Last reviewed: July 2026

A working phone number and internet connection can make the rest of your move much easier. You may need them for banking, rental applications, job applications, government services, deliveries, maps, transport, and two-factor authentication.

This guide explains the basics of mobile phone and internet setup in Australia. It is general information only, not telecommunications, financial, legal, migration, tax, or consumer advice.

Quick Answer

Before or soon after moving, think about:

  • whether you need a prepaid SIM, eSIM, or postpaid plan
  • whether you need a local Australian number
  • keeping access to your old number for security codes
  • mobile coverage where you will live, work, or study
  • home internet availability at your address
  • contract length, cancellation fees, and setup costs
  • avoiding rushed long-term contracts
  • how phone and internet bills fit into your first-month budget

Use the First Month in Australia Cost Estimator to include phone and internet in your early planning.

Mobile phone options

Common mobile options include prepaid plans, postpaid plans, SIM cards, and eSIMs. Availability and requirements can vary by provider, device, identity checks, and plan type.

A flexible option can be useful when you first arrive or move because you may not know your long-term address, coverage needs, or data usage yet.

Before choosing a plan, check:

  • coverage where you will actually spend time
  • data allowance
  • calls and text inclusions
  • international calling or roaming needs
  • contract length
  • setup fees or cancellation fees
  • whether your phone supports the SIM or eSIM
  • identity or address requirements

Keep access to your old number if you can

Many people rely on an old phone number for banking, email, government services, and two-factor authentication. If you lose access too early, it can make account recovery harder.

Before changing numbers, check which services use your old number and update them carefully.

Home internet basics

Home internet depends on the address, building, provider, connection type, equipment, and setup timing. Before choosing home internet, check the exact address with the provider or an availability checker, because nearby properties can have different options.

Use the NBN address checker as one starting point, then confirm the available service and terms with the provider. Not every property or service uses the same network.

Before signing up, check:

  • whether the service is available at the address
  • expected setup timing
  • modem or equipment costs
  • monthly cost
  • contract length
  • cancellation rules
  • speed suitability for your household
  • whether mobile broadband could work temporarily

Do not assume the same internet options will be available at every rental property.

If the property is not yet confirmed, avoid committing to a fixed home service. Check the address, identify any equipment already at the property, compare contract and cancellation terms, and keep a temporary mobile-data option for the period before the connection works.

If you are renting

If you are renting, check whether the property already has an internet connection. Ask the agent, landlord, building manager, or provider before any installation or equipment change, and check whether existing equipment belongs to the property, tenant, or provider.

Before signing a lease, it can help to ask about:

  • internet availability
  • mobile coverage inside the property
  • existing connection points
  • whether utilities or internet are included
  • whether the building has any connection restrictions

For rental setup, read Renting in Australia.

If you are moving interstate

If you already have Australian phone and internet services, moving interstate may still affect your setup.

Check:

  • whether your mobile coverage is strong in the new area
  • whether your current home internet provider services the new address
  • whether you need to cancel, move, or change a plan
  • whether contract fees apply
  • whether your billing address needs updating
  • whether you need temporary mobile data while waiting for home internet

For broader planning, read Moving Interstate in Australia.

Phone and internet costs in your first month

Your first month may include more than a normal monthly bill. Depending on your situation, costs may include:

  • prepaid mobile setup
  • eSIM or SIM purchase
  • home internet setup
  • modem or equipment
  • connection or delivery fees
  • overlapping services during a move
  • extra mobile data while waiting for home internet

The First Month in Australia Cost Estimator includes phone and internet as an editable planning category.

Contracts and consumer issues

Read plan terms before committing. Pay attention to contract length, cancellation rules, device repayment, included data, speed claims, and extra charges.

Official consumer starting points:

If something goes wrong, keep records of bills, plan details, emails, chat transcripts, and complaint reference numbers.

Complain to the provider first. If the complaint is not resolved, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman may be able to help with eligible phone and internet disputes. Check its current process before assuming a matter is covered.

Scams and suspicious messages

Phone and internet setup can overlap with scams, especially when you are also handling deliveries, banking, rental applications, job applications, and government services.

Be careful with:

  • unexpected payment links
  • messages pretending to be banks, delivery companies, or government services
  • requests for security codes
  • offers that feel rushed or too cheap
  • calls asking for remote access to your device
  • messages asking you to move money or share identity documents

Use Scamwatch for current scam information.

What to read next

Sources and Review

This guide was reviewed in July 2026 using ACMA, ACCC, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and provider-neutral official guidance linked above. Coverage, plans and consumer rules can change; verify current terms and report a correction if a source has moved.

Final thoughts

A phone number and internet access are small setup tasks that unlock many bigger tasks. Start flexible if you are unsure, check coverage and contract terms, keep access to important security codes, and avoid signing long plans until you know what your new address and routine require.