Optus
Host network
OVO is powered by the Optus 4G and 5G network, the second-largest in Australia, covering the bulk of urban centres and major regional towns.
Provider overview
Provider overview
OVO Mobile: data-free sport on the Optus network
OVO Mobile is an Australian MVNO running on the Optus 4G and 5G network, offering prepaid SIM-only plans with no lock-in contract. Its standout feature is OVOPlay: stream OVO's own live sport and entertainment without it counting against your plan data. Here is everything you need to know about OVO plans, coverage, OVOPlay, customer service and reviews before you decide.
Optus
4G & 5G network
Data-free
OVOPlay sport
No
lock-in contract
MVNO
prepaid SIM-only
Everything OVO
Explore OVO Mobile
Jump straight to what you need: network and coverage, plans and OVOPlay, contact details, reviews and how to sign up.
Coverage
OVO Mobile network & coverage
OVO Mobile does not run its own network. As an MVNO, it leases capacity from Optus, so you get Optus coverage at OVO's prices. That makes it a strong fit if you already get good Optus reception where you live, work and travel.
~98.5%
Population reach
The Optus network reaches roughly 98.5% of the population. Coverage is strongest in cities and along the coast, with thinner reach in the most remote areas.
MVNO
Reseller model
As a virtual network operator, OVO competes on price and inclusions like OVOPlay rather than on building infrastructure. You get Optus coverage without an Optus contract.
Check before you sign up. Coverage still varies in regional and remote areas, so always check the Optus coverage map for your exact address. If you want to weigh OVO against other Optus-network resellers and the three major networks, compare them in our mobile providers guide.
The plans
OVO Mobile plans explained
OVO keeps things simple: prepaid SIM-only plans with no lock-in contract, generous data for the price, and OVOPlay data-free sport included across the range. There are mobile, kids, data-only and mobile broadband families to choose from.
Prepaid mobile SIM
Month-to-month prepaid plans across a range of data sizes, all with unlimited standard national talk and text and OVOPlay included. No lock-in contract, so you can change plan size or leave at any time.
OVO for kids
A smaller prepaid plan aimed at children and light users, pairing a modest talk, text and data allowance with cyber-safety controls so parents can manage screen time and restrict content.
Data-only SIM
Data-only prepaid plans for tablets and laptops, available across several data sizes and expiry periods, with OVOPlay still included for streaming.
Mobile broadband
Larger data-only prepaid plans for a portable modem or home wireless setup, again with no lock-in contract and the option to bring your own compatible modem.
Good to know. Every OVO plan is prepaid with no lock-in, so you can change size or leave without an exit fee. If you run low before your recharge is due, add a one-off data top-up rather than paying excess-usage charges, and remember that streaming OVOPlay does not eat into your data. For live pricing and data sizes, always check OVO's current plan pages.
Add-ons
OVOPlay, top-ups & family controls
OVO's headline extra is OVOPlay, its data-free sport and entertainment streaming. Alongside it sit flexible data top-ups and cyber-safety controls for families, all managed from your OVO account.
OVOPlay (data-free)
Stream OVO's own live sport, on-demand events and radio without it using your plan data. OVOPlay carries exclusive niche competitions through OVO's sponsorships, and you do not have to be a customer to register for the free tier.
Data top-ups
Run low before your recharge is due? Add one-off data packs from your OVO account, starting from a few dollars, so you never pay surprise excess-usage charges.
Family & cyber-safety
OVO bundles parental controls on its kids and family plans, letting you restrict apps, social media and adult content and set study or sleep limits.
Get in touch
How to contact OVO Mobile
OVO keeps customer service lean: one main phone line, a free shortcode if you are out of credit, plus online chat and social media. The phone team covers extended hours across the week and weekend.
| Channel | Number | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Customer service | 135 686 | Weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 10am–6pm AEST |
| From your OVO mobile (out of credit) | *686* | Free from your OVO handset |
Online chat & account
Manage your service through your OVO account dashboard: track usage, recharge, add data top-ups and update payment details. Online chat is often the quickest way to resolve a query without waiting on the phone.
Social media & out of credit
You can also reach OVO through its social media channels. If you have run out of credit, dial *686* free from your OVO handset to reach customer service without using your balance.
Data-free
sport loved
Value
for the data
Mixed
on changes
OVO Mobile reviews: is OVO worth it?
OVO reviews are mixed but distinctive. What customers consistently praise is the data-free OVOPlay sport and entertainment and the value for money: easy switching, generous data for the price and reliable streaming on the Optus network. The criticism tends to focus on changes to plan inclusions and data allowances over time, so it pays to confirm the current plan details before you commit.
"Switching across was painless and streaming the sport without it touching my data is the reason I stay." – OVO customer
Joining OVO
How to sign up, activate & recharge
Getting started with OVO is quick, whether you are activating a brand-new SIM or bringing your existing number across from another provider.
Order & activate
Order an OVO SIM online with a valid Australian credit card and address. Standard delivery is free, with a paid express option. When your SIM arrives, activate it online and provide ID as required under Australian rules. To keep your number, choose to transfer it during activation and leave your old SIM in until the switch completes.
Recharge & cancel
OVO automatically recharges your prepaid service at the end of each period. Manage or stop auto-recharge from your OVO account dashboard at any time. Because every plan is prepaid with no contract, you can cancel without penalty: simply opt out of auto-recharge and let your service expire.
Common questions
A Selectra expert answers your most common OVO Mobile questions
OVO Mobile is an MVNO that runs on the Optus 4G and 5G network, which reaches around 98.5% of the Australian population. You get Optus coverage at OVO's prices, so always check the Optus coverage map for your exact address before signing up, as reception still varies in regional and remote areas.
OVOPlay is OVO's own streaming service for live sport, on-demand events and radio. Streaming OVOPlay content on an eligible OVO plan does not count against your plan data, so sports fans can watch without burning through their allowance. OVO carries exclusive niche competitions through its sponsorships, and a free tier is open even to non-customers.
OVO plans are prepaid and SIM-only with no lock-in contract. You recharge for a set period (typically 30 days), and you can change your plan size or stop recharging at any time without an exit fee. You can bring your own unlocked phone or buy a refurbished handset separately.
Yes. OVO offers a smaller kids and family plan with a modest talk, text and data allowance plus cyber-safety controls, so parents can restrict apps, social media and adult content and set study or sleep limits. It is a low-cost option for a child's first phone.
Call OVO customer service on 135 686, weekdays 9am–8pm and weekends 10am–6pm AEST. If you are out of credit, dial *686* free from your OVO handset. You can also reach the team through online chat and OVO's social media channels.
Order an OVO SIM online with a valid Australian credit card and address. Standard delivery is free, with paid express options. Once your SIM arrives, activate it online and provide ID as required under Australian rules. You can keep your existing number by requesting a transfer during activation.
OVO reviews are mixed. Customers consistently like the data-free OVOPlay sport and entertainment and rate OVO good value with easy switching and reliable streaming speeds. Criticism tends to centre on changes to plan inclusions and data allowances over time, so check the current plan details before you commit.
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Independent comparison
Is OVO Mobile the best value for how you use your phone?
OVO's data-free sport is a genuine drawcard, but it is not the only way to get Optus coverage for less. Compare OVO against other resellers and the major networks to find the plan that matches how you actually use your phone.