Telstra and Optus are the two biggest names in Australian telecommunications. And between them they keep millions of households connected to mobile, home phone and internet services. Anyone weighing up Telstra vs Optus internet plans for 2026 is really choosing between Australia’s largest network operator and its long-time number two.
The right answer depends less on brand loyalty and more on your address, your data habits and your budget.
We’ve updated this guide in June 2026 to reflect current NBN and 5G pricing, the recent free NBN speed upgrades, and the new mobile coverage rules taking effect this month.
We’ll walk through NBN plans, 5G home internet, contract terms, bundles, coverage and sustainability, so you can decide which provider suits your household, or whether one of the smaller players on our panel might suit you better.
Telstra vs Optus Internet, the Quick Verdict for 2026
If you only have a minute, here’s the short version.
- Optus generally undercuts Telstra on price across nearly every comparable NBN and 5G speed tier in 2026.
- Telstra has the wider mobile and 5G footprint, which matters most for regional and remote households or anyone relying on 5G home internet outside a capital city.
- Optus 5G Home Internet plans come with unlimited data on every tier. While Telstra 5G plans are capped at 1000GB, after which speeds slow down for the rest of the billing cycle.
- Telstra and Optus are both set to raise prices on their slowest NBN tiers in early July 2026.
- Optus leans on its SubHub platform for streaming bundles. While Telstra folds Foxtel and other entertainment add-ons including Disney+, BINGE and Kayo directly onto your bill as part of its wider media ecosystem.
Comparing every plan on the market yourself takes hours most people don’t have. Our team does that legwork for free. Call CheapBills on 1300 786 045 or request a callback online and we’ll match your address against Optus and the rest of our supplier panel.
Telstra vs Optus NBN Plans Compared for 2026
Both telcos sell the full range of NBN speed tiers. But pricing structures and plan names differ. A major change landed in September 2025, when NBN Co rolled out free speed upgrades for eligible Fibre to the Premises and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial connections.
NBN 100 plans jumped to NBN 500, NBN 250 plans became NBN 750, and a brand-new top tier called NBN 2000 (sometimes branded Home Hyperfast) launched for households after even faster connections.
If your address supports it and you were already on a 100Mbps or
250Mbps plan with Telstra or Optus, there’s a good chance you’re already enjoying the faster speed at no extra cost.
The other change to flag is timing. As of June 2026, both telcos have confirmed price rises on their cheapest NBN tiers, passing on NBN Co’s latest wholesale increase. While Essential, Premium, Ultimate and Ultrafast pricing stays put. Telstra’s increase happens on 1 July 2026, and Optus follows on 6 July 2026.
Telstra NBN Plans
Telstra offers NBN bundle plans with its latest Smart Modem as well as Internet Only options for customers who prefer a BYO modem setup. Telstra confirms that some home and small business NBN plans will rise by $4–$5 per month from 1 July 2026. While higher-speed tiers including its Premium 100Mbps/500Mbps plan remain at the current price.
Telstra runs Internet Only NBN plans across several speed tiers, which are below the bundled-modem equivalents and give price-sensitive households a way to cut costs if they already own a compatible modem. Telstra also advertises EOFY deals with up to $180 off select NBN Home Internet plans over 6 months. It usually means a fixed monthly discount for new services during the first half-year before standard pricing applies.
Telstra states that bundled NBN plans include a Wi-Fi modem on month-to-month terms and that customers who cancel or downgrade early must either return the modem or pay a non-return fee as set out in the current Critical Information Summary.
Optus NBN Plans
Optus sells month-to-month Optus NBN plans across several speed tiers, using labels such as Basic, Everyday, Fast, Superfast and Ultrafast in its key fact sheet.
On its current NBN page, Optus promotes an EOFY Smart Deal where the Fast NBN plan for eligible homes runs at $79 per month for 12 months with unlimited data and typical busy speeds of 500/43Mbps on FTTP or HFC, or 100/18Mbps on FTTN, FTTB and FTTC. It then reverts to $99 per month or as notified, with the price for this plan increasing to $83 per month from 6 July 2026.
Optus confirms that an Optus Ultra WiFi Modem is included with these NBN plans and that customers who leave early must pay out any remaining modem costs over the device repayment period as set out in its NBN Critical Information Summary.
Telstra vs Optus 5G Home Internet, Which Wireless Plan Wins
5G home internet has matured into a genuine alternative to fixed-line NBN, especially for renters, apartment dwellers on tricky building wiring, or anyone who simply isn’t covered by a fast NBN technology type.
