MATE vs Telstra: which is better? Comparison 2026

By our public methodology MATE scores 72 out of 100 and Telstra scores 64. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.

Mobile operators in Australia 2026: a ranking built on verified facts How we rank

2

MATE

72/100
3

Telstra

64/100

Score breakdown

MATETelstra
Network5750
Cost8548
Service67100
Transparency100100

Pros and cons

MATE

  • Reference tariff among the cheapest in the country
  • Commercial 5G for consumers
  • High officially stated population coverage
  • Offers eSIM to new customers
  • Uses another operator's network
  • Human support is not 24/7

Telstra

  • Commercial 5G for consumers
  • Runs its own radio network
  • Offers eSIM to new customers
  • Human support stated as 24/7

Facts side by side

FactMATETelstra
Own radio networkNo letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
Commercial 5GYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
Stated population coverage98.8% letsbemates.com.auNot verified
Price index (100 = cheapest in the country)130 letsbemates.com.au205 telstra.com.au
Commercial 4GYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
eSIMYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
International roamingYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
Self-care appYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
24/7 human supportNo letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
Tariff terms publishedYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au
Complaints procedure publishedYes letsbemates.com.auYes telstra.com.au

← Mobile operators