Best mobile network in Australia: Telstra vs Optus vs Vodafone

Which mobile networks are there in Australia?

There are only three mobile networks in Australia: the Telstra network, the Optus network and the Vodafone network. Each of these telcos build their own mobile network throughout the country with different technology types. 

While 4G networks are the most widely available (with all of the 3G networks now shut down), 5G networks are the latest technology type being rolled out across Australia. Keep in mind that not all areas will be covered by all three mobile networks. Likewise, not all areas will have access to both 4G and 5G. 

Which mobile network has the best coverage?

When it comes to the ‘best’ mobile coverage in Australia, there isn’t an easy answer. The best coverage for you will not be the same as the best coverage for someone else. 

However, if you consider best coverage to be the widest spread coverage, this can be measured by how much of the population is covered by that network. Here’s how much of the population are covered by the three mobile networks:

• Telstra network: 99.7%
• Optus network: 98.5%
• Vodafone network: 98.5%

Telstra currently has the most widespread coverage on its network (sometimes referred to as the Telstra retail network). However, it’s worth noting that the smaller providers known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (or MVNOs) use the Telstra wholesale network, which is a slightly smaller network covering 98.8% of the population. 

Vodafone previously had a smaller network footprint than the others, however it entered a regional network sharing agreement with Optus which rolled out early 2025 and has since boosted its coverage.

But which network is really the ‘best’?

This is completely dependent on you and your circumstances. Find network coverage for where you live and any other areas you frequently visit, such as your workplace, your favourite park, beach, swimming spot or picnic location, and even parts of the country you often holiday at. Even if you’re hoping for a relaxing camping trip where you can disconnect and truly unwind, we all want to stay connected.

Ideally the best mobile network for you will offer coverage where you move around. For those in metropolitan areas and who rarely travel regionally, you might even have your pick of the three networks and find that price and plan features are a better way to compare mobile providers.

Keep in mind that in more densely populated areas, there can be patches with low or no signal from one or more of the networks. So even if you’re living in a capital city, it’s always worth checking mobile coverage before signing up to a plan.

How do you check mobile coverage?

Mobile providers include network coverage maps on their websites, with new standardised maps indicating the quality of coverage across the country with four tiers: good, moderate, basic and no coverage.

To check your mobile coverage, simply visit the website of the provider or providers you’re considering signing up to and use the coverage map to check your home address and any other areas where coverage is important to you. If you’re considering a Telstra MVNO, you might want to compare the map of one of these smaller providers against Telstra’s own map to ensure you’re covered by the Telstra wholesale network.

How good is the mobile coverage from smaller telcos?

Smaller telcos are able to offer phone plans to customers using parts of one of the three mobile networks. Typically MVNOs won’t have full access to the whole mobile network, so you might need to check the network coverage map on the MVNO’s website before signing up.

If you’re looking for providers offering Telstra coverage, Boost Mobile is the only MVNO to be given access to the full Telstra mobile network. Other MVNOs may only have access to parts of the network they offer plans on, although Vodafone and Optus MVNOs should have full 4G coverage.

Keep in mind that the biggest difference between the big telcos and the MVNOs using their networks are any speed caps on your data allowance. Most small providers will have some speed cap in place (especially on 5G mobile plans) and to get uncapped speeds usually requires you to sign up to a more expensive plan. However Telstra, Optus and Vodafone will typically include uncapped speeds on most, if not all, of their plans.

Typically, in areas where you have easy access to mobile networks, you’ll most likely find that the MVNOs cover you pretty well. Regional and remote areas might have a harder time finding if they will have reliable coverage from an MVNO available to them.

Some of the smaller telcos operating on the different mobile networks are listed below.

Telstra network:

• ALDI Mobile
• Boost Mobile
• Belong
• Everyday Mobile
• Superloop
• Tangerine

Optus network:

• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Dodo
• Moose Mobile
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel

Vodafone network:

• Felix
• iiNet
• Kogan Mobile
• Lebara
• LycaMobile
• TPG

What can impact a mobile network’s coverage or reception?

Like most technology, mobile networks aren’t immune to problems from time to time, beyond simple coverage blackspots. 

There are many different factors that can impact how good and reliable the coverage is, even if the network maps are showing that you should have good reception. Some factors that can impact your coverage include:

• Device: Older mobile phones might not be capable of connecting to the faster networks; likewise, more expensive smartphones with advanced technology can offer a stronger performance than cheaper devices.
• Conditions: Certain weather conditions and obstructions, such as trees and buildings, can impact your signal.
• Indoors or outdoors: You’ll typically get better signal outdoors (if there are minimal obstructions) compared to indoors where the building, or even car, can weaken or block your signal.
• How busy is the network: Network congestion is sure to slow down your phone’s service when more people are trying to use the network at the same time. That’s why you might find it impossible to check your social feed when you’re at a big sporting or entertainment event, although the faster and more reliable 5G networks help to reduce this problem.