As the name suggests, mobile broadband lets you connect wirelessly to the internet through a mobile network.
You might also know mobile broadband as data-only plans, data SIMs, pocket Wi-Fi, or dongle plans.
You can use it at home or on the go, eliminating the need to hotspot from your phone or search for a Wi-Fi network.
Choosing a mobile broadband plan is similar to picking a mobile phone plan - there are similar steps and decisions involved.
There are a total of 20 providers in our database that offer mobile broadband plans including:
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the best mobile broadband plan. Maybe you just want it for light online activities. Maybe you want it for doing work on the go.
Whatever the case is, you'll want to consider a few things like:
How much data you need will depend on the frequency of your online activities and what they are.
Gaming and streaming videos are more data-intensive than browsing and checking emails.
You can use your past data usage history or our guide to help you calculate how much data you need.
Otherwise, the ACCC's Internet Activity Report says Aussies on average use 12.3GB a month which you can use as a benchmark too.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone also offer mobile broadband plans with no excess charges. If you go over your data allowance your download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbps until the next billing cycle.
Knowing how much data you need will help narrow down your budget.
The average cost of mobile broadband plans in our database is around $41 a month.
It's often the case that the more data you purchase, the better value you get. The cost per GB tends to work out more favourably towards bigger data plans.
The network you choose for your mobile broadband plan will play a key role in your coverage.
Telstra provides the widest network coverage, followed by Optus and then Vodafone.
This is particularly important if you live outside metropolitan areas - no one wants to deal with dead zones or patchy internet signals!
There are about 2 key points to take note of when thinking about the speed of your mobile broadband plan.
4G vs 5G: You'll also want to consider whether you need 5G network coverage for faster and more reliable speeds. Since 5G is still being rolled out across Australia, it's not available everywhere. Currently, around 10 providers in our database offer a 5G mobile broadband plan.
Download speed caps: Around 6 providers in our database have speed caps in place which can be anywhere between 100-250Mbps depending on the plan. This is still fast enough for most online activities though.
SpinTel is the only provider on Finder that offers an unlimited data mobile broadband plan.
This can be a solid option if you're going to be carrying out heavy online activities regularly.
The plan costs $49.95 a month and runs on Optus's 4G network. You will also need to pay $10 a month for a portable modem, as well as a $20 one-off delivery fee.
When you're using a mobile network to connect to the internet, several factors can impact your connection.
Your speed can fluctuate based on how far you are from the nearest cell tower and how busy the network is, especially during peak usage times.
And of course, whether you're connected to 4G or 5G, with the latter being faster.
Opensignal's analysis shows typical everyday speeds on the 4G network can range from 50-60Mbps though you could clock over 100Mbps in ideal circumstances.
Another report from the company shows Optus offers the fastest typical 5G download speeds at 208.7Mbps, followed by Telstra and then Vodafone.
Home wireless broadband, also called 4G or 5G home internet, also connects you to the internet using the mobile network.
The main difference between home wireless and mobile broadband is portability. With home wireless, you get a modem that is tied to your address, so you can't take it with you when you're out and about.
It's a great option if you can't get NBN or are stuck with a poor connection. You'll get similar speeds, and most plans offer unlimited data.
Mobile broadband isn't typically your go-to for home internet. It's more of a temporary fix or something you use when you need an internet connection on the move.
"For several months, I didn't have a fixed address, so I needed flexibility with my home Wi-Fi. I bought a Vodafone pocket Wi-Fi and data SIM plan. Vodafone had a promo going at the time, so I got double the data. Because I also had a phone plan with Vodafone, I was able to merge the data and share it across devices. This gave me more than enough data and the ability to use it as I moved around. The connection was great and allowed me to work from home with no issues."
Our data useage is bonkers. Whether you're Zooming solo or a house full of gamers, we know getting the most speed for the least buck is top of your list.
Obsessed with offers. With over 300 options from over 50 internet providers, you could go website to website and find them yourself. Or, you could let us nerd out for you - see them in one place live 24/7.
No mark ups. You get the same rates as going direct, heck sometimes you even score better as we put in the yards to bring you exclusive offers.
Wi-Fi dongles and pocket Wi-Fi are an easy way for you to get connected to the Internet while you're out and about.
Data only SIM plans can be easily inserted into your iPad or tablet for wireless Internet on the go.
what is the difference between mobile broadband and home internet service. We are presently talking with iinet.
Hi Rick, here’s some information that can help you out:
Home wireless is a less portable but more reliable version of mobile broadband. Both are quick to set up and don’t require a technician.
Home wireless modems are larger and require a constant power source to work, whereas mobile broadband works with different devices (portable modems, mobile phones, laptops, tablets and more).
Mobile broadband modems are battery powered and useful to those who work on the go.
Between the two, mobile broadband ends up being more expensive per GB and you mostly get plans with data caps, rather than unlimited data. Home wireless internet plans usually feature unlimited data and are an alternative to NBN.
Still end of the day its way to high..the day we get 500gs at 60 a month then we might actually be interested
Hi Steff,
Thank you for getting in touch.
Prices indeed vary depending on the plan you get and the provider. If you’re looking at your options for SIM-only data mobile plan, you might like to check out our comparison table and use our search filters to help narrow down your search.
Best to contact the provider directly to discuss your options. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application.
I hope this can help.
Cheers,
May
how to get amaysim mobile internet
Hi Damian,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
Please check Amaysim mobile internet to find the right plan for you. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by selecting the “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle