Looking for a home internet connection that isn't the NBN? Home wireless broadband is one of the better alternatives to the NBN, offering similar speeds at reasonable prices.
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Home wireless broadband is a type of connection that allows you to connect to the internet remotely, using either the 4G or 5G mobile network.
Home wireless is different to mobile broadband as it comes with a router and is seen as an alternative to fixed line connections such as the NBN.
Before signing up to home wireless broadband, it's best to ensure your home is within a provider's coverage area and it receives strong signals from nearby mobile towers.
You can do this by doing the following:
Once you're satisfied that you're getting decent speeds from your chosen mobile network, all you need to do to set it up is to sign up to a home wireless plan from one of the providers and get yourself a home wireless modem.
Home wireless relies on connecting to a strong mobile network at your location. This means that speeds could vary depending on coverage, making it less reliable than fixed line NBN.
However, its ease of set-up can be a huge draw. Being able to set up a home wireless connection without tech help or a technician visit can be a relief for most people.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of signing up to a home wireless broadband plan:
There's a good chance home wireless broadband will give you reliable speeds if you get good mobile signals at your property. Given a few providers are offering first month free deals and a $0 modem (as long as you return it upon cancelling your plan), there's little risk involved in giving it a try.
Mariam Gabaji
Utilities editor
Speeds offered on a 4G or 5G home internet plan will depend on the provider you sign up with though the vast majority offer speed caps.
You can expect the following:
Good to know:
All the major providers in Australia offer unlimited data on their home internet plans, including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and TPG.
Similar to the NBN, data-capped home wireless plans are becoming less common, and you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for them either.
The best home wireless plan will depend on your internet usage and how many people live with you. This will determine the kind of speeds you need and what your budget looks like.
We've rounded up 5 of the biggest home wireless broadband providers in Australia with a breakdown of what each one offers.
Optus offers both 4G and 5G home wireless broadband plans on its own network. You'll get unlimited data on any of its plans, but watch out as some come with capped speeds.
At $59 a month, you get 25Mbps download and 2Mbps upload speeds. Signing up to its 2-year plan will waive the upfront cost of the modem ($216).
The Optus Plus Everyday 5G costs $79 per month for 83Mbps typical evening speeds (busy hours of the day, 7–11pm). The max speed you'll receive at any time is capped at 100Mbps.
The $89 per month Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G plan offers uncapped speeds, but during the busy hours of the day, you can expect 225Mpbs. It also includes a standard subscription to Netflix (normally $16.99 per month).
Additional features on Optus's 5G home internet plans include the following:
iiNet offers home wireless plans on the Vodafone 3G/4G and 5G networks. All of its plans are speed capped, so make sure you check that the maximum speed offered is right for you before you sign up.
Alternatively, pay $69.99 monthly for 5G Home Broadband Premium and faster speeds up to 100Mbps.
Signing up to any of iiNet's home wireless plans include the following:
Similar to iiNet's plans, TPG also offers home wireless broadband on the Vodafone network.
Existing TPG customers can get the same plan for $49.99 per month or access its data-capped 100GB plan at $44.99 monthly.
TPG's inclusions are the same as iiNet's plans:
Telstra only offers one plan – unlimited data on its 5G network – meaning your eligibility will depend on your Telstra 5G network coverage. It'll cost you $85 a month for an average 378Mbps download speed and 46 Mbps upload speed.
You get a massive 1TB of data, which for most people, should be more than enough to use in a month.
You also get the following features and special offers with the telco giant:
Running on its own network, Vodafone has 3 home wireless plans to choose from. If you're already on a Vodafone mobile plan, you can score up to $10 off each month on your home internet plan.
Other features that may pique your interest in Vodafone include the following:
You can also check out our latest expert picks for the best internet plans, which include the best home wireless plan.
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