Highlights:
- Great typical evening speeds on NBN50 and NBN100 plans
- Fetch TV entertainment bundles
- Optional modem, discounted on 6-month contracts
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iiNet may be owned by TPG, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't stand its ground against its parent company. You can get a plan on most speed tiers, and there aren't any confusing deals or short-term discounts to worry about – what you see is what you get.
Highlights:
The four tabs on the table below will let you switch between normal, fixed wireless, satellite and fibre NBN plans, depending on what you're after.
iiNet has four different types of NBN plans on offer: fixed lines for those within reach of the NBN's regular cable network, and fixed wireless, satellite and fibre for customers outside of it. While they may use different technologies to connect, they're all part of the NBN.
iiNet has six fixed line NBN plans on offer, representing each of the basic NBN speed tiers:
Each NBN plan can be bought month to month or on a 6-month contract except for the NBN250 and NBN1000 plans, which are only available on a month-to-month contract. The 6-month contract gives you access to Fetch TV bundles on the higher speed plans, as well as a discount on the included modem if you choose to buy it.
There are three options for fixed wireless NBN with iiNet:
Each plan is available monthly or on a 6-month contract. If you choose the 6-month contract, you can get a Fetch TV bundle on the NBN12 Unlimited and NBN25 plans.
Like most satellite providers, NBN splits the data used into peak and off-peak allowances. Peak periods run from 7am to 1am and off-peak is all other times.
If you exceed your data allowance in either category, your connection speed will be slowed to 128Kbps until the next billing period. You won't be charged for excess usage.
If iiNet caters Fibre NBN plans at your address, you can choose between the two plans:
Both plans run at 90.00Mbps typical evening speeds on monthly or 6-month contracts. They're practically the same, except the Entertainment plans have Fetch TV bundles.
Like most Internet providers, iiNet keeps a public record of its typical evening speeds, which is the average download speed you'd expect when lots of people are online, such as between 7pm and 11pm at night. According to iiNet, you should be getting speeds at or above these values most of the time:
Speed tier | Typical evening speed | Maximum upload speed |
---|---|---|
Basic I (NBN12) | 12.00Mbps | 1Mbps |
Basic II (NBN25) | 25.00Mbps | 5Mbps |
Standard (NBN50) | 50.00Mbps | 20Mbps |
Fast (NBN100) | 90.00Mbps | 20Mbps |
Superfast (NBN200) | 200.00Mbps | 25Mbps |
Ultrafast (NBN1000) | 200.00Mbps | 50Mbps |
These maximum upload speeds are only a guide, since providers don't track typical upload speeds the same way they track download speeds. Faster downloads generally mean faster uploads.
If your speeds are much lower than expected, it's worth contacting iiNet's technical support to see if it's an issue that you can sort out easily. Otherwise, it could be time to look for a different Internet provider by comparing what's available.
The speeds listed above only apply to fixed line connections. Satellite and fixed wireless speeds tend to be more variable since they are affected by many things, such as weather, the location of the satellites, interference and more.
As such, iiNet doesn't have a typical speed for these connections, but instead promises a download speed of between 5Mbps and 12Mbps for NBN12, and 5Mbps and 25Mbps for NBN25.
iiNet doesn't force you to buy its modem if you get one of its plans, so if you have your own working NBN modem, you probably don't need to get one from iiNet. It's always worth checking your modem model first, though, just to make sure it's compatible.
Otherwise, you can pick up iiNet's recommended modem for $99.95 on a month-to-month plan, or for $59.95 on a 6-month contract. You'll also be charged a $10 delivery fee. Modems for satellite NBN plans are $59.95 by default, since these plans don't have a contract option.
Set-up should be relatively straightforward, and you should be able to just follow the instructions that come with the modem to get connected. If it's your first time joining the NBN, a technician may have to visit your home to finalise the installation, but this is a free service that requires nothing from you.
Choosing iiNet as your broadband provider could be a good choice, but it depends on what you're looking for from your NBN connection. iiNet plans are generally cheaper than the likes of major providers such as Optus or Telstra, but they aren't quite as cheap as iiNet's own parent company, TPG.
On the other hand, iiNet offers entertainment options that TPG lacks. Here are the main features of iiNet's NBN plans:
On a 6-month contract, you can add Fetch TV on for just a $59.99 set-up fee. Fetch lets you record and play back live TV, watch your favourite streaming services, and add on bonus channel packs for $6 each per month.
