I remember the first time I saw a Kogan ad pop up while scrolling through my feed. It had that big, cheeky headline: “Why pay more?” — and it stuck with me. Kogan’s always had this rebel vibe, like the larrikin cousin of the tech world, offering dirt-cheap phones and telco plans without the fluff. But behind that flashy bargain front, there’s always been one big question sitting in the back of my mind: Who’s actually running the show behind Kogan’s mobile service? And more importantly — is it up to speed with the whole 5G shebang that everyone’s buzzing about?
What Mobile Network Does Kogan Use and Does It Have 5G?
Kogan Mobile runs on the Vodafone network in Australia and yes, it offers 5G services in select areas to customers on eligible plans.
What Is Kogan Mobile and How Does It Work?
Let’s break it down — Kogan Mobile is like the no-frills, full-thrills cousin of the big telcos. It’s not its own network; rather, it’s what’s called an MVNO — a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. That basically means it piggybacks off someone else’s towers — in this case, Vodafone’s.
Kogan Mobile operates using the Vodafone 4G and 5G network infrastructure, delivering prepaid mobile plans without locking you into long-term contracts.
So, when you buy a Kogan SIM, you’re essentially using Vodafone’s towers — but with Kogan’s branding, pricing, and customer service. It’s kind of like flying Jetstar on a Qantas aircraft — same air, different snacks.
Does Kogan Mobile Use the Vodafone Network?
Absolutely — no ifs or buts about it. Kogan has been in bed with Vodafone since 2012, and their relationship has only grown stronger since.
Kogan Mobile uses the Vodafone Australia network exclusively to deliver its mobile services, including 3G, 4G, and now 5G connectivity.
For folks who want a cheaper deal but don’t want to completely roll the dice with an unknown provider, this is the comfort blanket — Vodafone’s network has a long-standing footprint in Australia. It’s not as wide-reaching in rural areas as Telstra, but in urban centres? Solid as a rock.
Does Kogan Mobile Support 5G in Australia?
Here’s the spicy bit — yes, Kogan’s hopped aboard the 5G train. But, just like ordering a fancy cocktail in a country pub, availability might be limited.
Yes, Kogan Mobile supports 5G on select prepaid plans, and you’ll need a 5G-capable device and be within Vodafone’s 5G coverage area to use it.
For example, if you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy S21 and you’re kicking around Sydney or Melbourne’s inner suburbs, you’re golden. But head out to the bush, and you’ll likely be back on 4G or even 3G. So, while 5G is technically on the menu, it’s a city-slicker luxury — at least for now.
Is Kogan Mobile’s 5G Fast and Reliable?
That depends on two things: your expectations and your postcode. Speed tests show some zippy performance in areas where Vodafone 5G coverage is strong. But if you’re hanging your hat on flawless streaming in remote corners of WA — keep your expectations in check.
Kogan’s 5G speeds can rival major telcos in urban zones, but performance varies depending on Vodafone’s local coverage and congestion.
For example, one user in Parramatta might hit speeds over 300 Mbps, while another in Newcastle might still be rocking 4G depending on tower access. It’s all about the postcode and network load. That’s not unique to Kogan though — even Telstra wobbles when everyone’s on Netflix at 7 pm.
What Are the Kogan Mobile Plan Options?
Kogan keeps it simple — like, meat-pie-at-the-footy kind of simple. Their plans are all prepaid, and you can buy them month-by-month or commit for 3, 6, or 12 months for better value.
Here’s a quick look at what you might find:
| Plan Length | Data (Approx.) | Network | 5G Access | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Days | 40GB | Vodafone | Yes (on selected plans) | From $15 |
| 90 Days | 100GB | Vodafone | Yes (on selected plans) | From $40 |
| 365 Days | 200–500GB | Vodafone | Yes (on selected plans) | From $120 |
Kogan’s longer-term prepaid plans give more bang for your buck and often include access to Vodafone’s 5G network on selected tiers.
It’s worth noting that these plans often come with promotional data boosts — so keep an eye out for “Double Data” deals. You’ll feel like you’ve won a mini lottery.
