If you're on the Vodafone network in Australia and you weren't able to make calls this morning between 7:30am and 9:40am AEST, you weren't alone. Vodafone confirmed that there was an outage at one of its network hubs around that time, but the matter was quickly investigated and fixed, with services back to normal as of around 11am AEST for most customers.

At its peak, at around 9am AEST, there were over 8,200 complaints on DownDetector but, as of 11:53am, that's dropped dramatically to around 650, with the graph on a downward trend.

We've checked this ourselves and, while no one in TechRadar's Australian office is on the Vodafone network (either directly or via an MVNO like TPG or Lebara), a family member has confirmed that he has full service.

Other customers on Reddit and Facebook have also confirmed that all is well.

If you still haven't been able to connect, you could try putting your phone into Airplane Mode and back on again for it to search for the Vodafone network, or you could just do a full restart and that should definitely sort you out.

Vodafone's mobile network went down just before 8am AEST this morning, affecting not only its direct customers, but potentially even those on MVNOs on its network, like users with TPG and Lebara. That means this current outage could be affecting millions of customers, although Vodafone has confirmed it's "urgently investigating".

There's currently no updates on the Vodafone website, with even its Network Status Checker throwing up errors.

According to DownDetect, there were over 8,000 complaints as of 9am AEST this morning, but that's dropped since, although there's slight uptick again as of 11am AEST.

My team and I will keep an eye on what's happening and update you as often as we can with any fresh information we get.

Vodafone's official statement since this morning hasn't changed. While the company hasn't yet said anything on X, the statement has been posted to its Facebook account.

This outage has even affected Vodafone stores, not just customers on its mobile network.

Vodafone has issued a new update as of a few minutes ago, stating that the issue has been "isolated and resolved".

That's also reflected on DownDetector, where the number of complaints as of 11am AEST has dropped to 1,386.

While no one in the TechRadar Australia office is on the Vodafone network, a family member is and can confirm that they have full network coverage and is able to make calls.

Vodafone's Network Status Checker, however, is still rather slow and many of us in Sydney's CBD are still getting errors when we check what's happening with the network in our location.

And we're back!

Vodafone's latest update says that the issue has been "largely resolved". Apparently the network crash was caused because of "an outage at one of our network hubs at around 8am".

Vodafone clarifies that most customers should now be able to make calls and send texts as usual, although "some may continue to experience intermittent issues".

If you still can't access the Vodafone network, try putting your phone into Airplane Mode and back on again, or do a full restart.

Vodafone has issued any final statement regarding its mobile network outage, but we're not expecting anything further since the Facebook post about an hour ago.

Everyone we've asked who is on the Vodafone network have confirmed that they can now make calls and send texts, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about further.

Whether Vodafone will compensate its customers for this outage is as yet unknown, but we think not — it wasn't for long and, importantly, it wasn't a hack, but given it was at the start of the working day and would have affected not just private customers but businesses as well, Vodafone might offer at least some bonus data to affected users, if nothing else.

• Two-thirds of Brits say slow and unreliable broadband is their pet peeve
• 3.7m UK homes still don't have full fiber (60% of which are in cities)
• Vodafone's 5G/full fiber can now reach 26 million homes

Vodafone says it's researched what bothers UK consumers the most, with 67% of citizens stating that slow and unreliable broadband is now their biggest pet peeve.

The issue is so significant, Vodafone found, that more than 20 million people say they would consider moving home to secure a better broadband connection, with many regions yet to receive full fiber rollout.

With hybrid working now commonplace and other factors like connected devices all driving traffic higher, 87% of Brits now consider fast broadband essential for daily life.

Vodafone believes 5G Broadband could plug current fiber gaps

In response to growing concerns over slow and unreliable broadband, the company, which recently merged with Three, has launched its own mobile broadband package to provide customers with cellular connections throughout their homes as an alternative to cable connections.

According to the firm, more than 26 million UK homes can now access full fiber or 5G broadband on its network, which it says is more than any other UK provider.

Cellular connections play an important part in the rollout of full fiber – those 5G networks already exist for smartphone connectivity, however around 3.7 million UK homes are still limited to old copper cables or part-fiber. Interestingly, it's not necessarily a rural issue, with three in five of those remaining homes actually located in cities.

Mobile networks already play a role, with half (49%) of Brits using a smartphone hotspot when broadband is an issue. Having this type of connection available via a router or a mesh Wi-Fi network would enable all devices to connect – not just those within reach of a smartphone (when the smartphone is home).

"This launch means we’re giving customers real choice: full‑fibre broadband where it’s available, and powerful 5G Broadband where it’s not – plus, better options for anyone just wanting speed with ease and flexibility," VodafoneThree said.

Vodafone's website is now showing 5G Broadband deals supporting up to 150Mbps, priced from £19 to £29 per month for 30-day and 24-month contracts.

• ISAC allows smartphones to detect unconnected objects without interfering with connectivity services
• Echo-based pulses let mobile networks visualize their surroundings, like bats in the dark
• ISAC trials successfully detected people and objects without disrupting mobile functions

Integrated Sensing and Communication, or ISAC, is a technology which converts ordinary smartphones into radar-like sensors capable of detecting unconnected objects in real time.

Vodafone and Tiami Networks are testing ISAC to explore how smartphones could warn people about nearby dangers.

The pair are also examining its potential to monitor crowded areas, detect intruders, and support tasks in industrial and environmental settings.

Vodafone and Tiami test ISAC

The new system relies on echo-based pulses, similar to the echolocation bats use to navigate dark environments, allowing mobile networks to visualize their surroundings without additional hardware.

Users could theoretically receive alerts about crowded spaces, nearby hazards, or other dangerous situations simply through their devices, and industries and public facilities could monitor intruders, unauthorized drones, or environmental risks.

ISAC could track natural disasters and monitor livestock, offering real-time insights in areas that are hard to observe directly, and could also create 3D maps using smart glasses, detect contaminated food, and assist robots in understanding human hand gestures.

Although ISAC is expected to play a central role in future 6G networks, which may begin operating around 2030, the technology can function over existing 5G infrastructure.

Vodafone and Tiami Networks conducted trials at Vodafone’s Málaga R&D facility in Spain, employing Tiami’s PolyRAN software to turn base stations into wide-area sensors.

“Our vision for PolyRAN is simple. Deploying ISAC should be as seamless as enabling a software application within a 5G network without disrupting existing connectivity services," said Amitav Mukherjee, CEO and Founder of Tiami Networks.

"Testing with Vodafone allows us to evaluate realistic performance and deployment pathways with a leading operator that is deeply engaged in 6G research.”

During these trials, unconnected objects and even people were successfully detected across a live 5G network without causing any interference to voice calls, messaging, or internet usage.

This means ISAC’s adoption does not require a complete network overhaul, making the technology more immediately applicable.

The trials also explored interoperability between different vendors’ hardware and software through Open RAN-compliant antennas.

This flexibility allows mobile networks to integrate new sensing capabilities through software updates rather than expensive equipment replacements.

By transforming base stations into intelligent edge computing platforms, operators can perform advanced environmental sensing alongside traditional connectivity services.

Beyond industrial or urban monitoring, ISAC could influence personal safety and everyday convenience.

Business phones may alert users to hazardous conditions in crowded transport hubs or to hidden maintenance issues, such as burst pipes, within buildings.

“Our 6G-ready test shows that your phone could soon do a lot more than connect you. It could be used to help keep you safe wherever you go,” said Marco Zangani, Director of Network Strategy and Architecture, Vodafone.

The technology could also support privacy-conscious public applications, for example, counting visitors in a shopping mall without relying on cameras.

While the full scope of ISAC remains to be proven, initial trials indicate that turning ordinary smartphones into active environmental sensors is technically feasible.

• Most business leaders believe their employees would fall for a phishing attack
• Workers commonly reuse work passwords for personal accounts
• AI scams and deepfakes are increasingly concerning

New data from Vodafone Business has revealed more than 10% of UK organizations would probably not survive if they were hit with a cyberattack, and while this may sound like a fairly low promotion by itself, it's set against a backdrop of evolving attacks and poor cybersecurity practices.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) agree that their business's risk of cyberattacks has risen over the past year, and most leaders (71%) believe at least one of their workers would probably fall for a phishing attack.

However, even though we're in an era of rapidly evolving threats, the report indicates that some basic cybersecurity measures can still serve to protect companies.

British businesses are still at risk of cyberattacks

One such practice is the use of strong and unique passwords. The study found that staff reuse work passwords on up to 11 personal accounts as well, making a single breach far more devastating.

And as for the current state up and down the UK, not even half (45%) have ensured that all staff have been through basic cyber awareness training.

But change could be on the horizon, with 89% agreeing that high-profile attacks last year (like those on M&S and Jaguar Land Rover) made them more alert.

There's also an increasing awareness of AI scams and deepfakes, with 70% now more suspicious of video calls claiming to be from senior leaders.

"Many steps - such as avoiding password reuse and enhancing staff training - are relatively simple to implement," VodafoneThree Business Director Nick Gliddon wrote.

The UK Government is also launching a second Telecommunications Fraud Charter later this year, with the hope of boosting the UK's defense against sophisticated cybercrime.

If you live in an area that isn’t serviced by the National Broadband Network (NBN) or you’re not satisfied with your current internet service, then there’s a good chance you can connect via an alternative such as 5G home broadband.

The ‘big three’ telcos of TPG, Optus and Telstra all offer 5G home internet plans, with a smattering of subsidiaries also offering services using the networks of the aforementioned trio.

Vodafone is one such subsidiary of TPG that has a selection of 5G home internet plans cheaper than its NBN equivalents. There are some caveats, such as the fact that Vodafone’s 5G plans max out at 100Mbps – compared to up to gigabit plans via the fixed-line NBN – but as I found out during my three-week review period of the top-tier plan, there is potentially sensational value to be had.

What’s more, all Vodafone 5G home internet plans come supplied with a Wi-Fi 7 modem and a separate mesh node to help provide network coverage throughout your home. While some other 5G home internet providers also supply a Wi-Fi 7 modem, the fact that Vodafone includes a mesh node represents great value.

The service isn’t without its faults, with the main one being that you’re capped to a maximum download speed of 100Mbps. While I was able to achieve faster speeds than this, and Vodafone says it is theoretically possible for other customers, it’s in no way a guarantee. If you want a 5G service that rivals even the fastest NBN plans, then I would encourage you to check out services from either Spintel or Optus.

If you do sign up for Vodafone 5G internet and find the service doesn’t live up to expectations, then as long as you return the modem, you’ll only need to pay for one month of service. In the case of the Premium plan on review here, that’s AU$60 if you’re not a Vodafone mobile customer, and AU$55 if you are.

If you’ve been considering switching to a 5G home internet plan, then read on to find out my experience using the 100Mbps Vodafone 5G plan at home.

Vodafone 5G home internet: plans and pricing

• Three plans
• Up to 100Mbps
• Extra savings for Vodafone mobile customers

Vodafone offers three 5G home internet plans. They are:

• 5G Home Internet Basic (18Mbps TES) | AU$50p/m (first 6m, then AU$60p/m)
• 5G Home Internet Plus (50Mbps TES) | AU$55p/m (first 6m, then AU$65p/m)
• 5G Home Internet Premium (100Mbps TES) | AU$60p/m (first 6m, then AU$70p/m)

If you’re a Vodafone mobile customer, you can save an extra AU$5 off the introductory cost for the first 6 months of your service.

In either instance, Vodafone’s 5G home internet plans are cheaper than the NBN equivalent. A Vodafone NBN 100 plan, for example, costs AU$74p/m for the first 6 months, then AU$94p/m ongoing for non-mobile Vodafone customers.

All Vodafone 5G home internet plans ship with a Wi-Fi 7 modem and mesh node. Both of these are free if you remain connected to a plan for 36 months. If you cancel your service before the 36-month period ends, you’ll need to return the modem and node to Vodafone within 30 days. If you don’t, you’ll be asked to pay a non-return fee, which is calculated at AU$11 per month for any time remaining within the 36 months.

As you can see from the plan details above, all Vodafone 5G home internet plans have their speed capped, up to a maximum of 100Mbps. Considering some other 5G home broadband providers, such as Optus and Spintel, offer an uncapped speed tier – which has the potential to provide near-gigabit speeds depending on environmental factors and distance from the nearest tower – it can make Vodafone’s option less appealing.

It’s also worth noting that TPG also offers 5G home internet that uses the Vodafone 5G network, yet charges considerably less for comparable plans. Taking the 100Mbps plan on review here as an example, TPG charges AU$44.99p/m for the first 6 months, before increasing to a regular ongoing cost of AU$64.99p/m. Vodafone’s equivalent is AU$10 more each month.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: Availability

As is the case with any provider of 5G home internet services, the main obstacle to connection is availability. Just because an area has 5G mobile coverage doesn’t always mean it will have 5G home internet coverage. This is because internet service providers (ISPs) need to limit the number of active connections in an area to help avoid congestion.

To check if your home address can connect to the Vodafone 5G home broadband network, you can enter your address on Vodafone’s website.

I tested the Vodafone 5G modem at three different locations in Sydney, with an apartment in Alexandria being the authorised home address. I also tested at an apartment in Homebush and the TechRadar office in Sydney CBD, as both were eligible to connect to the 5G home internet network. As I’ll explain in the performance section, however, each location experienced vastly different speeds.

Vodafone 5G home internet: modem design and setup

All Vodafone 5G home internet plans are supplied with Vodafone’s new Super Wi-Fi modem and mesh node with Wi-Fi 7 support. Neither are the most visually appealing units, adopting a simple black box design, but I do like how the node is small, almost like a book, that can be easily tucked out of the way. There’s no screen to indicate signal strength, as you’ll find on the Optus 5G modem that’s supplied with Optus and Spintel 5G home internet plans.

The main 5G modem measures 215.9 x 125 x 125 mm (HWD), while the mesh node measures 170 x 60 x 140.4 mm (HWD). The main unit has 1 x 2.5Gbps WAN port and 2 x 1Gbps LAN ports, and the mesh gets 2 x 1Gbps LAN ports.

