MATE NBN review: Our verdict
MATE’s unlimited data NBN plans suit people who want simple, no-fuss internet with a responsive, Australia-based customer support team, plus bundling discounts across mobile and internet.
Its plans range from NBN 25 all the way up to NBN 2000, covering every major speed tier on the fixed-line network.
Pricing sits around the mid-market range - not the cheapest available, but frequent promotional discounts can help bring the cost down.
Its typical evening speeds also come in slightly below the maximum for each tier, though for most households, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable day-to-day.
On top of that, it offers a one-month money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the service.
Pros
- Australia-based customer support, 7 days a week
- One-month money-back guarantee for new customers
- No lock-in contracts or setup fees
- Option to BYO modem and add on a home phone (VoIP) service for $12 a month
- $10 a month bundling discount when you add a MATE mobile plan
Cons
- Pricing sits in the mid-market range
- Typical evening speeds come in slightly below the tier maximum on most plans
Can we keep the same email address which we have had for many years
Hi Keith, if your email is tied to your internet provider you may lose access if you cancel your internet service.
Some providers let you keep the email (often for a small fee or by converting it to a standalone email account). Others will deactivate it shortly after your service ends. You will need to check with your internet provider directly.
What you can do:
– Check with your provider before cancelling.
– Set up a free, independent email (like Gmail or Outlook) and use mail forwarding and auto-reply (if available) to ease the transition.
Hope this helps!
Are mate speeds subject to off peak speed changes?
They offer a fibre to the premises option. Am I right that this only applies if NBN has directly connected you and that there is no option to have this option installed if you are in a fibre to the node area?
Hi Thinkpic,
The plans currently offered by Mate Communicate do not split the monthly data allowance into peak or off-peak. If you exceed your data allowance for the month, your speed will be reduced (shaped) for both peak and off-peak times.
The Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) plan is only available for customers who are connected to the NBN FTTP network. Mate Communicate offers plans for customers who are connected to the Fibre to the Node or Fibre to the Basement networks.
The company responsible for building the National Broadband Network, nbn, offers a Technology Choice program which allows end users to upgrade to an FTTP connection at the end user’s own expense.
Thanks,
Ken