Availability of 5G in Australia 2023, by operator

According to data collected in Australia between July and September 2023, Vodafone had the highest 5G availability of the operators surveyed. Telstra customers with a 5G enabled device could obtain a 5G connection 39.7 percent of the time, whereas Optus customers could only connect 14.5 percent of the time. 

5G and mobile internet use

5G implementation has supported the use of mobile internet across many areas of everyday life in Australia. This is further supported by the relatively high average 5G user download speed in the county. The daily activities performed on smartphones vary greatly, with Australians using smartphones to shop online, conduct business, play games, stream content, and much more.  

5G acceptance in Australia

While 5G has largely been embraced across the country, a small share of consumers believe there are health risks associated with 5G. Furthermore, the share of consumers who would switch to 5G in Australia was higher among younger age groups, with older generations more reluctant to make the switch.

The move to 5G will likely become more relevant, with over half of Australian respondents in a recent survey about attitudes towards the internet stating it was important for them to have mobile internet access in any place at any time.