Looking for a home internet connection that isn't the NBN? Home wireless broadband is one of the better alternatives to the NBN, offering similar speeds at reasonable prices.
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What is home wireless broadband?
Home wireless broadband is a type of connection that allows you to connect to the internet remotely, using either the 4G or 5G mobile network.
Home wireless is different to mobile broadband as it comes with a router and is seen as an alternative to fixed line connections such as the NBN.
Before signing up to home wireless broadband, it's best to ensure your home is within a provider's coverage area and it receives strong signals from nearby mobile towers.
You can do this by doing the following:
Entering your address on the provider's website.
Buying a $2 prepaid SIM to check what reception is like at your place before signing up to a home wireless plan. This is only applicable if you've never signed up with the network before at your current property.
Once you're satisfied that you're getting decent speeds from your chosen mobile network, all you need to do to set it up is to sign up to a home wireless plan from one of the providers and get yourself a home wireless modem.
Is home wireless broadband reliable?
Home wireless relies on connecting to a strong mobile network at your location. This means that speeds could vary depending on coverage, making it less reliable than fixed line NBN.
However, its ease of set-up can be a huge draw. Being able to set up a home wireless connection without tech help or a technician visit can be a relief for most people.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of signing up to a home wireless broadband plan:
Pros
Alternative to the NBN if you're struggling with your current internet connection.
Fast and easy set-up. All you have to do is plug in your modem.
Access 5G speeds from 225–378Mbps.
Cons
Fewer providers to choose from.
The strength of your connection will depend on how good the mobile coverage in your area is and which network you're on. It can be less stable than the NBN.
Not everyone will be able to access 5G internet as it's still being rolled out across Australia.
There's a good chance home wireless broadband will give you reliable speeds if you get good mobile signals at your property. Given a few providers are offering first month free deals and a $0 modem (as long as you return it upon cancelling your plan), there's little risk involved in giving it a try.
Not even fast 5G download speeds on your home wireless connection can guarantee your gaming won't be interrupted.
That's because of the risk of latency and potential loss of connectivity due to inconsistencies in your Wi-Fi signal. Fixed line services such as the NBN offer low, stable latency, which is especially important for online multiplayer games.
How fast is 4G and 5G home internet?
Speeds offered on a 4G or 5G home internet plan will depend on the provider you sign up with though the vast majority offer speed caps.
You can expect the following:
Between 20Mbps and 25Mbps download speeds and 2Mbps upload speed on a 4G home internet plan.
An average of 50–378Mbps download speeds on a 5G home internet plan (speeds vary wildly due to expanding 5G networks in Australia). Upload speeds are more consistent – you can expect up to 20Mbps.
Good to know:
For an average household with 4–5 devices connected to the internet, you should aim to get at least 5Mbps upload speeds. These are important for people who frequently make video calls, stream conferences, work from home and enjoy online gaming.
5G is still being rolled out in Australia, so there's a chance you may not be able to sign up to a 5G home wireless plan yet.
Can I get unlimited data on my home wireless plan?
All the major providers in Australia offer unlimited data on their home internet plans, including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and TPG.
Similar to the NBN, data-capped home wireless plans are becoming less common, and you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for them either.
Keep in mind: Opting for a data-capped home internet plan could end up costing you more in excess charges if your internet needs go beyond browsing and checking emails.
What is the best home wireless broadband plan?
The best home wireless plan will depend on your internet usage and how many people live with you. This will determine the kind of speeds you need and what your budget looks like.
We've rounded up 5 of the biggest home wireless broadband providers in Australia with a breakdown of what each one offers.
Keep in mind: Opting for a data-capped home internet plan could end up costing you more in excess charges if your internet needs go beyond browsing and checking emails.
Optus
Optus offers both 4G and 5G home wireless broadband plans on its own network. You'll get unlimited data on any of its plans, but watch out as some come with capped speeds.
Optus offers a single 4G home wireless plan with unlimited data on a 24-month contract or month-to-month payment option.
At $59 a month, you get 25Mbps download and 2Mbps upload speeds. Signing up to its 2-year plan will waive the upfront cost of the modem ($216).
Optus offers 2 types of 5G plans that come with unlimited data. Prices vary as they each offer different speeds and features.
The Optus Plus Everyday 5G costs $79 per month for 83Mbps typical evening speeds (busy hours of the day, 7–11pm). The max speed you'll receive at any time is capped at 100Mbps.
The $89 per month Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G plan offers uncapped speeds, but during the busy hours of the day, you can expect 225Mpbs. It also includes a standard subscription to Netflix (normally $16.99 per month).
Additional features on Optus's 5G home internet plans include the following:
50Mbps satisfaction guarantee so you know you'll be getting at least 50Mbps download speeds.
Free modem if you stay connected for 36 months. Cancelling earlier will incur a $16-a-month fee for the remaining months left.