Setting up both the main 5G modem and the mesh node was incredibly simple. Once you’ve installed the SIM card in the base of the modem, plugged it into power and turned it on, it will begin to search for a signal. You’ll then need to install the My Internet Connection app on your phone to access modem settings and add the mesh node.

The login details for the router are found on a label on its underside, and while it is great for security purposes, I would recommend changing the login password to something secure after setting it up. The supplied password is long and made up of various characters and numbers. There is a check box to remember the password, but I found that when logging in after a few days of inactivity, the password hadn’t been remembered. You can’t store the password in your phone’s password manager either, so you’ll need to type the whole thing out again to access the app.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: performance

Download speeds

After testing the modem and mesh over the period of a few weeks, my speed test data was surprising to say the least. This is because, despite the Vodafone plan being capped at 100Mbps, I regularly achieved over 200Mbps download speeds at the Alexandria address that the service was set up for.

In fact, from 14 tests, I only recorded a speed below 100Mbps on one occasion, where I got a measurement of 80.10Mbps. Admittedly, this result was taken at 6.39pm, so encroaching on the busier evening hours of 7pm to 11pm. Two tests were above 100Mbps but below 200Mbps – 154Mbps and 189Mbps at 8:35 am and 11:23 am, respectively, so far removed from the typically busier hours. A further test at 10.39 pm returned a speed result of 156Mbps – and all others were above 200Mbps. The average speed I achieved was 201.74 Mbps.

I mentioned that I was experiencing well above the expected plan speeds to our Vodafone representative. They said, “It’s not unusual for customers on our 5G Home Internet plans to experience speeds above the advertised minimum, especially when conditions are ideal.”

“Factors like being close to a 5G tower, strong network capacity and good modem placement all contribute to faster performance. While speeds over 100Mbps aren’t guaranteed, they are possible in some cases and the speeds you're enjoying are within the range of what customers may achieve under optimal conditions.”

Indeed, the speeds I recorded at our office location in the Sydney CBD were much, much slower at around 10Mbps, while at the Homebush location, we recorded an average download speed of 118.15Mbps.

Upload speeds

Upload speeds also fared well, particularly at the Alexandria address. The maximum possible upload speed of the Home Internet Premium plan is 20Mbps (it’s the same for the 50Mbps Home Internet Plus plan, and only 2Mbps for the 20Mbps Home Internet Basic plan). I achieved an average upload speed of 18.08Mbps from my tests, and managed to break the 20Mbps barrier on five occasions.

As was the case for download speeds at the Sydney CBD address, upload speeds weren’t that great, hovering around 10Mbps. In Homebush, things actually got worse, with an average upload speed of just 7.70Mbps.

Upload speeds are important for anyone who intends to live stream content or upload large files, and so if this is you, you may find that the Vodafone 5G home internet service won’t be able to service your needs. I was able to carry out a video call with the TechRadar team largely without issue. I did experience some buffering, but not to the point where I had to switch back over to my regular home internet connection, which has upload speeds of up to 100Mbps.

Connection

I was very impressed with the connection I experienced to the Vodafone 5G modem and the mesh node. I had the modem setup in my main living space and the mesh node at the other end of my apartment in my bedroom. When I walked into my bedroom, my phone seamlessly switched over to the mesh node, and it continued to deliver similar speeds to those experienced when connected to the main modem.

You can easily see which devices are connected to which access point within the My Internet Connection app.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: Gaming

Accessing web pages, social media, and streaming video content shouldn’t pose much of an issue to the Vodafone Home Premium 5G internet plan, but what about gaming? Avid gamers rely on fast connection times to game servers and, because of the inherent nature of wireless internet connections, they can suffer from a greater amount of interference.

I’m not a gamer myself, so to test the Vodafone 5G service’s gaming credentials, I pointed my web browser at Game Server Ping to conduct a ping test, and compared the results achieved via the 5G connection against my regular Gigacomm home internet connection.

Here’s how Vodafone’s 5G internet ping rates compared to my fixed-line connection. All tests were carried out on a laptop connected to each modem via an Ethernet cable.

I handed over the main 5G modem to my gamer colleague who lives at the Homebush address, and while they could connect and play games, they added that it was “very laggy and cuts out frequently, particularly when experiencing higher ping speeds”.

Based on this statement and the ping speeds, the Vodafone 5G home internet service isn’t likely going to be a good option for hardcore gamers.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: Extra Features

With the exception of Optus, which includes a standard Netflix subscription with its top-tier uncapped 5G home internet plan, you won’t find any extra perks bundled in with a home broadband plan.

Vodafone mobile customers stand to benefit the most from a 5G home internet service with the telco, as they can save AU$5 per month ongoing as long as the mobile service remains active.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: Cancellation and hidden fees

As per Vodafone’s terms and conditions, you are free to cancel your service at any time, but there are some stipulations. Firstly, you’re required to pay a minimum of one month of the service and the monthly fee is charged “until the end of the month in which you notify that you wish to cancel”.

As long as you return the modem and mesh to Vodafone within 30 days of cancellation, you won’t have to pay for it. If you return it after 30 days, or if you don’t return it at all, you’ll be charged a device payment calculated at AU$11 per unused month in a 36-month period. The maximum cost of the modem if it’s not returned is AU$396. If you remain connected for 36 months, the modem is free.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: Reputation

• Few customer reviews for 5G home internet
• NBN customers leave negative reviews

It's tricky to find many reviews from customers for Vodafone's 5G home internet service. However, of the accounts I can find, via Reddit and Whirlpool, the general consensus is positive, with people claiming they get good 5G signal and decent speeds.

As for Vodafone as an internet provider on the whole, however, things are much less positive. The telco's NBN service receives generally negative reviews on sites such as Product Review, with a 2.1-star rating out of 5, from 544 reviews at the time of publishing.

Given the fact you're able to return the 5G modem to Vodafone within 30 days of cancelling a service to avoid paying the modem device fee, I would still recommend signing up to Vodafone 5G home internet, as you can effectively trial it for a month and only pay AU$60 for the 100Mbps plan.

Vodafone 5G Home Internet: Verdict

Based on my experience using the Vodafone 5G home internet plan, I can recommend it for anyone considering signing up for the non-NBN alternative. I would, of course, recommend you check your area for network coverage before signing up.

Plan pricing is competitive, especially if you are able to achieve download speeds faster than those advertised. This isn't a guarantee of course, but a nice bonus.

I also appreciate the fact that Vodafone will waive the modem device fee if you return it within 30 days of cancelling your service. Considering some other providers, such as Optus, don't offer the same benefit, it makes Vodafone's service the more attractive option.

Apple’s newest addition to its iPhone line, the svelte and sturdy iPhone Air, has just hit its lowest ever price in Australia, with Vodafone slashing AU$600 off its RRP.

A 33% discount for an iPhone that just launched four months ago is almost unheard of, with Apple devices generally getting discounts of around 10-15% — even during major sale events like Black Friday.

With that said, the iPhone Air already saw discounts of up to $302 off (AU$1,497) during the Boxing Day 2025 sales. In fact, retailers like Amazon and The Good Guys are still selling iPhone Airs for that price, so I am not too surprised by this price drop.

We gave the iPhone Air a major honour, naming it the Phone of the Year in 2025. Even in our review, my colleague raved about the "impossibly" slim form factor, powerful processor and its ultra-durable build quality. That said, some Apple insiders suggest that there's no demand for the handset, given its high price and less-than-stellar specs.

While I do agree that the AU$1,799 RRP is quite steep for a device that doesn’t have the best battery life and has only one camera, with AU$600 off, it's definitely worth considering if you're keen on Apple's thinnest handset.

I've singled out the 256GB model above, as I believe it offers enough storage for most people's needs, but if you need more storage – 512GB or 1TB – both of those also get the same AU$600 discount. Plus, you can elect to pay for the device and your chosen SIM plan over 12 or 36 month instalments. This will affect the total monthly cost, of course, but whichever you opt for, you'll be saving a considerable amount.

The iPhone Air is 5.64mm thin for most of its body (with a small camera bump at the top), and uses titanium and Ceramic Shield glass to make it a very sturdy handset. Inside is the A19 Pro chip, which is the same processor used in the 17 Pro and Pro Max models, making it a speedy performer and reasonably future-proof.

With just a single 48MP camera, however, you’ll be limited in your photography needs. Our tests, though, found it was a capable enough camera to take good photos, particularly portraits.

The battery does have a much smaller capacity than other current iPhones, but even our reviewer found it could last a whole day without charging. You can pick up the dedicated Magsafe power bank from Apple for AU$159 if you're worried about running out of juice with the iPhone Air, but there are plenty of affordable options in our best power banks list worth a mention, too.

If you've been waiting for Black Friday in the hopes of snagging the all-new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air at a discounted price, Vodafone's Black Friday sale is answering your call.

Vodafone's SIM plans are receiving AU$14 p/m discounts for Cyber Weekend – knocking its small and medium plans to just AU$39 and AU$49 for the first 12 months, respectively. On top of that, they've also had their data doubled to 120GB and 400GB over your entire chosen contract.

All that gets even better when you pair your chosen plan with one of the new phones. While there is no discount on the device itself, the limited-time AU$14 p/m discount extends for the full 36-month term when paired with a new Apple handset – saving you a total of AU$504. Already a great option if you're looking to avoid large up-front payments, this deal is very hard to ignore.

While the double data and discount make it a lot more attractive, the biggest downside to this deal for some will be the lock-in contract. However, beggars can't be choosers when it comes to iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro deals.

We've been hunting all the best Black Friday sales, and it's pretty slim pickings on the iPhone deals – and basically radio silence regarding outright discounts on Apple's latest suite of smartphones.

The only outright iPhone 17 deal we've found is a weak AU$100 off the iPhone 17 Pro through Amaysim – which results in just AU$70 off once you pair it with the required plan.

And, while we have our fingers crossed for sweeter Black Friday iPhone sales, we're doubtful.

If you're looking to upgrade your iPhone, but don't necessarily need the best of the best, Vodafone is running a similar deal on the budget-focused iPhone 16e.

• Complex modelling is required to judge if devices can handle AV1
• Software decoding drains batteries while hardware support remains limited to high-end phones
• Encoding AV1 at scale adds major energy demands to data centers

The world’s largest platforms are rallying around a new video codec, betting that it will make watching clips and streams on phones smoother and less data-hungry.

Google, Meta, YouTube, and Vodafone have all put their weight behind AV1, a technology they claim can compress video streams by about 30% compared with older codecs.

The white paper the companies co-authored sets out a vision of more efficient mobile networks and happier viewers - yet beneath the technical promises, the rollout looks far from straightforward.

A new codec with big ambitions

AV1 is not new; it was first published in 2018 by the Alliance for Open Media, but it has gathered momentum only recently.

Companies say it can deliver the same quality at lower bitrates or higher quality at the same bitrate, a combination that looks appealing as video now makes up around 70% to 80% of mobile data traffic.

For operators facing mounting demand, the appeal is clear. Fewer bits mean less congestion, which in theory allows smoother playback for customers and savings on infrastructure upgrades.

For viewers, the catch is that decoding AV1 smoothly often requires dedicated hardware support, something mostly confined to high-end smartphones today.

While devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro, recent Pixel phones, and flagship Samsung models support AV1 in hardware, mid- and low-tier handsets often do not.

Software decoders like the open-source dav1d can fill the gap, but they come with compromises: higher battery drain, heavier CPU use, and no support for full digital rights management on premium video.

Even the companies backing AV1 admit that the best experience still depends on widespread hardware support, which may take years to reach budget devices.

Another wrinkle is that ensuring good playback on lower-cost devices often requires complex modeling by content providers.

Platforms must decide whether a given phone can handle AV1 at a certain resolution without stuttering or overheating, adding layers of engineering effort.

Some chipmakers have begun providing optimized software decoders tuned for their systems, but consistency remains a problem.

Without a universal benchmark, performance is unpredictable, making the technology harder to deploy smoothly at scale.

The benefits of AV1 are real in theory: smaller files, better quality, and less strain on mobile networks.

If adoption accelerates, these top platforms will achieve vast reductions in European traffic, measured in hundreds of petabytes a year.

Yet the details matter. Encoding AV1 at scale consumes large amounts of data center energy, which shifts the efficiency burden upstream.

In the end, AV1 may well become the dominant standard, especially as its successor AV2 looms on the horizon.

For now, although the ambition is clear, the gap between plans and execution means mobile viewers might not feel the promised benefits for quite some time.

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• VodafoneThree will use Ericsson and Nokia tech to upgrade its networks
• 4G customers have already seen boosts of up to 40%
• 5G should be almost everywhere by 2034

VodafoneThree has announced a multi-billion pound deal with Ericsson and Nokia to expand and improve its UK networks.

The collaboration, which comes weeks after the official completion of its mega-merger, marks one of Europe’s largest privately funded infrastructure builds, and will cover over 17,000 sites across the UK.

This will consist of 10,000+ sites benefitting from Ericsson’s RAN and core network solutions, and a further 7,000+ sites getting Nokia’s RAN equipment.

Ericsson and Nokia will help improve VodafoneThree’s network

The company declared that 4G speeds have already been boosted by up to 40% for the seven million Three and SMARTY customers using its networks, and just three months into the merger, customers are already able to automatically use each other’s network and roam at no extra cost.

Looking ahead, VodafoneThree has plans to tackle 16,500 square kilometers of not-spots across the UK. By the end of the first year after merging, nearly three in four customers should have access to the company’s fastest 5G speeds, expanding to 90% by year three and 99.95% by 2034.

Network expansion plans are also slated to deliver economic benefits, with the UK economy set to be boosted by up to £102 billion between 2025 and 2035 thanks to better infrastructure access for energy, financial services, manufacturing, security and technology companies.

To help with the expansion, VodafoneThree has signed up a further four partners to support site builds nationwide: Beacon, Circet Wireless, M Group and WHP Telecoms.

VodafoneThree also anticipates generating up to 13,000 jobs as part of its expansion, across engineering, construction and maintenance over the eight-year roadmap.

