What to ask yourself before choosing a mobile phone plan
Finding the right plan starts with simple questions about your daily phone habits, such as data usage, calls and texting.
Your guide to our mobile phone plans
Looking for a new mobile phone plan with Telstra? Learn about our Upfront and Pre-Paid mobile plans and find a plan that works for your budget and usage.
4 minute read
Why choose us?
Here's why we could be a great choice for your next mobile phone plan:
- We're Australia’s Most Reliable Mobile Network. 1Refer to 1
- We have no-lock-in month to month post-paid service mobile plans so you can change plans once each month or cancel your services altogether.
- We won't charge you extra for data on our Upfront Plans - your speed might slow but you won't be charged extra. FairPlay Policy applies (PDF, 141kB).
1 Reliability may vary depending on location, device and network conditions.
What is an Upfront Mobile Plan?
An Upfront Mobile Plan is a plan with a no lock in contract so you can switch plans month-to-month if your phone habits or data needs change over time. You can bring your own phone or you can buy a new mobile on a plan. Upfront Mobile Plans come with the flexibility to change plans once each month or you can cancel any time.
The benefits of these types of plans include:
- Unlimited calls and texts in Australia and a set amount of data based on the plan you choose.
- No lock-in contracts, so you can switch to another plan once each month – or leave at any time.
- The option to add eSIM to your plan.
- Peace of mind with free Device Security Essentials (subject to eligbility criteria).
- Telstra's Satellite Messaging which allows eligible customers on a compatible device with a clear view of the sky to send and receive text messages using satellites when beyond the range of Telstra's mobile network coverage.2Refer to 2
- International Roaming as a Day Pass.
- 30 minutes of international calls and unlimited international SMS to standard international numbers.
2 Importantly, Telstra's Satellite Messaging is not designed to be an emergency service. This is because it supports text messaging only and you cannot text Triple Zero directly.
Which plan is best for light data use?
Upfront Basic Plan (50 GB)
This plan suits light to moderate data users. It’s a good option if you mostly use your phone for messaging, social media and occasional streaming when you’re out.
Which plan is best for everyday data use?
Upfront Essential Plan (180 GB)
A larger data allowance is ideal if you’re regularly on the go and rely on mobile data throughout the day. This plan is perfect if you love streaming music or videos, use maps, browse social media and play games regularly outside.
Which plan is best for heavy data use?
Upfront Premium Plan (300 GB)
This plan works if you're a heavy data user who relies on your phone for almost everything. It’s a strong choice if you stream video often, use hotspot frequently or rely on mobile data for work, study or travel.
How can you share your mobile plan with family?
If you have a service on an Upfront Essential or Upfront Premium Plan, you can separately purchase and add up to 5 eligible Mobile and/or Data Bundle Plans to your existing Upfront Mobile Plan!
What is a Pre-Paid Mobile Plan?
Pre-Paid Mobile Plans let you pay upfront for a set period of use. Each recharge includes unlimited calls and texts in Australia, plus a data allowance.
Expiry varies from 7 days to 12 months. When your recharge expires or your data runs out, there are 4 easy ways to recharge.
The benefits of these types of plans include:
- Continuous data rollover on some Pre-Paid Plans (excludes 6 and 12 month plans). Recharge before expiry and roll over up to 200GB of your unused data.
- The option to add eSIM to your plan.
- Capped download speeds at 150 Mbps on our network.
- Free online safety tools with Device Security Essentials (subject to eligbility criteria).
How can you trade in your old phone?
If you have an older phone, it could still be worth something. With the Telstra Trade-In program, you may be able to trade it in for credit towards a new device, helping reduce the cost of upgrading.
Trading in your old device also helps the environment by keeping e-waste out of landfill.
Trade-in powered by Assurant.
