Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Telstra internet review
Our verdict: Telstra’s Internet plans are feature-packed and offer some of the fastest speeds around. However, its premium prices might not suit all budgets.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
If you're looking for a premium, feature-packed Internet plan, Telstra has you covered.
It boasts speeds that consistently rank near the top of theACCC's Broadband Performance Report, a strong brand reputation and a free home phone line with unlimited calls on all plans.
Telstra could be a good choice if:
You want fast speeds. Telstra offers the maximum speed available on nearly all its NBN plans.
Having a comprehensive and up-to-date app with management options like checking usage, adjusting billing and getting support in-app matters to you.
Despite Telstra's promising track record with speeds, consider:
The plans cost around $20 more than the average price of NBN plans on Finder. You could compare plans and find a cheaper alternative elsewhere.
The modem is free if you stay connected for 24 months. If you leave before 24 months, you can return your modem for free if it's in good condition, or else it will cost you $200.
Telstra's plans come with the kind of bells and whistles you expect from a premium provider.
This includes a modem with 4G back-up (only a handful of providers offer this) and maximum speeds across almost all its NBN plans.
Keep in mind you will be paying $20 per month or more above the average price for NBN.
Telstra also doesn't charge any set-up fees for standard installation if you sign up online.
Telstra's home Internet plan uses its 5G network and promises average download speeds of 378Mbps, much faster than its NBN 100 plan.
This is great value, so long as you can get consistent speeds. This isn't always guaranteed when using a mobile network for your Internet connection.
Keep in mind you will need to live in an area with sufficient Telstra 5G coverage to even purchase the plan.
Unlike most mobile broadband providers that offer under 100GB a month, Telstra offers big data caps on its plans of up to 400GB.
Good to know: Telstra's mobile broadband plans come to an average of $1.79/GB which is great compared to a benchmark of $3/GB.
Some of these come with 5G access too, making them strong choices for portable and fast data.
Telstra is one of the few providers still offering ADSL plans.
If you don't have the NBN or can't get it, Telstra's price is comparable to other ADSL providers that offer similar speeds.
Things to watch out for:
NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans are only available to FTTP and some HFC customers. Check your address with Telstra to see if you can purchase these plans.
Telstra's NBN modem is compulsory to purchase when you sign up for an NBN plan. If you cancel your Telstra service before 24 months are up, you can return it for free if it's in good condition. Otherwise it will cost you $200.
An optional $240 "professional installation" fee. You can easily opt out of this cost since most NBN connections are easy enough to set up yourself, especially if your property's been connected to the NBN before.
Performance
In December 2022, Telstra came 4th (out of 12 providers) in the ACCC Broadband Performance Report. It delivered maximum speeds 99.8% of the time during the busy hours of the day (7pm-11pm). This is Telstra's best result in the last 2 years.
Why this matters: The ACCC report helps consumers see which NBN providers are reliable in delivering their advertised speeds.
Telstra's been ranking consistently in the top 5 for most reports, meaning it's one of the more reliable providers out there when it comes to speed.
Good to know: Maximum speeds are the fastest speeds possible on a particular speed tier. For example, NBN 100 maxes out at 100Mbps.
Customer service
Live chat available
Mobile app available
In-store locations available
Telstra makes it easy to get in touch with its support team. You're able to:
Call up the customer support line between 9am and 8pm AEST, Monday to Friday
Head into a Telstra store and chat with someone there
Live chat on the Telstra website
Send a message on the Telstra Facebook or Twitter social media pages
Make a request via the My Telstra app
Bonus features
Telstra's NBN plans come with a bunch of bonus features that help it stand out.
📶 4G back-up modem
All Telstra plans come with the Telstra Smart Modem 3.
If there's an NBN outage in your area, you'll be switched over to 4G mobile data as a back-up within a few minutes. The speed is capped at a maximum of 25Mbps download and 5Mbps upload.