Ericsson CEO Börje Ekholm welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to “power [VodafoneThree] with the most advanced programmable network products, software and solutions in the world.”

Nokia CEO Justin Hotard noted the chance to provide the UK with “industry-leading network solutions” to meet customer and growing AI demands.

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• Parental concerns over screen time grow as kids spend four hours online during the summer holidays
• The Secure Net update only helps UK families, despite Vodafone operating in over 20 countries
• Unstructured screen time rises during school breaks, sparking fresh demand for digital boundaries at home

As the summer holidays bring more freedom and fewer routines, children are spending much more time online, but new research has warned on the risks this could bring.

A report from VodafoneThree revealed screen time among 8 to 17-year-olds has risen to as much as four hours of unstructured use per day, a 42% increase compared to during the school term.

While some of this time is spent staying in touch with friends or occupying long journeys, nearly two-thirds (65%) of UK parents have expressed concern over the digital habits of their kids during school breaks and the overall impact on them.

Digital safeguards for kids arrive, but not for everyone

In response, VodafoneThree plans to release a major update to its Secure Net app offering enhanced parental control features designed to help families manage device use more easily.

“Unstructured screen time tends to naturally rise during the summer holidays, so we’ve teamed up with Digital Awareness UK to offer practical, parent-friendly guidance,” said Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree.

“Combined with our Secure Net service, which offers the most comprehensive parental controls of any major UK network, families can feel more confident navigating the digital world together and enjoy a safer, more balanced summer break.”

The Secure Net app, which currently offers basic filtering and protection, will soon allow UK parents to manage both mobile and home broadband connections through a single interface.

Its goal is to create a simpler way for families to limit access to inappropriate content, reduce distractions, and encourage healthier routines.

The app features include “Pause the Internet,” “Bedtime Mode,” content filters, and a “Focus Time” setting that blocks certain apps during study periods.

While VodafoneThree describes the tool as offering the most complete set of parental controls among major UK networks, it is not a substitute for other forms of digital protection.

The app does not include antivirus or ransomware protection, and its main function is to control access rather than detect threats.

Families hoping to improve overall digital safety may still need separate software to protect against malware or more sophisticated attacks.

However, despite its global reach, the company is making the updated app available only to its UK customers at no additional cost.

This raises questions, particularly given the universal nature of the issues involved.

Parents across parent company Vodafone's many markets face similar concerns about screen time, harmful content, and lack of oversight, but they are left out for now.

"We know that the summer holidays can be a challenging time. This can't always be avoided, but without structure, it can lead to greater exposure to online harms, mental health effects, and unhealthy tech habits that are difficult to undo,” said Emma Robertson, CEO of Digital Awareness UK.

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When TPG Telecom (Vodafone’s parent company) partnered with Optus for a network-sharing deal in September 2024, we were confident that it would transform the mobile game for anyone living in rural Australia. Now boasting a network that covers 98.4% of Australians, Vodafone's reach matches Optus and only falls just short of Telstra's 99.7% – meaning that Vodafone is now a legitimate option for rural Aussies.

But it's not just rural areas benefitting – according to The Australian, Vodafone has seen a 30% increase in sign-ups in Sydney and Melbourne, and up to 80% nationwide thanks to its upgraded network and new range of discounted plans with double data – starting at 100GB for AU$39 a month.

It's hardly surprising they’ve taken off given Optus' cheapest SIM plan provides 50GB for AU$55 p/m (after a recent price increase), while Telstra's 50GB Basic plan is AU$65 p/m – making Vodafone the clear choice, particularly if you’re looking to pair a new phone and SIM plan.

If you're set for a device though, the array of SIM-only options from smaller Aussie telcos (also called MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators) are even more attractive – allowing you to take advantage of Vodafone's improved network for even less than going direct. With plans from Vodafone MVNOs starting at just AU$8 per month, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up a few of our favourite deals available right now.

Best cheap plan

Best plans for most people

Best high-data plan

Best unlimited data plan

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• NBN 2000 plans: all your questions about the upcoming Hyperfast internet tier answered

The best NBN 1000 plans have offered Australians the opportunity to experience lightning-fast download speeds for a couple of years now. Recently, however, I’ve noticed some big changes across this speed tier.

Firstly, advertised typical evening speeds have been steadily increasing towards the magic 1,000Mbps figure. When I started monitoring NBN 1000 plans in September 2023, the average claimed download speed was a mere 515Mbps.

While this was considered fast at the time, the truth was speeds were ultimately way off the theoretical maximum available on this tier, making them tricky to recommend… especially when combined with the high cost.

Fast-forward to today and the average download speed of an NBN 1000 plan is just over 810Mbps. Talk about progress!

What’s more, the number of providers offering an NBN 1000 plan has expanded (from 16 to 20) and, perhaps most importantly, prices have come tumbling down. How much has an NBN 1000 plan decreased? In September ‘23, the average cost was AU$140 p/m, but that figure now sits at just under AU$120 p/m. That’s just over AU$20 saved each month, or AU$240 a year.

These factors combined mean there’s never been a better time to sign up for a gigabit internet plan.

We've said it plenty of times in the past, but it really does pay to shop around

Of course, the best NBN plans aren’t all created equal. While the average cost of a gigabit NBN plan may have come down, the fact remains the majority of providers charge more than this on a regular basis.

You don’t need to pay these high fees though, nor should you, as there’s exceptional value to be found right now from the likes of Spintel, Flip, Buddy Telco and even Vodafone.

All four providers offer something for every type of user: superfast download speeds, cheap prices, a good middle-ground, extra perks such as presale access to concerts in Australia and, in some cases, free modems. Full details of their NBN 1000 plans are as follows:

If for any reason the plans I've selected above don't take your fancy, you can view more of the most popular very high-speed NBN plans in the comparison widget below.

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• Vodafone employees have been reminded to be in office 8 days per month
• Company policy has been in place since the pandemic, but enforcement is being ramped up
• Many other tech firms have removed flexible or hybrid work policies

Vodafone employees have been warned must spend at least 8 days per month in-office, or face missing out on bonuses and other perks.

Workers were sent a “Hybrid Working at Vodafone” memo, seen by The Register , which outlined the policy and told staff that they could face disciplinary action if these guidelines are not followed.

Vodafone’s policy still allows workers some flexibility, as employees are expected to be in office 2-3 times per week, but can work from home on the remaining days - and workers are advised to attend team days to “help teach members to form a pattern”.

Hybrid policies

"Employees who are not fully compliant with our hybrid working policy by the end of Q1 may be subject to disciplinary action in line with policy,” the memo says.

“Continued non-compliance with attendance expectations could result in a final written warning, which would mean individuals are not meeting the minimum performance standards and therefore would not be eligible for a bonus in 2026 or in subsequent years in which a final warning is given."

Vodafone passed on a statement, confirming that the memo was a reinforcement of an existing policy.

“Vodafone’s hybrid working policy has been in place since 2021, with all employees expected to be in the office 2-3 times a week, or at least 8 days a month," the company said. "This allows flexibility for staff, and for them to benefit from in-office collaboration.”

Vodafone is not the first to enforce a policy like this, with firms like Dell opting for one step further and ending hybrid work altogether, putting in full-time return-to-office orders.

This is despite the fact that studies have shown nearly all of us are much more productive when we work from home, with 50% of leaders introducing flexible working styles, and 82% planning to continue this.

Firms such as Amazon are enforcing return to office orders, despite almost all staff unhappy with the policy, with 73% of employees responding this made them consider moving jobs.

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If you’re in the market for a new phone plan, then you’ve likely heard Vodafone making a bit of noise about its recent network expansion. As we reported last year, the upgrades come thanks to a new partnership between TPG Telecom (which owns Vodafone) and Optus. This deal lets Vodafone use Optus’ regional infrastructure to significantly enlarge its mobile network coverage area, taking it from 400,000 to 1,000,000 square kilometres, and increasing its overall reach from 95.4 to 98.4% of the Australian population.

As of January 30, Vodafone has officially switched on the expansion, more than doubling its area of coverage across the nation. States with more regional population centres will particularly benefit – coverage in Queensland has quadrupled, for example – and it means that Vodafone is now a much more viable option for Aussies living or frequently visiting more remote areas. Where in the past they may have had to opt for more expensive plans from Optus and Telstra to ensure a phone signal, that's no longer the case.

Already offering the most affordable plans of the big three, Vodafone has dropped some specific deals to celebrate its doubled network coverage, including AU$10 off all SIM-only mobile phone plans for the first 12 months… and double the data on those plans for as long as you stay signed up.

Vodafone Australia is a TechRadar preferred partner (What does this mean?)

That's not even close to the only deals on offer from Vodafone right now, though. While the deals above can rival any of the best SIM-only plans currently on the market, pairing them with some of the best phones available makes them even more attractive.

If you’re keen on a handset upgrade with a plan, it's hard to argue for any other route than buying through Vodafone right now. When purchased with a plan, Vodafone is offering up to AU$1,750 off Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra pre-orders, AU$560 off the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 range, AU$150 off iPhone 15 Pro models and the Samsung Galaxy A55 for just AU$6p/m.

MORE VODAFONE DEALS

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In September 2024, we reported that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decided not to oppose an agreement between Optus and TPG Telecom, the owner of Vodafone, that aimed to revolutionise mobile services in regional Australia. The most significant outcome of this partnership was that it allowed TPG (and by extension Vodafone) to use the Optus regional infrastructure network to expand its 4G and 5G coverage. Less than five months on, it has achieved just that.

Before this partnership, Vodafone's network only covered 400,000 square kilometres, which meant it reached 95.4% of the population. As of January 30, the Vodafone network now boasts a coverage that reaches 98.4% of the population and has expanded to 1,000,000 square kilometres across Australia.

Other than giving current Vodafone customers the ability to travel without worrying about their mobile connectivity, the biggest benefit of this increased national coverage is that it makes Vodafone a much more realistic choice for regional Australians, many of whom previously only had the often more expensive options of Telstra or Optus to choose from.

How does the Optus-TPG network-sharing deal work?

For years, Telstra has offered the broadest coverage in Australia and in 2022 there was actually a similar proposal for a network-sharing deal between Telstra and TPG, although it was denied once by the ACCC and a second time upon appeal by the Australian Competition Tribunal.

The Tribunal stated that the deal would provide Telstra with "competitive benefits and would further increase Telstra’s position of market strength in mobile telecommunications markets". One reason why this Optus-TPG deal was allowed is because, as stated by TPG CEO Inaki Berroeta, it creates "a new era of choice and competition for customers across regional Australia".

The core of this deal is the establishment of what’s known as a Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) in regional Australia, which just means the two providers share parts of their network. And, while Vodafone/TPG and its many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) should see significant benefits in terms of where their subscribers can get a signal , Optus hasn't partnered with TPG just to be nice.

Late last year, Optus was crowned the fastest mobile network and through this agreement it gained licensing to the TPG spectrum within the MOCN, allowing it to increase the capacity, quality and speed of its network for regional customers. When this deal was struck, Optus CEO Michael Venter also stated that it should see "the rollout of 5G infrastructure to be completed by around two years earlier than previously planned".

So, what are the current changes?

For now, the only definitive change of note is that Vodafone's network coverage has expanded, and it's important to remember that it's not just Vodafone that is affected – but any smaller MVNO telcos that use it as well, such as TPG and iiNet.

Vodafone has a whole page dedicated to its coverage expansion, letting you explore your local network by state to see how it's changed. For example, in terms of footprint, coverage in New South Wales and the ACT has doubled, while South Australia has tripled and Vodafone's coverage in Queensland has quadrupled.

There are currently no plans from Vodafone to increase the price of its plans to match its improved network and customers don't need to do anything to gain access to the expanded coverage. If you're interested, you can explore Vodafone's mobile plans to see what's best for you.

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• Vodafone has just passed a major landmark for satellite video calls
• It's demoed a "space video call" using a standard smartphone
• The service will roll out later this year, though there's no pricing yet

Vodafone has announced that it's hit a new milestone in the race to end frustrating cellular 'dead zones' – with what it's calling the "world's first space video call" using a standard mobile phone from "an area of no coverage."

Those qualifiers are important because Starlink and T-Mobile demoed a video call made through X (formerly Twitter) using unmodified phones last year. So Vodafone's claim is specific to making video calls from areas like the remote part of Wales where its demo took place.

Still, it's certainly a significant moment and a big step on Vodafone's path towards adding satellite connectivity to its network by the end of this year in the UK and across Europe "from later in 2025 and 2026."

Rather than replacing existing networks, direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity aims to be a helpful extension that could eliminate "not spots" (or dead zones) in rural areas and also, according to Vodafone, "vast stretches of surrounding sea."

Vodafone claims that its satellite experience "mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks", although the demo phone call (which you can watch in the video below) certainly showed evidence of lag and low-res footage. We may have to wait for the full roll-out to get a better idea of quality.

The service is provided by BlueBird satellites from Vodafone's partner (and SpaceX rival) AST SpaceMobile. The system is based on five satellites and Vodafone calls it "the first and only mobile broadband network in space" that works directly with standard smartphones.

Rivals systems, like T-Mobile and Starlink's, are currently limited to text messages, although video calls and mobile data are on the roadmap. With AT&T and Verizon also working with AST SpaceMobile to provide a similar service in the US, satellite calling looks ready to take off globally in 2025.

How much will it cost?

The big unknown of Vodafone's satellite connectivity and rival systems is how much they'll cost. Vodafone hasn't yet commented on pricing, only stating that it'll start rolling out the service "following further tests this Spring" (so between March and June).

The need for satellite coverage, particularly video calls, depends greatly on where you live. In the UK, Ofcom has estimated that 9% of the country "lacks good quality 4G coverage from any operator". But those who live in urban areas will also be familiar with phone network "dead zones" caused by interruptions between cell towers.

Apple's iPhones and now Android phones like the Google Pixel 9 series have received free Emergency SOS Satellite features, which can be potential lifesavers. iOS 18 also introduced the ability to text anyone via a satellite connection, plus the option of getting roadside assistance.

