The price gap between the cheapest and priciest broadband providers can top $600 a year, but with so many broadband plans and speed tiers out there, it can be hard to know which one's right for you, especially if all the jargon sounds confusing.
Hi, I'm Mariam, Finder’s tech and utilities expert, and I'm here to help you figure out how to compare internet plans and pick the one that works best for your home and won't break the bank.
Let's start with the basics. In Australia, there are a few main ways to get internet at home. Most people use the NBN, which is the National Broadband Network. That includes fixed line NBN, which most of us have, plus satellite and fixed wireless NBN, which are mainly used in regional and rural areas.
If you can't get NBN, you might have access to a private fibre network like those offered by TPG or GigaComm. Another option is home wireless or mobile broadband, which run on 4G or 5G mobile networks. What's actually available to you will depend on where you live. So, it's worth checking which options are available at your address before comparing. You can use the address tracker on Finder to see what plans you can get. If it's not NBN, we'll show you alternatives.
Once you know the type of connection you can get, the next step is to look at speed. For fixed line NBN, speeds are grouped into tiers like NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100 and higher. These help you work out what suits your household.
For example, NBN 25 can be fine for light users or smaller households, while NBN 100 is better for busier homes with three or four people online at once. Your address also determines the type of fixed line NBN connection you have, which will in turn affect what speeds you can get. Some connection types can't go beyond NBN 100, while fibre to the premises, for example, can reach the fastest speeds available all the way up to NBN 2000.
If you're not happy with your NBN connection or you just can't get access to it, home wireless broadband plans have become a really popular alternative, especially on the 5G network as it can hit speeds similar to some NBN plans. The main catch is that not every provider offers it yet and coverage still depends on where you live.
If you want something more portable or your internet needs are pretty light, you could go for a mobile broadband plan. It works similar to your phone plan minus the calls and texts.
Once you've decided on the type of plan, the next thing to look at is data and price. Most internet plans now come with unlimited data, which gives you peace of mind, but with mobile broadband or NBN satellite, data caps are more common. So, make sure your allowance actually fits how you use the internet.
And finally, price. Always, always look out for a deal. Most broadband providers have sign-up offers, think six or even 12-month discounts. Plus, most plans don't have lock-in contracts anymore, so it's easy to switch when a better deal comes along.
And remember to factor in modem costs, too. If you can't bring your own modem or don't already have a compatible one, you might need to get it from your provider. Some will even give you one for free if you stay connected for a certain period or return it after cancelling your plan.
And that's a wrap. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to compare internet plans. Check out the link in the description to shop around for a deal or leave a comment if you have any questions. Bye.
Do you install in homes
Hi Gladys, At Finder, we provide tools to help you compare internet plans, but we don’t sell or service those plans ourselves. Most providers will send a modem to your use along with instructions on how to use it, and offer phone support if you need assistance. If you want more assistance with setup, commercial services such as Geek2U can assist. It can also be worth checking with your local community centre or library, as some of these have volunteer services to help with IT issues too. Hope this helps!
I’m wondering when fibre to the premises will become available to my house in Medina WA – they laid the cable 10 months ago! Also wondering about my business premises in Hillman.
Hi, To get an FTTP upgrade, you’ll need pick an NBN provider that meets your needs and then apply through them – it won’t happen automatically for your premises. You can use the table on this guide to help compare different services.
I have a property at the river in SA and our neighbor has internet with TPG and they only pay a fee daily when they are there as they only use it mainly on weekends and can turn it off when they aren’t there, i was wondering if i can do the same
Hi Paul, Pay-as-you-go plans for Internet access generally involve using a 4G or 5G modem for connection, rather than a faster NBN connection. You can compare mobile broadband plans to see some possible options. Hope this helps.
Hi I would like to bundle 2 mobile phone accounts plus my NBN satellite and want unlimited data thanks
Hi Kerry,
You can view some phone and NBN bundle options here. Hope this helps!
I have NBN connected to my Principal home, and I am happy with my internet provider, but I need Wi-Fi at another property I own, which does not get used much.
Is there a company that I can use on the same account as my Principal home without paying for 2 services. both these properties are in coastal Queensland.
Thank you, Finder,
Hi Wayne, I’m not aware of any provider that will let you “split” a service in this way – if you want access at each premises, you’ll have to pay for each one. However, if you’re happy with your current NBN provider it would be worth contacting them and asking if they’ll give a discount on a wireless broadband plan at your second property. Make sure you compare costs though – it might still be cheaper to get a wireless plan elsewhere. You can compare 4G and 5G broadband plans in our dedicated guide.