4G backup is the spare tire of the Internet world. It's not quite as fast as your regular connection, but you'll be glad it's there when there's an NBN outage.
There are currently 5 providers in Australia whose NBN plans include a modem with 4G backup:
iPrimus also offers this option at an additional cost. Otherwise, you'll get its regular modem without the extra 4G feature.
Compare NBN plans with 4G backup
If your NBN connection goes out (but you still have power), your modem with 4G backup will kick in using its 4G mobile connection to get you online until the NBN outage ends.
Depending on how fast your usual NBN plan is, the 4G backup may feel considerably slower.
While the speed won't be anything to write home about, it will mean you won't have to stop working altogether.
Telstra is Australia's largest telco and has the widest 4G coverage in Australia. While it's not the cheapest provider, its 4G backup could make all the difference for those in regional areas.
| Response | 75+ yrs | 65-74 yrs | 55-64 yrs | 45-54 yrs | 35-44 yrs | 25-34 yrs | 18-24 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer support options | 56.82% | 49.42% | 47.83% | 40.24% | 40.54% | 38.95% | 36.47% |
| Home phone line | 36.36% | 20.93% | 19.88% | 15.98% | 8.65% | 7.89% | 15.29% |
| Modem with 4G backup | 31.82% | 34.3% | 36.65% | 35.5% | 32.97% | 29.47% | 40% |
| Brand | 20.45% | 30.23% | 25.47% | 21.89% | 26.49% | 36.84% | 36.47% |
| None of the above | 13.64% | 19.77% | 18.63% | 21.3% | 18.38% | 14.21% | 15.29% |
| Modem available to purchase | 9.09% | 8.72% | 10.56% | 19.53% | 19.46% | 20% | 29.41% |
| Other | 9.09% | 8.14% | 10.56% | 8.28% | 4.32% | 6.84% | 4.71% |
| BYO modem | 2.27% | 8.14% | 12.42% | 7.1% | 17.3% | 22.11% | 14.12% |
Optus may not be the largest telco but it has topped the ACCC's broadband performance charts for having the most reliable speeds. Its Ultra Wi-Fi Modem comes included on most plans, excluding the gaming ones (which come with a gaming modem).
Vodafone's NBN plans are a bargain if you're already a Vodafone mobile customer. Otherwise, it's still slightly cheaper than Telstra and Optus, but comes with a slower speed cap and more conditions tied to its usage.
iiNet offers its 4G backup modem for free if you stay for 24 months. If you leave earlier, the modem is actually cheaper than with other providers, coming out to a max cost of $192.
Internode is another carrier that has 4G backup modems as an option when you sign up to any NBN plan. The 4G backup modem is exactly the same free ($192) as iiNet, only the delivery fee is $15 instead of $10.
iPrimus doesn't offer its 4G backup modem for free. Instead, you'll need to fork out an extra $10 a month for this option. Otherwise, you'll get a regular modem without 4G.
All providers shown in the comparison table offer 4G backup modems. Only iPrimus requires you to pay an extra fee for it, the rest include it with the plan.
While having a 4G connection option is handy during an NBN outage, you don't have to sign up to a provider just for this feature.
If you like your current modem or provider, then don't despair, there are still plenty of other options if you need a backup.
If you're only experiencing intermittent outages and have a good data cap on your mobile plan, you can always just use your phone as a personal hotspot in emergencies.
Check out the following mobile plans that come with generous data allowances for prices that won't break the bank:
Otherwise, if your issues are more frequent, a mobile broadband or data only SIM plan could give you what you need. It will cost extra for you to maintain, but it will be faster Internet, and you can also take it with you when you travel around Australia.
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