It's possible that those services will eventually need a subscription, but Apple hasn't started charging yet. So, the question for mobile networks like Vodafone is how many people will need full mobile broadband via satellite compared to the emergency features that are currently available for free from Apple.

Still, we're not complaining about getting more connectivity options, and competition will hopefully drive the prices of satellite-based services down in the long term.

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Vodafone has confirmed the completion of the sale of its Italian business (Vodafone Italy) to Swisscom AG in a deal with €8 billion ($8.3 billion).

Switzerland’s Swisscom, primarily operating in its home country through its self-named network and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Coop Mobile, already has some market share in Italy with its Fastweb brand, which it partly acquired in 2007 (€3 billion for 82%) before fully acquiring in 2010.

As part of the deal, Vodafone has agreed to continue providing certain services in Italy for up to five years post-completion.

Vodafone sells off Italian subsidiary to Swiss giant

The company confirmed that the proceeds of its sale would go toward reducing the Group’s net debt.

Walter Renna, CEO of Swisscom’s Fastbweb, will head the new Fastweb + Vodafone brand.

The sale of its Vodafone Italy follows the sale of its Spanish business in late 2023 – the Zegona Communications deal was worth €4.1 billion in cash.

At the time, company CEO Margherita Della Valle said the sale would “enable [Vodafone] to focus [its] resources in markets with sustainable structures and sufficient local scale.”

Vodafone has also had a busy few months in the UK, following CMA approval of its merger with Three at the beginning of December 2024. The deal, set to benefit “tens of millions of consumers and businesses,” will see the two former network giants invest £11 billion ($13.7 billion) into the UK’s 5G infrastructure.

Margherita Della Valle commented: “Today’s approval releases the handbrake on the UK’s telecoms industry, and the increased investment will power the UK to the forefront of European telecommunications.”

Speaking about the sale of Vodafone’s Italian business, Swisscom CEO Christoph Aeschlimann said: “The improved positioning in Italy will create long-term value for all stakeholders – thanks to growing cashflows and dividends in the future.”

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After a year-long investigation, Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given approval to the Vodafone-Three merger, a deal worth £15 billion ($19 billion).

By consolidating their UK operations, Vodafone and Three hope to become a market leader with 29 million customers, making the merged firm even bigger than EE, which claims to have 25 million customers.

As part of the process, the CMA stipulated that the two companies must “sign binding commitments to invest billions to roll out a combined 5G network across the UK.”

Vodafone-Three merger given the go-ahead

Under the agreement, Vodafone will have a 51% stake, with Three owner CK Hutchison taking the remaining 49%.

Previously concerned about the potential for higher prices due to decreased competition and less advantageous terms for virtual network providers, the CMA concluded: “The group has confirmed it is now satisfied that the proposed network commitment, supported by shorter term protections for both retail and wholesale customers, resolve its competition concerns.”

The CMA says that by upgrading their networks over the course of the next eight years, Vodafone and Three’s work would actually boost competition. As a component of the terms set out by the CMA, Vodafone and Three must also cap their mobile tariffs and data plans for three years to protect customers against sharp price rises in the early years of the merger.

Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry group leading the investigation, commented: “Having carefully considered the evidence, as well as the extensive feedback we have received, we believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed – but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures.”

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle said: “Consumers and businesses will enjoy wider coverage, faster speeds and better-quality connections across the UK, as we build the biggest and best network in our home market.”

Given that Virgin Media O2 agreed earlier in 2024 to a long-term network-sharing agreement with Vodafone and Three, subject to the now-approved merger, an anticipated 50 million UK customers will see the benefits.

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A new report from Opensignal has awarded Optus with its seventh consecutive win on 5G download speeds, and put the telco well ahead of both Telstra and Vodafone across several categories.

During the recording period between July 1 and Sep 28, Optus saw the fastest average 5G download speeds, measured at 209.1Mbps. The teal telco was far ahead of Telstra and Vodafone, at 177.7Mbps and 162.9Mbps respectively.

Optus also came out on top for video experience, 5G video experience, gaming experience, 5G download speeds and consistent quality (a measurement of if the network is sufficient to support common mobile app requirements at a ‘good enough’ level of quality).

“We know how valuable a strong network is for our customers who use their devices in so many aspects of their lives,” an Optus spokesperson said. “So much work goes into the network, so we are incredibly proud to win these awards.”

Optus and Vodafone scooped up joint wins for 5G gaming experience, 5G upload speeds and network availability (a measurement of the proportion of time people have a network connection in the places they regularly visit). Vodafone won for download speed experience (including 4G and soon to be phased out 3G), upload speed experience and 5G availability.

“Our Vodafone users continue to observe the fastest overall average download speeds in Australia,” Opensignal wrote in its report.

In last place for awards received was Telstra, though the blue and orange telco scooped up wins for coverage experience and 5G coverage experience, with Opensignal assessing the extent of mobile networks in populated areas of Australia and the experience users receive. Telstra’s score of 9.5/10 was leagues ahead of Optus and Vodafone, scoring 8.3 and 6.4.

“This means Telstra has the widest and largest geographic footprint of coverage in populated areas out of all mobile operators in Australia,” Opensignal wrote.

So should I switch to Optus?

Opensignal’s report is a useful indicator of network quality, and across the most categories, Optus is the winner, particularly when it comes to network consistency and 5G experience – a category in which Optus won all four awards (two of which tied with Vodafone).

But obviously Vodafone’s win for download experience isn’t one to be ignored, especially with the telco offering the cheapest plans among the three network providers. Telstra’s wins on coverage experience are also not to be scoffed at, more so if you live in a regional or rural area, though it offers the most expensive plans of the big three.

And that’s probably the most important factor for most people when considering a phone plan. Telstra’s cheapest postpaid plan costs AU$65p/m and 50GB of included data, while Optus’ is AU$52p/m for 50GB and Vodafone’s is AU$49p/m for 50GB. All these plans technically include unlimited data, with speedcaps enforced after the 50GB threshold.

Considering its results in the recent Opensignal report, it might be worth considering Optus as the ‘best of both worlds’ choice – a high level of quality across several areas with a price tag in between Vodafone and Telstra. Vodafone may also be worth considering as the economic choice, but we’d also recommend checking out the best phone plans and the best SIM-only plans, as you’ll likely find a better deal from a smaller provider.

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 are available to pre-order in Australia as of Thursday, 11 July 2024, with the devices officially releasing in just under three weeks on July 31. With so many different offers and inclusions available from Aussie telcos and retailers alike, we've neatly packaged them together below to help you find the right one for you.

In Australia the Samsung Galaxy Flip 6 starts at AU$1,799 for the 12GB/256GB model, but you can grab the 512GB model for AU$1,999 if you need a little more storage. 

If you're looking to pick up the bigger and more powerful Galaxy Fold 6, prices start at AU$2,749, with the 512GB model priced at AU$2,949, whereas the 1TB model will set you back AU$3,299. 

Last year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 launched at AU$1,649 and AU$1,849, while the three Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 models launched at AU$2,599, AU$2,799 and AU$3,149 respectively – so both phones are seeing considerable price increases at every level. 

Most retailers are offering gift-cards as their main pre-order bonus, so if you regularly shop at one of the retailers below, we’d recommend sticking with them for your pre-order. There are some attractive offers at the major telcos, however, including free gifts such as a Samsung tablet or Galaxy Watch.

For a more in-depth look at these new devices, you can catch early thoughts in our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 reviews, or head on over to our minute-to-minute live blog of Samsung Unpacked to catch up on everything. If you just want our thoughts and the latest info on a new Samsung Galaxy product, you can do that here:

The Samsung Galaxy Ring isn't available in Australia just yet. We'll let you know when it is, but in the meantime you can tide yourself over by reading our Samsung Galaxy Ring review.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 pre-orders in Australia

Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro pre-order deals

When do Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 pre-orders go live?

Going live immediately after the Samsung Unpacked event taking place in Paris on 11 July, you can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3 right now, from the retailers and telcos listed above. 

What do we know about these devices?

Everything! After weeks of updating our latest news and rumours page for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, we finally know all the details about both phones, with Samsung spilling all the beans at the Samsung Unpacked event in Paris last night. 

Somewhat predictably, AI is at the centre of everything in the new Galaxy Z series, with Samsung promising that the next chapter of Galaxy AI will provide a more versatile and flexible form factor to enable a range of "unique mobile experiences". 

“Samsung’s long history of innovation has allowed us to lead in the mobile space, creating the foldable form factor and ushering in the mobile AI era. Now, we are excited to bring these two complementary technologies together and unlock new possibilities for users around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Experience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our foldables meet the unique needs of every user and now enhanced by the power of Galaxy AI, Samsung is delivering an experience like never before.”

So, that leads us to the next question. Other than more AI…

What's new?

Samsung's two newest foldables feature the same processor – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. If that sounds familiar, it's the same excellent processor that powers the Galaxy S24 series, so you can expect the same super snappy performance with both devices across its suite of apps - including those utilising AI. 

The Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 is considerably lighter and thinner than the Fold 5, and has a squared-off design. It's brighter, too, with a 2,600nit display and 120Hz refresh rate. Camera-wise, not too much has changed, with a 50MP main wide and 10MP 3x optical zoom camera, but there is an upgraded image signal processing unit for the 12MP ultra-wide sensor that will supposedly help in low-light situations.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 design remains largely unchanged, other than a few aesthetic additions to the camera housing. The screen size and form factor remain the same as its predecessor, but the brightness is much-improved, with a maximum of 2,600 nits. The biggest upgrade comes to the camera, with a fresh new 50MP main camera compared to the 12MP resolution of the Flip 5. 

Software is where the real change is, through. And how the AI integration fits in. Featuring in basically every area of the phone – photography, image and video editing and translation, depending on your use-case, its uses range from gimmicky fun to must-have functionality. 

Enough with the spiel though… here's how the specs of both phones compare. 

Private 5G networks, where individuals or companies set up their own cellular connections, could potentially provide a viable alternative to Wi-Fi. 

Vodafone, which wants to make 5G-based mobile private networks (MPNs) more accessible to the 22 million SMEs across Europe, first unveiled a Raspberry Pi-powered prototype of a 5G network-in-a-box at MWC 2023, and followed it up with an improved version at this year’s event.

Produced in collaboration with Lime Microsystems, (whom Vodafone first partnered with on Open RAN technology back in 2017), the LimeNET Micro 2.0 Developer Edition, a crowd-funded series of private 5G base-station kits, is on sale now through Crowd Supply, with prices ranging from $800 to $12,000.

Faster, better connections

The modular radio platform uses the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and LimeSDR XTRX for computing and RF capabilities respectively, and features a LimePSB RPCM planar system board. There’s also a deluxe version that includes an Amarisoft 5G stack and core, two smartphones, and ten SIM cards, offering a turnkey private 5G network solution.

Private 5G networks have been shown to deliver connections up to ten times faster than Wi-Fi in high-load networks and they offer security and mobility benefits. Santiago Tenorio, network architecture director at Vodafone, gave an example to IEEE Spectrum of how it could be used in a bakery. “You don’t need a password. You don’t need a conversation [with a clerk behind a counter] or a QR code. You simply walk into the bakery, and you are connected to the bakery’s network,” he said.

Talking about the challenge that comes with developing a private 5G base station, Ebrahim Bushehri, CEO and founder of Lime Networks, said, “The solution had to be ultraportable and with an optional battery pack which could be mounted on drones and autonomous robots, for remote and tactical deployments, such as emergency-response scenarios and temporary events.”

At the time of writing, there are still 22 days left to fund the project, which has a $1 goal. “Crowdfunding,” Bushehri told IEEE Spectrum, “is one of the key indicators of community interest and engagement. Hence the reason for launching the campaign on Crowd Supply to get feedback from early adopters.”

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The planned merger between Vodafone and Three is set to face an "in-depth investigation" from the UK's competition watchdog over fears the deal may negatively affect the market.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it will be holding a further probe into the planned £15bn/$19bn merger.

In its announcement, the CMA said the action was taken after an examination of current information which it says brought it to the conclusion that the deal, "may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom."

Vodafone-Three probe

The announcement follows a warning in March 2024 that the CMA was set to launch a further investigation into the deal unless Vodafone and Three could provide "meaningful solutions" to initial concerns surrounding the deal.

Chief among the worries is that the deal, which would take the number of major mobile operators in the UK from four to three, would particularly harm smaller MVNOs, who may find it harder to negotiate good deals for their customers from a shrinking pool of providers.

The two networks had anticipated the CMA's move but said they remained confident the merger will deliver "significant benefits for competition, customers and the country."

The CMA has set a deadline of September 18, 2024 to complete its investigation.

The merger was announced in June 2023, with plans to form a new £15bn-valued telco giant and "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks."

Vodafone was set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, currently known as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%. 

The two companies were also keen to highlight the advantages of combining their two 5G networks for consumers and businesses alike, with MergeCo intending to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a best-in-class 5G network, supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy.

MergeCo also expects to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK by 2030, helping deliver the Government’s stretch ambition as set out in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

Vodafone hiked the prices of its current phone plans back in January of this year, and now the telco has announced it’s once again increasing the cost of its mobile plans. This time, however, Vodafone’s existing customers will be hit with an increase of AU$4 a month.

What this means is the majority of Vodafone’s existing customers who have been with the telco since before the January 2024 price rise – which only affected new customers – will soon pay AU$4 more a month. Vodafone says the increase will take effect from April 5.

While the majority of Vodafone’s legacy customers will soon pay more for their phone service, the telco says it will also provide more data to those affected. Customers will receive an extra 10GB of data every month at a minimum, while some users will get up to 60GB of additional data.

Vodafone hasn’t specified exactly which plans are going up in price, but that’s because there are hundreds of legacy plans that are impacted. In some cases, those that are affected may still be paying less than the cost of Vodafone’s current plans after the price rise.

For example, I’m currently a Vodafone customer who pays AU$40 a month for 80GB of data. After the price increase, I’ll be paying AU$44 a month for 90GB of data. It’s not the best offer out there, so I’ve hunted around for some better alternatives.