Telstra 5G Home Internet
Telstra sells three 5G Home Internet tiers.
Basic (25Mbps capped) and Essential (50Mbps capped) currently cost $70 and $80 a month respectively, with no change confirmed for either. Premium, which delivers a typical evening download speed of around 300Mbps, currently costs $85 a month and is confirmed to rise to $95 a month from 1 July 2026, the first increase on that plan since launch.
Every Telstra 5G plan carries a 1000GB monthly allowance, after which speeds drop to around 1.5Mbps for the rest of the billing cycle. Telstra says the average 5G household uses well under that limit. So, it rarely bites in practice, but heavy streaming or gaming households should keep an eye on it.
Optus 5G Home Internet
Optus sells three 5G Home Internet tiers with unlimited data and no usage cap on any plan.
Everyday 5G (capped at 50 Mbps), Everyday Fast 5G (capped at 100 Mbps) and Entertainer Superfast 5G (with typical evening speeds around 230 Mbps) are on a standard price ladder of $69, $79 and $99 per month respectively. They come with the cheaper “first 12 months” prices that are only available during limited-time promotions such as end-of-financial-year offers that generally run until 30 June each year.
Whenever one of these promotions applies, Everyday 5G and Everyday Fast 5G can drop by about $20 a month for the first year, and Entertainer Superfast 5G can drop by about $20 a month, before each plan returns to its higher ongoing price.
Optus 5G home internet plans remove data caps entirely, so heavy-usage households never face shaped speeds after a set quota, whereas Telstra still caps its top 5G tier at 1,000 GB before slowing speeds for the rest of the billing cycle.
Telstra’s wider 5G footprint and stronger spectrum position help its fastest tier reach higher peak speeds. Yet Optus wins on simple unlimited data, so the right pick depends on whether your home values raw speed or quota-free streaming more.
Both providers rely on a SIM-based modem rather than a traditional fixed line. It means their 5G home internet hardware can move with you as long as your new address falls inside the same 5G coverage footprint.
Telstra and Optus Home Internet Reviews, What Customers Say
Telstra Home Internet Review Snapshot
Telstra is the perennial favourite for households who put coverage and consistent evening speeds ahead of price. Independent reviews consistently rate Telstra’s network performance highly, especially in regional areas, and the bundled Telstra Smart Modem 4 ships with 4G backup and Wi-Fi 7 support.
The recurring criticism is cost. Telstra is the most expensive of the big telcos at almost every comparable NBN and 5G tier, and customers on its slowest plans are about to feel a price rise from 1 July 2026.
Optus Broadband Review Snapshot
For anyone specifically comparing Optus home internet packages, Optus home internet plans tend to land cheaper than Telstra at the NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100/500 tiers, and every Optus NBN plan comes with unlimited data and a month-to-month contract.
Independent Optus internet reviews generally rate the network well for typical evening speeds in metro areas, with the main complaints centred on customer service wait times and the early-exit modem fee rather than raw performance.
Optus has also drawn public scrutiny in recent years over network outages and a 2025 Federal Court penalty tied to past sales conduct, both worth factoring in if reliability is your top priority.
Contract Terms, Fees and Flexibility, Telstra vs Optus Broadband
Both telcos sell their home wireless broadband plans and NBN plans on a month-to-month basis with no lock-in contract, which is now standard across the Australian market. Where they differ is in the fine print around hardware and early exits.
With Telstra, cancelling, changing technology type, or moving to an internet-only plan within 24 months of signing up for a bundled NBN plan means returning the Telstra Smart Modem 4 or paying a $200 non-return fee. Bringing your own compatible modem from the start avoids that issue altogether.
Optus charges a similar style of fee through its modem cost. Leaving an Optus NBN or 5G plan before the 36-month mark triggers a pro-rated charge for the unused portion of the modem, calculated at roughly $13 per month for every month short of the full term.
Optus also lists a minimum total cost in its advertising that includes this upfront modem value, worth checking before signing up, so the headline monthly price doesn’t catch you out.
Neither provider hides fees. But both attach plenty of optional add-ons, from entertainment bundles to WiFi boosters and home security devices. This it pays to read the plan inclusions line by line rather than just comparing the advertised monthly figure.
Bundles and Entertainment Perks, Telstra vs Optus Plans Australia
Bundling is one of the easiest ways to simplify your monthly bills, and Telstra vs Optus plans Australia wide take noticeably different approaches to entertainment.
