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Transfer your mobile number or get a new number - eSIM available
Within Australia and to 15 selected overseas countries*!
No commitment and data banking on all plans
Yes, with our SIM only mobile plans, you can transfer your existing mobile number. You do so via a self activation process which you can complete in our myMATE app or self-care portal.
If you choose eSIM you can activate right away, if you select a physical SIM card you'll need to wait to you have received your SIM before you can activate.
Data banking allows you to keep your unused data each month!
Let’s say you are on our 40GB mobile plan - in this case, you would start your monthly cycle with 40GB of data.
At the end of the month, you’ve only used 20GB of your allocated data. Instead of losing the remaining 20GB of mobile data, it will effectively get added to your "bank" for when you need it.
You would now have a total of 60GB of data (40GB for this month + 20GB of "banked" data from last month).
The amount of data you can bank varies depending on your plan.
Unlimited calls and SMS to the following 15 countries are included on selected plans at no additional cost:
Any calls made to countries not on the above list are charged at various rates
If you select eSIM as your SIM type, you can activate right away and no SIM card will be sent to you.
If you select a physical SIM as your SIM type, we'll send this to you within 2 – 10 business days of your order being processed.
There's no charge for either SIM type we offer!
If you choose a physical SIM card, we'll ship out your SIM card(s) free of charge once your order is processed.
Yes, you certainly can! Our SIM only mobile plans are available on their own, but bundle your mobile with a MATE nbn plan and you'll save $10 per month on your internet!
None! Ever. This is a no-contract SIM only mobile plan
This is the summarised MATE mobile price table - valid from 15/05/2023
general |
|
| Increments (Calls) | Per 60 seconds |
| Increments (Data) | Per Kilobyte (kB) |
| Standard Text Message (SMS) | 160 characters |
call pricing |
|
| Emergency Calls (000, 112) | Free within Australia |
| 1800 Numbers | Free within Australia |
| 13/1300 Numbers | Free within Australia |
| 1100 Dial Before You Dig | Free within Australia |
| 19 Numbers (Special Services) | Disabled – Not Available |
| Directory Assistance (1223) | Flagfall $0.95 + $0.05 per minute |
| Call Forwarding Australia | Free within Australia |
| Telstra Mobile Satellite | Flagfall $0.39 + $1.20 per minute |
| Optus MobileSat | Flagfall $0.36 + $1.98 per minute |
other pricing |
|
| Voicemail Retrieval | Free within Australia |
| National Fixed Line Calls | Free within Australia |
| National Mobile Network Calls | Free within Australia |
| Flagfall | Free within Australia |
| National SMS | Free within Australia |
| International SMS | $0.75 per SMS |
| SMS to 13/1300 | $0.11 per SMS |
| SMS to 18/1800 | $0.11 per SMS |
| Premium SMS (e.g. to 1-900 numbers) | Disabled – Not Available |
| SMS to Telstra Mobile Satellite [014710, x1, x2, x4, x5, x6] | $0.50 per SMS |
| SMS to Optus MobileSat [01451, x2, x3] | $0.50 per SMS |
| National MMS | Free within Australia |
| National Video MMS | Free within Australia |
| International MMS | $0.75 per MMS |
| International Video MMS | $0.77 per MMS |
| MMS to email (standard) | Free within Australia |
| MMS to email (video) | Free within Australia |
| MMS Telstra Mobile Satellite [014710, x1, x2, x4, x5, x6] | $0.77 per MMS |
| MMS Optus MobileSat [01451, x2, x3] | $0.77 per MMS |
| Excess data | Not available |
| iMessage Activation | Free within Australia |
The amount of data you will use depends on what services/features you access on your MATE mobile service. Some types of files or features use a lot of data. These include:
Knowing how much data different activities, like emailing, browsing the internet, and streaming video or audio content use can also help you to keep your data use in check. See an example below:
activity |
approximate data used |
| Sending or receiving 40 emails without attachments | 2 MB |
| Visiting 5 different web pages | 2 MB |
| Browsing Facebook for 10 minutes | 3 MB |
| Streaming 10 minutes of audio content | 10 MB |
| Streaming 10 minutes of video on YouTube (standard definition) | 70 MB |
| Making a 10 minute call on Skype (standard not video) | 10 MB |
| Uploading 10 photos | 40 MB |
(a) To protect customers from unauthorised ports, an additional identity verification process will be used to verify the identity of the person making a porting request, prior to the mobile service number being ported;
(b) In the event you suspect that your mobile service number has been fraudulently ported you should immediately contact:
(i) the Australian Federal Police or the relevant State or Territory Police; and/or
(ii) government services that support customers whose mobile service number is the subject of an unauthorised port. Currently these kinds of services include Scamwatch (https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/) and IDCARE (https://www.idcare.org/).