Access to Optus Sport at a discounted rate. Pay $6.99 per month instead of $24.99.
Save up to 10% if you bundle 3 or more subscriptions on Optus SubHub.
iiNet
iiNet offers home wireless plans on the Vodafone 3G/4G and 5G networks. All of its plans are speed capped, so make sure you check that the maximum speed offered is right for you before you sign up.
Get up to 20Mbps speeds for $59.99 monthly. Existing iiNet customers get a $10-a-month discount.
For the same price as its 3G/4G plan ($59.99 monthly), you could get access to iiNet's 5G Home Broadband Plus with speeds up to 50Mbps.
Alternatively, pay $69.99 monthly for 5G Home Broadband Premium and faster speeds up to 100Mbps.
Signing up to any of iiNet's home wireless plans include the following:
No lock-in contract.
$0 activation or delivery fee.
Free modem if you stay connected for 24 months. If you decide to cancel earlier, all you have to do is return the modem within 21 days to avoid being charged.
TPG
Similar to iiNet's plans, TPG also offers home wireless broadband on the Vodafone network.
For $54.99 monthly, TPG offers up to 20Mbps speeds and unlimited on its basic home wireless broadband plan.
Existing TPG customers can get the same plan for $49.99 per month or access its data-capped 100GB plan at $44.99 monthly.
Pay $59.99 for up to 50Mbps speeds and unlimited data or turn it up a notch with TPG's premium 5G plan. It'll cost you $64.99 for up to 100Mbps speeds.
TPG's inclusions are the same as iiNet's plans:
No lock-in contract.
Free activation and delivery.
$0 for the modem if you stay connected for 24 months. If you decide to cancel earlier, all you have to do is return the modem within 21 days to avoid being charged.
Telstra
Telstra only offers one plan – unlimited data on its 5G network – meaning your eligibility will depend on your Telstra 5G network coverage. It'll cost you $85 a month for an average 378Mbps download speed and 46 Mbps upload speed.
You get a massive 1TB of data, which for most people, should be more than enough to use in a month.
You also get the following features and special offers with the telco giant:
No lock-in contract.
Modem included for new customers who stay connected for 24 months. If you cancel before the 2-year mark, just return the modem to Telstra to avoid a non-return fee. Make sure it's still in good working condition.
3 months of Telstra Device Security.
2-month subscription to BINGE.
3-month subscription to Apple TV+.
Vodafone
Running on its own network, Vodafone has 3 home wireless plans to choose from. If you're already on a Vodafone mobile plan, you can score up to $10 off each month on your home internet plan.
For $60 a month, you can get unlimited data and up to 20Mbps speeds on a month-to-month plan with Vodafone.
5G Its 5G Home Internet plans are divided into 2 speed categories: $65 monthly for up to 50Mbps or $70 a month for up to 100Mbps.
Other features that may pique your interest in Vodafone include the following:
No lock-in contract.
Modem cost is covered if you stay connected for 36 months. However, leaving early will incur a monthly charge for the number of months remaining. That's $7.50 per month for Vodafone's 4G modem or $17 monthly for 5G.
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Frequently asked questions
Home wireless is a great alternative if you can't get good fixed line internet or need a temporary solution.
4G home internet is comparable to NBN 25 and 5G home internet can give NBN 100 or NBN 250 a run for their money.
The main downside of home wireless is it is generally less reliable because you are dependent on mobile networks for a connection. Plus, upload speeds on 4G aren't great for those who work from home and make frequent video calls.
Home wireless is a less portable but more reliable version of mobile broadband. Both are quick to set up and don't require a technician.
Home wireless modems are larger and require a constant power source to work, whereas mobile broadband works with different devices (portable modems, mobile phones, laptops, tablets and more).
Mobile broadband modems are battery powered and useful to those who work on the go.
Between the two, mobile broadband ends up being more expensive per GB and you mostly get plans with data caps, rather than unlimited data.
But prices can be as low as $14–$15 for 7GB for mobile broadband and might be a good option if you only need a bit of internet on the go while travelling around Australia.
Most providers will make you buy their specific home wireless modem when you sign up to a plan or include it as part of your sign-up package (with some strings attached).
For example, iiNet will lend you the modem free of cost and let you keep it if you stay connected for 24 months. If you cancel before the 2 years are up, you will need to return the modem or get charged a non-return fee.
One of the main advantages of home wireless broadband is how easy it is to set up. You'll be provided specific instructions from your provider, but here's the gist of it:
Insert the provided SIM into your home wireless modem. Some modems will come with the SIM pre-inserted.
Plug your wireless modem in.
Connect to the wireless network and get online.
No, you don't need a phone to sign up to a home wireless internet plan. All it requires is electricity (so you can plug in your modem) and the appropriate mobile coverage.
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with over 11+ years of experience in print and digital media. Her main goal is to help households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their household bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine.
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