What’s Included in Telstra Bundles
- Home internet through NBN or 5G
- A mobile phone data plan and device
- The Telstra Smart Modem 4, which ships with Wi-Fi 7 support and AI-assisted troubleshooting through SmartFix
- Entertainment add-ons including Disney+, BINGE and Kayo, reflecting Telstra’s ownership stake in the Foxtel Group
- Spotify and gaming bundles such as Xbox Game Pass and Xbox All Access
What’s Included in Optus Bundles
- Home internet through NBN or 5G
- A mobile phone data plan and device
- The Optus Ultra WiFi Modem with built-in 4G backup
- Optus SubHub, which lets you add subscriptions including Netflix, BINGE, Paramount+, Amazon Prime and BritBox to your one Optus bill, with a 5% discount once you add two eligible subscriptions and 10% once you add three or more
- Home security devices and installation through the O Team
One notable shift since the last update to this guide is the end of Optus Sport. Optus transferred its English Premier League streaming rights to Stan Sport in 2025. So sports fans on either network now generally subscribe to Stan Sport, Kayo or a similar service directly rather than through a telco-branded sports app.
Telstra vs Optus Comparison in terms of Speed and Performance During Peak Times
Typical evening speed, measured between 7pm and 11pm when most households are online at once, is the figure that matters far more than a plan’s maximum theoretical speed.
Telstra has built a reputation for holding its advertised speeds steady during these busy hours, largely because it buys generous wholesale network capacity from NBN Co for its customer base.
Optus performs well in most capital cities too. Although independent speed testing has occasionally shown more variability in regional pockets during peak demand.
If video calls, cloud backups and 4K streaming across multiple devices are a daily reality in your house, an NBN 100 or NBN 500 plan from either provider will handle it comfortably.
Households with one or two people doing fairly light browsing and standard-definition streaming can often get away with NBN 50, especially now that the price gap between NBN 50 and NBN 100 has narrowed.
Telstra vs Optus Broadband, Coverage and Reliability Across Australia
Coverage is where the two networks separate most clearly, and it’s also an area undergoing real change this year.
Mobile and 5G Coverage
Telstra’s full retail mobile network reaches approximately 99.7% of the Australian population, with the smaller Telstra Wholesale network, used by most Telstra-powered resellers, covering around 98.8%.
Telstra’s 5G network covers roughly 95% of the population, the widest 5G footprint of any Australian carrier. Optus covers approximately 98.5% of the population on 4G, and its 5G coverage has climbed to around 91.9% following a network-sharing deal with Vodafone in regional areas.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s new Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Industry Standard takes effect on 30 June 2026 and requires Telstra, Optus and TPG to publish standardised coverage maps, replacing the simple population percentages each telco has historically advertised.
Coverage will be classified as good, moderate, basic or no coverage based on measured signal strength, giving households a clearer picture of what to expect in their specific suburb once the new maps go live.
NBN Market Share and Reliability
Telstra is the largest NBN retailer in Australia by a clear margin. According to the ACCC’s most recent Communications Market Report, Telstra held around 34% of the retail NBN fixed broadband market, This is ahead of TPG Telecom at 18% and Optus at 12%, with smaller independent providers steadily growing their combined share.
Separate ACCC wholesale data put Telstra’s residential NBN connections at just over 3.17 million services as of December 2025.
On reliability, it’s worth a balanced note for both sides. Optus has faced public scrutiny in recent years over network outages, including an incident that affected access to triple-zero emergency calls, alongside a Federal Court penalty in 2025 related to past sales conduct.
Telstra has drawn criticism over premium pricing and was required to adjust its advertised coverage maps under the ACMA reform mentioned above. Neither company has a spotless record. This is why checking independent reviews for your specific suburb is a sensible step before committing to either one.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
Both telcos publish detailed sustainability reporting, and their approaches differ in a few telling ways.
Telstra’s Climate Commitments
Telstra is targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It has already cut its combined scope 1 and 2 emissions by 44% and scope 3 emissions by 43% against a 2019 baseline, with a goal of 70% and 50% reductions respectively by 2030.
Telstra has enabled renewable energy generation equivalent to more than 120% of its own electricity consumption, uses fully recyclable packaging across its branded products, and builds the Telstra Smart Modem casing from around 95% recycled plastic.
Optus’s Climate Commitments
Optus follows a science-based approach to emissions reduction aligned with parent company Singtel’s broader group target of a 42% cut by 2030 against a 2015 baseline.
