Pros
- Some NBN include a modem with 4G/5G backup and home phone line
- Offers NBN alternatives such as Starlink satellite and 5G home internet plans
- Fast, reliable speeds on NBN plans
- Free NBN fibre upgrade for eligible customers
- Option to save money on 'internet-only' NBN plans
Cons
- More expensive than other providers
- If you sign up for an NBN plan with a modem, cancel within 24 months, and fail to return it on time, a modem non-return fee will apply


Our internet access is currently via a mobile broadband modem which is boosted via a yagi antenna. We are on a mobile broadband plan which is expensive with only 8gb per month. We do currently also have a landline phone service. We have mobile phone access as a tower has recently been installed close by. Would satellite be a better option for us. We live on a rural property.
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for visiting Finder.
Yes, satellite internet is mainly useful for people in rural or regional areas who don’t have access to high-speed fixed-line connections. You can find out if satellite NBN is available in your area by entering your address into our NBN tracker. If it is, you may check our list of NBN satellite plans to compare your option. Please use our comparison table and search filters to help narrow down your options.
Once you have chosen a particular plan, 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 your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Alternatively, you may check the other internet options for rural areas:
Fixed wireless NBN
Mobile broadband
Home wireless broadband
Cheers,
Joanne
ThanksJoanne.
After speaking with Telstra reps I have decided that it is better financially for me to swap to a mobile phone plan with greater download (60gb rather than 8gb per month) and hotspot to my phone for internet access. I will disconnect my mobile broadband. The cost for mobile broadband is very high and I still dont understand why it is cheaper to have internet access via a mobile phone than it is via a wireless modem. The only other option is satellite and that is still very expensive. It’s very much a luck of location game in Australia rather than offering equal access for all.
We currently have wifi for two mobile phones, one iPad, and two laptop computers. We take these to Perth 380 km from the farm. Can we have satellite NBN and still do while we also have a phone /fax landline on the same plan. NBN is now available at the Mosman Park property on which we stay but a plan for it I believe would not give us service on the farm.
Hi Duncan!
You must be going back and forth in your farm! :)
First we need to have Telstra check which services are available in your area (give them a call). Next, if it is, they would normally make recommendation on this order: Wired (NBN>Cable>ADSL) to Wireless (NBN>Wireless/Mobile Broadband). It is important that should be given an availability for Wired connection, you take this up as they offer more stability and has bigger bandwidth allowance than Wireless, considering you have multiple devices to be connected. Finally, ask Telstra of any bundles that may be paired up since you have multiple devices or plans with them, which could be eligible for some discounts.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
My parents received a letter from NBN saying that they have to ring them to get the NBN connected, as it has rolled out in
there area. My parents are very old and only have a home line rental. Do they still have to ring NBN to get reconnected?
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If your parents were informed by their phone line service provider that they need to move their home phone line to the NBN network, it would be advisable to follow the notice. It’s important to get switched over before the cutoff date as you run the risk of losing your home phone number if you leave it as it is. The old network will soon be switched off and will be replaced by the NBN network but it will still offer similar services.
If you wish to learn more, our NBN FAQs may help.
Cheers,
Jason