALDI mobile, amaysim (now using 4G network), Boost mobile, dodo, gotalk, Hello Mobile, Lebara mobile, Lycamoble, Virgin mobile amongst others. Some MVNO companies left the market recently: Global Gossip, TPG, Savytel and yatango amongst others and are not listed anymore.
Frequencies and coverage
2G: 900 MHz, (1800 MHz). Most of the capabilities are on 900 MHz now as 1800 MHz has been reassigned to 4G/LTE. Telstra covers 99%, Optus 98% and Vodafone about 96% of the population. But remember, this is only about 30% of the total landmass of this continent. All 2G is up to EDGE speed. Telstra has announced to shut down its 2G in December 2016, Optus their 2G in April 2017, Vodafone has not fixed a date yet.
3G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 2100 MHz. Telstra has the best coverage in Australia on its "Next G" network on 850 MHz with some back up in cities on 2100 MHz. It covers 99% of the population. Optus is in 2nd spot on 900 MHz with back up on 2100 MHz on 98.5% Vodafone uses 900 MHz and 2100 MHz frequencies covering about 96% on 3G.
4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz (TDD), 2600 MHz
- Telstra: already covers 90 % of the population by 4G in 2015. Its main frequency is 1800 MHz, newly added by 700 MHz, a few sites on 900 MHz and backed up on 2600 MHz in Melbourne and Sydney CBD.
- Optus: 4G Plus network covers 90% of the population using their 700 MHz frequency. This is added by 2600 MHz in rural areas, 2300 MHz TDD-LTE in metro areas, 2100 MHz in Darwin and Tasmania and 1800 MHz in major Towns and cities. Optus is the only MNO up to now who lets some of its MVNOs on LTE too.
- Vodafone: was the last to start with LTE in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart. It uses the 850 MHz band mostly with some 1800 MHz supplements.
So there is a clear rank: Telstra has the best coverage, followed closely by Optus and finally Vodafone catching up.
Regulations
For all Australian prepaid SIM cards, you used to show some photo ID (drivers licence or passport) in an outlet of the operator. Nowadays activation is mostly done online on the website of the operator. There you have to fill in your personal data before the SIM card will activate. A passport and an Australian address is sufficient.
First the three network operators are presented in order of their position in the country (what coverage or customers are concerned), followed by some of their MVNOs in alphabetical order.
All prices quoted in $ are in AUD$.
Telstra
Telstra, officially Telstra Corp. Ltd,. is the former public telco of the country, but for long been privatised now. As such it has the most extensive coverage at the highest prices. It's "NextG" network is the best in the country and has the best coverage, especially in rural areas although there isn't much difference in most major towns. While historically the cost is higher than average, if you are looking to connect from remote areas, this is sometimes the only network available and/or reliable: coverage map.
Frequencies
2G: mostly on 900 MHz, few 1800 MHz. Telstra will close down its 2G on 1st December 2016. 3G: 850 MHz (main frequency, countryside), 2100 MHz (back-up in cities). 4G: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz = main frequency, 2600 MHz (CBDs). So for a good coverage on 3G, you need to have a 3G device on 850 MHz which is not so common in many parts of the world.
Availability
In Telstra T-Life stores. however, not all T-Life stores are run by Telstra, some are franchises: Find-your-nearest-Telstra-Retail store. Their prepaid SIM starter kit comes in two varieties in all 3 SIM sizes and open for 4G/LTE:
- $2: without any credit
- $30: including $30 credit valid for 30 days
You can top up by voucher, available at many stores, service stations or supermarkets, by debit/credit card or PayPal online on your Telstra account.
Prepaid SIM card
You can choose between different prepaid tariff lines. All prepaid Telstra offers provides Free Telstra Air Wi-Fi data until 30 June 2016. These are the WiFi located on top of the Telstra public pay phone boxes located nationwide. The two most suitable for visitors are:
- Simplicity: data is by default 10c per MB. $20 recharge give 30 days, $30 60 days, $50 90 days and $100 recharge 180 days of service and the equivalent credit.
