Australia’s top-rated mobile plan and internet providers have been revealed in the 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Awards, determined by the feedback of more than 8,000 Australians.
Providers were rated across a range of categories, including overall satisfaction, value for money and network availability, with the latest results earning ALDI Mobile its seventh win for prepaid plans, and Vodafone taking the Phone on a Plan award for the third year running.
Mobile winners
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - SIM-Only Mobile Plans: Aussie Broadband
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - Prepaid Mobile Plans: ALDI Mobile
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - Phone on a Plan: Vodafone
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - Travel Phone Plans: SIM Corner
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - Mobile Trade-in Services: Vodafone
Internet winners
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - NBN: Aussie Broadband
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - Home Wireless Broadband: Vodafone
- Most Satisfied Customers Award - Mobile Broadband: Vodafone
Majority of Aussies have had price hikes – but are failing to do anything about it
Despite price increases to plans – including two major mobile providers raising costs twice in a single year – Canstar’s data shows very few are doing anything about it:
- Mobile plans: Almost half (47%) of mobile plan customers have had a hike to their phone plan in the last year, yet almost 90% of those have done nothing about it.
- Internet plans: 88% have had an increase to their plan yet, similar to mobile customers, only a minority (12%) have done anything about it.
Mobile plan customers still paying for more data than they need
Canstar’s data has also revealed mobile customers are continuing to pay for data they do not use. While ACCC figures show the average Australian uses just 14.5GB of data per month, Canstar's survey reveals over half (58%) of respondents are paying for plans exceeding 20GB.
Customers paying off a phone on a plan are most likely to be paying for more data, with just over one-third (34%) paying for at least 100GB or unlimited data, compared to 22% of those on a SIM-only plan, and prepaid mobile plan.
This is no accident, however, as providers typically bundle large, often unlimited, data allowances on their phone on a plan offerings with flagship devices, forcing customers into higher-tier plans.
What do Australians want most from their provider?
When asked what they would willingly pay extra for from a telco provider, respondents across both mobile and internet categories overwhelmingly pointed to reliability.
Further analysis of survey responses showed when it comes to the drivers of everyday customer satisfaction, it differs depending on the service:
- Internet: Reliability is the absolute key driver of overall satisfaction.
- Mobile: Value for money is the dominant factor keeping consumers happy with their provider.
Moving to new provider could increase savings
Switching your mobile or internet plan is a simple way to put money back in your budget, and with End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales in full swing, providers are rolling out their most competitive offers to win new business.
However, before signing on the dotted line, it is critical to ensure the plan actually fits your lifestyle and your wallet.
For mobile customers:
- Check your actual data usage: don't pay for what you don't use. Review your past bills, your online account, or your phone's settings to see exactly how much data you consume each month.
- Confirm network coverage: review potential providers’ coverage maps to ensure you’ll have a reliable connection at home, at work, and on your commute. New rules mean providers have to show the level of coverage they provide, making it even easier.
- Read the T&Cs: you might be offered hefty discounts on plan fees or shiny new devices, but always check the fine print. If you need to leave a contract early, your discount may be voided, leaving you on the hook to pay the full retail price of the device.
For internet customers:
- Review your speed needs: stop paying for speeds you don't use. If your household primarily uses the internet for basic web browsing and standard streaming, downgrading to a lower speed tier is a quick way to save.
- Negotiate with your current provider: If you've been with your telco long-term, ask them for a better deal. You might find they are willing to match a competitor's discount rather than lose you as a customer.
- Watch out for hidden fees: before you cancel your current service, check your plan’s Critical Information Summary. Ensure you won't be hit with unexpected exit fees or hardware non-return charges.
- Consider alternatives to the NBN: if fixed-line NBN plans are stretching the budget, look into 4G or 5G home wireless internet. These plug-and-play plans run on mobile networks and are often cheaper than comparable NBN tiers, provided your local mobile coverage is strong.
Canstar's Managing Editor, Utilities and Finance, Tara Donnelly, says, “Congratulations to this year’s Most Satisfied Customers award winners, with Vodafone taking four wins, Aussie Broadband proving its ongoing popularity across both fixed-line NBN and SIM-only plans, and ALDI Mobile securing its seventh straight win for prepaid plans.”
“Canstar’s latest research has shown there is real complacency in the telco market, with the majority of customers who have had a hike to their phone or internet plan doing nothing about it.
“We've even seen major mobile providers hike their prices twice in a single year, and yet so many customers are absorbing these costs rather than spending fifteen minutes to switch to a better deal.
“When it comes to home internet, reliability is king, and Australians are happy to pay a slight premium if it means their connection won't drop out. However, in the mobile space, it’s a race to the bottom as value for money dominates.
“Canstar’s data shows there is still a massive disconnect between what Australians actually use and what they pay for when it comes to mobile data. The ACCC tells us the average Aussie uses less than 15GB of mobile data a month, yet more than half of those we surveyed are paying for plans with more than 20GB.
“With EOFY sales in full swing, the time to switch to a cheaper plan, and get a sweetener with it, is now. Check how much data you’re actually using and see if there’s a better plan for you. Don't pay for data you don't use, and don't pay for internet speeds your household doesn't need.
“However, before you jump on a flashy EOFY device discount, read the fine print. If the network coverage isn't reliable where you live and work, or if you're locked into a plan that costs you far more over 24 months, that upfront discount isn't worth it.”
