Telstra vs Optus vs Vodafone: MVNO Providers Compared (2025 Guide)

If you’re thinking about switching mobile providers in Australia, one of the first questions is:

“Will I still get the same coverage?”

The answer is often yes — thanks to MVNOs.

What’s an MVNO?

An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a smaller telco that doesn’t own its own mobile towers. Instead, it rents access from one of the big three networks — Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone — and then sells its own plans, usually at much cheaper rates.

This means you can often get the same coverage as a major provider, while paying far less each month.

Things to Know Before Switching

Even though MVNOs use the same networks, there are some differences to be aware of:

• Coverage:

  • Some providers (like Boost) use the full Telstra retail network.

  • Others use the Telstra Wholesale network, which has slightly less regional coverage.

• Speeds:

  • Many MVNOs set speed caps — for example, some limit downloads to 100 Mbps or less, even if the network could go faster.

• Plan Inclusions:

  • Data limits, international calls, and roaming options vary widely.

• Prepaid vs Postpaid:

  • Some MVNOs offer only prepaid plans (pay upfront each month).

  • Others provide postpaid billing similar to Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone directly.

So while you’re on the same towers, the experience can differ depending on the provider you choose.

Telstra Network Providers

Telstra has the widest coverage in Australia, especially in regional and rural areas. But you don’t always have to be with Telstra directly to get that coverage. The only disadvantage of going to a provider other then telstra directly is you do not get their new Satellite coverage where you can send a text message from anywhere in Australia if outdoors. There are 3 other providers that offer the FULL tower network for better value.

Full Telstra Network

• Telstra

• Boost Mobile

• JB Hi-Fi Mobile

• Good Guys Mobile

Telstra Wholesale Network

These providers cover about 98.8% of the population — just shy of Telstra retail coverage:

• ALDI Mobile

• Belong

• Numobile

• Woolworths Mobile

• Pennytel

• Mate (Telstra option)

• Goodtel (Telstra option)

• Tangerine (Telstra option)

Optus Network Providers

Optus covers 98.5% of Australians and has many MVNO options, all using the full Optus network:

• Optus

• Amaysim

• Catch Connect

• Coles Mobile

• Dodo

• Circles.Life

• iiNet (Mobile)

• Spintel

• Moose Mobile

• iPrimus

• Vaya

• Yomojo

• Mate (Optus option)

• Southern Phone (Optus option)

Vodafone Network Providers

Vodafone’s reach has grown, with improved regional coverage thanks to network sharing with Optus in some areas. Providers on Vodafone’s network include:

• Vodafone

• Kogan Mobile

• TPG

• Lebara

• Felix Mobile

• iiNet (some plans)

• Tangerine (Vodafone option)

• Spintel (Vodafone option)

• Telsim

Key Takeaways

• Want full Telstra coverage? Boost Mobile is the only option outside Telstra itself.

• Happy with near‑identical coverage for less? Telstra Wholesale providers like ALDI or Belong are strong picks.

• Optus network has the most MVNO choices, with lots of competitive prepaid options.

• Vodafone network has become a solid competitor, especially with regional sharing.

Ready to Save on Your Plan?

At Churna, we help Aussies compare providers and find the best deal for their mobile and internet plans. On average, our clients save $755 a year — often while staying on the exact same network.

We handle the switch with you, in person, so there’s no jargon, no call‑centre hassle, and no downtime.

📩 Want to see how much you could save? Contact us today for a free bill review.