(a) contact your mobile carriage service provider for assistance; and/or
(b) contact your financial institution(s)
If you’ve been locked into a long mobile phone plan contract with your telco, there may be a bunch of regrets associated with the signing of that document. It can be frustrating being locked into a contract with excess data charges that can last up to three years with any of the major mobile network providers, but the news is good if yours is soon coming to an end.
All the major telecommunications companies offer what is called a sim only plan for mobile phones. These SIM only mobile plan can be pretty handy and mobile SIM only plans are typically available in either prepaid or postpaid options. Most of them will include unlimited standard national calls but many of them will come without any lock in contracts.
SIM only mobile plans mean that instead of having to buy a new handset every time your contract runs out, you can re-use any unlocked handset you like for the duration of the plan. Instead of the mobile network provider supplying you with an overpriced phone that you need to pay off for the next two years or more, you get to bring your existing phone to them, and select the mobile SIM only plans that suit you best. Depending on the plan and the provider, some SIM only plans will offer features like data sharing, unlimited standard international SMS, and may not have any excess data charges - but check with the provider itself if you want specific information on features like standard national calls, max speed data and unlimited standard international SMS. Some providers may even cater for premium services, though these will usually come with excess data charges.
Telecommunications technology in Australia has advanced dramatically in the last few years and will continue to move forward at a speedy pace. However, this doesn’t mean that your current phone is not good enough to keep for your next plan. The best part about SIM-only mobile plans is that you get to choose your own device; whether it’s a hand-me-down phone from a member of your family or a brand new phone you were gifted, there is nothing limiting you to the options the providers force you to choose from.
Instead of receiving a new mobile phone, for your SIM only mobile plan you will receive a new SIM card which will be connected to our network. All you need to do from here is activate your new MATE SIM card in our self-care portal or myMATE app and when it’s ready, insert it into your existing unlocked mobile phone. No contract, no annoying paperwork to fill out for a new phone, just a simple process that will have you ready to go in no time. At MATE, all of our 4G and 5G mobile plans include unlimited standard local calls, unlimited standard national calls, and unlimited calls to mobiles within Australia. There’s also no excess data charges, data allowance is generous on every plan with 4G or 5G data (depending on the plan) and all through the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network. Best of all, our SIM only plan comes with no lock in contracts!
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is the small detachable card that stores the data required to recognise you as a subscriber on the network. It will allow you to make all your calls - whether its standard national calls, video calls, or use your included mobile data, SIM cards can be removed and added to any device that is unlocked and used as normal. An ‘unlocked’ device is a phone that is not secured to a specific contract or provider. When you purchase a phone under contract from a major telco, the phone will typically be locked so you can only use it with that company. An unlocked phone means you can use it with any company. Once you have ended a contract and paid out your phone, you can ask your provider to unlock it.
We now offer eSIM on all mobile plans!
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your service provider without having to use a physical SIM card. This means you can activate much quicker, without waiting for your SIM to arrive in the mail.
SIM only mobile plans will have all the features, inclusions, and extras that your previous long contract-based plan has. It does have one thing more that you cannot get with a long contract, however, and that is flexibility.
SIM Only Mobile Plans, like standard contract plans, will typically include standard national SMS and MMS, national voice calls, voicemail, and a selected mobile data package. Some plans with various providers may include data sharing, international roaming, and may not have excess data charges, particularly if it is a prepaid product.
At MATE, our plans are ideal for your mobile plan, offering a postpaid option with no excess data charges, hefty mobile data allowance, no lock in contracts and all using the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network. All plans offer unlimited national calls and texting within Australia so that you can contact your mates any time of the day, no worries. There are also no lock-in plans, so if you change your mind, you’ll be right. We also offer cheap mobile data, and best of all, you can bundle it with your nbn internet plan to save $10 per month!
