Our panel of broadband experts compare plans across 7 different categories this month.
Each plan is given a value score based on factors such as price, typical download speed, speed reliability if the provider is included in the ACCC's quarterly broadband performance report, and live chat support.
The provider with the highest score comes out as the winner.
Here's a detailed overview of each of the factors we measure:
Cost per Mbps. This is calculated by taking the price of the plan over 24 months divided by the download speeds you get (Mbps). The price includes any promotional offers that are valid for 2 or more weeks from when we selected the plan.Option to BYO modem. Plans with the choice to BYO modem are weighted more favourably than those without the option.Cost of modem. We factor in the cost of buying a modem from the provider, as not everyone has a compatible one. Like monthly plan prices, modem costs can vary between providers.Live chat support. We weight providers with an active live chat service higher than those that don't have this feature. This must be a personalised service - live chats with automated prompts or responses are not included.Availability of phone support. Providers with an active call centre are weighted higher than those without. Location of the call centre is not taken into account.The provider's ranking in the ACCC's broadband performance report (if applicable). These rankings are updated quarterly and are a representation of the reliability of the NBN provider and the speeds they advertise across their plans.
I am secretary of a small bowling club that require internet for 6 months of year. It will not be used a lot so would not require a huge amount of data. Would you suggest a dongle or other service. We have a telstra landline
Hi Trish, There are a couple of ways you could go here. If expected data usage is really low, you could consider just using a 4G/5G broadband service or even just buying a 365-day mobile SIM and putting that into a dongle.
In practice, though, if the club already has a Telstra landline, then you do already have an NBN connection (since the original landline copper network has been switched off Australia-wide). It might prove cheaper and more flexible to just add a basic NBN data service to this – that won’t have any data limits, and the total cost in a year could be cheaper even if it’s not being used every month. Hope this helps!
What is the best plan for a senior who only uses the internet on a casual basis
Hi Renee, NBN providers like flip and Aussie Broadband offer seniors plans. If their internet use is quite minimal, then mobile broadband could be a good option if you get good network signals at your address. Hope this helps!
I’m moving soon to a property with embedded internet with a company called Lightning Broadband. Does anyone know much about them or have any experience with them and if so what can you tell me?
Hi Angeloath, unfortunately, we don’t compare Lightning Broadband on Finder. Given you have embedded internet you’ll likely have one of two choices: Use Lightning Broadband or consider home wireless broadband. However, access to home wireless is dependent on the provider, where you live and if you get good mobile network signals at your property. You can read our guide and compare plans to understand your options: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/home-wireless-broadband, Hope this helps!
I live with my daughter and her three children. ( All use the internet ) Which would be the best plan for me.
Hi Fred, an NBN 100 plan is good for households of 4+ people. You can read our guide on ‘What NBN speed tier do I need’ for more information: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/nbn-speed-tiers or compare NBN 100 plans here: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/nbn/compare-nbn-100-plans. Hope this helps!