😊 30-day satisfaction guarantee
If you aren't happy with your new Telstra NBN service within the first 30 days, you can request a full refund of any fees you've paid and cancel the connection.
☎️ Free home phone line
Telstra is one of the few providers that not only give a home phone line with all NBN plans, but also provide you with unlimited local and national calls at no extra cost.
Most providers will charge you $10 extra a month for calls.
📡 Telstra Air
If you're signed up to a Telstra broadband plan, you'll automatically get added to the Telstra Air program.
This gives you access to free Wi-Fi when you're near one of the million hotspots around Australia.
🎁 Telstra Plus rewards
Telstra customers earn Telstra Plus rewards points whenever they pay their bill. These points can be used towards discounted tech, Telstra TV and more.
📱 Special app features
The My Telstra app allows you to do more than simply check your usage. You can also:
Book in-store appointments and reschedule NBN technician visits
Check your Telstra Plus points balance and spend them on rewards
Get online customer support
Which rivals are giving Telstra a run for its money?
While Telstra's speed and surplus of features are hard to top, here are some other providers that would still make the top of our list.
For faster speeds:
Optus is one of the only providers that keeps beating Telstra in speed on the ACCC Broadband Performance Reports. Plus, it's cheaper.
For cheaper plans:
Tangerine may lack Telstra's fancy features, but it offers good speeds for prices that are $25 cheaper. Its 6-month introductory discounts drop its prices even further.
For Australian customer support:
Aussie Broadband prides itself on its Australian customer support team, which has won a bunch of awards. It also performs well on speeds and has cheaper plans than Telstra.
Ready to sign up to Telstra?
If you've settled on a plan, you just need to click the green "Go to site" button in the comparison table. This will take you to Telstra's website, where you can enter your address to finalise your purchase.
What if I'm moving house? If you're already a Telstra customer, you can book a move and it'll handle it all for you. Otherwise, Telstra advises that NBN connections will take between 24-48 hours to activate.
You should give your current provider some warning in case there's a notice period for cancelling your old service. You don't want to get stuck paying for 2 services.
We've researched and reviewed hundreds of internet plans to make our guides as helpful as possible. Our expertise is highlighted across numerous TV, print and digital media appearances.
We're reliable
We keep our product database of 65 internet providers updated regularly with the latest broadband deals. Our guides are carefully reviewed and fact-checked.
We're here to help
Since 2015, we've helped over 1 million Australians find the right broadband plan for their household. We explain plan features and prices simply to help you make your decision.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is home wireless broadband?","anchorName":"#what-is-home-wireless-broadband"},{"label":"Is home wireless broadband reliable?","anchorName":"#is-home-wireless-broadband-reliable"},{"label":"How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?","anchorName":"#how-fast-is-4g-and-5g-home-internet"},{"label":"Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?","anchorName":"#can-i-get-unlimited-data-on-my-home-wireless-plan"},{"label":"What is the best home wireless broadband plan?","anchorName":"#what-is-the-best-home-wireless-broadband-plan"}]}
It's time to sort out your NBN plan for the new year.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is home wireless broadband?","anchorName":"#what-is-home-wireless-broadband"},{"label":"Is home wireless broadband reliable?","anchorName":"#is-home-wireless-broadband-reliable"},{"label":"How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?","anchorName":"#how-fast-is-4g-and-5g-home-internet"},{"label":"Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?","anchorName":"#can-i-get-unlimited-data-on-my-home-wireless-plan"},{"label":"What is the best home wireless broadband plan?","anchorName":"#what-is-the-best-home-wireless-broadband-plan"}]}
SPONSORED: Upgrade your internet before the end of 2023 and get ahead on your life admin! We take a look at some of the benefits of a faster internet connection.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is home wireless broadband?","anchorName":"#what-is-home-wireless-broadband"},{"label":"Is home wireless broadband reliable?","anchorName":"#is-home-wireless-broadband-reliable"},{"label":"How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?","anchorName":"#how-fast-is-4g-and-5g-home-internet"},{"label":"Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?","anchorName":"#can-i-get-unlimited-data-on-my-home-wireless-plan"},{"label":"What is the best home wireless broadband plan?","anchorName":"#what-is-the-best-home-wireless-broadband-plan"}]}