My recommendations are below, but you can also read our guide to the best SIM-only plans for more options, or see the best Vodafone mobile plans if you want to get a new device on a plan.

Best alternative for most people

Best alternative on Optus network

Best alternative on Telstra network

Best alternative on Vodafone network

Looking for more alternatives? Here’s a look at some SIM-only plans for well under AU$40 a month.

Vodafone and Microsoft have announced a new 10-year strategic partnership that will see them jointly aim to offer scaled digital platforms to over 300 million businesses, public sector organizations, and consumers across Europe and Africa.

As part of the deal, Vodafone has committed to a $1.5 billion investment in cloud and customer-focused AI services over the next decade with Microsoft.

The two-way relationship also has Microsoft “intend[ing]” to invest an undisclosed sum into Vodafone’s IoT connectivity platform, which is set to become its own standalone business by April.

Microsoft and Vodafone want to accelerate digital transformation

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group chief executive, said: “This unique strategic partnership with Microsoft will accelerate the digital transformation of our business customers, particularly small and medium-sized companies, and step up the quality of customer experience for consumers.”

The alliance aims to overhaul Vodafone’s customer experience, develop digital and financial services for businesses, and revamp the company’s global data center cloud strategy.

Vodafone also hopes to expand its platform, ultimately connecting more devices, vehicles, and machines.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella added: “This new generation of AI will unlock massive new opportunities for every organization and every industry around the world.”

Five key areas of collaboration have been identified by the companies, beginning with Vodafone’s digital assistant, TOBi, which is set to be supercharged by generative AI powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI.

Tighter connections will also be forged between Vodafone and Microsoft in terms of IoT, and Vodafone has shared plans to modernize its data centers on Microsoft Azure.

Moreover, the two tech titans hope to help SMEs that use their services to grow, with a particular focus on the African continent where digital literacy, upskilling, and youth outreach programs are set to be deployed.

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Vodafone has quietly increased the cost of its mobile plans, with each plan going up by AU$4 a month.

While the price hike only affects new customers, it’s the second time in a year that Vodafone has raised the cost of its mobile plans. Back in April 2023, the majority of Vodafone’s existing postpaid customers were hit with an increase of AU$5 a month.

Vodafone is adding more data to each plan as part of the price rise, but the price increase means that Vodafone’s mobile plans now cost the same as Optus’. Previously, Vodafone was able to distinguish itself from the big three by offering the cheapest plans – not so anymore.

The table below is a comparison of Vodafone’s old vs new pricing.

Is Vodafone still good value?

We’d argue that yes, Vodafone’s plans are still good value, particularly if you want to be with a major telco or you need a new phone you can pay off over time. Vodafone is also a good choice if you frequently travel overseas, as you only need to pay an extra AU$5 a day to use your phone plan as normal (available in over 100 countries).

While the best Vodafone mobile plans now cost the same as Optus’ offerings, you generally get more data with Vodafone – with one notable exception, Optus’ 500GB Plus plan, which costs AU$69 a month for your first 12 months, then increases to AU$89 each month ongoing.

While we think that Vodafone is still the winner in value for money among the three major telcos, it’s not the only aspect to consider when choosing a phone provider. Mobile coverage is also important, and Vodafone’s 4G and 5G footprint is smaller than both Telstra and Optus.

With that said, your options for a good-value mobile plan really open up if you consider smaller providers, known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). These telcos essentially buy access to one of the big three’s networks, and then resell it onto you at a cheaper price.

These telcos are great alternatives if you’ve already got a phone you’re happy with, or you can buy your next phone outright. We have a dedicated guide to the best SIM-only plans, but here’s our pick for January.

Our pick: best for most people

SIM-only deals under AU$40 a month

Looking for more alternatives? Here’s a look at some SIM-only plans for well under AU$40 a month.

A Vodafone engineer by the name of José Guevara has just made history by becoming the first person to take a space-based 5G internet voice call. 

In a press release shared, Vodafone said it successfully completed the call trial, together with AST SpaceMobile (a US-based publicly traded satellite designer and manufacturer).

Guevara, located in Spain, took the call coming from Hawaii, and used an ordinary Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone, just like the one anyone can purchase, to do so. The call was done via AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite. According to Vodafone, this is the “largest commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit.”

Improving connectivity around the world

In parallel, AST Space Mobile also tested mobile internet through the same infrastructure and apparently broke its previous record. This time around, the researchers achieved a download rate of almost 14Mbps, it was said, with Vodafone adding that this new technology has the potential to bring mobile internet to even the remotest of regions around the planet. 

Commenting on the news, Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said the company wants to “close the mobile usage gap” for millions of people in Europe and Africa: “By making the world’s first space-based 5G call to Europe, we have taken another important step in realizing that ambition. We’re excited to be at the forefront of space technology through our partnership with AST SpaceMobile.”

This test marks yet another important milestone in AST SpaceMobile’s goal of launching five commercial BlueBird satellites, scheduled for Q1 2024. By using low Earth orbit satellites for this type of connectivity, the telco hopes to bring mobile communication - both voice and data - to places where physical infrastructure hasn’t been laid (or is challenging/expensive due to the landscape).

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3G networks are set to be shut down in Australia by October 2024, with Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all confirming their final switch-off dates. With less than a year until the 3G networks are closed, it’s time to make sure you’re ready for the change. You might be impacted if you have a mobile phone that’s over seven or eight years old, while older tablets, smartwatches, ereaders and medical alert devices could also be impacted, or stop working altogether.

On this page, we’re answering commonly asked questions such as what date 3G will be shut down in Australia, what to do if you’re impacted, as well as making some recommendations of what cheap 4G and 5G mobile phones you can switch to.

What is 3G and why is it being shut down?

3G is named as such because it’s the third generation of wireless mobile technology, and it’s been around for almost 20 years. With newer and faster technologies such as 4G and 5G networks now widely available, the major telcos are preparing to start switching off and removing ageing 3G equipment across in Australia.

Once 3G is deactivated, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have said they will repurpose the 3G radio spectrum so it can be used to expand their 4G and 5G cellular networks. That’s good news, as it could improve the capacity and speed of these newer and faster networks in Australia, making them more reliable for users.

What date will 3G be shut down?

There’s no fixed date for the 3G shutdown as a whole, but we can tell you it should be completely switched off in Australia by October 2024 (Vodafone has already shut down its 3G network). Here’s the current schedule:

• Vodafone: 3G shutdown on December 15, 2023
• Telstra: 3G shutdown on October 28, 2024
• Optus: 3G shutdown in October 28, 2024

Which phones won’t work after the 3G shutdown?

It’s difficult to provide an exhaustive list of which phones won’t work after the 3G shutdown, but Optus has released a list of the top 20 most common devices that may be affected:

• Alcatel 2038
• Alcatel OneTouch 2045
• Apple iPhone 5
• Apple iPhone 5c
• Apple iPhone 5s
• Aspera A42
• Doro 6521
• Doro PhoneEasy 623 Optus
• Google Pixel 2 XL
• Huawei E5251s-2
• Huawei E5331
• Huawei Y6 Prime
• Nokia 301
• Oppo A57
• Oppo F1s
• Oppo F5 Youth
• Optus X Smart
• Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini
• Samsung Galaxy S5
• ZTE Blade A0605

If your phone’s not on that list, you can also find out if your handset is 3G-only by contacting the manufacturer. Often the quickest way to check though, is to see what appears in your phone’s status bar when it’s not connected to Wi-Fi. If you only ever see 3G listed next to your provider's name, chances are you have a 3G phone.

I need a new cheap phone, what should I get?

So you’ve found out you’ve got a 3G phone and you want to upgrade to a 4G-ready device – what should you get? It really depends on your budget, but we’ve found basic options for as little as AU$129 outright from Vodafone. However, if you want to upgrade to a handset that offers a nice balance between great features and price, we suggest you check out our guide to the best cheap phones in Australia.

You might also want to reassess your current mobile plan to ensure you’re not paying too much. These days, there are more options out there than just Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, and it’s the smaller providers which tend to have the cheaper mobile plans. If you want a better idea of what’s currently available, head to our guides on the best SIM-only plans in Australia, or the best prepaid mobile plans if you prefer the prepaid route.

What other devices are impacted by the 3G shutdown?

It’s not just older phones that will be affected by the 3G shutdown. Some older tablets, ereaders, security systems, baby monitors and even medical alert devices which use a 3G connection may no longer work after the 3G shutdown. If you have an older version of one of these devices, get in contact with the manufacturer to check if it relies on 3G.

Some devices such as tablets and ereaders with 3G connectivity may still be able to be used, though they’ll become Wi-Fi-only devices.

How long will 4G be supported in Australia?

We don’t know for sure how long 4G will be supported in Australia, but there are currently no plans to phase it out. To give you an idea of just how prevalent 4G is, Telstra says it has more than 10,400 4G-enabled mobile base stations across Australia.

“4G is a vital part of Telstra’s mobile network and we continue to deploy new 4G coverage across Australia,” a Telstra spokesperson told us. “We do not have a closure date planned for our 4G network.”

As Vodafone prepares for its big merger with Three, it has revealed strong financial results and announced a brand new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Reporting on its finances, Vodafone says it experienced revenue growth of 3.7% for the year, or 1.8% if Turkey is excluded. For the fourth quarter of the year, the growth was 1.9% or 0.5%, respectively. 

When it comes to foreign markets, Vodafone reported broad-based service revenue improvement across almost all European markets, with service revenue significantly improving in Germany (-1.3% for the year, or -2.8% for the quarter), mostly supported by broadband price increases.

New CFO

For Vodafone Business, service revenue growth accelerated to 4.5% for the year, driven by a strong performance in digital services (Q4: 2.9%).

At the same time, the company announced that its search for a new CFO is finally over and that Luka Mucic will take the helm starting September 1, 2023. 

Margherita Della Valle, soon-to-be ex-CEO, said she was thrilled about the news: “He has a strong track record of international leadership, corporate repositioning and value-creation. Luka is joining us at a critical time as we undertake the transformation of Vodafone,” she said.

Mucic was the CEO of SAP SE between 2014 and 2017, and the company’s CFO from 2014 until March 31, 2023. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Heidelberg Materials AG. He was previously a non-executive director of the Board of Qualtrics International.

One of Mucic’s biggest tasks in the near future will be the transformation of Vodafone. Recently, the company announced plans to cut 11,000 jobs and restructure into a leaner, more agile business.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

Ericsson and Vodafone have begun installing new 5G antennas in the UK, seeking to improve capacity, coverage, and performance. 

According to a press release, the antennas will not create an additional footprint.

As per the announcement, the antennas being installed are AIR 3218, compact active-passive antennas with an integrated radio and multiband passive antenna technology, all in one single enclosure. 

Game changer

By combining radio and antenna in a single unit, the antennas can easily be installed on a rooftop, tower, wall, or pole, the two companies said. That should make site upgrades and acquisition simpler, and 5G deployment faster - especially in places where building regulations and planning laws presented a roadblock. The two companies expect AIR 3218 to be deployed across 50 sites within Vodafone’s UK network this year. They also said they expect a 30% saving in site acquisition and build time. 

“This is a game changer for Vodafone and the UK deployment of 5G Massive MIMO,” commented Evangelia Tzifa, Chief Technology Officer, Networks & Managed Services, for Ericsson UK and Ireland. “Together, we are increasing 5G capacity without growing visual antenna footprint on site. By being able to do more with less, we are bringing the benefits of next-generation connectivity to more people in the UK, but also reducing any impact on the environment and continuing our journey to break the energy curve”.

As mobile networks speed up 5G deployments, consumers become more data-hungry. As the amount of data traffic increases, and the number of 5G subscribers grow, operators will require more flexibility, spectrum efficiency, and energy savings, the announcement argues. With a single antenna footprint and Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology, the two organizations hope to achieve just that. 

5G is expected to be more disruptive than Artificial Intelligence (AI), as businesses deploy countless internet-connected devices, sensors, smart hardware, and more.

• These are the best phones right now

Vodafone has joined forces with SandboxAQ to make sure future business smartphones and connections are safe from the threats that hackers with quantum computers may pose. 

In a press release, Vodafone explained that quantum computers have the theoretical capability to break through today’s encryptions and thus allow threat actors to read sensitive data. That may include identity information, payment information, and more. 

In fact, Vodafone argues that hackers are most likely already stealing and storing encrypted data today, in anticipation of the “quantum revolution” which will enable them to quickly decrypt and read the stolen data. Government-held information seems to be among the data being stolen by hackers today, it was said.

Quantum safe VPN

To make sure businesses beat the hackers and the quantum revolution to the curb, Vodafone and SandboxAQ (which is a spin-off from Alphabet, the parent company of Google) conducted a proof-of-concept test for a quantum safe Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

VPN networks are the staple of today’s corporate security, allowing millions of workers worldwide to securely access company systems via their endpoints. The two firms ran the test using standard smartphones, connected to the VPN specifically adapted using cryptography algorithms from The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

NIST, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has been working for some time now on the development of new cryptography algorithms better suited for quantum computers. 

The two companies tested the impact of post-quantum cryptography on everyday activity, such as web browsing, social media and chat application use, video and audio streaming, and mobile gaming using PQC-enabled mobile handsets, explained Vodafone’s Head of Research and Development Luke Ibbetson.

The best-fit PQC algorithms selected for standardization by (NIST) were found to perform well in the telecommunications setting, the researchers explained. Their impact on the quality of service was minimal. 

As a result, the researchers concluded that the use of hybrid classical/PQC algorithms for the security processes that use a cryptographic key exchange could be the way forward. NIST is also considering a second group of PQC algorithms, for digital signatures. Vodafone and SandboxAQ believe traditional signature algorithm can be used together with hybrid key-exchange.

Vodafone and Three have officially announced plans to merge in a move that is set to hugely shake up the UK mobile market.

In a statement, Vodafone and CK Hutchinson, the owner of Three UK, confirmed a deal that should see the formation of a new £15bn-valued telco giant and, "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks."

Vodafone is set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, known for now as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%. 

Vodafone-Three merger

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, described the merger as being “great for customers, great for the country and great for competition.”  