Things you need to know
Your coverage
5G network access: Your plan provides access to Telstra’s 5G network, including coverage from both 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Non-standalone (5G NSA) mobile sites. 5G NSA is available in most metro and many regional areas when using any 5G NSA compatible device, while 5G SA is available in limited areas but continues to expand. To access 5G SA mobile sites, you will need to have a 5G SA compatible device and SIM. Check coverage here.
Devices and SIMs that do not support 5G SA will continue to have access to 4G in new 5G SA only areas.
Check our coverage maps to see what network coverage is predicted to be available in the areas where you intend to use your service, as well as information about factors that may impact coverage.
Your device
Bring your own compatible device or buy one outright or with 12, 24, or 36 monthly payments (some exclusions apply). If you cancel early, you’ll need to pay the rest of your device repayments in full. Make sure your device works with our network - especially for emergency calls.
Your data
Your data allowance is for personal use. The FairPlay Policy applies.
You won’t be charged if you go over your monthly data allowance. Instead, your data will be slowed to 1.5Mbps or below, making some content slower to load - such as HD video or high-speed applications. Heavy data users may experience slower speeds during busy periods.
You’ll get alerts at 50%, 85%, and 100% usage. Check your usage in the My Telstra app.
Bundle Plan
You're eligible to add on up to 5 Bundle Plans if you're on an Essential or Premium Mobile plan. If you cancel or change your Essential or Premium Mobile plan you will no longer be eligible for Bundle Plans and existing Mobile Bundle Plans or Data Bundle Plans will be moved to an in-market plan. We'll be in touch to let you know about these changes.
Your payment options
You can manage your payment methods in the My Telstra app. If you have chosen AutoPay, we'll automatically debit your service payments each month. View our Direct Debit Services Agreement.
There are no payment fees if you pay using AutoPay via Bank Account, or BPAY to pay your Telstra bill. View more info about additional payment options.
Changes to your plan
We may change your plan including price and inclusions or move you to a new one (which may cost more). If it has a detrimental impact on you, we’ll give you at least 30 days’ notice. You can cancel if you’re not happy, but you’ll need to pay off any remaining device, accessory or service costs.
Cancelling your plan
You can cancel your plan at any time by calling us, messaging us or visiting a Telstra store. When you cancel, your service will be disconnected immediately, and we won't refund any money you've already paid. Cancellation of your service will impact other services, accessories or device repayments linked with it. We will let you know if any other charges apply when you cancel.
To check early cancellation fees, log in to your account or to the My Telstra app, go to your service details, and review your plan or contract for any charges or remaining device payments.
Satellite Messaging
To use Telstra Satellite Messaging, you need a compatible phone with the latest software, a Telstra Upfront Mobile Plan, and to be located outdoors within the satellite network with a clear view of the sky.
Telstra Satellite Messaging isn’t designed to be an emergency service, as you can’t text Australian emergency responders directly. If you intend to visit remote regions, it's always recommended to plan ahead and take extra precautions in the case of an emergency.
Check for more information on Satellite coverage, what it can't be used for and how it works..
International Calling Pack
Telstra Upfront Mobile Plans include 30 minutes of calls from Australia to standard international numbers and unlimited SMS and MMS to standard international numbers.
If you use up the included international calls, you can add an International Calling Pack from $10 per month. You can add or remove it at any time in the My Telstra app. An International Calling Pack includes an allowance of calls from Australia to standard international numbers in eligible destinations. View eligible destinations.
International Roaming
To use your Telstra service overseas you need an International Roaming Day Pass. Unless already switched off, International Roaming and Day Pass will be automatically enabled on all mobile plans for selected overseas destinations. You can disable International Roaming in the My Telstra app (charges may apply outside of Australia). Cost and data allowances depend on the zone of your destination. If your daily data allowance of 2GB within the Day Pass runs out, you'll get a text with the option for a 2GB data top-up for $10 that stays active for 31 days. Read about destinations and zones at International Roaming.
If you’re travelling to a destination where our International Roaming Day Pass isn’t available, you cannot use your Telstra service.
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