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Finder score methodology for NBN plans

Read about how we score NBN plans at Finder for an easier comparison.

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By

Mariam Gabaji

Updated

We've created the Finder score to simplify comparing fixed-line NBN plans side-by-side.

The methodology is similar to how we analyse data for Finder's NBN awards. We use the information to give each plan a score, represented by a rating out of 10.

To determine the ratings you see in our comparison tables, our broadband experts and research team analyse plans based on their cost over 24 months, download speed, data allowance, and other additional features.

Have a look at the full breakdown to see how we score each criteria.

CriteriaFinder score weighting
Cost per Mbps over 24 months56%
Data allowance12%
Plan length10%
Modem12%
BYO modem8%
Modem cost4%
Other10%
ACCC ranking5%
Phone support3%
Live chat2%

Explaining the criteria

Here's some more information on what each criteria means:

  1. Cost per Mbps over 24 months: We calculated the cost of the NBN plan over the first 2 years, including any promotional discounts for new customers. We then stacked this against the plan's advertised typical evening speed to get a cost per Mbps figure. The cheaper the cost per Mbps, the better the score.
  2. Data allowance: We scored NBN plans with unlimited data higher than data-capped plans.
  3. Plan length: Month-to-month plans scored higher than those that require contracts such as 12- or 24-months.
  4. BYO modem: Plans with the option to BYO modem scored higher than those without this option.
  5. Modem cost: We looked at the modem cost for each NBN plan and scored plans relative to how much their modem cost (the cheaper the better).
  6. ACCC ranking: For NBN providers that are covered in the ACCC Measuring Broadband Australia report, we scored them based on their rank for reliability of speeds. Those not covered in the report did not receive a score for this category.
  7. Phone support: NBN providers offering a call centre (both overseas and Australia-based) for customer support were scored better than those without this option.
  8. Live chat: NBN providers with a live chat feature scored better than those without.

Good to know: Currently, Finder scores are available on fixed-line NBN plans including, but not limited to, FTTP, HFC, FTTN, FTTC and FTTB connection types and across different speed tiers between NBN 12 to NBN 1000.

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Written by

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. Her goal is to help households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their household bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 249 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Energy
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  • Broadband
  • Consumer tech
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