If you're looking for cheap mobile plans on the Telstra network, you should consider a Telstra MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). 

These providers purchase network access from Telstra, then resell it for cheap. They typically keep prices down by having fewer overheads like marketing, large staff counts, brick-and-mortar stores, etc. That said, Telstra MVNO coverage usually isn't exactly the same Telstra's itself, so we'll also dive into how it can differ.

But first, we'll go over our pick for the best Telstra MVNO, then look at the cheapest Telstra network mobile plans in our database, based on introductory price and long-term costs.

When it comes to value for money on the Telstra network, there's only one provider (and one plan) to look towards: Exetel's Plus One eSIM plan. Exetel's one and only 30-day prepaid plan offers 130GB of data for $40, unlimited calls and text and unlimited international calls to 15 destinations. This isn't an introductory offer, it's the ongoing price for as long as you're signed up (or until Exetel raises its prices).

So what's the catch? Well, Exetel only offers Telstra Wholesale coverage, which, while still better than Optus and Vodafone, isn't quite as extensive as Telstra or Boost's coverage. It's also speed-capped at 150Mbps (like most Telstra MVNOs). Other than that, you can't argue with Exetel's data-per-dollar value and it's additional perks like 1000GB of rollover data and instant eSIM connectivity just sweeten the deal. 

Boost Mobile might not be the cheapest Telstra MVNO, but it's the only provider other than Telstra itself with access to the full Telstra network. This means superior coverage, especially for 5G and for 4G in regional or remote areas. And while other Telstra network providers can be cheaper, Boost's plans will still cost you quite a bit less than if you opted for a plan from Australia's largest provider.

Boost's plans also include a rare perk: unlimited calls to 20 countries on all but its cheapest plan, plus 300 standard international minutes and texts to an additional 30 counties.

The main downsides of Boost is it can be more expensive than other Telstra MVNOs, due to its full network access. On top of this, its standard plans have a 28-day expiry, meaning 13 bills per year instead of the 12 you'd pay if they were monthly.

If you're looking for cheap plans from Telstra network providers, you have plenty of options. Below are the cheapest Telstra network mobile plans in our database, limited to one per provider. This table can include plans with introductory discounts, which generally run for the first six months, after which the monthly fee increases.

Prepaid plans have no contracts, and this also goes for almost all SIM-only plans, so you can save a decent amount by jumping between providers to snap up those deals. But this type of deal is rarer for Telstra providers than it is for the rest of the market, so it's not as sure a thing.

If you don't want to worry about introductory offers, we've also compared plans based on the total cost over the first 24 months in the table above – once again limited to one result per Telstra MVNO. This means you can essentially set and forget your mobile service, but still be confident you're with a cheap Telstra network plan.

That said, given Telstra providers tend to steer clear of the intro discount trend, so there aren't usually as many options when compared to the rest of the market.

Over the course of a two year period, the cheapest Telstra MVNO plans will cost you around $550. You can click the "View Full Results" link to see a wider range of plans.

If you need more data than is included with the cheapest plans from Telstra network providers, the above table includes plans with at least 50GB of data – limited to one result per provider. Results can vary quite a bit in this range, so weigh your options up before making a decision.

If you'd like a bit more plan info, such as 5G inclusions, or to view additional plans, click the "View Full Fesults" link at the bottom of the list.