Publisher: Telstra Name: What is 5G? Discover Everything You Need to Know About 5G Technology - Telstra Copyrighted By: Telstra Family Friendly: Yes Language: English Skip to main content Telstra Personal Home Page Search Telstra Telstra
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OK Press Escape to close this dialog. What is 5G
5G Explained
5G is the newest mobile network technology and has the potential to make our lives smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Introducing Home internet at 5G speeds
Super-fast, super simple. 5G Home Internet.
Try 5G Home Internet with a great value no lock-in plan. Plus, our latest Telstra 5G Internet Modem 2 included for use.
For new services. Select areas and eligible customers only. Limited number of services available per postcode. If you leave within 24 months, return your modem or pay a $400 non-return fee. Check your address
What is 5G?
5th generation of mobile network technology
2G brought us SMS and picture messaging.
3G was all about mobile internet.
4G made streaming and sharing part of everyday life.
5G stands for fifth generation and is the next leap forward in mobile network technology.
Downloads that take seconds, not minutes. Seamless streaming. Real-time gaming. A future where devices are interconnected, and immersive experiences are the norm.
The latest evolution of 5G is here
We’re continuing to evolve our 5G network in the form of millimetre-wave technology, otherwise known as mmWave.
mmWave takes 5G to a whole new level. With around 10 times the capacity of existing 5G, it delivers fast speeds even in the most crowded places.
We’ve rolled out sites across selected areas of all capital cities and more than 400 cities and towns across Australia with more sites with more sites planned over the next few years.
Enjoy the best 5G has to offer with selected mmWave enabled devices on Australia’s best 5G network.
What do I need to get 5G?
You’ll need a 5G device and a 5G-ready mobile or data plan to connect to Telstra 5G. You’ll also need to be in an area that has 5G coverage.
5G coverage
5G is now rolling out in selected areas. In non-5G coverage areas, you'll automatically switch to our 4G. Check our coverage map to find out more.
See 5G coverage map
A 5G-ready phone or device
If you’re ready to try 5G, take a look at our range of 5G-ready phones and devices.
See 5G phones and devices
An eligible Telstra plan
Choose a plan that includes access to the 5G network.
See mobile plans
Benefits of 5G
Right now, Telstra 4G delivers a faster data experience in more places than any other mobile network. 5G builds on the foundation of 4G with innovative new technologies, base station upgrades, and greater access to spectrum bandwidth.
Downloading is faster with 5G
You can download movies, music, audiobooks and apps faster than ever before on Telstra 5G. Even when you’re on the go. Uploads are more efficient on 5G too – get your files and posts where they need to be, fast.
5G has more capacity. What does that mean?
Smartphones and the booming Internet of Things mean that data traffic on Telstra’s network is growing around 30% each year.
The network is like a busy traffic-filled freeway. 5G relieves the congestion by adding lanes in the form of spectrum bandwidth. This increased capacity leads to faster data speeds and better performance – especially in crowded areas.
Low latency. Leave the lag behind
Latency is all about response times. It’s the delay between transmitting and processing instructions on network devices. Low latency equals better performance with closer to real time response – great news for gamers, driverless cars and mission-critical industrial automation.
Your 5G questions answered
Where is 5G available?
We have rolled out more than 4900 5G sites across the country. Right now, we’re in selected areas of more than 400 cities and regional towns across Australia – more than any other network.
See coverage maps
How will 5G be different from 4G?
4G made it possible for us to stream and download on the go.
5G builds on this capability and takes it further. But 5G will do more than just improve our mobile phone experience.
The increased capacity and lower latency of 5G has the potential to revolutionise the way we live – enabling technologies like smart cities and self-driving cars.
Is 5G safe?
We've done extensive EME testing on our 5G and have found the EME levels to be similar to 4G and Wi-Fi.
The EME levels measured were found to be well below the safety limits, and in many cases, over a thousand times lower. We continually monitor our network and the ACMA conduct EME compliance audits. Independent health authorities require us to meet their safety standard so that you can use this technology safely
Read more on 5G and EME
What happens to 4G?
Don't panic. 4G is not disappearing anytime soon. If you don't have a 5G phone, that's fine. You can still access super-fast and extensive 4G coverage on the Telstra network until you’re ready for a new 5G device.
Explore the latest 5G phones
See all 5G phones
Ready to try 5G? Check out our range of top selling 5G devices
See all 5G phones
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Features a 6.9-inch display, aluminium unibody design, dual sided ceramic shield, A19 Pro chip, all 48MP rear cameras and up to 37 hours video playback.
Shop iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro
Features a 6.3-inch display, aluminium unibody design, dual-sided ceramic shield, A19 Pro chip, 48MP rear cameras and up to 31 hours video playback.
Shop iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone Air
New to the range. The Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. eSIM only. Features a 6.5-inch screen, ultra-light titanium frame, an A19 Pro chip and up to 27 hours video playback.
Shop iPhone Air
iPhone 17
Features a 6.3-inch screen with ceramic shield 2, 48MP rear cameras and a centre stage front camera, an A19 chip, up to 27 hours video playback and comes in five colours.
Shop iPhone 17
Launch deals
Galaxy S25 FE Launch deals
All the best features without the big price. Enjoy a pro-grade 50MP camera, long-lasting battery with Super Fast Charging, and a slim yet strong design.
Shop Galaxy S25 FE
Galaxy A17 5G
Enjoy a tough and immersive 6.7-inch display screen, Gemini Live features like Circle to Search, 50MP main camera and a slimmer, distinctive design.
Shop Galaxy A17 5G
Pixel 10
Escape the ordinary with Google Pixel 10. It has Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and Gemini built in to help supercharge your productivity and creativity.
Shop Pixel 10
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip.
Shop Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 Pro XL is the ultimate Pixel experience with a powerful battery, advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip.
Shop Pixel 10 Pro XL
Special deals
Galaxy Z Fold7 Special deals
A pocket-friendly powerhouse that folds open to full size. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the thinnest and lightest Fold ever, boasts the Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 cover screen and is the latest model to feature Samsung’s Galaxy AI technology.
Shop Galaxy Z Fold7
Special deals
Galaxy Z Flip7 Special deals
A pocket-friendly powerhouse that flips open to full size. The Galaxy Z Flip7 is slimmer than the previous model yet has a bigger screen. The Flip7 is the latest model to feature Samsung’s Galaxy AI technology.
Shop Galaxy Z Flip7
Special deals
Galaxy S25 Edge Special deals
Ultra slim with a 6.7-inch screen, 200MP camera, and the same powerful processor as the S25 Ultra.
Eligibility criteria apply.
Shop Galaxy S25 Edge
All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Visit Apple’s battery information page and Apple's iPhone-specific battery page for more information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will 5G replace Wi-Fi?
5G and Wi-Fi are different technologies. They will complement each other as new features and improvements are included.
Will 5G replace the nbn network?
No, the volumes of data on fixed networks exceed those on mobile by more than 50 times, and while 5G will create a number of options for customers who choose to go wireless, it won’t be for everyone
What does 5G stand for?
5G stands for fifth generation and is the next major wave of mobile network technology.
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mmWave enabled devices
mmWave technology is currently available with the Google Pixel 6 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro on a 5G-ready mobile plan and the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro mobile broadband device on a 5G-ready data plan. Stay tuned as more devices start to support this technology in the future.
Get mmWave on Google Pixel 6 Pro Get mmWave on Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro
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At Telstra we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original, and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands, waterways, and sky country across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.
