Let me take you back to a humid January afternoon in Brisbane. My cousin Dave, all tanned and wide-eyed, had just moved up from Tassie and was proudly flashing his new Kogan Mobile SIM like he’d found gold. Five minutes later, he asked me, “Mate, who actually gives Kogan its coverage? Feels like I’m riding piggyback on someone else’s network!” That question stuck with me—because, well, he wasn’t wrong.
Who Does Kogan Mobile Use for Coverage in Australia?
Kogan Mobile uses the Vodafone 4G network for coverage across Australia. This means if Vodafone’s signal is strong in your area, Kogan’s will be too. But—and here’s the kicker—Kogan often prices its plans way lower, even though you’re riding on the same infrastructure.
Is Kogan Mobile’s Coverage the Same as Vodafone’s?
Imagine you’re sharing a ride with your mate. You both sit in the same car, but one of you paid full price while the other got a wicked discount. That’s kind of what it’s like with Kogan and Vodafone.
Yes, Kogan Mobile customers receive the same 4G coverage as Vodafone users because they use the exact same network. However, Kogan doesn’t yet offer access to Vodafone’s 5G service, which means you’re capped at 4G speeds—for now.
For most Aussies living in urban and suburban areas, 4G is more than enough. But if you’re in a remote spot, that’s where the difference might be felt. Vodafone (and by extension Kogan) has weaker rural coverage than Telstra or Optus.
How Good Is Kogan Mobile’s Coverage Across Australia?
I once took a road trip from Sydney to Coffs Harbour with my Kogan SIM humming along nicely. Got decent bars through Newcastle, but let’s just say the signal disappeared quicker than my snacks around Taree.
Kogan Mobile’s coverage is strongest in metro areas and along major highways but may drop out in remote and regional parts of Australia.
Here’s a quick table that’ll help you eyeball where Kogan Mobile shines and where it might go dark:
| Region | Coverage Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities (Sydney, Melbourne, etc.) | Excellent | Smooth streaming and browsing |
| Suburban Areas | Very Good | Minimal dropouts |
| Regional Towns | Moderate to Good | Decent signal, especially near main roads |
| Rural/Remote Areas | Limited | Spotty, often no coverage |
So, if you’re mostly city-bound, you’re golden. But for outback adventurers? Might wanna keep a Telstra SIM in your glovebox—just in case.
Does Kogan Mobile Have 5G Coverage?
Now, here’s where things get a bit “ah, not quite there yet.” You’d think in 2025 every telco would be tossing 5G around like confetti at a wedding—but not Kogan. Not yet.
No, Kogan Mobile does not currently offer 5G coverage. All Kogan plans run on Vodafone’s 4G network, which still delivers solid speeds for everyday use like streaming, browsing, and even gaming.
So, while your mate with a flashy 5G phone might brag about loading TikToks in 0.02 seconds, your 4G-powered Kogan phone will still get the job done—just with a tiny bit more patience.
Can You Check Kogan’s Coverage Before Signing Up?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it—unless you like rolling the dice with your mobile signal (no judgment).
Yes, Kogan offers a detailed online coverage map where you can enter your address to check service availability. It’s a visual tool that mimics Vodafone’s own map and gives you the low-down on whether your street’s in the green zone or the no-go zone.
Just head over to Kogan Mobile’s coverage map and type in your postcode. Simple as that. Even my nan could manage it—and she still uses a flip phone.
Is Kogan’s Network Reliable for Everyday Use?
Short answer: Yep. Long answer: Well, that depends on what “everyday” looks like for you.
Kogan’s network is reliable for most daily tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and streaming in metro and suburban areas. If you’re a gamer or heavy data user, the 4G speeds might make you twitchy sometimes, but nothing too dramatic.
I’ve personally streamed the cricket on Kayo, video-called my mum, and doomscrolled Twitter—all without a hitch—while sitting in my backyard in Adelaide. No stutters, no drama.
Does Kogan Mobile Throttle Speeds?
Oof, this is the juicy bit, isn’t it? Everyone’s a bit sus when the price is low. You’re thinking, “What’s the catch?” You’re not alone.
No, Kogan Mobile does not throttle speeds on its regular prepaid plans, but speeds may vary during peak times due to network congestion.
It’s kind of like going to the servo on a public holiday—you might wait in line longer, but you’ll still get your fuel. Similarly, if you’re in a packed area (think music festivals or big city train stations), speeds might dip a little.
Are There Any Differences Between Vodafone and Kogan Mobile?
Even though they share the same network bed, they don’t sleep under the same blanket—if you catch my drift.
Yes, there are differences—mainly in pricing, customer service, and access to 5G. Kogan offers simpler, cheaper plans, but lacks extras like international roaming or physical stores.
Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | Kogan Mobile | Vodafone |
|---|---|---|
| Network Used | Vodafone 4G | Vodafone 4G & 5G |
| Pricing | Budget-friendly | Mid-to-premium |
| Customer Support | Online-only | Online & in-store |
| 5G Access | ❌ | ✅ |
| International Roaming | Limited | Available |
So you’re trading frills for savings. And honestly, that suits a lot of folks just fine.
Will Kogan Ever Get 5G Access?
Ah, the million-dollar question. While I can’t see into Kogan’s corporate crystal ball, I’ve got a hunch.
Kogan Mobile might get access to Vodafone’s 5G network in the future, but there’s no confirmed date as of now. They’ve been tight-lipped, but pressure’s mounting as 5G becomes the norm.
If and when it happens, expect a bunch of plan reshuffling—and hopefully still at a bargain.
“The best things in life are simple, and cheap mobile data is one of them.” — Probably Me
FAQs
Is Kogan Mobile good for rural areas in Australia?
Not really. Kogan rides on Vodafone’s network, which has weaker coverage in rural and remote regions compared to Telstra.
Does Kogan Mobile have physical stores?
Nope. Kogan Mobile is online-only, so everything—from ordering a SIM to troubleshooting—happens through their website.
Can I keep my number if I switch to Kogan?
Yes, you can. Porting your number over is part of the activation process and usually takes a few hours.
What happens if I lose signal with Kogan Mobile?
You’ll need to rely on Wi-Fi or switch to a provider with better coverage in your area.
Conclusion
So, who does Kogan Mobile use for coverage in Australia? Plain and simple—Vodafone’s 4G network. But don’t let the low price tag fool you; you’re not getting a watered-down version. You’re just skipping the bells and whistles. If you live in the city or burbs and want a wallet-friendly mobile plan without giving up reliable coverage, Kogan’s a strong contender.
But if you’re a bush-basher, a road-tripper, or someone who needs every bar in the boonies? You might want to weigh your options.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about coverage—it’s about how you live, where you roam, and what you value most. As for me? I’m sticking with Kogan… until they make me wait too long for 5G.