- Freedom Plus: smart packs with data and unlimited calls to Telstra and all domestic texts included valid for 28 days. Take care: overuse is charged at $2 per MB! "Browse Plus Packs" (see below) can be added on this offer, and data as well as credits rolls over to your next top-up
- $30: 1.5 GB (+ 1.5 GB night bonus to use between 8pm to 8am) = 3 GB
- $40: 3 GB (+ 3 GB night bonus to use between 8pm to 8am) = 6 GB
- $50: 4 GB (+ 4 GB night bonus to use between 8pm to 8am) = 8 GB
- for more data you can add: 1 GB for $10 or 2.5 GB for $20
Data feature packages
Their "Browse Plus Packs" can be booked on every prepaid line like Simplicity, but not on Freedom Plus.
- $5: 30 MB - activation; BROWSEPLUS5
- $10: 200 MB - activation: BROWSEPLUS10
- $20: 700 MB - activation; BROWSEPLUS20
- $39: 1 GB - activation: BROWSEPLUS39
- $49: 3 GB - activation: BROWSEPLUS49
- $59: 4 GB - activation: BROWSEPLUS59
To activate, text code without blanks to 125 7587. Unused data expires in 30 days. If you don't select a Browse Plus Pack, the standard rate will apply.
Data-only SIM
For their data-only SIM aimed at tablets and modems, you need to buy a prepaid starter kit "for tablets": They are sold like the voice SIMs for $2 or $30 (see above) in all 3 SIM sizes. It only has data and text, no voice.
To get started you’ll need to activate your SIM Card online here. Make sure you have your new service number or SIM serial number. You’ll find this on the packaging.
Take care, that without a package, you stay at the expensive default rate of $2 per MB. You can add these packages:
| Volume | Period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3 days | $ 10 |
| 2 GB | 7 days | $ 20 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $ 30 |
| 5 GB | 365 days | $ 50 |
| 16 GB | 730 days | $ 140 |
Your recharge credit will roll over when you recharge before your credit expiry date.
More info
- Tethering and VoIP are allowed
- APN: telstra.internet
- Website: http://www.telstra.com.au
Optus (yes)
Optus is the second oldest telco in Australia. It is now owned by Singtel. So their official name is Singtel Optus Pty Limited. It's the biggest rival of Telstra in Australia. The coverage is not as good as Telstra's but in most cities and towns, there is little difference between the two. Optus has a very detailed coverage map system that gives expected service quality information for voice and data and is available here.
Optus is a wholesaler for a number of smaller MVNOs which often offer less expensive services with the same network as Optus and can be found further down the page.
Frequencies
2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz. Optus is going to close down its 2G on 1st April 2017. 3G: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz. 4G: 700 MHz (Band 28, national coverage frequency covering 90% of the population), 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz (TDD) (metro capacity frequency), 2600 MHz (regional capacity frequency).
Availability
In all yes Optus stores (locator) and many Australian post offices. Their prepaid SIM starter kit comes in 3 varieties in all 3 SIM sizes and is open for 4G/LTE:
- $2: without any credit
- $10: including $10 credit valid for 30 days
- $30: including $30 credit valid for 30 days
You can top up by voucher, available at many stores, service stations or supermarkets, by debit/credit card or PayPal online on your Optus account here..
You will also need to log on to Optus website to activate SIM here. You will need an Australian address to activate your SIM card. You can give an hotel address or any other for it.
Prepaid SIM card
They have 4 different plans for prepaid based on daily or monthly rates:
- My prepaid daily: For $1/day you get 40 MB, 30 AU minutes and unlimted AU texts, surpassing one quota you "auto-bump" to $1.50/day giving you 80 MB and unlimited AU voice and text. For data you can "auto-bump" $5/day for a total of 430 MB/day. Then you can buy add-ons: 200 MB for $2 or 500 MB for $5. All allowances expire at the end of the day which is 11:59pm local time
- My prepaid daily plus: For $2/day you get 500 MB data and unlimited AU voice and text. Using more data, you "auto-bumpt" to $4/day including 1 GB. If you need even more data, you can buy an add-on of 500 MB for $2. All allowances expire at the end of the day which is 11:59pm local time
- My prepaid monthly plus: For a recharge of $30, you get unlimited AU minutes and texts and 1.5 GB data and $5 credit valid for 30 days. $45 give you unlimited AU texts and voice and 3.5 GB and $10 credit, $60 unlimited text and voice, 6 GB and $15 extra credit valid for 30 days. If you need more data, you can add 500 MB for $5. This add-on ends, when the base pack is doing the same. Unused data up to 10 GB will roll over to the next month on the monthly plans.
- My prepaid ultimate:
| Top-up | Validity | Data | AU voice | AU text | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $ 10 | 7 days | 200 MB | 80 mins | unlimited | ---- |
| $ 20 | 14 days | 500 MB | 175 mins | unlimited | ---- |
| $ 30 | 28 days | 3 GB | unlimited | unlimited | $ 5 |
| $ 40 | 28 days | 8 GB | unlimited | unlimited | $ 10 |
| $ 50 | 28 days | 9 GB | unlimited | unlimited | $ 15 |
For more data on my prepaid ultimate, you can buy add-ons at $5 for 500 MB or $10 for 1.5 GB valid for 14 days. You can roll over up to 15 GB when you recharge before expiry.
Data-only SIM
Optus finally released data-only plans called Prepaid Mobile Broadband. Starter kits in all three SIM sizes are offered with preloaded data volume valid for 1 month:
- for $ 2 with 50 MB data
- for $ 10 with 1 GB data
- for $ 30 with 4 GB data
The following reloads for the Prepaid Mobile Broadband are sold:
| Volume | Period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $ 10 |
| 4 GB | 30 days | $ 30 |
| 7 GB | 1 year | $ 50 |
| 22 GB | 2 years | $ 130 |
You need to top-up online by credit card, debit card or PayPal here . You can roll over your unused data up to 50 GB when you recharge before expiry
More info
- APN: yesinternet (for 4G/LTE) /or/ internet
- Website: http://www.optus.com.au/
Vodafone Hutchison Australia
Vodafone is the 3rd and smallest of the national providers in Australia. 2009-13 it merged with Three (Hutchison), and network integration has been finalized. It now has a fairly good network, but not yet quite on par with the two leading operators. For remote areas, better check coverage first: network checker.
Frequencies
2G: mostly 900 MHz, few 1800 MHz. Unlike Telstra and Optus, they haven't set a date for 2G shut-down yet. 3G: 900 MHz (countryside), 2100 MHz (cities). 4G: 1800 MHz = main frequency and 850 MHz. LTE coverage is in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart in 2015 so far (see network checker above).
Availability
In Vodafone stores (locator) or online to be sent to an Australian address. Their prepaid SIM starter kit comes in different varieties in all 3 SIM sizes and open for 4G/LTE:
- $1: without credit
- $30: with $30 credit for 30 days
- $50: with $50 credit for 30 days
They also offer $30-50 starter packs with an expiry of 350 days and combo plan starters.
You can top up by voucher, available at many stores, service stations or supermarkets, by debit/credit card (even AmEx) or PayPal online on your Vodafone account.
You will also need to log on to the Vodafone website to activate SIM here. You will need an Australian address to activate the SIM card. You can give an hotel address or any other for it.
