All the tech gear for a great school year

Get their 2026 school year off to a flying start with faster internet, first-time phones and easy-to-manage tablets or iPads.

3 minute read

Faster home internet that really passes the test

This year, faster nbn® home internet speeds arrived. That's great news for every student who needs to collab with their peers and submit homework or assignments online.

At Telstra, we're proud to offer the most reliable network in Australia, so you can be assured that your young person will be getting the scholarly internet experience they deserve.

 

Which type? nbn, Satellite or 5G Home Internet...

Depending on where you live, there's a great value nbn, Satellite or 5G Home Internet plan waiting for you. All of these plans cater to different family sizes and how much you use the internet, offering various speeds and data allowances.

Most Telstra home internet plans come with a Telstra Smart Modem 4 with mobile backup to help keep your kids online - even through outages. But if you're after a cost-effective alternative, our new super-flexible Internet Only plans allow you to BYO modem but still enjoy our same reliable network (while paying less for it).  

Discover which home internet is available at your address

Shop all internet plans

Mobile coverage required. Speeds capped at 25/5 Mbps. Actual speeds may be lower.

 

Mobile learning with iPads and tablets 

Four iPads and tablets on a beige background.

L-R: Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro), Apple iPad (10th Gen), Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+. 

iPads and tablets are the perfect back to school tool to help keep every student engaged. They're great for a little downtime but they also provide easy access to educational apps and tools that make learning easier and more fun.

Whether it's using note-taking apps to stay on top of assignments, exploring interactive learning games or working on creative pursuits like digital art or videos, these devices can give your kids the flexibility to learn in ways that feel fresh and exciting.

Some of our favourites include the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)Apple iPad (10th gen)Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+

Shop all iPads and tablets

 

Keep them connected with a mobile phone

Is it time for your teenager to get their first phone, but you're unsure where to start? These phones are specifically designed for younger users so you can find an option to fit their needs - and give you peace of mind. 

 

Embracing straightforward phones on a plan 

Five smartphones displayed on a beige background

L-R: Nokia 215 4G, Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy A56, Google Pixel 10 and Motorola Razr 40. 

With a focus on essential functions like calling and texting, these phones can help your teen get used to mobile technology without the distractions of more advanced features. Their simplicity can help reduce the risk of overuse, while encouraging healthy phone habits from the start. 

Some great distraction-free phones include the Nokia 215 4GSamsung Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy A56, Google Pixel 10 and the Motorola Razr 40.

Of course, you'll want to prevent their new phones from bumps and scratches, so check out our wide range of protective covers.  

Please note: The Nokia 215 4G can only be purchased on an Upfront mobile plan. 

Shop all mobiles on a plan

 

Bundle up, it's a great way to connect your family for less...

Have an existing Essential or Premium Upfront Mobile plan with Telstra? Add in a Mobile or Data Bundle plan for your teen's phone or tablet.

Explore Bundle Plans

 

Another way to pay with Pre-Paid mobile

Four Pre-paid mobile phones displayed on a beige background

L-R: Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, Telstra T-Prime 5G, OPPO A5 5G and iPhone SE (3rd gen). 

Pre-Paid is a great first phone choice as it offers predictable costs and control over their usage, without the risk of unexpected bills:

  • Pay upfront. Helps avoid surprise charges. No more, "Oops Dad, I went over my data allowance." It encourages your teen to be mindful of their phone usage. 
  • Flexibility to switch plans. If their usage changes over time, you can easily switch their Pre-Paid plan. You're never locked in with Pre-Paid.
  • Auto recharge. When they're ready to manage their phone solo, you can set up auto-recharge. Instead of manually recharging, auto-recharge automatically tops up their phone when their current recharge expires.

Our Pre-Paid phones include the Samsung Galaxy A17 5GTelstra T Prime 5GOPPO A5 5G and iPhone SE (3rd gen) plus so many more. Each comes with a Telstra SIM, ready to be activated. Simply choose the recharge plan that best suits their needs. 

Telstra Pre-Paid mobile devices only work with a Telstra SIM card. Unlocking fee applies for use with a non-Telstra SIM card.

Shop all Pre-Paid phones

 

Using mobiles responsibly... 

Make the process of getting your teen their first phone a collaborative experience. Work together to choose the best phone plan for their usage and set clear boundaries to encourage responsible use.

Learn how to balance your family's screen time

 

Device Security Essentials for peace of mind

There's already enough to worry about when it comes to your kids' online safety. But you can enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing that a Telstra mobile service has added protection from online threats with Telstra's Device Security Essentials.

Powered by McAfee, Device Security Essentials is a set of free (yes, free!) security features that:

  • identify unsafe Wi-Fi networks 
  • help your child browse the internet safely
  • protect your child's device and personal information from malware and threats.

Activation is easy too - just turn it on via the My Telstra app.

Discover Device Security Essentials

 

Trade in and trade up for the kids (lucky them)

If you're a Telstra customer and have a phone, tablet or smartwatch on an eligible post-paid mobile plan - you might be able to trade it in for credit on your Telstra account! You could use this towards your kid's first phone, their tablet, or even your internet bill. 

Learn more about Telstra Trade-In

Terms and conditions apply.

Things you need to know

Must be 18+ with an active Telstra-branded service. Points are earned on the cash component of eligible products purchased outright or on a repayment option, and service purchases (excludes cancelled, refunded, or returned products or services). Points expire 3 years from earning. Marketing opt-in required (preferences can be changed). Excludes Telstra Enterprise and Corporate accounts. See the Telstra Plus program terms and conditions.

Telstra Plus members can access discounted movie tickets available online at participating Australian cinemas. Ticket prices and the purchase terms are available on the movie ticket partners’ websites. Eligibility criteria apply to join Telstra Plus.  Members earn 10 points per $1 on discounted movie tickets only. Excludes food, beverages, surcharges, credits and refunds. See the full Telstra Plus movie offer terms and conditions.

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