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SIM-only mobile plans from $32/month

Keep your mobile bill in check

SIM-only mobile plans from $32/month
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  • Simple activation

    Transfer your mobile number or get a new number - eSIM available

  • Unlimited talk & text

    Within Australia and to 15 selected overseas countries*!

  • No lock-in contracts

    No commitment and data banking on all plans

SIM-Only Mobile Plans - From $32/Month, No Lock-In Contracts

Better Mates

5G
Enabled
(capped speeds apply)
32GB Data
Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps
on 4G and 5G

Read more on plan speeds
  • Data banking 1000GB of banked data
  • Unlimited talk and text to standard Aussie numbers
  • Unlimited International calls & SMS to 15 selected countries
  • eSIM available Quick and simple activation with eSIM
  • Voice over LTE and Wi-Fi calling VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling enabled
  • International roaming available Simple roaming packs, no surprises
BUNDLE TO SAVE MORE
SAVE $10/MTH WHEN YOU ADD INTERNET

Bundle an internet plan to save even more! Get a further $10 per month off our internet plans when you bundle your MATE mobile plan with a MATE internet plan!

Terms & conditions

Best Mates

5G
Enabled
(capped speeds apply)
60GB Data
Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps
on 4G and 5G

Read more on plan speeds
  • Data banking 1000GB of banked data
  • Unlimited talk and text to standard Aussie numbers
  • Unlimited International calls & SMS to 15 selected countries
  • eSIM available Quick and simple activation with eSIM
  • Voice over LTE and Wi-Fi calling VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling enabled
  • International roaming available Simple roaming packs, no surprises
BUNDLE TO SAVE MORE
SAVE $10/MTH WHEN YOU ADD INTERNET

Bundle an internet plan to save even more! Get a further $10 per month off our internet plans when you bundle your MATE mobile plan with a MATE internet plan!

Terms & conditions

Soul Mates

5G
Enabled
(capped speeds apply)
160GB Data
Download speeds are capped at 250mbps
on 4G and 5G

Read more on plan speeds
  • Data banking 1000GB of banked data
  • Unlimited talk and text to standard Aussie numbers
  • Unlimited International calls & SMS to 15 selected countries
  • eSIM available Quick and simple activation with eSIM
  • Voice over LTE and Wi-Fi calling VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling enabled
  • International roaming available Simple roaming packs, no surprises
BUNDLE TO SAVE MORE
SAVE $10/MTH WHEN YOU ADD INTERNET

Bundle an internet plan to save even more! Get a further $10 per month off our internet plans when you bundle your MATE mobile plan with a MATE internet plan!

Terms & conditions

Why mate mobile?

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer my mobile number?

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.

What is data banking?

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.

What countries are included in the unlimited international calls and SMS?

Unlimited calls and SMS to the following 15 countries are included on selected plans at no additional cost:

  • 1 – Canada
  • 2 – China
  • 3 – Germany
  • 4 – Greece
  • 5 – Hong Kong
  • 6 – India
  • 7 – Ireland
  • 8 – Malaysia
  • 9 – New Zealand
  • 10 – Singapore
  • 11 – South Korea
  • 12 – Thailand
  • 13 – United Kingdom
  • 14 – USA
  • 15 – Vietnam

Any calls made to countries not on the above list are charged at various rates

When will the SIM card be sent to me?

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.

Do I have to pay for delivery?

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.

Can I get a mobile plan without a mate internet service?

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!

Are there any contracts?

None! Ever. This is a no-contract SIM only mobile plan

Important mobile stuff

Mobile – international call charges

PDF download

Financial hardship

PDF download

Mobile – price table summary

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

Estimated data usage

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:

  • downloading music, photos, movies and software;
  • software updates;
  • streaming video (such as YouTube);
  • playing mobile games online;
  • sending emails with large files attached (such as video, music or picture files);
  • uploading – such as loading photos and videos onto your social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.
  • video and voice calling.

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

Important information if you are porting (transferring) your mobile number from another mobile provider:

(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/).

If you suspect the occurrence of unauthorised porting of your mobile service number, you should:

(a) contact your mobile carriage service provider for assistance; and/or

(b) contact your financial institution(s)

What are SIM only mobile plans?

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.

I don’t want excess data charges, is a SIM only plan good for me?

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.

What happens once I have locked in SIM only mobile plans?

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!

What is a SIM card?

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.

