5G in Australia is now accessible to 85% of the population, with plans to reach 95% by mid-2025. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have widespread coverage, while regional areas and suburbs are also catching up. Here’s what you need to know:
- Major Providers: Telstra (87% population coverage), Optus (2.1+ million homes), and Vodafone (1,000+ suburbs).
- Speeds: Average speeds range from 250 Mbps to 500 Mbps, with Telstra offering peak speeds of up to 3 Gbps.
- Coverage Expansion: Over 200 cities and 3,000 suburbs now have 5G, with significant growth in rural and coastal areas.
- Older Networks: Telstra is shutting down its 3G network by August 2024 to boost 5G capacity.
- Government Support: $14.3 million invested to accelerate 5G infrastructure.
To check availability in your area, use provider coverage maps or third-party tools. With 5G’s rapid growth, Australians can enjoy faster internet for streaming, gaming, work, and more.
What will Optus and Vodafone‘s Regional Sharing Deal Mean For Aussies?
Where 5G is Available in Australia
Australia’s largest cities now enjoy extensive 5G coverage, especially across metropolitan areas. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra are at the forefront, with major telecom providers ensuring high-speed connectivity for millions of residents. This means faster internet for work, streaming, gaming, and more.
5G Coverage in Major Cities
In central city areas and nearby suburbs, multiple carriers provide 5G services, giving residents the flexibility to choose from different providers while maintaining consistent service quality.
5G in Suburbs and Regional Areas
5G isn’t just for city dwellers anymore. Many regional areas, including coastal and inland communities, now have access to 5G. Telstra has extended its coverage to parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and popular coastal regions like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Central Coast. This expansion shows how 5G is reaching beyond urban hubs.
How Much of the Population is Covered?
Australia’s 5G network now covers 85% of the population, reflecting rapid progress in connectivity:
| Coverage Metric | Percentage/Details |
|---|---|
| Current Population Coverage (2024) | 85% |
| Target Coverage (mid-2025) | Over 95% |
| Number of Cities with Coverage | 200+ |
| Suburbs with Coverage | 3,000+ |
Major providers have deployed over 200 mobile sites equipped with 5G technology [3], ensuring reliable service in both urban centers and regional areas. As older networks are phased out – like Telstra’s 3G network, which will be retired by August 31, 2024 [3] – 5G is becoming the backbone of Australia’s digital infrastructure.
With such widespread coverage, it’s worth exploring what each telecom provider offers for 5G services.
Telecom Providers Offering 5G in Australia
Australia’s 5G landscape is shaped by Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, each bringing distinct strengths to the table. Their competition is driving network expansion and improvements, giving consumers access to faster connections and broader coverage.
Telstra‘s 5G Network
Telstra leads the pack with the widest 5G coverage, reaching 87% of the Australian population [2]. Whether in cities or regional areas, Telstra delivers reliable coverage and competitive speeds.
| Telstra 5G Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Population Coverage | 87% |
| Average Speed | 500 Mbps |
| Peak mmWave Speed | 3 Gbps |
Optus’s 5G Network
Optus focuses on household connectivity, now covering over 2.1 million homes [2]. With an emphasis on urban areas, Optus delivers speeds on par with Telstra.
| Optus 5G Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Household Coverage | 2.1+ million |
| Live Sites | 1,000+ |
| Average Speed | 500 Mbps |
Vodafone’s 5G Network
Vodafone has a smaller footprint, focusing on densely populated areas and coastal hubs. It currently covers 1,000 suburbs [2]. Although its speeds average 250 Mbps, Vodafone remains a solid choice in its covered zones [2].
| Vodafone 5G Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Suburbs Covered | 1,000 |
| Average Speed | 250 Mbps |
| Focus Areas | Urban and coastal hubs |
All three providers are actively investing in millimeter wave spectrum auctions to boost their services [1]. This ongoing competition translates to better network quality and more choices for Australian consumers.
Next, we’ll look at how to check 5G availability in your area and compare provider coverage maps.
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How to Find Out if 5G is Available Near You
Want to make the most of 5G’s speed and low latency? Knowing if it’s available in your area is key. Whether you’re thinking of switching providers or just curious about local 5G access, there are a few reliable ways to check.
