Boost 12-Month Recharge Alternatives That Use The Telstra 5G Network

nick90 on 02/02/2025 - 17:44
Last edited 02/02/2025 - 21:23 by 1 other user

As many of you know, Boost no longer offers the 12-month recharge with unlimited calls and texts, along with 170GB of data for $230. It has been replaced by a new plan offering 240GB of data for $300. I believe this is starting to get a bit expensive for me, as I’m lucky to use 6GB of data a month (72GB annually), and it wasn’t that long ago when Boost offered an 80GB annual data plan for $150. My current device is an iPhone 13 that can utilize the 5G network. Are there any alternative providers I can look into that meet all the requirements listed below?

  • Must utilize the Telstra network
  • Must have 5G capability
  • Must be cheaper than Boost’s $300 annual plan for 240GB of data
  • Must include at least 6GB of data per month (or 72GB annually)
  • Must include unlimited calls and texts

The closest I’ve found is the Aldi $229 Super Pack, which offers 250GB of data. However, it doesn’t have 5G capability. I’m aware that I can purchase a Boost $230 Pre-Paid starter pack online, port my existing number to another provider, and then port my number back to Boost. However, I think this would be a bit of a hassle and time-consuming. Additionally, I don’t want to be without a phone for an extended period.

If anyone has any recommendations or suggestions, that would be great. I've been a Boost customer since 2016 and have been overall happy with the service I’ve received. At the same time, I don’t want to pay extra for data that I won’t use.

Mobile Prepaid Mobile Plan

Comments

  • fantombloo on 02/02/2025 - 18:09
    +2

    However, I think this would be a bit of a hassle and time-consuming.

    It's generally not. 5 min to transfer out and 5 min to transfer back in.

    Additionally, I don’t want to be without a phone for an extended period.

    You won't.

    As an aside, check your ongoing requirement for Telstra. It used to be the only one that works at my place (others worked outside and all around but not in my actual house apart from a few corners) but things seem to have changed in the last few years - friends with their other carriers were getting decent reception - we now have a couple accounts using Optus. Also today I went to a NP and had stuff all reception with Telstra but a mate with Optus was doing fine.

    • nick90 on 02/02/2025 - 20:28
      +1

      It's generally not. 5 min to transfer out and 5 min to transfer back in.

      Really well if that the case, I could just get a $2 SIM from Aldi or Vodafone, transfer the number and transfer the number back to Boost?

      • fantombloo on 02/02/2025 - 20:48
        +1

        Possibly. The transfer itself from the carrier may take "up to 3 business days" so you'd want a bit of credit if the interim account does that. It's usually been within 30 min for me but I do recall once I waited the weekend. You have coverage with one or the other the whole time - just wait for "no network" and stick the next SIM in.

        I usually pick a cheap 7 or 28 day plan, let's me sample the other offering at the same time. Those samples convinced me of the latter part of my first comment.

    • HeWhoKnows on 03/02/2025 - 18:40
      -1

      Why doesnt OP do the research themselves?

      Plenty of web sites doing this

      Here is just 3 of them

      https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Search?calls=-1&s…

      https://www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans

      https://mozo.com.au/mobile-phone-plans

      Problem solved OP.

      • nick90 on 03/02/2025 - 22:25

        I validate your feedback & that is what I did before I made this post. I have visited some (if not all) of these sites you've mentioned. However, there are three things to consider. One, many of these sites are known to be sponsored by certain providers & will show a bias towards said telco & promote them favorably without actually providing a rational response. Additionally, most of these sites don't cover every single telco & every single plan on offer in Australia, which I get because that would be extremely difficult to manage. Lastly, there are always promotions & deals (such as AldiMobile) often missed on these sites, which are only available for a limited time.

  • jv on 02/02/2025 - 18:13
    +8

    Boost is the only one that uses the whole Telstra network.

  • eutama on 02/02/2025 - 18:55
    -5

    Tried belong? $21/mth? and tick all your boxes. For me, this is great! yes, it's monthly, so you dont have to pre spend that much in advance.
    Yes, also by Telstra, but am sure someone will say "But it is slightly different to Telstra", even though they have been acquired by Telstra recently.

    You can get ozb referral also which gives you $20 that will discount your first month.

    • jv on 02/02/2025 - 19:10
      +2

      "But it is slightly different to Telstra"

      They do not use the whole of the Telstra network and get less priority if there is congestion.

      You definitely notice it more when travelling outside the cities.

    • ColtNoir on 03/02/2025 - 10:36

      Living on the NSW CC, there’s a sizeable difference between Telstra wholesale and Telstra/Boost, especially on the Sydney to Newcastle train line. No providers are perfect but I can see the value in the full Telstra network.

      • gyrex on 03/02/2025 - 11:29

        Are you saying there's a difference between Boost which uses the Telstra wholesale network and Telstra retail?

        • Drakesy on 03/02/2025 - 12:19

          Boost uses the full Telstra network
          Belong/other resellers use the wholesale network.

  • Captain Kremmen on 02/02/2025 - 20:04

    Woolworths are currently doing an annual 5G plan for $280 for 280GB until 11 Feb. Woolworths uses Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network though.

    • jv on 02/02/2025 - 20:18
      +1

      Woolworths are currently doing an annual 5G plan for $280

      The annual cost is $320. They are just giving a $40 discount for new customers.

      Also, speeds are capped at 150Mbps.

      It also looks like it qualifies for $13 cashback with cashrewards.

      • gyrex on 03/02/2025 - 11:30

        Boost is also capped at 150Mb/s.

        • jv on 03/02/2025 - 11:36
          -1

          Yes, but they are not restricted on the use of all of Telstra's towers, which is good if you travel a lot.

  • freefall101 on 02/02/2025 - 20:22
    +1

    Is 5G that big of a deal? Your data usage suggests you don't need it, is there anything in particular driving you to that?

    • nick90 on 02/02/2025 - 20:26

      Good question, just the extra coverage & assurance of being future proof. However, I might be pedantic of requiring 5G. At work and home my phone is connected to Wi-Fi anyway & I'm no longer commuting an hr each each for work anymore.

      • freefall101 on 02/02/2025 - 20:33

        I noticed the difference switching from optus to telstra wholesale in Melbourne, but didn't really notice switching from wholesale to boost personally, there are still dead spots and congestion issues. The only reason I'm not still on the Catch plan I used during covid is I can't get a signal in the bathroom at work, Telstra I can.

        Could try a month on someone with Telstra wholesale and see how it goes. If it sucks, port back to Boost.

      • jv on 02/02/2025 - 20:39
        +1

        just the extra coverage

        What extra coverage?

    • bbinc on 03/02/2025 - 08:46
      +2

      4g reception on Boost has been patchy in some inner suburban Melbourne and even in the central CBD, and on the Geelong road. I get fewer black spots with 5g, Tested this with iPhone 13 by switching 5G off, waiting for a black spot, turn it back on and there is 5G signal in the 4g black spot. Random experiences over the last three months, but enough to convince me to stay with the Boost plan even though I use stuff all data. With the 12 mth commitment it would suck to find poor reception on one of the other Telstra carriers.
      I also have an Amaysim (Optus) e-sim, and that sometimes has better reception than Boost.

  • original15 on 03/02/2025 - 08:29

    Imo
    Been on boost for 3y
    Have recently switched to Optus and it’s same if not better for me/my locations.
    Maybe switching back to pure Telstra would be similar if boost copped congestion
    Most prepaid cap speed
    Going to give catch a go next and see how it goes
    Give an optus or optus seller short term sim a go and if it’s no good, then can port back to boost or whoever as a new customer but may find satisfactory connection w Optus

    • jv on 03/02/2025 - 11:38
      +1

      Have recently switched to Optus and it’s same if not better for me/my locations.

      You'll notice the difference outside the main cities and if you travel a lot.

      • original15 on 03/02/2025 - 15:46

        Went out to western vic, coverage also better with Optus there due to towers. But as you imply, very location dependent and won’t be same for all

        • jv on 03/02/2025 - 15:48
          +1

          Lots of Optus dead spots around mornington peninsula.

  • BigBirdy on 03/02/2025 - 10:45

    I was long-term on Amaysim (Optus 4G). In 2023 I got a 5G phone, and switched to Boost 5G. 12 months on Boost, similar speed, same dead spots. I switched back to Amaysim (50% off) in 2024, still similar to Boost. My suggestion, try another network for a month or so, then decide.

  • kunfushun on 03/02/2025 - 11:10

    Is there much difference in reception and speed between Optus, Telstra and Vodafone if I'm mainly in metro area, specifically Sydney CBD, west and south west? I also restrict my data to 4G purely for battery conservation as I don't need the 5G speeds.

  • JimB on 03/02/2025 - 12:15

    As above, I don't see why 5G is a big deal especially if you're only using 6gb a month.

    5G would absolutely be essential if using it as broadband internet (in lieu of nbn).

    I'm not sure if all the other providers have it but Boost was great overseas. Having Boost on wifi calling and connecting to a local eSim meant I could receive/make calls from/to Australia.

    But you're correct, Boost removing a 365 day plan at a circa $200 price is disappointing.

  • parisian on 03/02/2025 - 12:18
    +1

    If you know someone or have access to a Yello code from a CBA customer for More:
    You could get everything for $4/month or $9/month for the 4G-only plan or $12-17/month for the 5G-only plan depending on the Yello Tier at the time of switching.

    Granted, it's the Wholesale network - I was with Boost for 6 years - coverage footprint is appropriate in the Somerset/Ipswich/Brisbane regions.
    I have a 12Pro - 5g compatible - battery lasts longer on the 4g network.

    https://www.more.com.au/storage/policies/November2024/NnpFjn… / https://www.more.com.au/storage/policies/November2024/jgYGeh…

    Otherwise, get the Telstra $350 sim (260gb) at Costco for $269 + $35 Costco Gift Card - total cost $234.
    Could try to Price Match at OW too.

  • RichardRides on 03/02/2025 - 16:01

    Not sure how they match with all your requirements, but I’ve been impressed with Tangerine. Telstra wholesale I think, and only monthly, but sharp prices and direct debit makes it reasonably painless.

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