Great prices on prepaid and postpaid phone plans are only one example of why Woolworths Mobile is so damn good. Operating across the Telstra 4G network, it delivers excellent coverage across 98.8% of the population. Sitting well above what Optus and Vodafone can provide in terms of coverage, Woolworths Mobile is a terrific choice when it comes to your phone plan.
But how good is it really, and what are the alternatives when it comes to affordable mobile phone plans with Telstra-like coverage?
Woolworths Mobile vs Optus coverage
To better illustrate the difference between Woolworths Mobile and competing telcos like Optus, we’ve juxtaposed the map below to show you both Woolworths Mobile coverage and Optus coverage.
Use the slider to compare the difference.
As you would expect from coverage on the Telstra network, the Woolworths Mobile coverage map shows improvements in regional coverage, especially in Western Australian, to the east of Perth; and in South Australia, as you head north.
Along the densely populated east coast, Woolies has coverage which is at least as good as its competitors, if not better.
Having access to Telstra’s Wholesale network means getting better coverage across rural Australia, as well as in major capital cities, giving Woolies mobile coverage that is as good if not better than its competitors.
If you need to test it out for yourself in the real world, then run a test on our Mobile Phone Plans page to see coverage available nearest to your address. Alternatively, you can check out the Woolworths Mobile Coverage Map for a closer look in your area. If you’re already sold on going to Woolies for your mobile phone plan, then check out their most popular SIM-only mobile phone plan:
|
#1
|
Everyday Mobile 
|
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Everyday Mobile
|
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Everyday Mobile
|
Link not supplied
|
How does this work?
Woolworths Mobile is what we call in the industry an MVNO or a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. The focus here is on the word ‘virtual,’ as Woolworths doesn’t operate a physical network and instead resells the Telstra network through its agreements.
MVNOs are a standard part of the mobile phone industry these days. In fact, most of the providers we compare in the WhistleOut Search Engine are MVNOs. For example, companies like amaysim, Vaya, and Yomojo resell the Optus network, while TPG and Kogan Mobile resell the Vodafone network.
How fast is Woolworths Mobile?
Despite not having the same coverage as Telstra and Boost Mobile customers, Woolies still boasts some pretty impressive speeds. Telstra’s 4G wholesale network can reach speeds of up to 100Mbps, which is as fast as a top-notch NBN home internet service. However, Telstra’s main network, also known as ‘4GX’, can reach up to and over 1Gbps (although it is virtually impossible to reach these speeds in real-world situations).
Is Woolworths Mobile my only option?
Because Woolworths Mobile is part of a wider group of nine providers with access to the larger Telstra Network, eight other Telstra MVNOs are vying for your business in Australia. However, there is a catch. Woolworths Mobile, along with most other Telstra MVNOs, uses Telstra’s Wholesale network, which covers 98.8% of the population, rather than the full Telstra Network which serves 99.4% of the Australian population. That is except for Boost Mobile which fortunately offers unfettered access to the full network. Here are the most popular phone plans from Boost Mobile:
|
#1
|
Boost Mobile 
|
|
|
#2
|
Boost Mobile
|
|
|
#3
|
Boost Mobile
|
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
|
|
|
#5
|
Boost Mobile
|
|
|
#6
|
Boost Mobile
|
To avoid disappointment, rural Aussies should double-check the coverage available in their area before committing to a new plan. You can read more about Telstra MVNO coverage here.
On the other hand, city-slickers will most likely be able to get away with Telstra coverage with some of these Telstra MVNOs.
Read more about MVNOs and how they work here.
Which phones does Woolworths Mobile offer?
Unfortunately, Woolworths Mobile no longer offers mobile phones on a plan. If you already own a phone and you just need a SIM card and Telstra coverage, then Woolworth Mobile’s prepaid plans are worth a look. Each plan comes with the option to get 10% off a single shop every month at Woolies. Those with larger plans will also receive some included international calls.
|
Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid $250 Long Expiry Recharge
$230
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Alternatively, you can check out one of Woolies Long Expiry plans and receive the same 10% discount off one monthly shop at Woolies. Plus, thanks to Woolworths Mobile Data Gifting, you can gift your data to friends and family on a Woolworths Mobile Long Expiry plan.
|
#1
|
Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid $130 Long Expiry Recharge
$120
Per 180 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid $250 Long Expiry Recharge
$230
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Everyday Mobile
Pre-paid $320 Long Expiry Recharge
$280
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of mobile phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
Related Articles
Sign up for telco news, money-saving deals and more.
