Australia’s largest telco, Telstra, announces price increases for postpaid and prepaid mobile plans starting May 5, 2026. This marks the second hike within 12 months, following a AU$5 monthly rise across most plans in July 2025. NBN plans remain unchanged this time.
Postpaid Plan Adjustments
Most postpaid plans face a AU$4 per month increase. The Premium plan stays at AU$99. Changes include:
| Plan Name | Data | Current Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 50GB | AU$70 | AU$74 |
| Essential | 180GB | AU$80 | AU$84 |
| Premium | 300GB | AU$99 | AU$99 |
| Mobile Bundle | 25GB | AU$57 | AU$61 |
Prepaid Plan Updates
Prepaid plans see varied increases, with added data allowances. Six-month plans rise by AU$20 to AU$200, and 12-month plans by AU$45 to AU$395. Details:
| Plan Name | Current Data | Current Price | New Data | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 3GB | AU$13 | 4GB | AU$15 |
| 28 Days | 15GB | AU$39 | 20GB | AU$44 |
| 28 Days | 25GB | AU$49 | 35GB | AU$54 |
| 28 Days | 35GB | AU$59 | 45GB | AU$64 |
| 28 Days | 70GB | AU$69 | 80GB | AU$74 |
| 6 Months | 70GB | AU$180 | 80GB | AU$200 |
| 12 Months | 165GB | AU$350 | 180GB | AU$395 |
Reasons for the Price Increases
Telstra states the hikes support “ongoing investment in our mobile network infrastructure, enabling innovation and the rollout of new features that expand connectivity options for customers.” A key example is satellite-to-mobile messaging, vital for users in remote areas outside standard network coverage.
Cost-Saving Alternatives on Telstra Networks
Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer access to Telstra’s wholesale network at lower costs, with speeds capped at 100-250Mbps and minor coverage differences mainly in remote regions. Top options include:
- Exetel Plus One: 130GB data on Telstra Wholesale Network for AU$40/month. Includes 1,000GB data banking and unlimited calls to 15 countries. Yearly cost: AU$480.
- Tangerine: 30GB postpaid on Telstra 5G Wholesale for AU$15/month (first 4 months, then AU$30). First-year cost: AU$300; ongoing: AU$360.
- Boost Mobile: 380GB (first recharge, then 365GB) on full Telstra network. AU$330 first year, AU$365 ongoing.
These plans provide significant savings while leveraging Telstra’s reliable coverage.