It aims to reuse or recycle more than 90% of its e-waste. In a notable change of direction, Optus removed its earlier pledge to source 100% renewable electricity by the end of 2025 from its current sustainability strategy, citing energy market volatility, a useful reminder to check a provider’s current commitments rather than relying on older marketing claims.
Future-Proofing Your Home Internet, 5G, IoT and the Next NBN Upgrade
Choosing between Telstra and Optus home internet isn’t just about today’s speeds. Smart home devices, video doorbells, connected appliances and multiple simultaneous streams are only becoming more common in Australian households.
Both networks are positioning themselves for that growth.
Telstra continues to expand its 5G footprint into regional and remote areas. It has partnered with Ericsson on early 6G testing and offers satellite-powered messaging through its Starlink partnership for mobile blackspots. The voice services are expected from 2027.
The Telstra Smart Modem 4 includes 4G backup, so a smart security system or medical alert device can stay connected even during an NBN outage.
Optus is investing in 5G densification across metro areas and has flagged its own direct-to-device satellite messaging service for around 2028. The Optus Ultra WiFi Modem’s built-in 4G backup serves the same purpose as Telstra’s, keeping a household connected during a fixed-line dropout.
NBN Co also expects average network downloads to roughly double again by 2029, so a plan that feels generous today may feel tighter within a few years, particularly for households adding more connected devices each year.
How to Choose Between Telstra and Optus for Your Household
A few practical questions will narrow the decision faster than comparing every spec sheet.
- Check your address first. An NBN or 5G plan is only as good as what’s actually available at your premises, regardless of which brand looks better on paper.
- Count your devices and streamers. A single-person household browsing and streaming standard definition rarely needs more than NBN 50. A family running multiple 4K streams, gaming consoles and remote work calls at once should look at NBN 100 or NBN 500.
- Decide how much you value bundled entertainment versus a lower base price. Optus SubHub suits households juggling several streaming subscriptions already, while Telstra’s entertainment add-ons suit anyone wanting everything on one predictable monthly bill.
- Weigh up regional coverage if you live outside a capital city. Telstra’s wider mobile and 5G reach genuinely matters here, while metro households are unlikely to notice much practical difference.
- Compare exit costs, not the advertised monthly price alone, especially if you might move house or switch providers within the modem repayment period.
Our Panel of NBN and Broadband Suppliers
Telstra and Optus dominate the headlines. but they’re far from the only options on the market, and shopping around for home internet plans can genuinely save you money each month.
CheapBills doesn’t compare every provider on the market. We compare a panel that includes Optus, TPG, Foxtel, Dodo, Mate and Swoop Internet.
- TPG and Dodo often undercut both Telstra and Optus at the NBN 50 and NBN 100 tiers for households that don’t need bundled entertainment or 4G backup.
- Mate and Swoop Internet have built loyal followings on straightforward, no-frills NBN pricing without long-term lock-ins.
- Foxtel is a strong pick for households after a dedicated entertainment package alongside their broadband.
Running a full NBN plans comparison across this wider panel is the most reliable way to land on the best internet provider for your specific budget and usage.
Telstra vs Optus Internet, the Final Verdict for Australian Households
There’s no single winner in the Telstra vs Optus internet debate. Because the better choice always comes back to your address, your data habits and how much you value extras like entertainment bundles or wider regional coverage.
Optus generally wins on price across the NBN and 5G tiers most households actually use, plus unlimited data on every 5G plan. Telstra wins on raw network reach, regional reliability and premium 5G top speeds.
Many Australians have moved between the two brands over the years, and plenty of households would happily recommend either one, depending on their own experience with broadband plans Australia wide.
If you’re still weighing up Telstra vs Optus, or want to see how Optus, TPG, Foxtel, Dodo, Mate and Swoop Internet stack up against both, call our team on 1300 786 045 or get in touch with CheapBills online.
We’ll walk you through current pricing across our panel and help you lock in a plan that actually suits your household, not just the biggest billboard.
FAQs About Telstra vs Optus Internet Plans
Who is bigger, Telstra or Optus?
Telstra is larger on every major measure. It holds the largest share of the Australian NBN retail market, at around 34% according to the ACCC’s most recent reporting, ahead of TPG Telecom and Optus. Its mobile network reaches a wider share of the population than any other Australian carrier.
Is Optus better than Telstra for home internet?
