I was lounging on my back porch in Melbourne the other day, sipping my usual flat white, when my teenage niece popped the golden question: “Uncle, does Kogan Mobile do 5G yet or are they still lagging behind like your WiFi?” Cheeky, right? But it got me thinking. With Aussies glued to their phones, scrolling, streaming, and FaceTiming their nannas, a fast mobile network is no longer a luxury—it’s a bloody lifeline.
Does Kogan Mobile Offer 5G Services?
Yes, Kogan Mobile now offers 5G services in Australia to customers on eligible plans using compatible devices within 5G coverage areas.
What Is 5G and Why Does It Matter for Aussie Users?
I know, I know—5G gets tossed around in ads like it’s the second coming of sliced bread. But what is it, really? To put it plainly, 5G stands for the fifth generation of wireless mobile networks. And this isn’t just a little upgrade from 4G—nah, it’s more like going from a bicycle to a motorbike.
5G means faster downloads, lower lag (hello, gamers!), and better performance in crowded places like stadiums or music fests.
Here’s a quick look at what makes 5G a game-changer for Aussies:
| Feature | 4G LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 30-100 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps and beyond |
| Latency | ~50 milliseconds | 1-10 milliseconds |
| Capacity | Moderate | Massive device connectivity |
| Coverage | Wide | Expanding across major cities |
So whether you’re bingeing Bluey with the kids or stuck in peak-hour chaos trying to video-call your boss, 5G gives you the upper hand with speed and stability.
Does Kogan Mobile Actually Offer 5G in Australia Right Now?
You betcha. It’s not just talk. As of now, Kogan Mobile does offer 5G services—but there’s a catch (isn’t there always?).
Only customers on select “5G Ready” plans with compatible phones and within 5G coverage areas can access it.
So if you’re still using an old brick that barely runs WhatsApp, don’t expect miracles. But if you’ve got a modern smartphone and live in an area with 5G towers, you’re good as gold.
I tested this out myself with a Kogan 365-day 5G plan on a Samsung Galaxy S22—and crikey, the difference was obvious. Loading times felt snappy, video calls were smoother than a fresh jar of Vegemite, and online games didn’t lag a tick.
How Can I Access 5G with Kogan Mobile?
Now, if you’re itching to hop on the 5G bandwagon, there are a few things you’ll need to tick off first.
To get 5G with Kogan Mobile, you must:
- Choose a 5G-compatible plan (like their 365 Day Large or Extra Large 5G Plans)
- Use a 5G-enabled device (e.g., iPhone 12 or newer, Samsung S21 and above)
- Be located in a 5G coverage area (Kogan piggybacks off Vodafone’s 5G network)
In short: get the right plan, the right phone, and live in the right place—that’s your Kogan 5G starter pack.
And don’t worry, the setup’s a breeze. No confusing jargon or tech wizardry. Just pop in your SIM, activate the plan, and if you’re in range, your phone will do the rest.
Which Kogan Plans Include 5G Access?
Here’s where things get interesting. Not all Kogan Mobile plans include 5G, so don’t go signing up blindly like you’re on a sausage roll bender.
As of now, only Kogan’s “Large” and “Extra Large” 365-day prepaid plans include access to 5G.
Let’s lay it out:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Price (Approx.) | 5G Access? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 365 Day Plan | 10GB/month | $120/year | ❌ No |
| Medium 365 Day Plan | 20GB/month | $180/year | ❌ No |
| Large 365 Day Plan | 40GB/month | $250/year | ✅ Yes |
| Extra Large 365 Day Plan | 80GB/month | $300/year | ✅ Yes |
So if you’re all about that 5G life, the Large or Extra Large plan is your ticket.
Where Is Kogan Mobile’s 5G Coverage Available in Australia?
Coverage is key, right? Doesn’t matter how fancy your phone is if you’re stuck in the outback with no bars.
Kogan Mobile uses the Vodafone network, so its 5G coverage is available primarily in major metro areas like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
And yep—coverage is growing bit by bit. I tested the waters around Carlton in Melbourne, and the speeds were cracking. But when I visited my folks up in Bendigo, it was back to good ol’ 4G.
So check the coverage map before you commit. You can do this on Kogan’s website or Vodafone’s official 5G map.
