Telecommunications & Internet
Australian telcos are divided into the 'Big Three' (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) and MVNOs (budget providers) that lease their networks. eSIMs are best for short trips, prepaid SIMs for stays over a month, and postpaid plans for 6 months or longer.
📱 The Big Three
Telstra
#1 for coverage — reliable in regional and coastal areas. The most expensive
Best for: Frequent travelers to regional areas
Optus
Best all-rounder. Reliable in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane CBDs
Best for: The standard choice for working holiday makers and international students
Vodafone
Best for city-dwellers. Cheapest data packages
Best for: Short-term visitors staying in the city
📡 MVNOs (Budget providers using major networks)
Boost Mobile (100% Telstra Network)
Full Telstra coverage at 30% lower prices
Amaysim (Optus Network)
Great value, e.g., $30/month for 100GB+
Felix Mobile (Vodafone Network)
Unlimited data (speed capped) for $35/month
Kogan Mobile (Vodafone Network)
Up to 50% off with long-term commitments
🌐 eSIM (Instant Activation)
Airalo — Australia plans from $9 (5GB/7 days), set up before you arrive
Holafly — Unlimited data (no calls), convenient for short trips
🏠 NBN Home Internet
Superloop — Great balance of price and speed. Top choice for Sydney residents
Aussie Broadband — #1 for customer satisfaction, slightly pricier
Tangerine — Most affordable, offers discounts for the first 6 months
Highlights
Tips
If you're living in Sydney, Optus or Amaysim (which uses the Optus network) are the standard choices.
If your phone supports eSIM, set it up via Airalo before leaving Korea to get connected the moment you land.
For stays longer than 6 months, postpaid plans usually offer better value.
Felix Mobile offers unlimited data for $35/month — highly recommended for heavy data users.
You'll need your landlord's consent to set up NBN — Superloop and Aussie Broadband are the top picks.