What is 5G
5G explained
5G is the newest mobile network technology and has the potential to make our lives smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Introducing Home Internet at 5G speeds
Super-fast, super simple. 5G Home Internet.
Try 5G Home Internet with a great value no lock-in plan. Plus, our latest Telstra 5G Internet Modem 2 included for use.
For new services. Select areas and eligible customers only. Limited number of services available per postcode. If you leave within 24 months, return your modem or pay a $400 non-return fee.
What is 5G?
5th generation of mobile network technology
2G brought us SMS and picture messaging.
3G was all about mobile internet.
4G made streaming and sharing part of everyday life.
5G stands for fifth generation and is the next leap forward in mobile network technology.
Downloads that take seconds, not minutes. Seamless streaming. Real-time gaming. A future where devices are interconnected, and immersive experiences are the norm.
What do I need to get 5G?
Access to 5G depends on your device, plan and location. Even if 5G is available in your area, you may not connect to 5G if your plan doesn’t include 5G access or your device doesn’t support it.
If your plan or device isn’t yet 5G‑ready, or you are outside our 5G footprint, you’ll continue to connect to our network using 4G automatically.
A 5G‑compatible device
If you’re ready to try 5G, take a look at our range of 5G-ready phones and devices.
An eligible Telstra mobile or data plan
Choose a plan that includes access to the 5G network.
To be in an area with 5G coverage
5G is now rolling out in selected areas. In non-5G coverage areas, you'll automatically switch to our 4G. Check our coverage map to find out more.
What are the types of 5G?
Telstra’s 5G network is delivered in two ways:
- 5G Non‑Standalone (NSA): Uses 5G together with parts of the existing 4G network to deliver faster speeds and improved capacity.
- 5G Standalone (SA): Runs entirely on 5G technology and enables advanced capabilities like lower latency. Requires a compatible device, SIM and plan.
Not all 5G devices or plans support 5G Standalone yet.
For Apple devices, a compatible SIM is also required to access 5G Standalone.
To check in your Apple device if your SIM supports 5G Standalone:
- Go to Settings on your device
- Select Mobile (or Cellular), then Mobile data options
- Choose Voice & data.
If the 5G Standalone toggle is greyed out, you’ll need to replace your SIM with a new physical SIM+ card or eSIM.
Learn more about Telstra’s 5G Standalone.
Benefits of 5G
5G builds on the foundation of 4G with innovative new technologies, base station upgrades, and greater access to spectrum bandwidth.
Downloading is faster with 5G
You can download movies, music, audiobooks and apps faster than ever before on Telstra 5G. Even when you’re on the go. Uploads are more efficient on 5G too – get your files and posts where they need to be, fast.
5G has more capacity. What does that mean?
Smartphones and the booming Internet of Things mean that data traffic on Telstra’s network is growing. The network is like a busy traffic-filled freeway. The greater capacity of 5G allows us to respond to this increased demand.
Low latency. Leave the lag behind
Latency is all about response times. It’s the delay between transmitting and processing instructions on network devices. Low latency equals better performance with closer to real time response – great news for gamers, driverless cars and mission-critical industrial automation.
Your 5G questions answered
We’ve rolled out more than 5,600 5G sites across Australia, covering selected cities and regional towns.
4G made it possible for us to stream and download on the go.
5G builds on this capability and takes it further. But 5G will do more than just improve our mobile phone experience.
The increased capacity and lower latency of 5G has the potential to revolutionise the way we live – enabling technologies like smart cities and self-driving cars.
We've done extensive EME testing on our 5G and have found the EME levels to be similar to 4G and Wi-Fi. The EME levels measured were found to be well below the safety limits, and in many cases, over a thousand times lower. We continually monitor our network and the ACMA conduct EME compliance audits. Independent health authorities require us to meet their safety standard so that you can use this technology safely.
