Mobile coverage
Learn more about mobile coverage as well as international call and SMS.
Using mobile data
Mobile data is the way that your mobile accesses the internet when it's not connected to Wi-Fi. It will be automatically turned on when your SIM is activated. Your AGL mobile plan will include an allocation of mobile data, after which point you'll be charged for $10 for a 1GB Data Boost. If you use 3GB of Data Boosts, your data service will be barred and you'll need to call us to unbar the service. You may be charged for additional data usage ($0.01 per MB block) for a limited time before we discontinue your data access.
We'll send you data alerts when you reach 50%, 85% and 100% of your monthly data allowance. These alerts may be up to 48 hours delayed and do not include overseas calls or SMS, or usage outside Australia.
With new devices and apps coming out each day, it's common to use more mobile data than you're expecting. To check your data usage, get in touch with us.
It's possible to turn off mobile data and still be able to receive SMS and calls, however you won't be able to use apps that require the internet, or send and receive MMS.
Mobile network coverage
Our SIM plans are available using the Optus mobile network. To see full network coverage based on your address use the Coverage map.
Optus will be shutting down part of their 3G network from May 2022 (specifically, the 2100MHz band). After this time, if your device only operates on 3G 2100MHz you will no longer be able to make and receive calls or use data. You must upgrade to a new device to continue accessing the Optus mobile network. If your device works on 3G 900MHz, 4G or 5G, you will not be affected by the change.
When connecting your device to an AGL mobile service, you will need to make sure your unlocked device is compatible with the Optus mobile network.
- 3G UMTS: 900 MHz
- 4G Plus: LTE 700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600 MHz
Premium SMS and other message types
Premium SMS is a way of paying a third-party company not related to AGL, through your bill. Commonly these services are for competitions, TV shows voting or information services. By default, you'll be able to use these services and pay for them on your AGL bill, but you can also put a block on them.
To organise a block for premium services, get in touch with us.
An MMS is a media message where the user sends any combination of text, pictures, videos or sounds to a receiver. Unlike messages messaging apps like What's App or Facebook's Messenger, MMS are sent through the mobile messaging network.
Unlimited MMS to standard Australian numbers is included in all AGL mobile plans, meaning you won't be charged any extra to send or receive them.
Tethering or mobile hotspots
Tethering or hotspotting is the use of your mobile device as a way to connect to the internet. This is so that other devices like a laptop, tablet or other mobiles are able to connect to it and access the internet. AGL does not encourage tethering as this uses the mobile data allowance on your phone and can be expensive for you.
To turn on your mobile hotspot, refer to your device user manual or the manufacturers online help guides.
Calling and sending SMS to international numbers
To call an overseas number from your mobile phone, you'll need to know the country code. From your phone's keypad dial the following: [0011] [country code] [phone number].
To SMS an international number, enter the following + [country code] [phone number].
International calls may or may not be included in your AGL mobile plan, depending on the plan you're on. For details on rates and charges, take a look at your plan's Critical Information Summary (CIS) and view our Mobile international call rates.
Coverage: With 3G devices, you can access the 3G (UMTS 900 MHz) network. From May 2022, Optus will be shutting down part of its 3G mobile network (specifically, the 2100 MHz band). With 4G devices and a compatible plan, you can access the 3G network plus some or all of the 4G Plus network. Optus 4G Plus network uses multiple frequencies (LTE 700 /1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600 MHz) to provide coverage. If you bring your own device, make sure it's not locked to other networks and is compatible with the Optus network. The Optus 4G Plus network is available in all capital cities and hundreds of metro, regional and holiday towns with a compatible device and plan. Coverage and speed will vary by device and location. Check coverage on Coverage map.
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