Helstra. Droptus. Vodafail. The ubiquity of big brand telcos means it’s not hard to find people who’ve had a bad experience and are ready to swear off whoever’s done them wrong. Australians are vocal complainers, after all. But if you’re after a new phone plan, these three aren’t you’re only options.
There’s a whole heap of smaller providers – Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs – who resell access to the same networks without carrying the same baggage associated with the big guys. And based on Product Review, MVNO customers appear to be happier.
This might be because MVNO plans are often cheaper than the big brand alternatives, even though they’re powered by the exact same networks. Since these telcos aren’t as widely recognised as the big three, we’re going to look at some of the best plans from some of our favourite smaller providers.
SIM-only plans with at least 10GB
There’re a few great deals worth calling out here. TPG’s 10GB plan might look like the most expensive option, but you’ll get it for just $15 per month for your first six months. And since the plan is no-contract prepaid, you can leave as soon as the discount runs out. TPG is powered by the Vodafone network.
Outside of promos, Jeenee Mobile has one of the best value plans here. $22 per month gets you 15GB of data, but you will have to commit to a 12-month contract and pay $12.37 upfront for setup, your SIM, and delivery. It also has one inclusion you won’t get anywhere else: warm fuzzies. In addition to being a telco, Jeenee Mobile is a charitable organisation that donates phone plans to Australians living with disabilities. Jeenee Mobile is powered by the Optus network.
If you’d prefer a 15GB plan with no contract, Spintel will do $15 for $25.95 per month if you use the WhistleOut exclusive promo code “15GB” before November 30. Spintel is powered by the Optus network.
SIM-only plans with at least 30GB
Think Mobile has the clear standout plan here, offering 40GB for $37 per month on a 12-month contract. Think is powered by the Vodafone network.
If you’d prefer Telstra network coverage and no contract, Boost Mobile is an excellent option. $50 per recharge gets you 32GB of data. You’ll also get a bonus 23GB on your first five recharges, which takes you to a total of 55GB.
SIM-only plans with at least 50GB
If you’re after an obnoxious amount of data, smaller providers won’t leave you in the cold. Think Mobile is again a winner with 80GB for $48 per month, on a 12-month contract.
Vaya is a good option if you’re after a no-contract plan. $56 per month gets you 50GB. If you’re okay with committing to a six-month term, you’ll get an extra 10GB each month. Vaya is powered by the Optus network.
SIM-only plans with at least 1GB
And if you just want a small plan, there’s still plenty of options. Jeenee Mobile is again a good choice, offering 1.2GB for $8.91 per month on a 12-month contract.
If you’d prefer not to be locked in, we like Belong’s $10 per month 1GB plan. Belong is powered by the Telstra network.