Data feature packs
To their prepaid SIM cards, you can add $30, $40 or $50 recharges after 28 days to get more data. To all their prepaid SIM cards you can further add these data add-ons:
- $3: 2 GB for 1 day
- $7: 2 GB for 7 days
- $5: 500 MB for 28 days
- $10: 1 GB for 28 days
- $15: 2 GB for 28 days
Data-only SIM
Their data-only product for modems and tablets is called "Mobile Broadband" and has text too, but no voice. The starter SIM pack contains data valid for 30 days. They come in all 3 SIM sizes as:
- SIM-only: $2
- SIM with 8 GB for 30 days: $30
- SIM with 12 GB for 40 days: $40
- SIM with 16 GB for 60 days: $50
The Mobile Broadband SIM card can be recharged with these packages:
| Volume | Period | Price | Bonus Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 30 days | $ 10 | 100 MB |
| 2 GB | 30 days | $ 20 | 200 MB |
| 4 GB | 30 days | $ 30 | 400 MB |
| 6 GB | 40 days | $ 40 | 600 MB |
| 8 GB | 180 days | $ 50 | 800 MB |
| 10 GB | 365 days | $ 60 | 1 GB |
| 25 GB | 365 days | $ 125 | 2.5 GB |
You get 10% bonus data when recharging your Mobile Broadband service online. You can rollover up to 50 GB of unused data if you recharge your service before your expiry date. Unused data is forfeited after 18 months.
More info
- Tethering is allowed and supported
- APN: live.vodafone.com
- http://www.vodafone.com.au
ALDI mobile
ALDI mobile is a MVNO of the German supermarket chain Aldi using parts of the Telstra network in 2G, 3G and from May 2016 on 4G/LTE too. The Aldi mobile product provides a 3G coverage footprint of 97%. Outside this footprint, customers will revert to 2G coverage and speeds. The combined 2G/3G footprint covers 98.5% of the Australian population.
Aldi mobile has a typical download speed of between 550 kbps and 3 Mbps and a typical upload speed of 300 kbps to 1 Mbps. Typical Telstra 'Next G' 3G download speeds range from a faster 1.1 Mbps to 20 Mbps and cover 99% of the Australian population, more than Aldi Mobile. Their 4G/LTE is capped at 100 Mbps. If you can live with a downgraded Telstra network, ALDI gives out low rates.
Availabilty
In ALDI stores only (Store locator), ask at check out or online to be sent to an Australian postal address. The starter pack SIM costs $5 and comes with $5 credit. All three sizes are available.
You have to activate the SIM card online here . From activation the SIM card is valid for 365 days, what no other SIM card in AU is.
You can buy recharge vouchers of $15 or $30 in ALDI stores or top-up online by credit/debit card. To check balance, text 'balance' to 590 or use the app.
Prepaid SIM card
Default data rate is 5c per MB outside of packs or overuse.
Data feature packs
To any prepaid SIM cards you can add data-only packages or "value packs" with data, texts and voice:
- Data Packs valid for 30 or 90 days
- 1.5 GB: $15, 30 days
- 4 GB: $30, 30 days
- 6 GB: $50, 90 days
- Value Packs, all come with unlimited free calls and texts amongst ALDI customers, valid for 30 days each:
- S: $15 with 250 MB, 125 AU minutes or 50000 AU texts, no upsize
- M: $20 with 700 MB, 300 AU minutes or 50000 AU texts, upsize: 300 MB extra data for $5
- L: $25 with 1.5 GB, 500 AU minutes or 50000 AU texts, upsize: 500 MB extra data for $7
- XL: $35 with 2.5 GB plus 500 MB "weekend data", 43200 AU minutes or 50000 AU texts, upsize: 1 GB extra data for $10
- XXL: $45 with 4 GB plus 500 MB "weekend data", 43200 AU minutes or 50000 AU texts, upsize: 1 GB extra data for $10
If you purchase a data add-on, it expires at the end of your Value Pack; The Value Pack can be added to a prepaid plan, it cannot be added if you have a Data Pack. If you add a Value Pack whilst you have a Data Pack, you will forfeit the Data Pack and any remaining data.