Mobile SIM only plans come with everything normal mobile plans come with; they just cost less because there is no new handset in the costs. There are many reasons why SIM only mobile plans might be right for you. Here are just a few of those reasons:
Depending on the new mobile SIM only plans provider, you can often keep your existing phone number and automatically switch this to a new provider. This is called mobile number porting – which is basically transferring your old number to your new non contract SIM cards. Of course, if you start BYO mobile plans with us, you can retain your existing mobile number. You can do this via our self-activation process in our self-care portal or myMATE app, which you complete once you receive your new SIM card.
Forget Telstra mobile plans SIM only. If you’re looking for SIM card plans with plenty of mobile data that have all the features of a Telstra mobile plan, but don’t want to live with the stress of a long contract, data charges or complex phone plan, our mobile SIM only plans are a great option. When you sign up with LetsBeMates.com.au to our nbn bundle options, you can have fast internet, a great mobile phone plan on the 4G or 5G Telstra Wholesale Network with unlimited calls and text to standard Aussie numbers, and your existing phone number.
Prepaid plans require you to pay upfront for your mobile services, while postpaid plans bill you at the end of each month. With prepaid plans, you only pay for what you use, and once your credit runs out, you’ll need to top up to continue using your phone. Postpaid plans, on the other hand, often come with set allowances for calls, texts, and data, with any usage beyond these allowances being charged at additional rates. At MATE, we offer postpaid plans that provide a hassle-free experience with no excess data charges, generous data allowances, and the flexibility of no lock-in contracts.
MATE utilises the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, which offers extensive network coverage across Australia. This means you can enjoy reliable and fast connections, whether you're in a bustling city or a rural area. By choosing MATE for your mobile phone plan, you can benefit from one of the best mobile networks in the country while still enjoying competitive pricing and great customer service.
Absolutely! One of the benefits of choosing MATE’s no lock-in contract mobile phone plans is the flexibility to change your plan whenever your needs change. If you find that you require more or less data, simply change your plan in our self-care portal or myMATE app. Alternatively, if you have questions just get in touch with our friendly customer support team, and they’ll assist you in switching to a plan that better suits your needs. Remember, there are no lock-in contracts, so you have the freedom to adjust your plan as necessary.
Yes! MATE offers fantastic bundle discounts for new customers. When you bundle a MATE mobile plan with a MATE nbn internet plan, you’ll save $10 per month on your internet service. This makes it even more affordable to enjoy the benefits of MATE’s cheap phone plans and unlimited data internet plans, all while experiencing top-notch customer support and network coverage.
When trying to find the best mobile phone plan it’s important to consider factors such as your monthly data usage, call and text requirements, and any international calling needs. While you might be surfing the net trying to compare mobile phone plans—from Telstra mobile phone plans to Optus mobile phone plans—MATE offers a range of mobile packages to suit an array of different usage habits. This makes it easy to choose a plan that aligns with your needs. Our plans feature unlimited standard national calls and texts, generous data allowances, and the option to include unlimited international calls and SMS to selected countries. By taking stock of your specific needs and comparing them to our available plans, you can be sure that you’re getting a mobile phone plan that’s tailored to you.
Yes, MATE makes it easy for you to keep track of your data usage. Simply log in to the MATE self-care portal or via our myMATE iPhone or Android mobile app, and you’ll be able to view your current data usage for the month. This helps you stay informed so you can make the most of your mobile phone plan.
Yes, you can share your mobile data with other devices by using your phone as a personal hotspot. This allows you to connect devices like tablets, laptops and other smartphones to your mobile data connection. Keep in mind that using your phone as a hotspot will consume your mobile plan’s data allowance, so it’s essential to monitor your usage to avoid running out of data.
Activating your new MATE SIM card is a quick and straightforward process.
If you opt for a physical SIM, Once you receive your SIM card in the mail you can activate it in our self-care portal or myMATE app.
If you opt for an eSIM, you can activate it right after sign up in our self-care portal or myMATE app
Once you submit the activation, you will have to complete the following process:
Once you’ve completed the activation process and placed the SIM card in your compatible, unlocked mobile device, you’ll be all set to enjoy your new MATE mobile plan.
