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5G is the newest mobile network technology, and in Australia all three networks run it: Optus says its 5G reaches 94.5% of the population (September 2026), Telstra reported around 95% in its FY25 annual report, and TPG Telecom says its Vodafone 5G reaches over 85% of the population in the 10 largest cities and regions. To use it you need a 5G phone, a plan that includes 5G, and to be in a 5G area.
Those figures are each operator's own measure, and they are not directly comparable. Since 30 June 2026 the ACMA has required all three operators to publish coverage maps using the same four categories, which is the best way to compare coverage at your address. This page explains 5G, the maps, speed caps, and the closure of 3G, which changed which phones work.
By Better Rate Mate Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Each operator measures and describes its 5G differently, so read the table as three separate claims, not a ranking.
| Network | Operator's statement | As at |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 5G population coverage of around 95% | FY25 annual report (year to 30 June 2025) |
| Optus | 5G reaches 94.5% of the population across more than 6,000 sites | 23 September 2026 |
| Vodafone (TPG Telecom) | Over 85% population coverage in Australia's 10 largest cities and regions; over 4,200 5G sites | TPG network page; Vodafone 5G page (2025) |
Until mid-2026 each operator drew its coverage map its own way, so the maps could not be compared. The ACMA's Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Industry Standard 2026, announced on 31 March 2026, changed that. By 30 June 2026 Telstra, Optus and TPG had to publish 4G and 5G maps showing each location as good, moderate, basic or no coverage, based on predictive modelling.
The ACMA gives plain-English meanings: good coverage means you can expect high-quality, seamless voice, SMS and data. In areas shown as no coverage, some people may still be able to call or text, but service is expected to be very limited or non-existent. The maps must be updated at least every three months, and the operators must give them to their reseller partners to show customers. Look up every place that matters to you, not just home.
5G runs on different radio frequencies with different strengths. The ACMA describes two broad groups: lower bands below 6 GHz, and millimetre wave bands from about 24 GHz up. Lower frequencies travel further and get into buildings better, so they carry most 5G coverage. Millimetre wave can carry very high speeds but only over short distances, so it is used in dense, busy spots.
You will also see 5G Non-Standalone and 5G Standalone. Non-Standalone 5G runs alongside the 4G network and is what most plans include. Standalone 5G has its own core network. Telstra says its Standalone network needs a compatible SIM, Optus says its 5G+ (Standalone) needs a SIM from 2021 or later, and Telstra's prepaid service excludes 5G Standalone sites.
All four have to line up:
Many 5G plans, especially from resellers, cap the maximum speed. ALDI Mobile caps its 5G plans at 150 Mbps (one plan at 250 Mbps), Dodo and iPrimus at 150 Mbps, Coles Mobile at 100 Mbps, and amaysim at 150 or 200 Mbps by plan. Telstra Wholesale sells 5G to resellers in tiers of 10–100, 10–150 and 10–250 Mbps.
On a phone, those caps rarely limit ordinary use. They matter more if you tether a laptop, download large files, or were buying 5G mainly for speed rather than coverage.
Opensignal publishes independent reports based on measurements from users' phones. Its May 2026 Australia report, using data from 1 January to 31 March 2026, gave Telstra its Coverage Experience and 5G Coverage Experience awards and Vodafone its upload speed awards, with Optus winning the most categories overall. Different measures favour different networks, and a national result says little about your street, which is why we do not rank networks. The ACMA reports that about 48% of all mobile services used 5G in 2024.
All three networks have closed 3G. Vodafone (TPG) switched off first, in January 2024. Telstra and Optus began switching off on 28 October 2024, and the federal communications department records both as closed in November 2024. Since then, calls on every network use 4G Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
That left some phones unable to reach 000: 3G-only phones, 4G phones without the 700 MHz band or VoLTE, and 4G VoLTE phones that relied on 3G for emergency calls. ACMA rules in force from 28 October 2024 require providers to identify those phones, notify the customer, and stop supplying service to them; for a phone identified later, the provider must notify within five business days, send two further notices, and stop service 28 to 35 days after the first notice. The issue is not entirely over: in October 2025 Vodafone found some older Samsung phones still set to make 000 calls over its closed 3G network.
To check a phone, text 3 to 3498 (free). Telstra and Optus also have IMEI-based checkers. If you have an older phone or look after someone who does, see our seniors guide.
Outside mobile coverage, satellite is starting to fill gaps. Telstra includes satellite messaging on its Upfront Mobile Plans for compatible phones, using Starlink, but says it cannot be used to call or text 000. The government introduced legislation in November 2025 for a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, which would require Telstra, Optus and TPG to provide outdoor voice and SMS coverage, with a start planned by 1 December 2027 subject to market developments. Check the Department of Infrastructure's site for its current status.
We do not rank networks, because it depends where you are. Optus says its 5G reaches 94.5% of the population (September 2026) and Telstra reported around 95% (FY25). Opensignal's May 2026 report gave Telstra its 5G Coverage Experience award. The ACMA's standard coverage maps are the best way to compare at your address.
Yes, to use 5G. A 4G phone works on a 5G plan but connects to the 4G network only.
Not for most 5G. Standalone 5G does need a recent SIM: Optus says its 5G+ needs a SIM from 2021 or later, and Telstra says its Standalone network needs a compatible SIM.
Vodafone switched off 3G in January 2024. Telstra and Optus began switching off on 28 October 2024 and completed it in November 2024.
Text 3 to 3498 for free. Telstra and Optus also offer IMEI checkers on their websites. Providers must notify you and eventually stop service to a phone that cannot reach 000.
Since 30 June 2026 operators must show each area as good, moderate, basic or no coverage. Good means high-quality, seamless voice, SMS and data; no coverage means service is expected to be very limited, inconsistent or non-existent.
