Ever been stuck with patchy mobile coverage, desperately waiting for a signal while your friend’s phone works just fine? It’s frustrating, right? That’s why knowing which network a provider uses is a big deal—especially in a country as vast as Australia. If you’re eyeing Boost Mobile, you might be wondering: Does it run on Telstra’s powerhouse network?
The short answer is yes—Boost Mobile uses the Telstra network, but not the full Telstra network. Instead, it runs on Telstra’s wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of the Australian population but has slightly fewer rural towers compared to Telstra’s retail network. This means you’ll still get fantastic coverage in most areas, though remote locations might see a tiny difference.
Does Boost use the Telstra network?
Yes, Boost Mobile uses Telstra’s wholesale network, covering 98.8% of Australians. However, it doesn’t include some ultra-remote towers available only to direct Telstra customers.
What’s the Difference Between Telstra’s Full Network and Boost’s Coverage?
Telstra has two versions of its network: the full retail network (for Telstra customers) and the wholesale network (used by providers like Boost). While both are excellent, there are slight differences.
The key difference is that Boost doesn’t access Telstra’s “full” network—meaning some extremely remote towers are excluded. For example, if you’re deep in the Outback, a Telstra customer might still get a signal where a Boost user might not. But for 98.8% of Australians, the coverage is identical.
How Does Boost’s Network Compare to Other Telstra-Based Providers?
Not all providers using Telstra’s network are equal. Some, like Belong and Woolworths Mobile, also use Telstra’s wholesale network, just like Boost. Others, like Aldi Mobile, use parts of Telstra’s 3G and 4G networks but with different coverage rules.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Provider | Network Used | Coverage Similar to Boost? |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | Telstra Wholesale | Yes (same network) |
| Belong | Telstra Wholesale | Yes |
| Woolworths | Telstra Wholesale | Yes |
| Aldi Mobile | Partial Telstra 3G/4G | No (fewer rural towers) |
Bottom line? Boost sits at the top among Telstra-based MVNOs because it gets the same wholesale coverage as Belong and Woolworths—better than Aldi but not quite as extensive as direct Telstra.
Will I Notice a Speed Difference Between Boost and Telstra?
This is where things get interesting. Technically, Boost runs on the same wholesale network as other providers, but Telstra prioritizes its own customers during peak times.
- Telstra customers get top-tier priority, meaning faster speeds when the network is busy.
- Boost customers are next in line—still fast, but possibly slower in crowded areas like stadiums or festivals.
Example: If you’re at a packed football game, a Telstra user might stream HD video smoothly, while a Boost user could see slight buffering. But for everyday use? You likely won’t notice a difference.
Is Boost Better Than Optus or Vodafone for Coverage?
Australia’s three main networks are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, with Telstra leading in coverage. Since Boost uses Telstra’s wholesale network, it beats Optus and Vodafone in rural and regional areas.
- Telstra/Boost: Best for remote areas (98.8% population coverage).
- Optus: Good in cities, weaker in the bush (around 96% coverage).
- Vodafone: Strong in metro areas, patchy outside (about 95% coverage).
If you travel often or live regionally, Boost (via Telstra) is the smarter choice.
FAQs
Can I Keep My Number If I Switch to Boost?
Yes, Boost allows number porting from most Australian providers.
Does Boost Support 5G?
No, Boost currently only offers 4G—but its 4X coverage is still excellent.
Is Boost Owned by Telstra?
No, Boost is independent but has an exclusive agreement to use Telstra’s wholesale network.
Final Verdict: Is Boost a Good Choice for You?
If you want near-Telstra coverage without Telstra’s price tag, Boost is a fantastic option. You’ll get solid speeds, wide-reaching signal, and affordable plans—just don’t expect every single remote tower that Telstra retail customers access.
“Boost gives you the muscle of Telstra’s network at half the cost—perfect for most Aussies who want reliability without breaking the bank.”
So, if you’re tired of dropouts and dead zones (and who isn’t?), Boost on Telstra’s network is a smart switch. Just pack your patience if you’re heading way off the grid!