With 5G set as the next technological leap forward for mobile networks, projected to boost mobile performance with faster download speeds and improved functionality, it’s no surprise that mobile users are keen to know when this new cellular tech will be available in Australia. In this blog, we take a look at the current status of 5G across the country and what you can expect in the near future.

Australia’s 5G network rollout 

A brief history of 5G in Australia

As it turns out, 5G first came on the scene in Australia back in 2019 when Telstra spearheaded the mobile network rollout. Just over a year later and the major telco had supplied 41% of the population with 5G coverage. Other major carriers had also made considerable progress in the rollout of their own 5G networks during the same time.

5G in Australia today

Today the Telstra 5G network leads the pack, offering coverage that can reach at least 75% of the Australian population. This translates to over 3,200 suburbs in over 200 major cities and towns across the country.

Among the 5G-serviced areas are: 

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Canberra
• Queensland
• Adelaide
• Perth
• Hobart

This is good news for MATE customers since we use parts of Telstra’s 5G, 4G and 3G mobile networks, which means that our mobile services can reach more and more Aussies.

The future of 5G in Australia

Telstra has set its sights high, aiming to provide 5G coverage to 95% of the Australian population by mid-2025. And if their track record is anything to go by, the telco certainly seems poised to reach this target without delay. 

It’s also worth noting that Australian providers are yet to make use of the full range of 5G capabilities. Without getting too technical, before ultra-high 5G speeds can be realised, telcos will have to utilise a mix of radio frequencies known as low-band spectrum, mid-band spectrum and high-band spectrum. At the moment, providers are only using a fraction of what they intend to use in the future.

At MATE, the network capability of our 5G mobile plan has access to download speeds of 10Mbps up to a speed cap of 250Mbps on 5G across 75% of the population.

Find out if you have 5G coverage

Not sure whether you have 5G network coverage in your area? To find out simply click here to toggle over our coverage map or search your address.

How to access 5G in Australia?

With the majority of the Australian population now receiving 5G coverage, you might be wondering how you can get in on the 5G action so you too can experience the faster speeds of the new generation network.

Get a 5G compatible device 

Before you can enjoy the benefits of a 5G cellular internet connection, you’re going to need a 5G compatible handset. Mobile phones that are only 4G enabled, unfortunately, won’t be able to connect to the 5G network. Luckily, as more manufacturers continue to jump on the fifth-gen trend, 5G compatible devices are becoming increasingly more affordable.

Sign up to a 5G mobile phone plan 

Of course, if you want your 5G compatible device to enjoy 5G network speeds, you’re going to need to sign up to a 5G mobile plan that offers 5G connectivity. 

Get 5G with MATE!

Already have 5G coverage in your area and a 5G compatible device ready to go? Then make the switch to a MATE 5G plan!

Our 5G plans are below:

Great Mates 32GB 5G

• 32GB of mobile data per month
• 500GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

Best Mates 50GB 5G

• 50GB of mobile data per month
• 500GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

Brilliant Mates 65GB 5G

• 65GB of mobile data per month
• 1000GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

Soul Mates 150GB 5G

• 150GB of mobile data per month
• 1000GB of banked data
• Unlimited talk & text to standard Aussie numbers
• Unlimited international phone calls & SMS to selected 15 countries

All on the 5G network!

For more information about 5G, you can visit our dedicated 5G mobile page.

👉  Sign-up for one of our 4G or 5G postpaid mobile plans today!

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¹ Selected plans only. 15 selected countries are not interchangeable.