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BYO modem NBN plans

Supplying your own modem could save you hundreds of dollars on your Internet plan.

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Sam Baran
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Provider-supplied modems will generally run from $100–$300 on top of your plan or require you to sign up to a lengthy contract. Bringing your own modem could save you paying that fee and prevent unnecessary waste.

Providers with BYO modem NBN plans

Not all NBN providers will give you the option to bring your own modem when you sign up to a plan. Popular providers like Telstra and Belong actually won't let you BYO modem and make you buy one from them instead.

Below, we've looked at five NBN providers that offer BYO modem NBN plans. Keep in mind that these aren't the only providers out there with a BYO modem option.

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband has a wide range of NBN plans, plus the option to build your own customised plan. It has 100% Australian customer service, optional Fetch TV on some plans and the choice of a home phone line.

It offers full tech support to walk you through connecting and configuring your BYO modem via its support line.

iiNet

The NBN plans sold by iiNet are available either on six-month contracts or just month to month. Some of its faster plans have Fetch TV bundling options on six-month contracts, although you won't be able to get a home phone line if you bring your own modem.

It has support articles to help with a range of popular modems, but for ones not on the list you'll be left to search Google or visit the manufacturer's website for more help.

Internode

Internode has very similar offerings to iiNet, with the same range of six-month contract and no-contract options. The main difference is that you can get a Fetch TV bundle on more plans, but you still won't be able to add on a phone line with a self-supplied modem.

As with iiNet, if your modem's make and model isn't included in its support articles, you'll be left to your own devices to search for configuration details elsewhere.

Tangerine

Tangerine's plans range from NBN 25 up to NBN 100 and include a 6-month discount for new customers. It's very light on extras, providing simple plans that seek to give good value.

If you bring your own modem, it notes its customer support team will do its best to help you set up, but you may be left to do a good bit of configuration yourself, depending on the make and model.

MyRepublic

MyRepublic offers a number of regular NBN plans either month to month or on a 12-month contract, plus a suite of Gamer Pro plans focused around reducing lag for gamers. Its regular plans don't have any special features, but there is a MyRepublic Discord chat support server.

If you've brought a compatible modem and need help configuring it, MyRepublic promises extra support via its LiveChat service.

If you're looking for other options, make sure you compare NBN plans to find the right one for you.

What set-up do I need if I use my own modem?

You've settled on an NBN plan that lets you BYO modem and you're ready to get online. Since you aren't using a pre-approved, pre-configured modem, you may need a couple of extra steps to get it working:

  1. Check compatibility. Run the make and model of your modem past your intended provider. It will let you know if it will work for the plan you're after.
  2. See if there's tech support. Some providers are happy to help you configure your BYO modem and their tech support teams will either walk you through the process or point you towards resources to help.
  3. Self-configuration. If your provider doesn't help you get set up, you might be left to configure it yourself. Seek out resources for setting up your specific model of modem.

Can I use my own modem with the NBN?

In theory, most modern modems you have lying around should work for NBN connections. In practice, there are a few reasons you might not be able to use the modem you already have:

  • It's too old. The majority of recent modems will be able to handle an NBN connection without problems. However, very old models may lack the required technology.
  • You're on a super high-speed plan. Run-of-the-mill NBN modems aren't always capable of reaching NBN 250 or NBN 1000 speeds, especially via Wi-Fi. If you're investing in an ultra-fast plan, chances are you'll need to invest in a new modem, too.
  • Your provider doesn't allow it. Some providers won't offer tech support if you BYO modem and some will flat out refuse to connect you if you don't use the modem they sell.

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