More info
- App for iOS and Android available in iTunes and Play Store without geo-restriction
- APN: mdata.net.au
- Website: http://www.aldimobile.com.au
amaysim
Amaysim is using the Optus network in 2G and 3G and new on their 4G/LTE network too.
Availabilty
Starter pack is available at: 7-Eleven, allphones, BIG W, BP, Caltex, Co-op Bookshop, Coles, Coles Express, DickSmith, Harvey Norman, Kmart, NewsLink, Officeworks, On the Run, Post Offices, Supanews, United, Woolworths (Store locator). It costs $2.
Online the SIM costs $5 and comes with $5 credit, valid for 90 days. When you buy an amaysim SIM card online or pick one up in-store, by default you’ll get one of the dual-punch SIM Cards. Nano SIM card is only online available.
Activation works online and they accept all major credit cards. Hotel addresses for registration are accepted too.
Prepaid SIM card
They offer different product lines for prepaid on 4G/LTE too.
- AS YOU GO: no base rate, default data at 7.2c/MB. You can add any data pack mentioned below.
- FLEXI PLAN: $19.90, auto-renews every 30 days with 500 MB, excess 7.2c/MB. For more data, add a pack (see below).
- UNLIMITED PLAN: unlimited domestic texts and calls and
- 1.5 GB of data: $24.90
- 3 GB of data: $29.90
- 7 GB of data: $44.90
- 9 GB of data: $54.90
It auto-renews every 28 days. Overuse is charged at 7.2c/MB.
Data feature packs
These data packages can be added to all three products lines (except the UNLIMITED PLANS) for 4G/LTE too:
- $9.90: 1 GB for 30 days
- $19.90: 2.5 GB for 30 days
- $29.90: 4 GB for 30 days
- $99.90: 10 GB for 365 days
Excess is charged at 7.2c/MB.
More Info
- APN: internet
- Tethering: at a cost of 5c/MB, More at the end of this page.
- Website: http://www.amaysim.com.au
boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is using the Telstra network in 2G and 3G since 2013, when it migrated from Optus network. In 2015 they were the first Telstra MVNO to open 4G/LTE to their prepaid customers.
Avaliability
Buy SIM Starter Kit for $2 with no credit or for $20 or $40 with the respective plans included from their outlets (Locate store). Or online in all three sizes to be sent to an Australian postal address.
You can recharge by vouchers, sold in their stores or online with credit card or PayPal. You need to activate it online here with an Australian Driver's Licence or Learner's Permit, a Medicare card, an Australian passport or an International passport with valid Australian visa.
Prepaid SIM card
All of their plans include unlimited calls and texts in AU and data on 4G/LTE valid for 30 days:
- $20 Ultra: 100 mins voice, unlimited text, 1 GB data + 500 MB extra on every Sunday
- $40 Unlimited: unlimited voice and text, 3 GB data + 2 GB extra on every Sunday
The only add-on for extra data they offer is: 500 MB for $10, valid for 30 days. Default rate for overuse is $2 per MB.
More info
- APN: telstra.wap
- Website:http://boost.com.au
Coles Prepaid (Coles Mobile)
Similar to Woolworths, the other leading retailer Coles started its MVNO in September 2015 as a MVNO on the Optus network. It has a slightly lower coverage than Telstra, but offers 4G/LTE on top.
Availability
The starter is sold for $2 or $10 at any Coles supermarket or Coles Express store in the country. The $2 has no credit, the $10 has the same credit pre-loaded. You need to activate the SIM online giving passport and visa data. The process takes 15 minutes to 4 hours. You can recharge by using vouchers sold at Coles or online by credit card or PayPal.
Prepaid SIM card
You can chosse between two tariffs, which can be changed by texting "MENU" to 9999:
- $10 pay as you go: no allowances included, plan valid for 60 days, default data: 12c/MB: $10
- $10 for 10 days: unlimited text and calls to all AU numbers and 800 MB data for 10 days and $10 credit.