What features do SIM only mobile plans have?

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!

Are mobile SIM only plans right for me?

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:

  • You want to pay less than you are paying now on your current plan;
  • You have finished your contract, but don’t like any of the phones available now;
  • You already have an unlocked phone that is in good condition, and you want to keep using it. Or maybe, you have a phone that you want to unlock and you’re after BYO mobile plans;
  • You don’t give two hoots about having the most up-to-date technology, you just want to be able to talk, text and get on with life.

Can I keep my old phone number?

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.

Why choose us for your mobile SIM only plans?

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.

What is the difference between prepaid and postpaid mobile plans?

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.

How does MATE’s network coverage compare to other mobile providers?

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.

Can I change my mobile plan if my needs change?

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.

Are there any discounts for bundling mobile plans?

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.

How do I know which mobile plan is best for me?

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.

Is it possible to monitor my data usage with MATE?

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.

Can I share my mobile data with other devices?

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.

How do I activate my new MATE SIM card?

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:

  1. If you are porting (transferring) your current mobile number from a different provider, it is important that you refrain from placing the MATE SIM card into your phone at this stage. Your existing SIM card from your current provider will remain functional even after the activation form submission.
  2. An SMS containing a verification code will be sent to the mobile number you wish to port (transfer) to MATE. Confirm this SMS through the provided link—this is a legal mandate designed to safeguard against unauthorised number porting.
  3. Transferring your existing mobile number to MATE may take up to 24 hours, taking place during regular business hours—Monday to Friday (8am-8pm AEST) and Saturday (10am-6pm AEST). No porting takes place on Sundays or national public holidays.
  4. Upon successful activation, you will be notified via SMS and email. Sometimes, your existing SIM card from your current mobile provider may cease to function before you receive these notifications. If that happens, you can insert the new MATE SIM card into your phone.
  5. If you chose an eSIM, once we’ve ported your number you’ll receive an e-mail with a QR code. Scan the QR code and boom, your number will work on your phone.

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.

What is the difference between a SIM-only and a prepaid 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.

How to choose the right mobile plan

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.

TL;DR – Quick Takeaways

  • Most people need 20–40GB data – less if you’re on WiFi a lot, more if you stream or hotspot
  • No-contract plans save money and give you flexibility – you can change or cancel anytime
  • Check what network the plan uses – MATE runs on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network
  • Students: look for no lock-in and affordable data – you don’t need unlimited everything
  • Don’t pay for features you won’t use (international calls, excess data banking, etc.)

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

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

Three Things to Sort Before You Choose

Step 1: Figure Out Your Data Need

Use the table above as a starting point, then think about your day-to-day WiFi access:

  • Home WiFi + work WiFi = you need less data than you think
  • Long commute or field work = you need more
  • Regularly hotspot your laptop = add 20–40GB
Step 2: Go No-Contract

Unless a contract comes with a phone deal that genuinely stacks up, month-to-month is the smarter move:

  • Cancel or change anytime
  • No exit fees
  • Competitive pricing – you’re not locked into a rate set two years ago
  • Switch providers whenever you find something better

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.

Step 3: Check the Network

The network behind a plan matters far more than the brand selling it:

  • Telstra network: Best coverage in Australia, especially in regional areas — check the coverage map for details
  • Optus network: Good metro coverage, weaker in remote areas
  • Vodafone network: Solid metro and regional, improving constantly

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.

Why No-Contract Plans Are Better

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.

No-Contract Benefits
  • Freedom: Cancel anytime, no penalties
  • Flexibility: Upgrade or downgrade as your needs change
  • Better pricing: No lock-in means carriers have to stay competitive
  • No surprises: What you see is what you pay
  • Easy switching: Move to a better deal whenever you find one
When Contracts Make Sense

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.

What to Compare When Choosing Plans

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

Mobile Plans for Students

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:

1. No Lock-In

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.

2. You Don’t Need Unlimited Everything

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.

3. Consider Prepaid

Prepaid keeps spending predictable – you top up what you need and can’t go over budget. Good if you’re watching every dollar.

4. International Students: Check Roaming

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.