Don't panic. 4G is not disappearing anytime soon. If you don't have a 5G phone, that's fine. You can still access super-fast and extensive 4G coverage on the Telstra network until you’re ready for a new 5G device.
5G and Wi-Fi are different technologies. They will complement each other as new features and improvements are included.
No, the volumes of data on fixed networks exceed those on mobile by more than 50 times, and while 5G will create a number of options for customers who choose to go wireless, it won’t be for everyone
5G stands for fifth generation and is the next major wave of mobile network technology.
Explore the latest 5G phones
See all 5G phonesReady to try 5G? Check out our range of top selling 5G devices
-
motorola signature
Refined design meets cinematic photography, intelligent AI and lasting power. All crafted to capture more, feel more, and elevate every moment.
-
motorola moto g67
Enjoy your favourite content on an ultra‑bright 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED display. And capture stunning photos in any light with a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ camera powered by moto ai.
-
motorola edge 70
All-new, impossibly thin design. Three pro-grade 50MP cameras to capture exceptional shots And up to 38 hours of battery life to fuel your everyday adventures.
-
motorola edge 70 fusion
Flawless quad-curved design that looks amazing and feels incredible. Enjoy pro-level cameras for every shot and a smarter assistant in your pocket.
-
Galaxy A57 5G
Capture clearer moments even at night, enjoy next‑level all‑round performance, experience a stunningly slim and durable design, and elevate every day with your upgraded AI companion.
-
Galaxy A37 5G
Experience bright, clear memories with a 50MP AI-powered Nightography camera, enjoy smoother performance with upgraded speed and connectivity, and enhance every moment with intelligent AI tools for smarter searching, effortless editing and creative precision.
-
iPhone 17e
iPhone 17e features a beautiful 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the fast and capable A19 chip, all-day battery life and 256GB starting storage.
-
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Experience advanced performance with intelligent Galaxy AI, a 6.9-inch QHD+ screen with Privacy Display, a fast-charging battery, 200MP Wide camera and upgraded ProVisual Engine.
-
Galaxy S26+
Seize the day with intuitive Galaxy AI. Elevate gaming and multitasking with a 6.7-inch display, plus ProScaler for vivid graphics. Unleash creativity with a bright 50MP Wide camera Enjoy fast performance with an updated processor and self-optimising battery.
-
Galaxy S26
Make everyday moments effortless with Galaxy AI. Immerse yourself in a 6.3-inch FHD+ display, with ProScaler for high-quality graphics. Unleash creativity with a vivid 50MP Wide camera. Enjoy fast performance with an updated processor and self-optimising battery.
-
Google Pixel 10a
Meet Google Pixel 10a. Brilliant photography, helpful AI and a durable design. It’s got all the essentials, plus features you’ll love.
-
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Features a 6.9-inch display, aluminium unibody design, dual sided ceramic shield, A19 Pro chip, all 48MP rear cameras and up to 37 hours video playback.
-
iPhone 17 Pro
Features a 6.3-inch display, aluminium unibody design, dual-sided ceramic shield, A19 Pro chip, 48MP rear cameras and up to 31 hours video playback.
-
iPhone Air
New to the range. The Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. eSIM only. Features a 6.5-inch screen, ultra-light titanium frame, an A19 Pro chip and up to 27 hours video playback.
-
iPhone 17
Features a 6.3-inch screen with ceramic shield 2, 48MP rear cameras and a centre stage front camera, an A19 chip, up to 27 hours video playback and comes in five colours.
-
Pixel 10
Escape the ordinary with Google Pixel 10. It has Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and Gemini built in to help supercharge your productivity and creativity.
-
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip.
-
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 Pro XL is the ultimate Pixel experience with a powerful battery, advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip.
All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Visit Apple’s battery information page and Apple's iPhone-specific battery page for more information.
Rather get in touch? Let's get you connected
Online help & support
Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
Get help in My Telstra
View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via chat and much more.
Reach out to us
We're here to answer your questions.