I remember the first time I switched to Kogan Mobile like it was yesterday—half-excited, half-worried. You know that jittery feeling when you jump into something new, hoping it works out but bracing for a trainwreck? That was me. I’d heard a lot of chatter about how cheap it was, how “good enough” it could be for everyday Aussies just trying to get through the month without handing over their arm and leg to Telstra. But what really had me raising an eyebrow was this: “What network does Kogan Mobile actually use?” Because let’s be honest, a mobile plan’s only as good as the bars you get on your screen.
Kogan Mobile uses the Vodafone 4G network in Australia. Yep, that’s the short and sweet of it. But don’t race off just yet—we’re diving into the nitty-gritty, real-life pros and pitfalls of riding on Vodafone’s coat-tails with Kogan. Whether you’re on the fence or just plain curious, this one’s for you.
What Network Does Kogan Mobile Use in Australia?
Kogan Mobile operates on the Vodafone 4G network in Australia. That means all your calls, texts, and data flow through Vodafone’s infrastructure, giving you access to the same coverage areas—especially in metro zones.
Is Kogan Mobile Coverage Any Good in Australia?
Now, if you’ve ever been out in the bush with zero reception and a half-loaded Google Maps, you’ll understand why coverage isn’t something to gamble with. While Kogan’s prices are famously budget-friendly, folks often wonder if that savings cuts corners on the essentials.
Kogan Mobile’s coverage is reliable in metro and major regional areas, thanks to Vodafone’s 4G network. You’ll get strong signals in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, plus decent reach in larger towns. But—and it’s a big but—if you’re heading rural or off-the-grid, you might hit dead zones where Telstra still reigns supreme.
For example, my mate who lives in Wagga Wagga gets decent bars, but when he drives out toward Tumut for weekend hikes, it’s a different story. He jokes it’s like stepping into 1999: “no bars, no worries—unless you’re lost.”
How Does Kogan Mobile Compare to Other Networks?
There’s always that mate who says, “You get what you pay for.” And they’re not entirely wrong—but sometimes, you get way more than expected. That’s kinda the case with Kogan.
Here’s a quick comparison table to show you how it stacks up:
| Feature | Kogan Mobile | Telstra | Optus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Used | Vodafone 4G | Telstra 4G/5G | Optus 4G/5G |
| Best Coverage | Metro Areas | Metro + Rural | Metro + Some Regional |
| Average Plan Cost | Low (budget-friendly) | Medium to High | Medium |
| Data Speeds | Good in cities | Fastest overall | Fast in cities |
| Customer Support | Online-focused | Extensive (stores, phone) | Mixed |
Kogan Mobile offers better value than major telcos for everyday use in cities. If you’re in metro Australia, the difference in coverage is almost unnoticeable, especially when you’re saving over $20–$30 a month. But if you live rurally or travel often, you might find Telstra or Optus to be more dependable.
Does Kogan Mobile Use 5G in Australia?
Now here’s where the plot thickens. Everyone’s banging on about 5G like it’s the second coming, but does Kogan offer it yet?
No, Kogan Mobile does not currently offer 5G—only 4G through Vodafone. So if ultra-fast speeds and future-proofing are must-haves, you might be left twiddling your thumbs.
That said, for 90% of what we do—browsing, streaming, doomscrolling TikTok at midnight—4G does just fine. I stream Spotify on my morning walks without a hitch, and unless you’re gaming on the go or downloading movies on the fly, you might not miss 5G for now.
Who Owns Kogan Mobile and How Trustworthy Is It?
People hear “Kogan” and think of cheap electronics and online shopping. Fair call. But are they really fit to run a telco?
Kogan Mobile is a service brand run by Kogan.com and powered by the Vodafone Australia network. So while Kogan handles the plans, marketing, and customer service, Vodafone keeps the wheels turning in the background.
Think of it like this: Kogan is the front-of-house waiter who takes your order, but Vodafone is the chef in the kitchen doing the heavy lifting. As for trustworthiness? I’ve been using them for over a year, and apart from the rare lag in customer replies (online support can be a bit slow), it’s been a smooth ride.
Can You Keep Your Number If You Switch to Kogan Mobile?
Changing your number in Australia feels like social suicide—no one wants to go through that rigmarole. So yes, this one matters.
Yes, you can absolutely keep your number when switching to Kogan Mobile. It’s called “porting,” and the process is surprisingly painless.
I switched from Optus in under an hour. Just signed up online, punched in a few details, and bam! my number made the jump. It’s basically like moving house but keeping your old mailbox.
Does Kogan Mobile Have Good Customer Support?
Here’s where things get a bit murky. If you’re expecting a real-life Aussie on the other end of the phone, you might be disappointed.
Kogan Mobile’s support is mostly online-based, and while functional, it’s not lightning-fast. You can lodge tickets, browse FAQs, or hit up live chat—but it’s a bit of a waiting game during busy times.
One time I had a billing glitch (long story, bank error), and it took two days to get sorted. Frustrating? Sure. But they did fix it. Just don’t expect a red carpet or 24/7 phone line.
Does Kogan Mobile Work with All Phones in Australia?
Before you rush to buy a new SIM, hold up—compatibility counts. Not every phone sings in harmony with every network.
Kogan Mobile works with most unlocked 4G phones sold in Australia. If your phone supports Vodafone bands (specifically B3 and B5), you’re golden.
I use a Samsung Galaxy S21, and it works perfectly. My cousin tried an imported phone from overseas, and it was hit or miss until he tweaked some settings. So yeah—check your model before you dive in.
What Happens If You Run Out of Data on Kogan Mobile?
Running out of data mid-meme scroll? Been there. It’s rough. But what happens on Kogan?
If you run out of data, your speeds are slowed down or you can buy a data pack. No surprise charges, which is a huge plus in my book.
They’ll email or SMS you when you’re close to the cap, and offer top-ups in bundles. I usually just keep an eye on the usage bar in their app—simple, clean, no drama.
FAQs
Is Kogan Mobile prepaid or postpaid?
Kogan Mobile is 100% prepaid. You pay upfront and have full control over your spending.
Does Kogan Mobile offer international roaming?
Yes, but it’s limited and best suited for short trips. Double-check costs before you travel.
Can I use eSIM with Kogan Mobile?
No, Kogan doesn’t support eSIM at this time.
Do Kogan Mobile plans include unlimited calls and texts?
Yes, most plans include unlimited standard calls and texts within Australia.
How do I recharge my Kogan Mobile service?
You can recharge through their website or app using a card or voucher.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—Kogan Mobile uses the Vodafone 4G network, keeps your wallet happy, and delivers the goods as long as you’re not venturing into the outback. It’s like that budget-friendly takeaway joint you keep coming back to—not fancy, not flawless, but it hits the spot.
If you’re living in a city, don’t need 5G just yet, and prefer to keep things simple and affordable, Kogan is a solid option. Just remember, it’s not for everyone. If you live way out where kangaroos outnumber people, Telstra’s probably a safer bet.
“The best mobile plan isn’t the one with the most features—it’s the one that fits your life.”