It depends on what you’re optimising for. Optus tends to offer cheaper NBN and 5G pricing at comparable speed tiers, along with unlimited data across every 5G home internet plan.
Telstra offers a wider 5G footprint, stronger regional and remote coverage, and a 4G backup modem as standard on bundled plans. Neither is objectively better across every household. This is why checking your own address and usage first matters more than picking a brand.
How much does Optus home internet cost in 2026?
As of June 2026, Optus NBN plans range from $79 a month for NBN 25 up to $129 a month for NBN 1000, with NBN 100 and NBN 500 both sitting at $99 a month. NBN 25 and NBN 50 are confirmed to rise by $2 to $4 a month from 6 July 2026.
Optus 5G Home Internet starts at $69 a month for the capped Everyday plan and reaches $99 a month for the uncapped Entertainer Superfast plan, with discounted introductory pricing often available for new customers.
How much does Telstra home internet cost in 2026?
As of June 2026, Telstra’s modem-included NBN plans run from $93 a month for Basic (25Mbps) up to $139 a month for Ultrafast (1000Mbps), with a cheaper internet-only option available for customers who bring their own modem.
Starter, Basic and Essential tiers are confirmed to rise by $4 to $5 a month from 1 July 2026. Telstra 5G Home Internet starts at $70 a month for the Basic plan and currently is at $85 a month for the Premium plan, which carries a 1000GB monthly data allowance and is confirmed to rise to $95 a month from 1 July 2026.
Which mobile network has the best coverage in Australia?
Telstra has the widest mobile coverage in Australia, reaching around 99.7% of the population on its full retail network and roughly 95% on 5G. Optus follows with around 98.5% population coverage on 4G and around 91.9% on 5G, after its network-sharing deal with Vodafone improved its regional reach.
Does Optus internet work outside Australia?
Optus home internet and NBN plans are only available within Australia. But Optus mobile plans include international roaming for use overseas, typically priced from around $5 a day for a set data allowance on eligible plans. Roaming inclusions and pricing change regularly, so check current rates on your specific plan before you travel.
Which providers use the Telstra network?
The main resellers running on the Telstra network in 2026 include ALDI Mobile, Belong, Boost Mobile, Everyday Mobile (Woolworths), Exetel, More Telecom, Superloop and Tangerine Telecom. Only Boost Mobile gets access to Telstra’s full retail network, since it’s owned by Telstra itself. While the others run on the slightly smaller Telstra Wholesale network.
Which providers use the Optus network?
Optus shares its network with a wide range of resellers, including amaysim, AGL Mobile, Aussie Broadband, Coles Mobile, Dodo, iPrimus, Moose Mobile, OnePass Mobile, Southern Phone, SpinTel, Swoop and Yomojo. Every Optus reseller gets full access to the same 4G network as Optus itself, with several also offering Optus 5G.
Is Optus 5G home internet unlimited?
Yes. Every Optus 5G Home Internet plan, from the entry-level Everyday tier through to the uncapped Entertainer Superfast plan, comes with unlimited data. That stands out as one of the clearest differences from Telstra’s 5G plans, which all carry a 1000GB monthly cap.
Will I notice the NBN speed upgrades on Telstra or Optus?
If you’re on an eligible Fibre to the Premises or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial connection and were already paying for NBN 100 or NBN 250 before September 2025, you should have automatically received a free upgrade to NBN 500 or NBN 750 from either Telstra or Optus, at no extra cost. Households on Fibre to the Node generally won’t notice a change unless they also qualify for a free fibre upgrade.
Let the Experts Make Your Next Move
Sorting through every NBN tier, 5G plan and bundle from Telstra, Optus and the rest of our panel shouldn’t eat up your weekend.
Cheap Bills can help you choose the right internet plan from Optus, Dodo, Swoop Internet and MATE, as well as compare energy and Foxtel deals for your home, at no cost to you. Call 1300 786 045 or request a callback on the Cheap Bills website, and contact Telstra directly through its own contact page if you prefer a Telstra internet plan.
*Pricing, speed tiers and coverage figures in this guide reflect publicly available rates from Telstra, Optus and the ACCC current as of June 2026. Plans, prices and inclusions change regularly, including the confirmed increases noted above taking effect on 1 July 2026 (Telstra) and 6 July 2026 (Optus), so confirm current details directly with the provider or with the CheapBills team before signing up.
CheapBills does not compare every internet provider on the Australian market and currently compares plans from a panel including Optus, TPG, Foxtel, Dodo, Mate and Swoop Internet.