A SIM-only plan is a postpaid plan that does not include a mobile device, allowing you to use your existing unlocked phone. SIM-only plans typically come with a set allowance for calls, texts, and data, and you’re billed at the end of the month for your usage. In contrast, a prepaid plan requires you to pay for your mobile services upfront, with the option to recharge or top up your credit when it runs out. Both SIM-only and prepaid plans offer flexibility and cost savings, but MATE focuses on providing postpaid SIM-only plans to deliver the best value and convenience for our customers.
There’s no perfect plan, just the right one for how you use your phone. Here’s how to cut through the noise, figure out what you actually need, and avoid paying for things you won’t use.
Pick this right and you’ll save money every month. Pick wrong and you’re either paying for data you never touch or running out on a Tuesday.
| Data Amount | What You Can Do | Good For | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10GB | Light browsing, messaging, maps, occasional social media. Mostly on WiFi. | Retirees, people working from home, light phone users | Anyone mostly on WiFi throughout the day |
| 20–30GB | Regular social media, music streaming, video calls, daily browsing. WiFi at home and work. | Most people – this is the sweet spot | Everyday users with home and work WiFi access |
| 40–60GB | Video streaming on commutes, heavy social media, regular hotspot use, lots of video calls. | Commuters, field workers, heavy users | People who rely on mobile data during the day |
| 80GB+ | Constant streaming, mobile hotspot as main internet, gaming, video creation. | Road warriors, content creators, people with no home internet | Heavy users who need data as a backup or primary connection |
| Unlimited | Stream, download, and hotspot without ever checking a counter. | People who hate worrying about usage | High-volume users who want zero stress |
Use the table above as a starting point, then think about your day-to-day WiFi access:
Unless a contract comes with a phone deal that genuinely stacks up, month-to-month is the smarter move:
Contracts make sense only if you’re getting a phone you can’t afford upfront and the total cost works out cheaper than buying it outright.
The network behind a plan matters far more than the brand selling it:
MATE uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, with predicted coverage areas in all Australian major cities, most outer-metro areas and larger regional centres, as well as many smaller towns and transport corridors — at lower prices, because we’re an MVNO. Check our coverage map.
Contracts made sense when carriers subsidised expensive phones and tied you in to recover the cost. These days, most people are better off without one.
There’s really one scenario where a contract works in your favour: you want a flagship phone but can’t cover the upfront cost, and the total contract price – phone plus plan over 24–36 months – comes out cheaper than buying it outright.
Run the numbers first. Most phone deals look better than they are until you add everything up. Buying the phone outright (or on interest-free finance from a retailer) and pairing it with a cheap no-contract plan usually wins.
Price catches your eye first, but here’s what’s worth looking at before you commit:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Data amount | Enough for your usage, plus a buffer – don’t pay for gigabytes you’ll never use |
| Network coverage | Which network does the plan run on? Coverage matters more than the brand selling it |
| 5G access | Worth it if you have a 5G phone and live or work in metro areas |
| Calls and texts | Unlimited talk and text to standard Australian numbers is standard on most plans now |
| International calls | Only pay for this if you regularly call overseas numbers |
| Contract length | Month-to-month wherever possible |
| Customer service | Australian-based support is worth looking for – it makes a difference when something goes wrong |
| Excess data charges | Some plans charge for going over your limit, others just slow you down – know which applies |
| Data rollover | A nice feature, but don’t pay significantly more to get it |
Between moving cities, changing budgets, and time overseas, student life doesn’t sit still. Here’s what to look for in a plan that keeps up:
Semester schedules shift, budgets tighten, and plenty of students spend a chunk of the year overseas. A plan you can pause, downgrade, or cancel without penalties is worth more than any fancy feature set.
Campus WiFi, library WiFi, home WiFi – you’re probably connected to something most of the day. Start with 20–30GB and only upgrade if you actually run short.
Prepaid keeps spending predictable – you top up what you need and can’t go over budget. Good if you’re watching every dollar.
If you head home during semester breaks, check international roaming costs before you go. Some plans let you pause service while you’re away, which can save you paying for a month you won’t use.
Download speeds are capped depending on your plan. This is the maximum potential download speed. Typical speeds may often be slower and will vary due to factors such as location, device capabilities, distance from the base station, local conditions, concurrent users, hardware and software configuration and download/upload destination.
Ready to find your plan? Check out MATE’s mobile plans – all on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, no lock-in contracts, Australian-based support.
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