Ever wondered why some smaller phone companies offer such great coverage in the middle of nowhere? It’s because they’re piggybacking on Telstra’s massive network—Australia’s coverage king. But who exactly gets to ride this signal highway? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the who, how, and why of Telstra’s network partners.
The mobile providers using the Telstra network include Belong, Boost Mobile, ALDImobile, Woolworths Mobile, and more. These providers operate as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), meaning they don’t own physical infrastructure but lease Telstra’s towers to deliver service. While Telstra-owned brands like Belong get full access, others like ALDImobile use a slightly restricted version of the network.
What mobile providers use the Telstra network?
Which providers use Telstra’s network? Belong, Boost Mobile, ALDImobile, Woolworths Mobile, and other MVNOs rely on Telstra’s infrastructure. Boost is the only independent provider with full Telstra coverage.
Why Do Some Providers Use Telstra’s Network?
Building a mobile network from scratch is like paving a highway across the Outback—expensive and time-consuming. Smaller providers skip the hassle by leasing Telstra’s existing towers. This lets them offer wide coverage without the billion-dollar price tag.
Providers use Telstra’s network because it’s Australia’s largest, covering 99.5% of the population. MVNOs pay Telstra for access, then repackage the service under their own brand. It’s a win-win: Telstra earns extra revenue, and customers get more choices. For example, Boost Mobile thrives because it’s the only non-Telstra brand with unrestricted access to their entire 4G/5G grid.
Which Telstra Network Providers Have Full Coverage?
Not all MVNOs get the golden ticket to Telstra’s full network. Some are stuck with a “wholesale” version, which excludes remote areas or has slower speeds during peak times.
Only Telstra itself, Belong, and Boost Mobile have full access to Telstra’s network. Everyone else—like ALDImobile or Woolworths Mobile—uses the wholesale network, which covers most but not all of Telstra’s reach. For instance, if you’re camping in the Northern Territory, Boost will work flawlessly, while ALDImobile might drop out
How Does Telstra’s Wholesale Network Differ?
Imagine Telstra’s network as a VIP concert: full-access providers get front-row seats, while wholesale users are up in the nosebleed section. The wholesale network has two key limitations:
- Smaller Coverage Footprint – Misses about 2% of Telstra’s reach, mostly in rural/remote zones.
- Deprioritized Speeds – During congestion, wholesale traffic gets throttled first.
The wholesale network covers 97.8% of Australians, versus 99.5% for Telstra’s full network. So, if you’re in a town like Birdsville, a full-coverage provider like Boost will connect you, but a wholesale MVNO might not.
Which Cheap Providers Use Telstra’s Network?
Want Telstra’s reliability without Telstra’s price tag? These budget-friendly MVNOs deliver:
| Provider | Plan Starting Price | Network Type |
|---|---|---|
| Belong | $25/month | Full Telstra |
| Boost Mobile | $15/month | Full Telstra |
| ALDImobile | $15/month | Wholesale Telstra |
| Woolworths | $25/month | Wholesale Telstra |
For the cheapest Telstra-network coverage, ALDImobile and Boost offer plans from just $15/month. But remember: Boost has full coverage, while ALDImobile doesn’t.
Is Telstra’s Network Better Than Optus or Vodafone?
Telstra’s network is the Undisputed heavyweight champ of Australian coverage, especially outside cities. Here’s how they stack up:
- Coverage: Telstra (99.5%) > Optus (98.5%) > Vodafone (96%).
- Speed: Optus sometimes wins in metro areas, but Telstra dominates rural.
- Reliability: Telstra’s infrastructure handles disasters better (think bushfires/floods).
Yes, Telstra’s network is better for rural users, while Optus/Vodafone compete well in cities. If you’re a road-tripper, Telstra’s partners (like Boost) are your safest bet.
FAQs
Can I get 5G on Telstra’s wholesale network?
No, only full-access providers (Telstra, Belong, Boost) offer 5G. Wholesale MVNOs are limited to 4G.
Does Woolworths Mobile use Telstra or Optus?
Woolworths Mobile uses Telstra’s wholesale network, not Optus.
Is Boost Mobile owned by Telstra?
No, Boost is independent but has a unique full-network agreement with Telstra.
Final Verdict: Who Should Pick a Telstra-Network Provider?
If you’re after Australia’s widest coverage, a Telstra-network MVNO is your best ally—especially if you’re rural. Boost Mobile is the steal of the century for full access at low prices, while Belong suits eco-conscious users (they’re carbon-neutral). For city dwellers, a wholesale provider like ALDImobile might save you cash without major compromises.
“Choosing a Telstra-network provider is like hiring a guide for the Outback: you want the one who knows every dirt road.”
So, who’s your match? Adventurers, go full-coverage. Budget urbanites, wholesale works. Either way, you’re riding on the best signal Down Under.