Is Kogan 5G Available Across All Devices?
Now here’s the kicker — even if you’re in a 5G zone with a Kogan plan, your phone needs to pull its weight.
Kogan 5G only works with compatible devices that support Vodafone’s 5G bands, such as most newer Samsung, Apple, and Oppo models.
For instance, an iPhone 14 or a Google Pixel 7 will breeze through, but that old Huawei from 2018? Not so much. It’s always worth checking your device’s 5G compatibility before making the switch.
How Does Kogan Mobile Compare with Other Telcos?
Now we’re stepping into the arena. Kogan’s biggest drawcard is price — no contest there. But let’s break it down a bit:
- Telstra: Best rural coverage, but premium prices.
- Optus: Good city coverage, decent balance of price vs. performance.
- Vodafone/Kogan: Cheaper, great for metro users, but less reach in regional zones.
Kogan Mobile wins on affordability but lags slightly behind Telstra and Optus in terms of coverage outside urban areas.
In plain speak — if you live in Brisbane, Perth, or Melbourne, you’ll likely get fantastic value. But if you’re out west or up in the Territory, you might be better off with Telstra despite the higher cost.
What Happens If You Move Out of a 5G Area?
Here’s the thing with 5G — it’s not a permanent lounge. One minute you’re lounging in the fast lane, the next you’re back in the 4G pool with the rest of us.
If you leave a 5G coverage area, your Kogan service automatically switches back to 4G or 3G, depending on the network availability.
It’s seamless — no disconnections or SIM juggling. You’ll just notice that downloads slow down a bit. It’s like going from espresso to instant coffee — still works, just a bit less punchy.
How Do I Check 5G Coverage with Kogan Mobile?
No one likes guesswork — especially when it comes to internet speed. Thankfully, checking your 5G fate is pretty easy.
You can check Kogan Mobile’s 5G coverage using Vodafone’s online coverage map, which shows availability by postcode or suburb.
Just head over to Vodafone’s site, punch in your address, and boom — you’ll see if you’re living in the fast lane or the slow crawl. Handy when you’re house hunting too, if you’re like me and prioritise Wi-Fi over water pressure.
What Do Real Users Say About Kogan’s Network?
Let’s get real — you can read spec sheets ‘til your eyes blur, but it’s the lived experience that tells the truth. And folks? The chatter’s mostly good.
Most Kogan users in metro areas report reliable service and fast speeds, with a few hiccups in rural zones or peak times.
Here’s what I heard from a mate who switched from Optus: “I pay less than half what I used to and get the same speeds — except when I’m out bush camping.” Another said they couldn’t tell the difference from Vodafone, except they saved enough each month to shout themselves an extra pizza night.
FAQs
Is Kogan Mobile the same as Vodafone?
Not quite. Kogan uses Vodafone’s network but is a separate provider with its own customer service and pricing.
Does Kogan Mobile lock you into a contract?
No. All plans are prepaid — you pay upfront and walk away anytime.
Can you keep your existing number with Kogan Mobile?
Yes. Kogan lets you port your number during activation.
Do you need a new SIM for 5G?
Usually not, but make sure your current SIM is 5G-compatible (most recent ones are).
Does Kogan offer eSIM?
Not at this stage — Kogan still uses physical SIM cards.
“There’s no such thing as a cheap thrill — unless you’re with Kogan.”
— Probably me, after paying $180 for 12 months of data.
Conclusion
So, where does that leave us? Well, if you’re living in a metro area in Australia and you’re after a budget-friendly, no-fuss mobile plan with access to 5G, Kogan Mobile is a cracking choice. You’re getting Vodafone’s backbone — which, let’s be honest, is pretty solid — without the high-end price tag. Sure, it’s not the top pick for folks living way out yonder, but for urban dwellers, students, families and anyone sick of telco bill shock? Kogan delivers.
Kogan Mobile uses Vodafone’s network, including 5G access, to offer competitive, prepaid mobile plans that balance cost with performance for urban Australians.
And at the end of the day, if you’re after simplicity, savings, and a sprinkle of that Kogan sass — this could be your next SIM love story.