Telstra has cheaper 5G home internet plans now, but are they worth it?
Key takeaways
- 5G home internet is an alternative to the NBN if you're in an area with strong 5G coverage.
- Telstra has launched two new 5G home internet plans that are slower and cheaper, starting at $70 a month.
- Its pricier plan still offers the best value when you weigh up speed versus cost.
Telstra has added two cheaper 5G home internet plans to the mix: Basic and Essential, priced at $70 and $80 a month, respectively.
The Basic plan offers speeds up to 25Mbps, which should suit lighter internet use for one or two people.
The Essential plan bumps that up to 50Mbps, making it a better fit for 2-3 people streaming in HD, gaming, making video calls, or working from home.
Telstra's existing uncapped Premium plan costs $85 a month and is aimed at larger households or heavy internet users, with typical evening speeds of 300 Mbps.
During non-peak hours, you can expect speeds of around 570Mbps.
Here's a quick look at the plans, including their typical evening download and upload speeds (7-11pm):
| Plan | Typical evening speed | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra 5G Home Internet Basic | 25/5Mbps | $70 a month | |
| Telstra 5G Home Internet Essential | 50/20Mbps | $80 a month | |
| Telstra 5G Home Internet Premium | 300/30Mbps | $85 a month |
The good news is you get a modem included. If you cancel before the 24-month mark, you'll just need to return it to avoid a $200 non-return fee.
Are Telstra's cheaper 5G home internet plans worth it?
Not so much on paper when you consider the speeds you're getting in return.
There's also only a monthly price difference of $5 between the Essential and Premium plans, with the latter offering significantly faster speeds.
For most households, the Premium plan will likely offer better value if your budget can stretch that little bit further.
But if you really don't need fast speeds and can't access the NBN, Telstra's Basic plan could still be worth considering if your options are limited.
It's the only provider offering a slower speed 5G home internet plan.
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Other 5G home internet plans you can check out
| Plan | Typical evening speed | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iiNet 5G Home Broadband Plus | 50/16Mbps | $39.99 a month for 6 months, then $59.99 ongoing | |
| TPG 5G Home Broadband Premium | 100/17Mbps | $34.99 a month for 6 months, then $64.99 ongoing | |
| Optus Plus Everyday 5G | 50/11Mbps | $15 a month off internet plan for 12 months when you add to existing eligible services | |
| Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G (Standard Netflix subscription included) | 230/20Mbps | $15 a month off internet plan for 12 months when you add to existing eligible services |
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