“The merger is great for customers, great for the country and great for competition. It’s transformative as it  will create a best-in-class – indeed best in Europe – 5G network, offering customers a superior experience," she added. 

"As a country, the UK will benefit from the creation of a sustainable, strongly competitive third scaled operator – with a clear £11 billion network investment plan – driving growth, employment and innovation. For Vodafone, this transaction is a game changer in our home market. This is a vote of confidence in the UK  and its ambitions to be a centre for future technology.” 

“Today’s announcement is a major milestone for CK Hutchison and for the UK," added Canning Fok, Group Co-Managing Director of CK Hutchison. "Three UK and Vodafone UK  currently lack the necessary scale on their own to earn their cost of capital. This has long been a challenge  for Three UK’s ability to invest and compete." 

"Together, we will have the scale needed to deliver a best-in class 5G network for the UK, transforming mobile services for our customers and opening up new  opportunities for businesses across the length and breadth of the UK. This will unlock significant value for  CK Hutchison and its shareholders, realise material synergies, reduce net financial indebtedness and further  strengthen its financial profile.”

In a press release, the two companies highlighted the advantages of combining their two 5G networks for consumers and businesses alike.

They expect MergeCo to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK by 2030,  helping deliver the Government’s stretch ambition as set out in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.

MergeCo also intends to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a best-in-class 5G network, supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy.

Analysis: A major disruption - for better or worse?

Rumors of Vodafone/CK Hutchinson merger have been ongoing for quite some time now, and triggered major moves in the market, with Della Valle's predecessor Nick Read, stepping down due to not being able to consolidate the UK market, which frustrated shareholders.

Less than a month ago, Della Valle announced the company would be cutting 11,000 jobs in an effort to become more agile on the market.

The deal is still pending regulatory approval in both the UK and CK Hutchinson's home nation of Hong Kong, with some observers not viewing the further reduction of the number of UK network operators very kindly.

If the deal does end up going through, the resulting group will become the biggest mobile operator in the UK, with some 27 million customers. That would place it above BT’s EE and VM O2, as well as Liberty Global, which some analysts have predicted could disrupt the UK market significantly.

“This long-awaited mega merger represents the biggest shake-up in the UK mobile market for over a decade," noted Kester Mann, Director, Consumer and Connectivity, CCS Insight. 

“The deal makes plenty of sense as both providers are sub-scale. As separate entities, it would have been near impossible for either to grow enough organically to come close to challenging BT or Virgin Media O2 for size. Inevitably however, there will be widespread fears over job cuts.”

 “An £11 billion network investment plan will seek to allay regulatory concerns. But this deal will still face a major challenge to win approval. At this stage, I believe it is too difficult to call either way.”

 “The prospect the deal leads to higher prices will be a major concern for the CMA. Vodafone and Three may have shot themselves in the foot by recently hiking tariffs by up to 14.4%.”

 “My view is that the deal should be approved. It is better to have three strong providers than two that are dominant and two that are sub-scale. Blocking it could thwart the long-term development of the UK’s telecoms infrastructure.”

 “A marriage of convenience makes sense. Scale is key to help lower costs and improve margins," noted Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight.

"It will take years before we see the real fruits of this deal come to fruition. The question is, can the UK wait that long? However, convergence still remains the achilles heel if this does get over the line. It would create a mobile champion that could increase competition in the wholesale segment of the market and become a partner of choice for MVNOs.”

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

Vodafone and CK Hutchinson - the owner of Three - are about to announce a merger in the UK, according to a report from Reuters. The news agency said the deal could be announced either this Friday, or early next week.

Apparently, the deal will be in line with what was reported in October last year - namely that Vodafone would own the majority of the combined group (51%), with Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%. 

It was also said that the new company would be valued at approximately $18.6 billion, debt included. 

Shareholder pressure

The story of the Vodafone/CK Hutchinson merger has been ongoing for quite some time now, and triggered major moves in the market. 

Some argue that former Vodafone CEO, Nick Read, stepped down due to not being able to consolidate the UK market, which was one of his major goals. This inability frustrated shareholders, which resulted in the change at the helm.

The new CEO, Margherita Della Valle, stepped in and has been feeling the pressure to improve the company’s performance. Less than a month ago, Della Valle announced the company would be cutting 11,000 jobs in an effort to become more agile on the market.

The deal also raised some concerns, as the regulators did not view the idea of reducing the number of network operators in a major market such as the UK kindly. The deal is still pending regulatory approval, Reuters added. 

On the other hand, Hutchinson’s CFO, Frank John Sixt also said that finalizing the deal was “extremely difficult.”

If the deal does end up going through, the resulting group will become the biggest mobile operator in the UK, with some 27 million customers. That would place it above BT’s EE and VM O2, as well as Liberty Global, Reuters claims.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

Via: Reuters

By the end of the decade, some 3.3 billion Internet-connected devices (IoT devices) will be trading money and data directly, a new report from telecommunications consultants STL Partners claims. 

That’s up from 88 million devices next year, representing a 3750% increase in roughly six years, or “meteoric growth”, as the report’s authors put it. 

The practice is being dubbed the Economy of Things (EoT). This subset of IoT, the researchers claim, will make up more than 10% of the overall IoT market and will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 68%. 

Cars and charging stations trading data and money

While all kinds of internet-connected devices will make up EoT, the majority of the data is expected to come from connected vehicles, the report further states. 

The logic behind the forecast is that vehicle telematics is “relatively mature” already, and that the data connected by vehicles is valuable for others in the ecosystem. Explaining how EoT might work in the automotive industry, the researchers state that connected vehicles could communicate and coordinate with charging points, parking space sensors, and traffic lights, directly via EoT.

Furthermore, STL Partners anticipates more than 1.2 billion EoT-enabled smart grid devices by 2030, which is 40% of the total opportunity forecast, as well as 700 million supply chain devices. In this segment of the industry, AI-powered tools can analyze IoT-generated data to predict surges in demand for energy, and sell spare capacity back to the grid. 

Vodafone is among the organizations that anticipate the growth of the EoT market, and to that end has built an EoT platform last year called Digital Asset Broker. 

Other companies with an eye on the rising EoT sector include banks and financial organizations. Mark Williamson, Global Head of FX Partnerships & Propositions, HSBC, said “there are so many opportunities with the EoT so it is important to think about where it will progress fast in its first stages. There is a lot of interest and penetration in the motoring and EV worlds, and this will be a key starting point.”

• These are the best smart home devices right now

BT has announced it will be reducing its workforce by up to 40% by the end of the decade. Given that its current workforce of employees and contractors is roughly 130,000 strong, that would mean up to 55,000 people may be laid off. 

BT Chief Executive Officer Philip Jansen said that by the end of this decade, the company will have a "much smaller workforce" and a "significantly reduced cost base". In the next decade, BT will be “a leaner business with a brighter future,” Jansen added.

The media are also saying that BT is focused on expanding its fiber network which, unlike the current copper network, will be more reliable and would require less maintenance. Just migrating to fiber could help BT reduce its workforce by 15,000 people. 

New hardware and software

Furthermore, BT will be adding more artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for its customer support department, which will also help it cut down on staff. Finally, general company restructuring will also help it reduce its workforce.

In its latest yearly earnings report, the company reported a 12% decrease in profit, hitting £1.7bn.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Vodafone is looking to reduce its workforce by roughly 10%, or 11,000 jobs. The process would take roughly three years. Vodafone's new CEO Margherita della Valle said the company was looking to “simplify” itself, and job cuts are part of that plan, as she claims the company’s performance “has not been good enough”. 

"To consistently deliver, Vodafone must change,” she said. "My priorities are customers, simplicity and growth. We will simplify our organization, cutting out complexity to regain our competitiveness."

The company recently reported €45.7 billion in sales, a small rise, but also reported a fall in pre-tax profits, leading analysts to expect a “broadly flat” financial year for the company. 

• Check out the best cheap mobile phone plans

Via: BBC

Telstra has announced it’s increasing the cost of its mobile plans by as much as AU$6 a month, with the change to take effect from July 4, 2023.

The telco’s most affordable plan, called the Basic plan, will soon go from AU$58p/m to AU$62p/m, an increase of AU$4. To compensate, Telstra’s raising the amount of data included on this plan, going from 40GB to 50GB each billing period.

Customers on Telstra’s Essential and Premium plans are also getting hit with a price hike on July 4. The 180GB Essential plan is going from AU$68p/m to AU$72p/m, while users on the 300GB Premium plan will be slogged with an increase of AU$6 a month – they’ll soon pay AU$95p/m for the plan, instead of the current AU$89p/m price.

Why is Telstra increasing its prices?

Telstra says it's upping the cost of its mobile plans due to inflation, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The telco first did this back in July 2022, when it increased the cost of its plans by up to AU$4, making this the second Telstra price hike in as many years. Telstra says it will continue to review the cost of its phone plans on a yearly basis.

In a post on Telstra’s website, group executive Brad Whitcomb said that the telco was aware the price rises will be difficult for some of its customers during the cost-of-living crunch. 

“Increasing our prices means we can continue investing in the things that matter for our customers. Things like delivering around 1 million square kilometres more mobile coverage compared to our closest competitor and 24/7 network monitoring to help protect against scams and other malicious activity,” Whitcomb said.

If you need financial assistance, Telstra does have options such as flexible payment arrangements, short-term holds on your account and concession rates.

Is Telstra still worth your money?

Telstra was already the most expensive telco among the big three, but its latest price rise makes the mobile provider significantly more expensive than its competition. For example, Optus’ cheapest plan is AU$49 and gives you 30GB of data, while Vodafone is arguably the best value for money at AU$45 for 40GB each month.

While Telstra will soon be offering 50GB a month on its cheapest plan, there’s no point paying for data that you don’t need. A report published in December 2021 by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that the average mobile user in Australia only uses 11.8GB of data a month, and while that figure might have crept up, we think it’s fair to say that 50GB could be overkill for most people.

We’ve compared Telstra, Optus and Vodafone by the cost per gigabyte, and found that you’d pay AU$1.24 per gigabyte with Telstra, AU$1.63 with Optus or AU$1.13 Vodafone. By this measure, Vodafone is the clear winner.

What Vodafone lacks though is the same wide-reaching coverage that Telstra offers, particularly in regional and rural areas. Thankfully, there are still more cost effective options for Aussies who need a network like Telstra’s to get reception where they live and work.

There are a number of smaller telcos, known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which resell access to parts of Telstra’s 4G and 5G networks. They include Belong, Boost Mobile, Mate and Woolworths Mobile, just to name a few. In our best SIM-only plans guide, our recommendation for getting on the Telstra network for cheap is Mate.

More Telstra network alternatives

• Optus is still copping the most complaints for mobile service in new TIO report

Vodafone will reduce its staff by 11,000 positions in the next three years, the company revealed in its latest financial results

Vodafone's new CEO Margherita della Valle is looking to “simplify” the organization, and job cuts are part of that plan, as she claims the company’s performance “has not been good enough”. 

The cuts are equal to around 10% of Vodafone's entire workforce, with losses set to come across multiple countries, with Germany and Italy confirmed to be affected alongside the UK.

Regaining competitiveness

Previously chief financial officer, Della Valle became Vodafone CEO in January 2023 after former CEO Nick Read suddenly left his post. 

"To consistently deliver, Vodafone must change,” she said. "My priorities are customers, simplicity and growth. We will simplify our organization, cutting out complexity to regain our competitiveness."

When Vodafone decided to give Della Valle the position of CEO, analysts saw it as a “deviation” in the company’s strategy, Reuters reported at the time. Analysts were expecting someone from the outside, rather than inside the company, to “shake things up” after Read’s seemingly failed attempt at revitalizing the firm. 

The company recently reported €45.7 billion in sales, a small rise, but also reported a fall in pre-tax profits, leading analysts to expect a “broadly flat” financial year for the company. 

Vodafone recently confirmed it was in talks with CK Hutchinson, parent comnpany of Three UK, over a merger which could fundamentally change the telecoms landscape in the UK. If the deal comes through, the company will be the world’s biggest mobile operator, counting some 28 million customers. 

Vodafone also recently hit the headlines following its move to switch off its 3G signal in some parts of the UK, becoming the first UK mobile phone network to do so.

• Check out the best cheap mobile phone plans

Vodafone and CK Hutchinson, parent comnpany of Three UK, are expected to announce a merger which could fundamentally change the telecoms landscape in the UK.

As per the Financial Times, the new entity should be valued at approximately $18.86bn ($11.3bn equity value and $7.54bn debt).

If the deal comes through, the company will be the world’s biggest mobile operator, counting some 28 million customers. 

Investor pressure

It would also bring the number of mobile operators in the UK down to three, which is something regulators previously blocked, the publication reminds (In 2016, a merger between Three UK and O2 was blocked). 

Finally, the deal would see CK Hutchinson, which is a Hong Kong–based business, leave the UK market. 

The news of the two companies combining first broke a year ago when the Financial Times reported Vodafone facing investor pressure to offload underperforming assets and go after deals in competitive markets (the UK, Italy, Spain). Since then, the deal has been postponed multiple times, like when chief executive Nick Read departed in 2022. Vodafone has been seeking a replacement ever since.

If the deal does come through, Vodafone would hold 51% of the new company, with CK Hutchinson holding the remainder. Once Vodafone UK combines with Three UK, CK Hutchinson would sell its stake to Vodafone, as well. However the entire process, according to the media, could take at least another year, as regulators take their time with the approval process.

The biggest issue for regulators, the Financial Times further states, is that a consolidated market might lead to a concentration of power and rising prices. Earlier this year, it says, most UK mobile operators increased their tariffs by roughly 14%.

So far, both companies avoided commenting to the press about the news.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

Via: Financial Times

Both Telstra and Optus are light years ahead of Vodafone when it comes to 5G download speeds, according to a new report by independent communication analyst Opensignal.

Among Australia’s three major telcos, Optus is leading the pack with the fastest average 5G download speed of 229.6Mbps. Telstra is only marginally behind, clocking in with an average speed of 215Mbps. Vodafone was found to have less than half of its competitors’ 5G speed, reaching downloads of 106.8Mbps on average.

Opensignal’s data was collected from January to March in 2023.

While Vodafone was smashed in the 5G download speed metric, it fares better when it comes to the overall download speed experience, which includes 3G, 4G and 5G networks. 

There was less of a gap between the providers, with Telstra coming out on top with average download speeds of 59.6Mbps. Optus trailed with 55.7Mbps, while Vodafone’s overall download speed was 47.8Mbps on average.

All of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone’s mobile plans come with 5G connectivity as standard. Below is a widget comparing the most affordable 5G plan from each telco.

Vodafone’s surprising 5G wins

Opensignal’s report analysed more than just 5G download speeds – it also looked at the availability of the nation’s 5G networks. It’s important to note that Opensignal’s 5G availability metric doesn’t equate to network coverage. Instead, Opensignal says that 5G availability is a measure of the time spent connected to the network once the initial connection has been made.

Interestingly, Vodafone wins this metric in OpenSignal’s testing. The report found that Vodafone had the highest 5G availability (again, not to be confused with network coverage) among the big three telcos, allowing its 5G users to stay connected to a network 30.8% of the time where it was available.

Telstra and Optus were lagging behind Vodafone, with Telstra’s 5G customers able to connect 19.2% of the time, while Optus users could connect 12.1% of the time.

We would speculate that Vodafone’s high 5G availability is due to fewer users being connected. With Telstra and Optus having a wider 5G footprint than Vodafone, as well as a higher number of users, it’s possible that Telstra and Optus’ 5G towers are at capacity more often, and therefore some of their users need to be dropped down to 4G speeds more frequently.

Another surprising win for Vodafone, however marginal, came for its 5G games experience. Vodafone pulled ahead of Telstra and Optus with 80 points for 5G gaming, with Optus a smidge behind at 78.8, and Telstra attracting 77.4 points – all out of a possible 100.

Opensignal says its 5G games experience metric, “measures how mobile users experience real-time multiplayer mobile gaming on an operator’s 5G network”.

Despite Vodafone’s low 5G download speed, you don’t typically need lots of bandwidth for online gaming – factors such as low latency, packet loss and jitter are more important, which are impacted by server location, not the telcos.

Why Vodafone’s still worth your money

Opensignal’s report tells us how each telco performs in real-world usage, but it doesn’t get to one of the biggest factors in your buying decision – cost. When we stack up Telstra, Optus and Vodafone in terms of price, Vodafone is a clear winner.

The cheapest plan from Vodafone costs AU$45 a month, and it gets you a very healthy 40GB of data. Compare that to Optus, where the most affordable option is a little more at AU$49 a month, but you’ll only get 30GB of data to burn through. Telstra’s cheapest plan isn’t really cheap at all, setting you back AU$58 a month for 40GB of data.

At a time when cost of living is biting, we find it difficult to recommend a telco such as Telstra. That’s purely from a price perspective, which we’d argue is more important than download speed for most people.

If you want to take advantage of Telstra's extensive coverage without the price, we recommend going for a smaller telco that’s using the Telstra network. Mate is currently our #1 recommendation, or you can find more suggestions in our best SIM-only plans guide. 

Vodafone may not be crushing it from a 5G download speed perspective, it certainly dominates when it comes to value for money. You can read more about the best Vodafone mobile plans, or see all its SIM-only options below:

• 5G home internet in Australia: what it is, plus the best plans and deals

Vodafone is the latest Aussie telco to announce an increase to the cost of its mobile plans, with the provider saying the majority of its postpaid customers will be hit with a price increase of AU$5 a month from April 1, 2023.

TPG Telecom, which owns Vodafone Australia, said the price hike is due to inflationary pressures and to help support its own rising operation costs.

“This is the first time Vodafone has increased pricing for its existing postpaid mobile customers in at least 10 years and is not a decision we have taken lightly,” a TPG Telecom spokesperson said.

Vodafone revamped its mobile plans back in January, and the telco says the cost of its current offering won’t be changing – meaning if you recently signed up to one of Vodafone’s three current mobile plans, your monthly cost remains the same. 

Instead, most existing customers who are on a postpaid plan that was available before January 24, 2023 will be hit with a monthly price increase of AU$5.

The telco says it’s already begun reaching out to affected customers, getting in contact via email, or by mail if the email sent bounces back.

Along with the price hike, most of Vodafone’s customers affected by the change will also receive more data each month. Below you can see Vodafone’s current offering:

Should you stay or switch?

Vodafone is the last telco among the big three to move on increasing the cost of its mobile plans in the last 12 months.

Telstra was the first to make changes, upping the price of all its mobile plans by up to AU$4 extra a month back in June 2022, citing rising inflation. Optus soon followed, also increasing its mobile plan prices for select customers by AU$4 a month in July 2022.

Vodafone’s mobile plans are typically the cheapest options among the big three, but it’s difficult to say where the value for money of its older plans will sit after the price hike.

If you receive a notification from Vodafone that the cost of your plan is increasing, it’s worth looking at your current data usage and seeing if you can move down to a cheaper plan with less gigabytes. 

A report published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) back in December 2021 found that the average mobile user in Australia only uses 11.8GB of data a month, so there’s a chance you could be paying for much more data than you need.

If you check your usage and find you’re paying too much for unused data, you could move down to a cheaper Vodafone plan. If you’ve paid off the cost of your current device, you could also consider switching to a cheaper SIM-only plan.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Vodafone is contacting its affected customers via text message, phone call or email. Vodafone has confirmed it is communicating with affected customers via email, and by mail if the email bounces back.

• Optus rolls out new paid boosting features for NBN and mobile customers

Vodafone has developed a “prototype” 5G network built onto a Raspberry PI using an “advanced silicon chipset”, and is hailing it as a means for small businesses and homes to get online cheaply.

Announcing the prototype in a press release and promotional video, the company claims that the product will offer a portable 5G network “for the cost of a wi-fi router”.

The news follows Vodafone’s announcement in 2022 of its partnership with over 20 chip vendors, including Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom and ARM, aimed at producing new Open RAN-compliant products and services, such as within the mobile private network (MPN) sector, at Vodafone’s European R&D Center in Málaga, Spain. 

Vodafone's “democratization” of MPNs 

Vodafone’s prototype works by fitting a Raspberry Pi 4 with a 5G-compatible radio circuit board produced by UK company Lime Microsystems, turning the Pi into a base station that can become part of a private network, an extension of a larger MPN, or connect to Vodafone’s public networks.

While an exciting development, it’s important to note that MPNs have been around for some time, with Cisco having detailed its own plans for a private 5G network platform at 2022’s MWC conference.

That being said, it’s encouraging that Vodafone wants to bring compact and portable MPNs to the masses. It notes that the technology is, so far, mostly used by large businesses who need a large-scale network to connect several devices at once. 

But it also wants that to change, claiming that smaller businesses, and even households and individuals, could stand to benefit from the ease-of-setup, portability and privacy of MPNs.

Santiago Tenorio, Director of Network Architecture for Vodafone, notes that the prototype, developed, is aimed at bringing “big data technologies” to small businesses throughout Europe.

“The next step,” he says, “is to take ideas like this to a place where they can be developed and eventually produced. Our door is open to interested vendors.”

Vodafone will demonstrate a 5G network running on a Pi device at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, on Monday 27 February, 2023.

•  Here’s our list of the best Raspberry Pi distros right now

Four of the biggest telecoms companies in Europe are forming a new alliance to create a vast network of targeted advertising.

Vodafone Group is leading the venture, which also consists of Deutsche Telekom, Orange and Telefónica, and will allow customers to opt-in to sharing their phone numbers with other brands so that they can advertise to them. 

The move has been approved by the European Commission, which says it is satisfied the plan adheres to its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), stating that it will, "allow brands and publishers to recognize users on their websites or applications on a pseudonymous basis, group them under different categories and tailor their content to specific users' groups."

Networks vs big tech

Vodafone explained that ""The platform is specifically designed to offer consumers a step change in the control, transparency and protection of their data, which is currently collected, distributed and stored at scale by major, non-European players."

This is in reference to big tech companies, whom the EU has been unhappy with for years due to their dominance and policies regarding data collection and user privacy. Recently, the it conceived new legislation to reign in the power of Apple, Google and Meta.

Speaking on this new venture, the EU found that there was no issue of unfair competitive advantage within Europe. 

The venture, which has yet to be officially names, has already been trialed, and the four companies claim that personalized ads are possible whilst retaining user privacy. 

It will be headquartered in Belgium, which, funnily enough, is home to the headquarters of the EU as well. Each of the telcos will have an equal 25% stake, and there is no confirmed date as to when it will begin. 

Although under the guise of concern for protecting user privacy, the companies are perhaps more concerned about the aforementioned dominance of big tech in their success in monetizing their customers, making use of phone networks to do so without compensating them. 

Again, the EU stepped in, suggesting that Google and others should pay towards building and maintaining networks, such as 5G. Of course, they complained, citing the fact that they all ready pay for other infrastructure costs, such as the underwater cables used for the internet. 

• If you want to protect your privacy online, then using one of the best VPN services is essential. 

The hotly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S23 series was finally revealed last week, with each of the new devices set to be in stores on February 17. Until then, all the phones are available to pre-order, and both the telcos and outright retailers have got huge savings on offer. But which is best? We’ve done the maths, and found the best ways to pre-order every S23 phone and snag some bonus value.

First, a quick recap on exactly what devices were unveiled last week. There’s the regular S23, which is the cheapest and comes with a 6.1-inch screen, followed by the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus which bumps the display size up to 6.6-inches and has a bigger battery too. Finally there’s the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, with a 6.8-inch screen size and a 200MP camera – a first for a Samsung phone.

Now that you’re up to speed, we’ll run you through the best plans and outright offers for each phone.

Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23 on a plan

In terms of best extra value, it’s an easy win for Telstra. That’s because Telstra is throwing in a bonus Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 when you pre-order any of the S23 phones, and the Watch 5 is valued at up to AU$649. You’ll get the bonus watch whether you buy the S23 on a repayment plan or outright from Telstra, although you’ll need to redeem the offer to collect it via Samsung’s website.

Total value of promo extras:

It’s important to note that while Telstra’s deal gets you the most added value upfront, the telco also has one of the more expensive monthly repayment plans. Below are the cheapest plans from each telco on a 24-month contract.

Please note: Woolworths Mobile’s pre-order offer is only available to existing customers.

Samsung Galaxy S23 outright

Things are a little trickier if you want to buy the S23 outright, but ultimately we think Amazon has the better offer for most people. You can take advantage of a free storage upgrade, meaning you can get the 256GB model for the price of the 128GB version (Samsung Australia is offering the same).

Extra value comes in because anyone can also get AU$50 off the device by entering the code SHARETHEEPIC at checkout, plus Amazon Prime members get AU$100 in credit towards a future purchase. Not a Prime member? You can sign up for a free 30-day trial.

Yet as the table below shows, buying directly from Samsung could be better for you if you have an older phone to trade in.

Total value of promo extras:

* Price for Amazon Prime members
^ Up to AU$250 additional value if you trade-in

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus on a plan

If you’re looking to get the S23 Plus on a plan, we think Telstra wins again. You’ll get a bonus Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 when you pre-order the device, valued at up to AU$649. Anyone is eligible for the watch, whether you choose to buy the S23 Plus outright or paired with a plan from Telstra and redemption is available through Samsung’s website.

Total value of promo extras:

Telstra’s S23 Plus pre-order deal gives you a lot of added value upfront, but it’s important to note that even the best Telstra mobile plans come with expensive monthly repayments. Keep this in mind before committing to a contract, and compare the cheapest plans over 24 months from each telco below.

Please note: Woolworths Mobile’s pre-order offer is only available to existing customers.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus outright

Amazon has the best outright offer on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, but only Prime members will get the maximum value. First up, you get a free storage upgrade with Amazon, meaning that you can get the model with 512GB of storage for the price of the 256GB version (Samsung offers this too). Next, anyone can enter the code SHARETHEEPIC at checkout to get AU$50 off, while Amazon Prime members also get a AU$150 credit for a future purchase on the site. Not a member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to take advantage.

If you have an older handset to trade-in, you could be better off buying from Samsung direct. Refer to the table below.

Total value of promo extras:

* Price for Amazon Prime members
^ Up to AU$250 additional value if you trade-in

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on a plan

We’ve recommended Telstra for the S23 and S232 Plus models, but we think Optus has taken the lead for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on a plan. The catch here is that you’ll need to sign up for the 1TB S23 Ultra to get the maximum saving.

Total value of promo extras:

When you choose this storage option for the phone – which retails for AU$2,649 – you’ll get AU$800 off the device over the course of your plan. That means cancelling your contract with Optus will forfeit any savings. If you get this phone, our recommendation is to pair it with Optus’ AU$49 Small plan. Below are the cheapest plans for the S23 Ultra with 1TB over a 24-month contract.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra outright

As with the S23 and S23 Plus, Amazon also has the best outright offer on the S23 Ultra. But similar to the Optus deal above, the best added value comes from buying the 1TB model. You get a free storage upgrade, so you can get the 512GB version for the price of the 256GB model, and so on (also available via Samsung). You can also get AU$50 off the outright price by using the code SHARETHEEPIC at checkout, and Prime members will also get AU$250 Amazon credit for their next purchase. Sign up for a free 30-day trial if you’re not already a subscriber.

While Amazon’s offer is likely the best for most people, you could be better off buying from Samsung directly if you have an older phone to trade in. See the table below for what’s available.

Total value of promo extras:

* Price for Amazon Prime members
^ Up to AU$300 additional value if you trade-in

Vodafone Australia has revamped its mobile phone plans, narrowing your choice down from five to just three data options. Perhaps most significantly, the telco has scrapped its truly unlimited data mobile plan – which gave users unlimited data at maximum speeds – but Vodafone is still comfortably ahead of Telstra and Optus when it comes to value for money.

Whether you’re looking for a SIM-only plan or a new mobile phone, Vodafone now gives you three data options: 40GB for AU$45 a month, 150GB for AU$55 a month or 300GB for AU$65 a month. It’s a more simplified range than the previous five options that were available.

Vodafone’s cheapest phone plan is now AU$45 a month, which is actually an increase of AU$5 each billing compared to what was previously available. It still remains the best value of the big three when it comes to cost-per-gigabyte though, as Telstra’s cheapest plan gets you 40GB for AU$58, and Optus’ budget plan comes with 30GB for AU$49.

While most mobile providers do offer plans with massive data caps, it’s worth remembering that the average Australian only uses 12GB of data each month on a postpaid plan. With this in mind, Vodafone's entry-level offering with 40GB of data will be more than enough for most people.

The changes to Vodafone’s phone plans only apply to new customers, so if you’re already on a Vodafone mobile plan, you won’t see any changes on your bill or allowances. Vodafone says its current customers will remain on their existing plan for as long as they don’t make a change.

If you’re happy with the device you’ve got, and you are in the market for a new phone plan, it’s worthwhile taking a look at some alternatives to the major telcos, which are often significantly more competitive – just head over to our dedicated guide to the best SIM-only plans for recommendations.

• Boost Mobile is giving free 5G to all users, but you'll have to pony up for top speeds

The best 5G broadband plans in Australia are more accessible than ever, with the cheapest plan now starting from as low as AU$29.99p/m for the first six months, and 5G networks continuing to be rolled out and upgraded across the country. It's a worthwhile alternative to standard fibre internet, with reliable speeds, connectivity and competitive pricing.

Australia's 5G broadband plans operate via the same networks that phones rely on. Operated by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, a 5G broadband plan will leverage one of these networks, though unlike a phone plan, it'll be restricted to a fixed address – meaning you won't be able to take it on the go.

That being said, you'll still be given freedom to place the modem router anywhere you want around the home, wherever signal is strongest. Compare this to the best NBN plans that require a modem be physically wired into a wall socket, and 5G home internet proves it's a lot more convenient.

However, I'd still recommend checking out the fastest NBN plans before committing to a 5G solution – as you'll get slower response times in games and less immediate speeds during video calls with a 5G connection.

Speaking of alternatives to 5G, I'd also direct your attention to the best 4G home internet plans – 4G networks are much more common across Australia, and while 5G plans are simply faster, 4G might be accessible at your address when 5G is not. These are some of the best NBN alternatives, though 5G is my personal favourite as it strikes the best balance between cost and speed.

I personally recommend 5G home internet plans over most other wireless internet solutions, but also as a strong NBN alternative if the national network is slow at your address, subject to constant dropouts or is nonexistent entirely. If you've been suffering from NBN outages or if you can't access the free NBN FTTP upgrade from your home, 5G home internet is worth keeping in mind.

Best 5G home broadband plans in Australia 2026

I've gone through all of the best 5G home broadband plans in Australia, and at the time of writing, the ones I've listed below are my favourites, pulling off great value with considerable speeds.

Best cheap 5G home internet plan

Best overall 5G home internet plan

Best premium 5G home internet plan

5G Home Broadband FAQ

Vodafone has long been the most affordable of Australia's big three telecommunications providers — the other two of course being Telstra and Optus. Through its ownership by TPG, which in turn has a network sharing agreement with Optus, Vodafone now covers over 98% of the country.

The combination of good coverage and good value makes Vodafone the clear choice in my opinion when you're searching for a new phone or SIM plan from a major provider.

Plus, right now Vodafone's SIM plans are more attractive than ever, with 50% discounts on the first 6 months of all three plans, including a 200GB plan for AU$31.50p/m and a 400GB plan for AU$36.50p/m.

If you're looking for Vodafone's best phone plans for specific devices, budgets, and data needs, we've highlighted our top picks below.

• Best Telstra mobile plans
• Best Optus mobile plans

Noteworthy Vodafone deals

You’ll find all our plan recommendations below, but before signing up, here are all the current Vodafone offers you should know about:

• Save up to AU$500.04 on RRP of Samsung Galaxy S26 range
• Save AU$600.12 on RRP of Apple iPhone Air
• Save AU$50.04 on an Apple Watch when you sign up for an iPhone mobile plan

Best Vodafone mobile plans: our picks

Best SIM-only option

Best overall Vodafone phone plans

Best cheap Vodafone plans

Best premium Vodafone phone plans

• Best SIM-only plans: options to suit every budget

Vodafone has become the first UK broadband provider to offer a Wi-Fi 6E-enabled router to its customers, promising the new technology will enhance wireless internet coverage in the home.

Wi-Fi 6E represents the latest development in wireless connectivity, using high-level 6GHz spectrum to enhance speeds, increase capacity, and reduce latency. These result in multi-gigabit transmission rates that allow businesses and households to make the most of their full fibre connections.

Given most consumers use equipment supplied by their broadband provider, the arrival of the first compatible routers is significant and Vodafone hopes it will give it a technological advantage over the competition.

Vodafone Wi-Fi 6E

The ‘Vodafone Ultra Hub’ and the ‘Super Wi-Fi 6E’ are available with the operator’s ‘Vodafone Pro II’ price plans, which offer speeds of up to 910Mbps, and promise to connect up to 150 devices simultaneously.

The router will automatically switch to Vodafone’s 4G network if there is a fixed line outage and the company promises that if any customer cannot receive a signal throughout their entire home, they will be able to leave their contract without penalty.

“Vodafone Pro II sets the new standard for the UK broadband market,” said Vodafone consumer director Max Taylor. "It combines the UK’s fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi technology in the all new Vodafone Ultra Hub router with the UK’s largest full fibre footprint.”

Vodafone’s footprint claim is based on the fact that its services are powered by a combination of Openreach and CityFibre’s wholesale networks, rather than its own infrastructure.

Meanwhile BT is not a customer of CityFibre and Virgin Media O2’s gigabit network still largely comprises cable technology, although it does plan to roll out fibre to the premise (FTTP) across its entire footprint before the end of the decade.

• Here are the best fibre broadband deals around

Global mobile industry body the GSMA is creating a ‘Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskfroce’ that will look to address the security of telecommunications networks as quantum computing develops.

IT giant IBM and mobile operator Vodafone have signed up as initial members of the group, which will define the requirement, identify dependencies and create a technological roadmap for quantum-safe networking standards.

“The GSMA Taskforce’s goal is to bring together leading global communication services providers with experts from IBM, Vodafone and other operators and ecosystem partners to understand and implement quantum-safe technology,” said Alex Sinclair, GSMA Chief Technology Officer.

Commercial network

“By working together to establish consistent policies, we can define quantum-safe approaches that protect critical infrastructure and customer data, complementing our ongoing security efforts to increase resiliency in future networks.”

Whereas classical computing architectures store information in binary (1 or 0) bits, quantum computing uses subatomic particles’ ability to exist in multiple states at the same time.

This means quantum computers can store significantly more information and compute issues much more quickly.

However, there are concerns that the technology could render industry standard encryption measures obsolete – something that could have huge implications for communications networks.

The technology industry has therefore shifted its attention towards the development of quantum-safe encrypted communications that mitigates the risk of cybercriminals stealing sensitive information that could be decrypted by quantum computers in the future.

The scale of the task at hand is illustrated by recent World Economic Forum estimates that more than 20 million devices will need to be upgraded or replaced within the next two decades.

“Quantum computing is by far the biggest revolution in computing since the 1950s, and most of it will have a positive impact on our industry and society as we move towards fully automated networks,” said Luke Ibbetson, head of R&D at Vodafone. “It has the potential to solve highly complex optimisation challenges which may allow us to further fine-tune our networks for an even better customer experience.

“At the same time, future quantum computing could inherently undermine the cryptographic principles relied on today. That is why Vodafone is committed to working with the GSMA and other members of the GSMA Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce to protect and secure customer data with the timely adoption of quantum-safe solutions, policies, and standards.”

• Here are the best business broadband deals

Vodafone is bundling communications, collaboration, and security tools into a single subscription for SMBs, promising a ‘first of its kind’ package that will provide businesses with greater flexibility and simplicity than managing multiple services.

The Vodafone Pulse Connect proposition combines business-grade broadband, unlimited calls, the Microsoft 365 suite of applications, along with security from Lookout and Cisco Meraki.

SMBs can personalise packages so they only pay for the services they need, and they can add and remove up to a fifth of their workforce without incurring an additional fee. This means they aren’t penalised for changing circumstances.

The Economy of Things 

On top of this, Vodafone also offers businesses rewards and discounts, bringing additional value to the proposition.

“With high energy costs and the cost of living rising significantly, the ability to have some level of flexibility with their business solutions has become increasingly important to SMBs who want to be able to quickly adapt to business and economic fluctuations,” said Andrew Stevens, Head of UK SMB at Vodafone.

“With Vodafone Pulse Connect, we have combined our market leading connectivity, security, collaboration, and cloud calling tools all into one ultimate package to help SMBs focus on what matters most – being reliably and securely connected to their customers without the complexity.

“And, with only one monthly bill covering all these services to think about, SMEs can invest their time and resources where they’re needed most.”

• Here are the best Vodafone deals

Vodafone is boosting its Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities with new satellite technology that can locate connected devices and autonomous vehicles to within centimetres rather than metres.

The ‘Vodafone GNSS Corrections’ platform combines the operator’s global IoT network with technology developed by Topcon that corrects inaccuracies from global navigation satellites systems (GNSS) using a network of thousands of reference stations across Europe.

These reference stations calculate and correct potential discrepancies in GNSS data using cloud-based software.

The Economy of Things 

Greater precision is seen as critical to the development of Vehicle to Anything (V2X) technology which allows vehicles to speak to each other and roadside infrastructure in real time, as well as for autonomous machinery and robotics.

This new capability could enable a raft of services from autonomous lawn mowers to real-time telematics.

The two companies are now inviting selected customers to join trials in Germany, Spain and the UK with a view to rolling it out across all markets in the future.

“As new technologies like autonomous cars and connected machinery continue to evolve, Vodafone is providing the critical connections to support these new services with greater precision, more safety and at scale,” said Justin Shields, director of Vodafone Business platform and solutions.

“Our customers want to be able to better locate their devices, and the collaboration with Topcon complements our existing asset tracking and fleet telematics solutions.”

“At Topcon, we are proud to be partnering with Vodafone to bring high accuracy correction services to enable V2X applications to operate at the accuracy needed to help improve road safety, especially for vulnerable road users,” added Ian Stilgoe, vice president of Topcon Global Emerging Business.

• Here are the best Vodafone deals

UPDATE (4/8/2022): Vodafone has announced it’s expanding its 5G trial to more providers using its network, with eligible Internode and Westnet mobile plans now getting free 5G access alongside TPG, iiNet, Kogan and Lebara customers.

Eligible plans from Internode include its 40GB plan for AU$15p/m and its 55GB plan for AU$20p/m. Similarly, Westnet customers on its 40GB plan for AU$15p/m and its 55GB plan for AU$20p/m also now get free 5G access until October 26, 2022. Our original story continues below.

If you’ve got a mobile plan with TPG, iiNet, Kogan or Lebara, we’ve got some potentially good news – Vodafone has just opened up 5G network access to eligible plans from these providers (which all operate on the Vodafone network), and you won’t pay anything extra to trial it for the next three months.

You won’t even need to opt-in with your provider to get free 5G speeds, but you will need to have a 5G-capable phone, and you’ll need to live or work where Vodafone’s 5G coverage is available. You’ll also need to ensure 5G connectivity is switched on in your phone’s settings.

As mentioned, only select plans from TPG, iiNet, Kogan and Lebara are eligible, and in most cases, the eligible plans are the more expensive options. Here’s every plan where you can now trial 5G for free until October 26, 2022.

TPG plans trialling 5G

• TPG 45GB plan | AU$15p/m (first 6 months, then AU$30p/m)
• TPG 60GB plan | AU$20p/m (first 6 months, then AU$40p/m)

iiNet plans trialling 5G

• iiNet 40GB plan | AU$15p/m (first 6 months, then AU$29.99p/m)
• iiNet 55GB plan | AU$20p/m (first 6 months, then AU$39.99p/m)

Kogan plans trialling 5G

• Large 365 day plan (300GB) | AU$270 for 365 days
• Extra Large 365 day plan (500GB) | AU$300 for 365 days
• Large 365 Flex plan (300GB) | AU$270 for 365 days
• Extra Large 365 Flex plan (500GB) | AU$300 for 365 days
• Extra Large plan (80GB, 12-month contract) | AU$30p/m (first 6 months, then AU$40p/m)

Lebara plans trialling 5G

• Medium 30 Day plan | AU$29.90
• Large 30 Day plan | AU$39.90
• Extra Large 30 Day plan | AU$49.90
• Extra Extra Large 30 Day plan | AU$69.90
• Medium 90 Day plan | AU$80
• Large 90 Day plan | AU$105
• Medium 180 Day plan | AU$140
• Large 180 Day plan | AU$180
• Medium 360 Day plan | AU$250
• Large 360 Day plan | AU$300

What other providers have 5G mobile plans?

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer 5G mobile plans, but you can also get it from smaller providers – known in the industry as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – who resell access to one of the big three’s networks.

Aldi Mobile, Boost Mobile and Woolworths Mobile (all Telstra MVNOs) offer 5G connectivity on select mobile plans, while Aussie Broadband, Spintel and Southern Phone also have select 5G-ready plans via Optus’ network.

While there’s a decent amount of choice available if you want a 5G mobile plan, what’s particularly exciting about Vodafone opening up its network is just how cheap a 5G mobile plan can now be.

As we’ve highlighted above, the cheapest 5G plan on Vodafone’s network is TPG’s 45GB plan, which you can now get for just AU$15 a month for the first 6 months. That’s pretty compelling value compared to what competitors are offering.

The most affordable option from Telstra’s network is Boost’s 5GB for AU$20. Meanwhile, there is one Optus-powered 5G plan which is pretty good value – you can get 80GB for AU$40 a month from Spintel, which we've recommend as one of the best SIM-only plans in Australia.

• Telstra and Optus have hiked mobile prices, so it’s the perfect time to go for the cheap option