What we're watching this week in Australian mobile

Budget plans staying competitive

With 32 active domestic mobile plans tracked across our catalogue, the sub-$20/month segment continues to see solid offerings. Budget carriers are holding the line on entry-level pricing as we move through the week—a sign that the market remains focused on value rather than aggressive feature bundling.

What this means for you:

• No major price shifts expected in the budget tier
• Plans under $20 remain the sweet spot for data-conscious Australians
• Competition is keeping rates stable rather than driving them up

Travel eSIMs hit 67 options

Our travel eSIM catalogue has expanded to 67 live products, reflecting growing demand from Australians heading overseas. The category continues to be one of the fastest-moving segments in digital telco, with new regional bundles and short-term passes rolling out regularly.

Why it matters:

• More choice means better deals for frequent travellers
• eSIM adoption is accelerating as Australians seek hassle-free roaming
• Regional coverage options are becoming more granular

Starter packs: the entry point that works

Five prepaid starter packs remain live on SimBuddy, including ALDI Mobile's $5 entry point and Lyca Mobile's 10GB offering at $15/month. These packs continue to serve as low-barrier entry points for new users and switchers, particularly among budget-conscious households.

Based on our latest catalogue:

• ALDI Mobile $5 Starter Pack: $5.0/month, 0.0GB (voice & text focused)
• Lyca Mobile 10GB: $15.0/month, 10GB data
• Tangerine 15GB: $19.9/month, 15GB data

Starter packs are holding steady as a testing ground for users exploring new networks without long-term commitment.

What to watch next

The Australian mobile market remains fairly placid week-to-week, which is exactly what budget hunters want to see. Data-led plans continue to be the focus, while international travel options keep evolving. As we head into the coming week, expect steady trading rather than disruptive announcements.

Ready to compare? Head to our /deals page to see the full range of 32 domestic plans, 67 travel eSIMs, and 5 starter packs live right now. Whether you're after your first SIM or switching networks entirely, we've got the breakdown.