MVNOs are one of Australia's best-kept savings secrets. By using the same towers as the major carriers but with lower overhead, they can offer dramatically cheaper plans with comparable coverage.
What are MVNOs and how do they work?
Mobile Virtual Network Operators don't build their own mobile towers. Instead, they negotiate wholesale access to existing network infrastructure from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, then sell plans under their own brand. Your phone connects to the same towers — the difference is the pricing, customer service and occasionally data priority.
Best MVNOs by network
On the Telstra network
- Boost Mobile: Best overall Telstra-network MVNO. Excellent data inclusions, competitive pricing, real roaming capability. Often the top recommendation for Telstra coverage at lower prices.
- Woolworths Mobile: Good value with bonus Everyday Rewards points. Plans are simple and pricing is competitive.
- Aldi Mobile: Ultra-budget plans with surprisingly good inclusions. No frills, but hard to beat for price-conscious users who mainly need calls and basic data.
On the Optus network
- Amaysim: Long-established MVNO with straightforward plans. Good data inclusions at competitive prices.
- Dodo: Budget-friendly plans, especially attractive for customers with Dodo home internet.
On the Vodafone network
- Kogan Mobile: Exceptional value, particularly for annual prepaid plans. Kogan's annual plans work out to $10–$20/month — among the cheapest in the market for the data included.
- Circles.Life: Strong value with flexible data add-ons and good roaming options.
Top MVNO picks for 2025
| MVNO | Network | Best plan (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | Telstra | $30/month, 60GB | Telstra coverage, value |
| Kogan Mobile | Vodafone | ~$12/month (annual) | Budget, metro users |
| Aldi Mobile | Telstra | $15/month, 8GB | Minimal use, low cost |
| Woolworths Mobile | Telstra | $25/month, 35GB | Everyday Rewards users |
| Circles.Life | Vodafone | $38/month, 100GB | Data-heavy metro users |
Tip: MVNO prices and plans change frequently. Always check the current offer directly on the MVNO's website before signing up. The plans listed above are indicative of mid-2025 pricing.
Things to watch when choosing an MVNO
- International roaming: Not all MVNOs support roaming. If you travel internationally, confirm roaming availability before switching.
- Customer support: MVNOs typically offer online-only support. If you prefer calling for help, major carriers may serve you better.
- Data expiry: Some prepaid MVNO plans expire monthly; others (like Kogan annual plans) are valid for 365 days. Read the expiry terms carefully.
- Plan lock-in: Most MVNOs are prepaid and month-to-month — a genuine advantage. A few offer postpaid plans with lock-in. Prefer no-lock-in plans unless there's a compelling reason to commit.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MVNO?
An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a company that provides mobile services without owning its own network infrastructure. MVNOs lease capacity from the three major networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) and resell it at lower prices. They make money on volume and lower overhead, passing savings to consumers.
Is an MVNO as good as a major carrier?
For coverage, yes — an MVNO on the Telstra network uses the same towers and the same geographic coverage as Telstra. The main difference can be in data deprioritisation: during peak congestion, major carrier customers may get priority over MVNO customers on the same tower. In practice, this is noticeable mainly in very congested areas.
Which MVNO uses the Telstra network?
Major Telstra-network MVNOs include Boost Mobile, Woolworths Mobile, Aldi Mobile and Southern Phone. Boost is the most feature-complete and often the best value for Telstra-network coverage.
Can I get international roaming on an MVNO?
Some MVNOs offer roaming, but coverage and rates vary significantly. Boost Mobile, Circles.Life and others offer international roaming add-ons. Always check before travelling — some budget MVNOs don't offer roaming at all and you'll need to purchase a local SIM abroad.
What is data deprioritisation?
During peak congestion, network operators may slow down data speeds for lower-priority customers — often MVNO customers. This means that during busy periods in congested areas (like a CBD at lunchtime), MVNO customers might experience slower speeds than direct carrier customers. For most users in most locations, this is rarely noticeable.
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