Student Money-Saving Tips
  • Check what you’re actually using before you choose a plan
  • Use campus, library, and home WiFi as much as you can
  • Avoid phone contracts – a mid-range phone bought outright plus a cheap plan usually beats a bundled deal
  • Prepaid is worth considering if you want a hard cap on spending
  • Don’t add international calls unless you make them regularly

Quick Money-Saving Tips

  • Match your data to what you actually use: Check your usage first – don’t pay for a buffer you’ll never need
  • Avoid contracts: Month-to-month plans are usually cheaper and easier to change
  • Skip features you won’t use: International calls, data banking, premium support – only pay for what applies to you
  • Lean on WiFi: Download content at home, update apps on WiFi, use WiFi calling when you can
  • Consider prepaid: If you want to cap your spending, prepaid removes the risk of bill shock entirely
  • Choose the right network: MVNOs like MATE use major networks but charge less than going direct to the big carriers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the Difference Between Prepaid and Postpaid? Prepaid means you pay before you can use telecommunication services; you simply top up your credit and spend it down. Postpaid means you use the service throughout the month and get billed at the end. Postpaid tends to offer better value if you’re a heavy user; prepaid suits anyone who wants to know exactly what they’re spending.
  • Can I Keep My Phone Number When I Switch Plans? Yes. Number porting is standard in Australia. Your new provider handles the transfer – it usually takes a few hours on activation day.
  • Do I Need 5G? Only if you have a 5G phone and spend time in areas with 5G coverage — check our coverage map to see what’s available in your area. 4G is still fast enough for most things – if you’re on a 4G device, don’t pay extra for it. To access 5G, you’ll need a 5G compatible device and be within a 5G coverage area. 5G is now available in most metro and regional areas and continues to expand (coverage map).
  • What Happens If I Run Out of Data? Depends on your plan. Some providers slow your speed down so you can still browse, just not quickly. Some charge excess fees. Some cut you off. MATE slows your speed rather than charging extra – so no nasty bill at the end of the month.
  • Are MVNOs as Good as the Big Carriers? MVNOs rent network access from the big carriers and sell plans at lower prices. MATE uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network. While there are some differences in coverage, speed caps and services compared to Telstra retail, you’re getting great value mobile without the big telco price tag. Check our coverage map to see what’s available in your area.
  • Can I Share Data Between Family Members? Some providers offer shared data pools. MATE doesn’t currently, but individual plans matched to each person’s actual usage often work out cheaper than a shared plan anyway.
  • What’s the Difference Between Standard Calls and International Calls? Standard calls are to Australian numbers, including mobiles and landlines. International calls, text messages and MMS usually cost extra unless your plan specifically includes them.
  • Do I Need a New SIM Card When I Switch Providers? Usually yes. Your new provider sends a physical SIM or eSIM QR code. Swap it in and your old SIM deactivates. If you go eSIM, there’s no card at all – it activates by scanning a QR code.
  • How Long Does It Take to Activate a New Mobile Plan? Physical SIM: 1–3 days for delivery, then instant activation. eSIM: delivered by email, active within minutes. If you’re porting your number, add a few hours on top on activation day.
  • What’s Data Throttling? When you hit your data limit, some providers reduce your speed rather than charging you extra or cutting you off. You can still browse and message – just not at full pace. Typical throttled speeds are around 1–2Mbps instead of full 4G or 5G.
  • Can I Pause My Mobile Plan If I’m Travelling Overseas? Depends on the provider. MATE can pause your service in some circumstances – reach out to the support team to talk through your options. If pausing isn’t possible, keeping the plan active with roaming added or picking up a local SIM overseas are both worth considering.
  • Is Unlimited Data Actually Unlimited? Usually, but read the fine print. Some plans slow your speed after a certain amount of data and call it unlimited. Check your plan’s Critical Information Summary for full details on how your data works.
  • Do Mobile Plans Include Calls to 13/1300/1800 Numbers? Most do. Premium numbers – anything starting with 19 – usually cost extra regardless of your plan. If you call specific number types regularly, check the plan details before signing up.
  • What’s the Difference Between Telstra Retail and Telstra Wholesale? Telstra Wholesale is the network infrastructure that MVNOs like MATE use. There are some differences in coverage, speed caps and services compared to Telstra retail. During heavy congestion, MVNOs sit slightly lower in priority, but most people won’t notice it day-to-day. The price difference, on the other hand, is hard to miss. Check our coverage map for details on where the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network reaches.
  • Can I Use My Phone as a WiFi Hotspot? Yes, most plans allow it. Hotspot data draws from your regular allowance, so if you regularly tether a laptop or tablet, factor in an extra 20–40GB when picking your plan.

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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