Is Kogan 5G Fast Enough for Gaming, Streaming, and Video Calls?
In short? Yes, it’s bloody fast and more than enough for the average Aussie’s needs.
I tried streaming Stranger Things on Netflix while my nephew played Fortnite on the same connection, and there wasn’t even a hiccup. Zoom calls? Crisp as a winter’s morning. Uploading videos to TikTok? Fast as lightning.
Just remember: performance depends on your location, device, and network congestion. But from what I’ve seen, Kogan 5G holds up well for gaming, HD streaming, and more.
“5G isn’t just about speed—it’s about freedom. Freedom to work, stream, play, and connect without limits.” – Mazhar
Do I Need a New SIM Card for 5G on Kogan Mobile?
Nope, no need to fuss over a new SIM unless yours is ancient.
Most Kogan Mobile SIMs are already 5G-capable, especially if you got yours in the last couple of years.
However, if you’re experiencing issues or you’ve held onto your SIM since the days of Pokémon Go, it might be worth ordering a fresh one from Kogan’s site—usually they’re delivered fast and don’t cost a bomb.
Can I Use Kogan 5G While Roaming or Overseas?
Now here’s a curly one. Unfortunately, Kogan Mobile does not currently support 5G while roaming overseas.
Even in places with top-notch 5G networks like Singapore or the UK, Kogan will revert to 3G/4G while you’re abroad—depending on the roaming agreement in place.
So if you’re planning to backpack across Europe and FaceTime mum in HD, you might want to grab a local SIM instead.
How Does Kogan 5G Compare to Telstra and Optus?
Let’s not beat around the bush—Kogan 5G isn’t quite as widespread as Telstra’s or Optus’s.
While Telstra has the largest 5G footprint in Australia, Kogan Mobile (via Vodafone) offers strong speeds in metro areas but has limited rural coverage.
That said, Kogan plans tend to be far cheaper, which makes them a top choice for value-focused users who live in or near cities.
Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Provider | 5G Coverage (Metro) | Regional/Rural | Plan Cost Range | Network Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kogan | ✅ Strong | ❌ Limited | $120–$300/year | Good |
| Telstra | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Strong | $50–$95/month | Very Fast |
| Optus | ✅ Great | ✅ Decent | $40–$80/month | Fast |
So if you’re city-based and watching your wallet, Kogan 5G is a sweet spot.
Is 5G Included in Kogan Mobile’s Unlimited Data?
Kogan’s unlimited data isn’t truly “unlimited” in the way you’d think. There’s a catch—called data shaping.
Yes, Kogan’s Large and Extra Large 5G plans offer a form of unlimited data, but speeds may be capped once you exceed your high-speed allowance.
So once you burn through that juicy 80GB (or 40GB), speeds may drop to 1.5 Mbps. It’s enough for basic browsing and Spotify, but don’t expect to stream 4K movies without some pixelated hiccups.
FAQs
Can I test 5G on Kogan without committing to a full year?
No, Kogan Mobile’s 5G plans are currently available only on 365-day prepaid plans.
Does Kogan Mobile throttle 5G speeds?
Only after you exceed your plan’s data cap—then speeds are slowed to 1.5 Mbps.
Can I upgrade from 4G to 5G on Kogan easily?
Yes, just switch to a 5G plan on their site, and it’ll update your service automatically.
Is 5G safe for health with Kogan Mobile?
Yes, 5G follows Australian safety standards just like 4G and Wi-Fi. There’s no credible evidence that 5G poses health risks.
Will 5G on Kogan drain my battery faster?
Yes, 5G can use more battery than 4G, but most newer phones handle it well with updated power management.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Kogan Mobile might not have Telstra’s outback reach or Optus’s bells and whistles, but when it comes to affordable, fast, no-nonsense 5G access in the city—it delivers in spades.
If you’ve got the right plan, the right phone, and you’re in the right place, then yes—Kogan Mobile does offer 5G services in Australia, and it does a pretty good job of it.
For the budget-conscious Aussie who just wants a fast connection without a second mortgage, Kogan’s 5G setup might be the unsung hero in a world full of overpriced data. Just remember—always read the fine print, check your coverage, and enjoy the speed while it lasts.