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:

  1. 5G Non‑Standalone (NSA): Uses 5G together with parts of the existing 4G network to deliver faster speeds and improved capacity.
  2. 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:

  1. Go to Settings on your device
  2. Select Mobile (or Cellular), then Mobile data options
  3. 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.

See coverage maps

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.

Read more on 5G and EME

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 phones

Ready to try 5G? Check out our range of top selling 5G devices

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.