Choosing between Telstra and Optus is like picking between Vegemite and peanut butter—both are great, but it depends on your taste. Some swear by Telstra’s unbeatable coverage, while others love Optus for its bang-for-buck plans. So, which one’s really better? Let’s break it down.
Telstra vs. Optus – Which network is better?
If you want the best coverage, especially in rural areas, Telstra wins. But if you prefer cheaper plans with decent city performance, Optus is the smarter pick.
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1. Which network has better coverage in Australia?
When it comes to coverage, Telstra is the undisputed king. It blankets 99.5% of the Aussie population, including remote outback areas where other networks drop off. Optus, while strong in cities and suburbs, still lags behind in rural zones.
The exact answer: Telstra has far better coverage across Australia, especially in remote regions. For example, if you’re road-tripping through the Northern Territory, Telstra will likely keep you connected while Optus might leave you with “No Service.”
2. Which provider offers faster internet speeds?
Speed tests show Telstra usually leads in 4G and 5G performance, but Optus isn’t far behind in metro areas. Telstra’s average 4G download speed is around 50-60 Mbps, while Optus sits at 40-50 Mbps.
The exact answer: Telstra is faster on average, but Optus delivers competitive speeds in cities. If you’re streaming Netflix in Sydney or Melbourne, you won’t notice much difference. But for gaming or large downloads, Telstra’s extra speed helps.
3. Are Optus plans cheaper than Telstra’s?
Absolutely! Optus is known for its budget-friendly plans, often undercutting Telstra by 10−10−20 per month for similar data. They also throw in extras like free streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify) to sweeten the deal.
The exact answer: Yes, Optus plans are generally cheaper and come with more perks. For example, a 60Optusplanmightinclude100GB+Netflix,whileTelstra’s60Optusplanmightinclude100GB+Netflix,whileTelstra’s70 plan gives you 80GB with no extras.
4. Which has better customer service – Telstra or Optus?
Both get mixed reviews, but Telstra has improved its customer support in recent years. Optus, however, has faced backlash for long wait times and billing issues.
The exact answer: Telstra’s customer service is slightly more reliable, but neither is perfect. If you hate call-center hold music, maybe go with a smaller provider!
5. Do Telstra and Optus both have 5G?
Yes! Both offer 5G, but Telstra’s network is more extensive, covering over 80% of the population compared to Optus’s 70%.
The exact answer: Telstra has wider 5G coverage, but Optus is catching up fast. If you’re in a major city, either will do.
Telstra vs. Optus: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Telstra | Optus |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 99.5% population | 98.5% population |
| Speed | Faster (50-60 Mbps) | Slightly slower (40-50 Mbps) |
| Price | More expensive | Cheaper with perks |
| 5G Availability | Wider reach | Growing but limited |
FAQs
Q: Can I use Telstra or Optus overseas?
A: Yes, both offer international roaming, but Telstra’s global partnerships make it slightly better for frequent travelers.
Q: Which network has better family plans?
A: Optus usually offers better discounts for multiple lines.
Q: Is Telstra worth the extra cost?
A: Only if you need rural coverage or top-tier speeds.
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
At the end of the day, Telstra is best for travelers, rural users, and speed demons, while Optus is ideal for budget-conscious city dwellers who love extras.
“Choosing between Telstra and Optus isn’t about ‘better’—it’s about what’s better for you. “
So, what’ll it be—coverage king or value champ? The choice is yours!