Using Provider Coverage Maps
Australia’s major telcos offer detailed coverage maps on their websites. These maps let you check 5G availability by simply entering your address or postcode.
| Provider | Coverage Map Details |
|---|---|
| Telstra | Highlights current 5G coverage and future build plans |
| Optus | Shows indoor and outdoor coverage strength |
| Vodafone | Breaks down 5G availability by suburb |
Third-Party Tools for Coverage Checks
Third-party tools can also help you compare 5G coverage across Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Keep in mind, though, that factors like building density, peak usage times, and terrain can impact what you actually experience. For the best results, cross-check these tools with provider maps and user reviews.
Here are some tips for accurate results:
- Use both provider maps and third-party tools for comparison.
- Factor in real-world conditions like terrain and building density.
- Check for updates on network expansions to get the latest coverage info.
Knowing your current coverage is just the beginning – there’s more to uncover about how 5G is expanding across Australia.
Plans for Expanding 5G in Australia
Telecom providers are working hard to roll out 5G, aiming to cover over 95% of Australians by mid-2025. Significant investments are being made in infrastructure and technology to make this happen.
5G Goals for 2025 and Beyond
Telstra is leading the charge, predicting that 80% of mobile data traffic will be carried by 5G networks by 2025. To support this, the Australian government has allocated $14.3 million to speed up 5G infrastructure development and adoption.
| Provider | Coverage Target | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 95% population coverage | Mid-2025 |
| All Networks Combined | 35% subscriber base (13M users) | 2025 |
| Regional Coverage | Sub 1 GHz spectrum deployment | Ongoing |
As part of this expansion, telecom providers are reallocating resources from older networks to bolster 5G services.
Shutting Down Older Networks
Telstra plans to shut down its 3G network in August 2024. This move will free up spectrum for 5G, boosting network capacity and performance. Key benefits of this transition include:
- Moving 3G users to 4G and 5G networks
- Redirecting spectrum resources to support 5G
- Improving overall network capabilities
The reallocation of spectrum will particularly benefit rural areas, as sub 1 GHz bands are better suited for covering large, remote regions. This approach ensures 5G can reach more Australians, addressing the country’s unique geographical challenges.
These investments and strategies are laying the groundwork for future technologies, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of digital connectivity. The ongoing 5G rollout is set to redefine how Australians stay connected.
More Resources to Learn About 5G
If you’re looking to stay informed about 5G developments in Australia, several trusted resources can help you navigate this evolving landscape.
Oz Broadband Review Blog
This blog offers practical, easy-to-understand guides and comparisons focused on 5G and broadband services in Australia. Some highlights include:
- Detailed reviews of 5G home internet plans
- Side-by-side comparisons of 5G vs. NBN services
- Tips for improving your 5G connection
- Updates on network coverage as it expands
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
The ACMA is a go-to source for real-time updates on 5G in Australia. They provide tools and information to help you stay updated, including:
| Resource Type | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Coverage Maps | Real-time updates on network reach |
| Technical Reports | Details on infrastructure changes |
| Regulatory Updates | Insights into policy changes impacting 5G |
Other Key Resources
To get a well-rounded view of 5G availability and options, explore these additional sources:
- Provider websites for the latest coverage details
- Government reports on telecommunications
- Independent consumer guides for unbiased advice
Using these resources, Australians can keep up with 5G’s rapid growth and make informed decisions about their connectivity options.
Summary of 5G Availability in Australia
As of 2024, 5G coverage in Australia has seen notable progress. Major telecom providers have been actively expanding their networks:
| Provider | Current Coverage | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 87% of the population | Leading coverage nationwide |
| Optus | Over 1,000 sites | Strong presence in cities |
| Vodafone | 1,000+ suburbs | Growing reach in metro areas |
5G networks are growing quickly, with a goal of 95% coverage by mid-2025. Major cities already have extensive service, and by 2030, around 90% of mobile users are expected to be using 5G or even newer technologies.
For home broadband, 5G offers speeds ranging from 50–600 Mbps in areas with strong signals, making it a solid alternative to traditional fixed broadband. To check coverage in your area, you can:
- Use provider-specific coverage maps.
- Try WhistleOut‘s coverage checker tool.
- Ask local telecom retailers for assistance.
The Australian government has invested $14.3 million to boost 5G adoption, aiming to keep the country competitive on a global scale. For more information, provider maps and third-party tools can help you explore coverage options in your region.
These developments are set to reshape how Australians connect and use technology.