To both plans, this only data package can be added:
- $5: 500 MB data to be used within 7 days
Beyond, the default rate of 12c per MB applies.
More info
- APN is not yet known
- Website: http://www.coles.com.au/our-range/our-products/coles-mobile
dodo
Dodo is an Australian multi-media organization focussing on triple-play. It sells SIM cards as a MVNO on the Optus network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE too. But up to now, 4G is only available for contract customers, not for prepaid.
Availability
You can buy their SIM cards in many stores: where-can-i-buy for $2. You need to activate the SIM on their website. Recharges are possible on the same website by credit card: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx and even Diners are accepted. Recharges are from $10 for 60 days validity to $100 with 1 year's validity.
Prepaid SIM card
Data on their only prepaid SIM stays at 5c per MB. They offer three packages valid for 30 days to be added:
- $10: 1 GB
- $25: 3 GB
- $40: 5 GB
Data-only SIM
They also offer a prepaid data-SIM which is on 2G/3G up to HDSPA. These starter packs are sold:
- SIM-only: for free
- $40: 3G USB dongle and 3 GB included
You can top up their data-only SIM with these packs:
- $10: 300 MB for 30 days
- $20: 1 GB for 60 days
- $40: 3 GB for 60 days
- $70: 6 GB for 90 days
- $99: 10 GB for 180 days
- $139: 15 GB for 365 days
Absolute data transfer usage limit of 10 GB applies per calendar month. SMS is not available for prepaid wireless broadband accounts.
More info
- Tethering is not available for the iPhone
- APN: internet
- Website: http://www.dodo.com/
gotalk
Gotalk is a MVNO on the network of Vodafone in 2G and 3G.
Availability
Gotalk mobile SIM cards and recharge vouchers are available from many retail outlets throughout Australia. They can also be purchased on the this website. Alternatively, call 1800 GOTALK (1800 468 255) to find your nearest retailer.
You need to activate your SIM card here: activate. You can top up online with credit cards (Visa, Master, AmEx), PayPal or voucher.
Their voice & data prepaid SIM cards are not interesting, as they always stay at the default rate of 5c/MB with no bundles available.
Data-only SIM
Their prepaid data-only SIM is called 3G Mobile Broadband and comes in 2 starter packs:
- $15: with 1 GB for 30 days
- $20: with 2 GB for 30 days
Their data-only SIM can be topped up with these packages, all valid for 30 days:
- 500 MB: $10
- $10: 1 GB
- $15: 2 GB
- $20: 2.5 GB
- $30: 3 GB
- $50: 5 GB
Recharge online, in-store or via phone.
More info
- APN for data SIM: purtona.net
- Website: http://www.gotalk.com.au
Hello Mobile
Hello Mobile is another MVNO on the 2G and 3G network of Vodafone.
Availability
Hello Mobile SIM cards and recharge vouchers are available from many retail outlets throughout Australia find a store or bought online here to be shipped to an Australian postal address.
You need to activate your SIM card here. You can top up online by credit card (Visa and Master only) or a voucher from a store from $10 to $100. As with gotalk, their voice prepaid SIM cards are not that interesting, as they either stay at 5c/MB with no bundles available or include data with lots of AU minutes or texts.
Data-only SIM
Their prepaid data-only starter kit is available in all three SIM sizes:
- $10: with 500 MB for 30 days
- $20: with 1 GB for 30 days
- $30: with 2 GB for 30 days
Their data-only SIM can be topped up online with these packages, valid for 30 days:
- 500 MB: $5
- 1 GB: $10
- 2 GB: $15
More info
- APN: vfinternet.au
- Website: http://www.hellomobile.com.au
Lebara mobile
Lebara mobile from the UK is using the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G only as MVNO.
Availabilty
Starter packs are available at 7-Eleven, allphones, BP, Coles, Coles express, DickSmith, Harvey Norman, Kmart, Newsagent, NewsLink, Officeworks, On the Run, post offices, Ritchies, TeleChoice, United, Woolworths (storefinder) or online for free to be shipped to an Australian postal address.