A PAYG home phone is included automatically with all plans. For $10 extra per month, you'll receive unlimited calls to standard numbers and mobiles in Australia. In addition, you can pay $10 per month to get unlimited international calls to landlines in 20 countries.
iiNet's technical support line operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are asking customers to direct their enquiries to iiNet's online channels first.
We've stacked iiNet's NBN50 plan up against similar plans from other major NBN providers. We've only considered fixed line options here, as that's the most common type, but you can also check out our category guides for fixed wireless plans and satellite NBN plans.
Provider | Typical evening speed | Price | Extra features |
---|---|---|---|
iiNet | 50.00Mbps | $74.99 per month + $192 modem ( on 6-month contract) | Fetch bundles, PAYG home phone |
Telstra | Mbps | per month + $99 connection fee (if you don't sign up online) | 4G mobile backup, Telstra Plus, Telstra Air Wi-Fi, home phone line with free Australian calls |
Optus | 50.00Mbps | $79 per month + $0 connection fee | 4G mobile backup, Optus Sport, home phone with PAYG calls, Fetch bundles |
iiNet is a little more expensive than TPG, but it comes in at about the same price as Optus's NBN50 plan. While it does have fewer extras than the bigger broadband providers, it does promise the fastest typical evening speed, which could be a draw if you want a reliable connection.
iiNet's NBN plans are a solid pick if you're looking for either NBN50 or NBN100, promising decent average speeds. Its NBN25 plans lag behind, both in terms of pricing and average speed, but the choice of bringing your own modem or buying one from iiNet is always a welcome one.
Beyond that, there's not much to differentiate iiNet from its competitors, unless you're looking for a cheaper Fetch TV bundle than Optus provides. iiNet mostly offers standard plans with not much that sets them apart from the competition, but that doesn't make them bad.
Historically, iiNet has a great track record for customer service, winning multiple awards. However, that reputation seems to have suffered in recent years since it was bought out by TPG Group, Australia's second-largest Internet provider.
If you need to reach out to iiNet, here are the support channels available:
In order to manage your account, you'll need to log into your iiNet Toolbox on the iiNet website. This allows you to view details about your service, change your plan, and update your account.
iiNet has a 24/7 customer support line, although they're advising customers that waits may be longer than normal during COVID-19, and online contact methods could be better. You can also ask a question via email.
iiNet's customer service line doubles as its technical support contact point, which also operates 24/7. Although the only reliable way to get help from iiNet is over the phone, having a phone line that operates 24/7 makes that a lot more convenient.
The downside is that during COVID-19, you're going to run into the same long waits and inconsistent responses, as you will with all other providers. Without an app or a live chat function, though, your only other option is to email, which means a response could take a while.
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman report for 2018-2019 found that the number of complaints levelled against iiNet has reduced in the past couple of years. The telco received 27% fewer complaints than it did the year before.
You can see the change in iiNet's complaints volume in the graph below.
Still, iiNet remains the third-most complained about Internet provider, receiving 4.3% of the total complaints filed with the Ombudsman in 2018-2019 (Vodafone got more total complaints than iiNet, but only a handful were about its Internet services).
It's clear that iiNet's award-winning customer service has declined since TPG purchased it in 2015. iiNet no longer holds the top spot for customer service, which now rests with the Australia-based Aussie Broadband.
Keep in mind that everyone's experience and circumstances will differ when it comes to their NBN provider. The number of complaints made towards a company doesn't necessarily indicate poor service. It's also expected that larger companies will receive more complaints than smaller ones.
If you find you're unhappy with your service from iiNet, you can use any of the support channels mentioned above to remedy your problems.
Image from TOI Annual Report 2019-2019, p. 47.
Icons made by Pixel perfect from www.flaticon.com
Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney.
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Hi can I go straight to nbn with taking my phone landline or do they go hand in hand
Also does adsl get connected beforehand
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for your inquiry
When switching to NBN, your existing landline phone can be ported over to the new network. As the installation procedure may vary between providers and may depend on the present connection you have, it would be best to confirm directly from the installer. You may also want to check our guide on How to Switch to NBN? for additional information.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
I have 2 landlines at home and 1 dial up internet connection (iinet). My phone service is with a different company to my internet. I have been advised if I go with my phone carrier I will lose my current e-mail address. Is this correct ?
Tks.Rod
Hi Rod,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
If you’ve been with your ISP for a long time, you might have an email service tied to your provider. If you do, you should transfer your current emails and contacts to a third-party email service such as Gmail or Outlook before you switch so you do not lose your emails and contact information. Check out our guide when switching broadband providers for more details.
Cheers,
Joanne