Zip has launched ZMobile for Australian customers, with the mobile service initially available to existing Zip users.
Developed with TPG Telecom, the new offer will first be distributed through the Zip app, where existing customers will receive introductory deals before a broader rollout.
ZMobile expands Zip beyond its core buy now, pay later and digital financial services business into mobile plans, as it looks to use its customer base to sell another regular household service.
Zip says it currently serves about 10% of Australia's adult population, giving it a sizeable starting pool for the first phase of the launch before access widens later.
The service will use TPG Telecom's network, which Zip says reaches 98.5% of the Australian population. TPG says the network spans more than one million square kilometres across Australia.
Plan Features
The prepaid plans include 4G and 5G access, data rollover, global roaming and international calling. Customers will be able to keep their existing number, choose a plan based on budget and usage, sign up through the app, and activate an eSIM.
Zip is positioning the sign-up process as a simple option for customers who already use its app, saying users can complete sign-up in four clicks and then manage the service in the same app.
The move reflects a broader effort by consumer finance and technology groups to deepen relationships with existing users by adding adjacent services, particularly those tied to recurring spending such as communications, utilities and subscriptions.
For Zip, mobile plans offer a way to tap into a frequent household cost at a time when consumer budgets remain under pressure. It framed the launch around affordability and control over everyday bills.
"With cost of living top of mind for every Australian, we are very excited to launch ZMobile which delivers value without compromise," said Peter Gray, Co-founder and Head of Strategic Growth at Zip.
Gray also outlined how the company sees the product fitting into its broader strategy.
"Mobile is how people manage life, work and money, and unlocking financial potential starts with everyday bills you can actually control. ZMobile is designed to offer highly competitive pricing and a seamless customer experience, with a simple four-click sign-up process.
"ZMobile is the first of our capital light offerings and while initially available exclusively to Zip customers with exceptional introductory offers, in time it will also allow us to engage with millions of Australians looking for a better deal," said Gray.
Network Partner
TPG Telecom, which owns brands including Vodafone, TPG and iiNet, is providing the underlying mobile network for the service. The partnership gives Zip a route into telecoms without building its own infrastructure, while giving TPG another wholesale channel.
Ankita Moses, Head of Mobile Wholesale at TPG Telecom, described the arrangement in terms of reach and distribution.
"We're excited to bring ZMobile to market using TPG Telecom's mobile network, which spans more than one million square kilometres across Australia. This partnership offers more Australians access to simple, great-value mobile plans backed by reliable mobile coverage," said Moses.
The launch also shows how established digital consumer brands are testing new distribution models in telecoms, where customer acquisition costs can be high and app-based sales to an existing user base can offer a more direct route to market.
Zip has not disclosed pricing, but its emphasis on introductory offers suggests price will be central to how it positions ZMobile against other prepaid mobile providers when the service opens beyond current users.
Customers will be able to port their current number, select a plan that matches their spending and usage needs, and manage the service entirely in the Zip app.