Pros
- Australian customer support
- Carbon neutral
- Special seniors bundle
Cons
- Contracts on mobile broadband plans
Southern Phone has been providing broadband connections – to regional Australia in particular – for a long time. It continues to do so after being bought out by AGL at the end of 2019.
Its NBN plans aren't anything too special – they cost about the same as other NBN plans on Finder, but their 12-month introductory discounts are a nice way to save if you're switching providers.
All of Southern Phone's internet plans are also carbon neutral at no extra cost to you.
Southern Phone internet is right for you if
But keep in mind that
Southern Phone NBN plans cover all speed tiers upwards from NBN 25.
Prices are in line with the average cost of NBN plans on Finder, but the introductory discount does make it more attractive for the first 6 months.
You have the option of bringing your own modem or buying one for $156, which is just above the average modem price on Finder.
Southern Phone's satellite internet plans all come with unmetered and uncapped data during off-peak hours. This goes for almost all online activities except video streaming or any activities involving the use of a VPN.
All plans offer a maximum off-peak speed of 25Mbps, with the option to BYO modem or buy one from Southern Phone for $149.
Southern Phone's mobile broadband plans aren't the most competitive on the market.
The prices aren't the best for the amount of data included and you could find plans with more data for the same price from other providers.
This plan uses the Optus 4G mobile network so the availability and speed of the internet rely on it.
This plan can only be used with a modem supplied by Southern Phone. The modem will cost you $210. You can pay for it upfront in one go or in instalments over 24 months. If you leave before the 24-month contract ends, you'll need to pay $8.75 per month for every month left in the contract.
Southern Phone is not included in the ACCC Broadband Performance Report, so the reliability of its speeds cannot be officially verified.
Based on its advertised typical evening speeds for NBN plans, you can expect to get the maximum speed only on its NBN 25 plan.
Southern Phone runs its home wireless plans on the Optus 4G network and its mobile broadband plans on the Optus 3G/4G network, so speeds may vary depending on your location and signal strength.
You can get in touch with Southern Phone in the following ways:
Southern Phone's extra features centre around bundled discounts:
You can bundle Southern Phone's NBN 25 with the 2GB Small SIM plan to save $15 a month for the first 6 months, or bundle NBN 50 with the 10GB Small Plus plan to save $17.50 a month for the first 6 months.
While it's a nice way to get a new NBN and mobile plan from one provider, there's actually no additional discount to these deals as you can get them for the same price separately without a bundle.
Seniors can purchase the NBN Seniors Triple Bundle, which combines NBN 25 with the 2GB Small SIM plan and a home phone plan. This bundle can save you $25 a month for the first 6 months.
Unlike the previous NBN and mobile bundle, this seniors offer is actually decent as it gives you a free home phone line for 6 months (originally $10 a month).
Belong was the first carbon-neutral telco in Australia and offers similar plans to Southern Phone. Plan prices are slightly higher but the modem is almost half the price of Southern Phone's.
SpinTel is a budget-friendly broadband provider with plans that are cheaper than Southern Phone's. SpinTel also offers an NBN 15 plan if you're looking for a lower speed tier.
For reliable speeds:
Most of Exetel's plan prices are comparable, if not cheaper, to Southern Phone's. One significant difference is that Exetel has topped ACCC's broadband performance report multiple times in the last 12 months.
Signing up to Southern Phone is fairly simple once you've worked out what plan is right for you.
Simply click the green "Go to site" button in our comparison table. All you'll need to do then is type in your address to check the plan availability in your area and sign up to the NBN plan of your choice.
What if I'm moving house?
You can select a date during the sign-up process for when you'd like your new Southern Phone plan to be activated. Keep in mind that it could take up to 5 business days to get connected.
Make sure to give your current provider a heads-up in case there's a notice period to account for. You don't want to be stuck paying for 2 internet services.
If you're still feeling unsure about the process, check out our guide on how to switch broadband providers.
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I was offered a plan of $96 per month with unlimited texts on mobile and calls. I have just now received a monthly account for $176. Also I cannot connect the landline phone since receiving the new modum but have been charged for a long distance phone call. I have tried to contact Southern Phone without success.
Hi Betty,
Thanks for leaving a message on our page. Sorry to hear you haven’t had success contacting Southern. I’d be glad to check your July account for you however Finder doesn’t have this kind of access. It would be best to contact Southern Phone’s billing department directly to investigate the charges on your account. Also, since you are experiencing technical difficulties with your new modem, when you speak to Southern, request for a home service technician and inquire about the costs.
Sorry I couldn’t be of further help. Hope this helps and find a solution to this soon.
Cheers,
Nikki
do i have to change to nbn or can i stay with my adsl bundle including mobiles
Hi David,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, All ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+ internet services from all providers will be disconnected.
Moving to the nbn™ network is not automatic and the following services will be permanently disconnected if you do not arrange to move them to the nbn™ network before the advised date.
We suggest you prepare before calling your preferred provider so you can discuss all your requirements before ordering your services and booking an installation. Your service provider will be able to advise you, discuss the options and the range of competitive nbn™ plans that they have to offer. After notification that you can switch to the nbn™ network, you will have 18 months to move your services to the new network before the existing network is switched off. We will send you reminders, but we highly recommend switching well before your disconnection date as it may take time to process your order.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
Does Southern Phone have technicians come out to set up a service?
Hi Ronbee,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, Southern Phone have technicians who will set-up the services. However, please note that customers are required to pay a $59 setup fee.
Cheers,
Anndy