SIM card is free without balance. It comes in all three sizes. It needs to be activated here: activation. You can recharge by voucher or credit card online. For the first 3 recharges, you get $1 bonus each.
Prepaid SIM card
Lebara has these 5 base plans for prepaid:
- Standard Plan: no base rate, data by default is 10c per MB
- Mini Mega Plan: $24.90 / 30 days - free Lebara calls, credit can be used for voice / text, no data (10c/MB)
- National Plan: $29.90 / 30 days - unlimited voice / text / 2.5 GB data (excess 15c/MB), 1st activation: 50% off.
- Mega Plan: $39.90 / 30 days - unlimited voice / text / 5 GB data (excess 15c/MB), 1st activation: 50% off
- Unlimited Plan: $49.90 / 30 days unlimited national and international voice (to selected countries) / national text / 2.5 GB data (excess 15c/MB), 1st activation: 50% off
Data feature packs
These data packages can be booked on every prepaid plan:
- $5: 250 MB, activation: "DATA5"
- $10: 1 GB, activation "DATA10"
- $25: 3 GB, activation: "DATA25"
For activation, text code to 126 172. Data packs are valid for 30 days from application (with day one being the application date) or until the data has been consumed, whichever occurs first.
If the expiry date of the data pack after recharge is later than the current main balance expiry date, the main balance expire date will be extended so that they are consistent. If customer has multiple data allowances available (including from bundle plans), data will be consumed in the order of purchase; with the exception that included data from non-current bundle plans will only become available once the current plan expires.
More info
- APN: purtona.net
- Website: http://www.lebara.com.au
Lycamobile
Lycamobile from Britain is using the Telstra network in 2G and 3G only as a MVNO.
Starter pack is available at some stores or for free on their website here to be shipped to an Australian postal address. It's sold in all three sizes.
You need to activate your SIM card online here. Recharges can be made online by credit card on their website here for $10, $20, $30 or $50.
Lycamobile offers free voice amongst their AU customers. Calls to any Lycamobile numbers in Australia are unlimited. Customer must recharge by a minimum of $10 during each calendar month and should have a minimum account balance of $0.01 to be eligible for making calls. If customer not recharge within the same calendar month, still can enjoy the free call for the first 15 minutes with a flagfall of 29c per call (standard rate of 15c/min will apply afterwards).
Prepaid SIM card
Default data is 5c/MB. On Lycamobile you may or may not be on a plan. These monthly plans are with data:
- $10: 300 MB and 100 AU mins and 30 AU texts. Activation: text 6500 to 3535
- $15: 750 MB and 150 AU mins and 50 AU texts. Activation: text 6600 to 3535
- $19: 1.5 GB and 200 AU mins and 100 AU texts. Activation: text 6819 to 3535
- $25: 2 GB and 300 AU mins and 100 AU texts: Activatiion: text 6825 to 3535
- $25: 300 MB and 250 mins to AU and 20 countries and 100 AU texts. Activation: text 7500 to 3535
- $30: 500 MB and 300 mins to AU and 20 countries and 100 AU texts. Activation: text 8500 to 3535
- $39.90: 1 GB and unlimited calls and SMS to AU. Activation: text 6129 to 3535
- $60: 1 GB and 700 mins to AU and 20 countries and 200 AU texts. Activation: text 9500 to 3535
- $90: 3 GB and 100 mins to AU and 20 countries and unltd. AU texts. Activation: text 10500 to 3535
Data feature packs
For data, you can add these packages:
|
Validity |
Data |
Price |
Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 250 MB | $ 5 | 3013 |
| 30 days | 1 GB | $ 10 | 3020 |
| 30 days | 3 GB | $ 25 | 3030 |
Activation by texting the code to 3535. Data is charged per MB. Excess data usage beyond data bundle allowance is charged at 5c/MB. All plans auto-renew. To stop, type *190# and follow instructions.
More info
- Lycamobile blocks tethering
- APN: data.lycamobile.com.au
- Website: Lycamobile
Virgin mobile
Virgin mobile is a MVNO on Optus network in 2G, 3G and in 4G/LTE too that is open for prepaid.
Availability
Starter packs are available at their stores (Store locator) or online on their website to be shipped to an Australian address for $2. You need to activate your service online here
You need at least a 1c balance to use your service (apart from calling 1800 numbers) and they may cancel it if you don’t recharge within 180 days after your value expires.
You can recharge online on their website by credit card or voucher: $19, $29, $49, $79 or $99. All recharges have a 28 day expiry and translate into a package.
Prepaid SIM card
Call 275 and press '2' to enable 4G on your service. Every recharge translates on their PLUS plan into a data allowance: a recharge of $19 gives 500 MB bonus, $29 2 GB, $49 5 GB, $79 8 GB and $99 10 GB, all valid for 28 days. You can roll over up to 12 GB data when you recharge Prepaid Plus before expiry.
Default rate is on APN VirginInternet (3G only) at $2 per MB, on YesInternet (3G/4G) at $0.12 per MB. These data add-ons, valid for 30 days can be activated:
- $5: 50 MB
- $10: 300 MB
Data-only SIM
This prepaid SIM called "Mobile Broadband" is intended for tablets and modems and on 4G/LTE too. The starter pack as SIM-only is sold for $99 with 10 GB included, valid for 365 days. A 4G WiFi modem (mifi) can be bought for $ 199 with 4 GB included valid for 30 days. You can add these packages:
| Volume | Period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 400 MB | 15 days | $ 15 |
| 750 MB | 30 days | $ 19 |
| 2 GB | 30 days | $ 29 |
| 4 GB | 45 days | $ 49 |
| 8 GB | 180 days | $ 99 |
| 12 GB | 365 days | $ 149 |
| 18 GB | 365 days | $ 199 |
More info
- Tethering is not supported on prepaid. It won't work on the iPhone, but on Android devices it will.
- APN for 3G/4G devices: YESINTERNET
- APN for 3G-only devices: VirginInternet
- APN for data-only SIM: VirginBroadband
- Website: http://www.virginmobile.com.au
Woolworths Connect
In 2015 the two leading retailers in the country started their prepaid offers. Woolworths (locally known as "Woolies") has a MVNO using Telstra's 2G and 3G network and from May 2016 on 4G/LTE too.
Availability
Their starter packs are exclusively sold at Woolworths, Big W and Caltex service stations for $2 without credit or for $30 with the same credit included in all three sizes. You need to activate your SIM card online giving passport and visa data. You can recharge using vouchers sold at Woolworths or online by credit card.
Prepaid SIM card
For top-ups these 30 days allowances are offered:
- for 30$: 3 GB, 1000 mins AU calls and unlimitid AU texts
- for 40$: 6 GB, unlimited AU calls and AU texts
- data will be shut off, when used up. These add-ons are sold:
- $5: 250 MB for 14 days
- $8.50: 500 MB for 30 days
- $15: 1 GB for 30 days
Data-only SIM
Aimed at tablets and routers, Woolworths sells a data-only SIM called Mobile Broadband without voice and text. There is no data outside of these three packages offered:
- $14.90: 1.25 GB, 15 days
- $29.90, 3 GB, 30 days
- $99.90, 10 GB, 180 days
More info
- APN: mdata.net.au
- Website: http://www.woolworthsconnect.com.au
Yatango Mobile Yomojo Mobile
Yatango used to be a MVNO in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE on the Optus network. In 2015 they declared bankrupcy. Their customers were taken over by the new MVNO Yomojo Mobile that works on the same network. But so far this new operator does not seem to have built up an offline distribution system. That's why it can't be listed here.
- more info on their website: https://yomojo.com.au/