Get uncapped data on your satellite plan for cheaper.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is home wireless broadband?","anchorName":"#what-is-home-wireless-broadband"},{"label":"Is home wireless broadband reliable?","anchorName":"#is-home-wireless-broadband-reliable"},{"label":"How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?","anchorName":"#how-fast-is-4g-and-5g-home-internet"},{"label":"Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?","anchorName":"#can-i-get-unlimited-data-on-my-home-wireless-plan"},{"label":"What is the best home wireless broadband plan?","anchorName":"#what-is-the-best-home-wireless-broadband-plan"}]}
Dodo joins the growing list of providers hiking up NBN 50 plan prices.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is home wireless broadband?","anchorName":"#what-is-home-wireless-broadband"},{"label":"Is home wireless broadband reliable?","anchorName":"#is-home-wireless-broadband-reliable"},{"label":"How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?","anchorName":"#how-fast-is-4g-and-5g-home-internet"},{"label":"Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?","anchorName":"#can-i-get-unlimited-data-on-my-home-wireless-plan"},{"label":"What is the best home wireless broadband plan?","anchorName":"#what-is-the-best-home-wireless-broadband-plan"}]}
As the US deploys US$42 billion in upgrades, how are we doing down under?
{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is home wireless broadband?","anchorName":"#what-is-home-wireless-broadband"},{"label":"Is home wireless broadband reliable?","anchorName":"#is-home-wireless-broadband-reliable"},{"label":"How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?","anchorName":"#how-fast-is-4g-and-5g-home-internet"},{"label":"Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?","anchorName":"#can-i-get-unlimited-data-on-my-home-wireless-plan"},{"label":"What is the best home wireless broadband plan?","anchorName":"#what-is-the-best-home-wireless-broadband-plan"}]}
Save some cash on a new NBN or home internet plan with a Black Friday offer.
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.
Hi Sharyn,
You could read our guide to comparing NBN plans to see if you could find another provider that works out to be cheaper and also suits your needs: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/nbn
Hope this helps.
The page we are on gives you an overview of plans that include a landline phone. If you just wish to get a landline phone, you may need to contact the provider directly to check if this plan is available. Hope this helps!
Depending on the provider you are going with for the switch to NBN, you may clarify this with them on how the fibre will be connected. Hope this helps!
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
i have no understanding of the nbn or what to look, my internet. all i can understand it is going up to $105 as from the first of next, month
Hi Sharyn,
You could read our guide to comparing NBN plans to see if you could find another provider that works out to be cheaper and also suits your needs: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/nbn
Hope this helps.
Can I get 5g in Timboon 3267 – new conection
Hi Darryl,
According to Telstra’s coverage map, Timboon does get 5G coverage: https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage
But if you were interested in getting Telstra’s 5G internet, you can enter your address to double check it’s definitely available: https://www.telstra.com.au/internet/5g-home-internet
You can also check out your other options for 5G home internet here: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/5g-home-internet-plans
Hope this helps.
Are there any discounted plans for pensioners??
Hi Lynette,
Telstra don’t currently offer discounted plans for pensioners. There is one brand, Flip, who do offer discounts for pensioners.
This article might be useful:
https://www.finder.com.au/nbn-plans-for-seniors
Hope this helps!
only require a landline phone as am elderly
Hi Roger,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
The page we are on gives you an overview of plans that include a landline phone. If you just wish to get a landline phone, you may need to contact the provider directly to check if this plan is available. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Is Fibre to the premises available to my address in Werribee or is it Fibre to the node or fibre to the curb.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
Depending on the provider you are going with for the switch to NBN, you may clarify this with them on how the fibre will be connected. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie