The price gap between the cheapest and priciest broadband providers can top $600 a year, but with so many broadband plans and speed tiers out there, it can be hard to know which one's right for you, especially if all the jargon sounds confusing.
Hi, I'm Mariam, Finder’s tech and utilities expert, and I'm here to help you figure out how to compare internet plans and pick the one that works best for your home and won't break the bank.
Let's start with the basics. In Australia, there are a few main ways to get internet at home. Most people use the NBN, which is the National Broadband Network. That includes fixed line NBN, which most of us have, plus satellite and fixed wireless NBN, which are mainly used in regional and rural areas.
If you can't get NBN, you might have access to a private fibre network like those offered by TPG or GigaComm. Another option is home wireless or mobile broadband, which run on 4G or 5G mobile networks. What's actually available to you will depend on where you live. So, it's worth checking which options are available at your address before comparing. You can use the address tracker on Finder to see what plans you can get. If it's not NBN, we'll show you alternatives.
Once you know the type of connection you can get, the next step is to look at speed. For fixed line NBN, speeds are grouped into tiers like NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100 and higher. These help you work out what suits your household.
For example, NBN 25 can be fine for light users or smaller households, while NBN 100 is better for busier homes with three or four people online at once. Your address also determines the type of fixed line NBN connection you have, which will in turn affect what speeds you can get. Some connection types can't go beyond NBN 100, while fibre to the premises, for example, can reach the fastest speeds available all the way up to NBN 2000.
If you're not happy with your NBN connection or you just can't get access to it, home wireless broadband plans have become a really popular alternative, especially on the 5G network as it can hit speeds similar to some NBN plans. The main catch is that not every provider offers it yet and coverage still depends on where you live.
If you want something more portable or your internet needs are pretty light, you could go for a mobile broadband plan. It works similar to your phone plan minus the calls and texts.
Once you've decided on the type of plan, the next thing to look at is data and price. Most internet plans now come with unlimited data, which gives you peace of mind, but with mobile broadband or NBN satellite, data caps are more common. So, make sure your allowance actually fits how you use the internet.
And finally, price. Always, always look out for a deal. Most broadband providers have sign-up offers, think six or even 12-month discounts. Plus, most plans don't have lock-in contracts anymore, so it's easy to switch when a better deal comes along.
And remember to factor in modem costs, too. If you can't bring your own modem or don't already have a compatible one, you might need to get it from your provider. Some will even give you one for free if you stay connected for a certain period or return it after cancelling your plan.
And that's a wrap. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to compare internet plans. Check out the link in the description to shop around for a deal or leave a comment if you have any questions. Bye.
I need a reliable provider with either NBN or Cable for phone, internet, and Foxtel.
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may enter your address in our NBN tracker to know providers that you may get service with. If you prefer to get an NBN bundle, you can use our comparison table and search filters to help you find the plan that suits you. When you are ready, press the ‘Go to site’ button to apply.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
We are considering changing from Telstra to TPG for our internet & home phone since we are low users of internet. Just need to know if the $29.99 NBN offer is still available could you explain what it offers please?
Hi Trina,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Yes, $29.99 still exist with TPG however it does not include unlimited calls within Australia. It has included data of up to 10GB. I suggest that you contact TPG directly on this matter so they can also tailor fit the plan that would suit your telephone and internet needs.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Hi I’m enquiring for my parents that will have no use for the internet. Once NBN take over , is it possible to have the phone line connection only with no Internet & a provider who provides this service. I have done some enquires and so far it seems this is not an option. All packages included having the internet.
Thanks
Kim
Hi Kim,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder!
According to our guide to NBN plans, “Unless you live in an area serviced by fixed wireless or satellite NBN, the traditional landline phone service will be deactivated 18 months after you have access to the NBN (see above). However, that doesn’t mean your existing handset is useless since you can hook it up to your NBN router to make and receive phone calls over the internet. This technology is known as Voice over IP (VoIP) and functions much the same as the landline service it’s replacing.”
This means you would still need an NBN to activate a landline phone. Since you mentioned, your parents won’t need an internet connection, what you can do is find cost-effective mobile plans. When you visit the page, make sure to use the filter on the left-hand side of the page so it will be easier to filter out the plans according to your usage.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
We have been bombarded with pre recorded messages supposedly from NBN advising our service will be cut off within 24 hours. We receive up to 2 or 3 of these calls a day. Is this from NBN or a scam
Hi Jan,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Generally, your internet provider or nbnco will contact you to advise to switch from NBN and you may receive a lot of notifications really. Once your area becomes NBN available, you have to switch to NBN within 18 months, otherwise, your service will be disconnected.
I’m afraid we cannot determine if the call you received is really from NBN or if a scam but best to check with your internet provider or nbnco to know the latest date when you can switch to NBN. That will give you an idea on when your service will automatically be disconnected if you will not switch.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Mai
Hello, I will be visiting my apartment in Perth WA. for approx. 5 to 6 weeks only. I work outside Australia. I had an NBN plan But due to lack of speed, canceled it, and because I was never there.
What are my options, to get the internet for my next visit? Are there Mobile plans that would work?
Hi Alex,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃
You might want to check our list of 4G mobile broadband plans. On the page is a table you can use to narrow down your options and find the plan that suits you. You can then click on the “Go to site” green button of your chosen provider to learn more.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua