Unlimited internet with no upfront costs

What is an unlimited internet plan?

Unlimited internet plans typically include unlimited data.

Most plans these days come with unlimited data so you can use the internet freely without worrying about data caps.

What is an unlimited internet plan with no upfront costs?

No upfront costs mean that there is no extra money to pay initially upon signup, except for the price of the internet plan itself.

Sometimes providers will charge additional fees when you sign up for a new internet plan which bumps up the initial price you pay.

These include setup fees, modem costs and installation fees (especially if you live in a newly built property).

Setup

Setup fees are easy to avoid, you'll be hard-pressed to find a provider that actually has one. If you find a provider is charging you this, you can probably find a better deal elsewhere.

Installation

Installation fees generally only apply if you're after an NBN plan and your property hasn't been connected to the NBN before.

You may be charged a one-off fee of $300 if that's the case.

Modem

The most common upfront cost you'll face is if you need to buy a new modem.

Some providers will give you a free modem if you stay connected for a certain period of time, while others will charge you a set amount to buy the modem outright.

There may also be a delivery fee associated with getting the modem to you.

If you're looking to keep upfront costs to nothing, your best option is to BYO modem from your last provider.

Are modems actually free with internet plans?

Not always, but some providers will give you a modem for $0 under certain conditions.

They may require you to sign up for a set period of time, anywhere between 6-36 months in order to get the modem for free.

If you do leave early, you may be presented with one of two scenarios, again depending on the provider.

You simply need to return the modem in good working condition once you cancel your plan. Not doing so will incur a non-return fee.

In another scenario, you'd have to pay off the remaining balance of the modem.

How much do NBN modems cost?

The average cost of a modem for fixed-line NBN plans in Finder's database is about $169. Depending on the provider, you could be paying much less or $200+.

Since there can be a fair bit of difference in modem costs, make sure to compare these before signing up.

Is it cheaper to buy your own modem?

Whether it's worth getting your own modem depends on the type you want and how the internet provider's price stacks up against buying one elsewhere.

Be mindful of delivery fees some providers tack on - buying your own modem could help you avoid those and save a bit more.

Also, consider how long you'll stay with your provider.

If you plan to stick around, you could eventually get a free modem, as some providers offer one after you've been connected for a certain period.

Do I need a new modem for a new internet plan?

You can normally BYO NBN-compatible modem when you switch from one NBN plan to another.

The simplest step is to check with your new provider to see if your modem is compatible.

It generally should be unless your hardware is outdated or unable to support the faster speeds you're aiming for.

But that's NBN. Where you can't BYO modem is when you sign up to a home wireless broadband plan.

In most cases, they'll give it to you for $0 if you stay connected for a certain period or if you return it in good condition when you cancel the plan.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the cheapest way to get unlimited Wi-Fi?

  Most internet plans today offer unlimited data, whether it's NBN or home wireless broadband.

  Prices can start at under $40 a month, though the final cost will depend on the speeds you choose.

  You can check out our guide on unlimited internet plans to find the cheapest deals, as these can change each month.

• Who has the best unlimited internet plan?

  This can change month-to-month, as internet providers frequently offer 6 or even 12-month discounts that are updated regularly.

  Plus, the 'best' plan will depend on the speed you need and whether you're after NBN or home wireless broadband.

  You can check out our roundup of the best internet plans to see who's offering the best deal right now.

• Is it worth paying for unlimited internet?

  Most internet plans already come with unlimited data, so paying extra for unlimited isn't usually a big concern.

  The main exception is mobile broadband, which is designed as a portable solution.

  For NBN and home wireless broadband, nearly all plans include unlimited data, with capped plans being rare and usually only slightly cheaper at much slower speeds.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 505 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
• Mobile
• Broadband
• Consumer tech