TPG and Vodafone’s new Internet plans are now even cheaper
TPG and Vodafone are giving the NBN a run for its money thanks to new home wireless plans that come with the first month free.
Are you unhappy with the level of connection the NBN offers at your home? Are you still unable to access it where you live?
Luckily for you, TPG and Vodafone have answers to your Internet struggles.
Both providers have just launched new 4G home wireless plans that come with a robust modem to connect multiple devices around your house.
Here's a look into what both have on offer.
TPG's home wireless broadband plans
If you want to save on your Internet bills then TPG's home wireless plan will seem quite attractive.
All you have to do is pay $54.99 per month for up to 20Mbps speeds and unlimited data. To sweeten the deal, TPG is also giving you the first month free.
Other features and incentives of its new home wireless plans include:
- Free Wi-Fi modem ($0 delivery fee).
- $0 set-up or activation costs.
- No technician appointment required – you can easily plug in your modem and get online.
- No lock-in contract.
Already an existing customer? You can score TPG's home wireless service for only $49.99 per month with unlimited data, or $44.99 per month for 100GB.
Whether you're already a customer or not, TPG will credit your first month's plan fee back to you.
What's the catch with TPG?
Before you sign up to TPG's home wireless plan, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:
- If you decide to leave before 24 months, you will need to return the modem within 21 days of giving notice. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a non-return fee. For example, if you decide to leave after 18 months, you'll need to pay $8 x 6 (the number of remaining months). This totals $48.
- Speeds of up to 20Mbps may not be suitable for 4K streaming and online gaming (depending on what you're playing or downloading). HD streaming is still fine though.
- It's suitable for 1-3 people, but bigger households may have to look at other options.
Vodafone's home wireless broadband plans
Vodafone's home wireless services are being offered under 2 plans. The best one for you will depend on how much data you're after.
You can either choose:
- 200GB for $55 per month ($50 if you have a Vodafone mobile plan)
- 400GB for $65 ($60 if you have a Vodafone mobile plan)
Other features and incentives of its new home wireless plans include:
- First month free if you sign up by 15 September.
- No excess data charges. Your speeds will be capped at 1.5Mbps if you use up your data allowance.
- 30 days' network guarantee for new customers (monthly plan fees or modem instalments will be refunded as long as you return your modem within 10 days of giving notice).
- No lock-in contract.
What's the catch with Vodafone?
Before you sign up to TPG's home wireless plan, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:
- There is a $180 modem fee that you can pay over 36 months. You'll have to pay off the remaining cost of your device if you exit early.
- Speeds and data amounts may not be suitable for households with heavy Internet users, especially those who like to game and download heavy files frequently.
- The home wireless plan is only for your approved address. If you move house, you'll need to contact Vodafone for your options.
Are TPG and Vodafone's wireless plans better than their NBN plans?
We've chosen to focus on TPG's and Vodafone's NBN 25 plans here as a comparison, since TPG offers a maximum speed of 20Mbps on its home wireless plan which is the equivalent of NBN 25 speeds.
While there might be some variance in speed, in terms of pricing, both TPG's and Vodafone's home wireless plans are pretty comparable to their NBN offerings.
TPG's NBN 25 plan is $64.99 per month with 25Mbps speeds. Vodafone's is $75 monthly, also with 25Mbps speeds.
The main difference here is that Vodafone offers unlimited data on its NBN plans, but caps its home wireless ones.
But even taking this into account, both TPG and Vodafone's home wireless plans work out to be cheaper than their NBN counterparts.
So which is better, TPG or Vodafone?
After deep-diving into both home wireless offers, TPG comes out on top compared to Vodafone.
It's offering unlimited data with up to 20Mbps speeds for $54.99. Vodafone only has data-capped plans that once you cross will give you only 1.5Mbps speeds until your next month.
Its plans are also more expensive at $55 or $65 depending on how much data you're after.
Even if you take into account discounts for existing customers, TPG still wins for offering better value for money. Plus, you don't have to pay out the remaining cost of your modem if you return the device within 21 days (when you cancel before the 24-month mark).
However, Vodafone requires you to pay for the modem in monthly instalments over 36 months.
NBN or home wireless?
While home wireless broadband uses mobile networks to get you connected, the NBN uses the fibre network or existing cable.
If your home doesn't have an NBN connection, or you're unhappy with its service, then trying out home wireless might be a good alternative. That is, if you get good mobile signals at your address.
Just keep in mind that a 4G home wireless plan is only worth it if you get decent smartphone signals. Otherwise, you'll still struggle with Internet connectivity.
You'll also need to be content with up to 20Mbps speeds. For example, if NBN 25 doesn't seem fast enough for you then you'll likely not be happy with home wireless broadband.
Compare Internet plans
You can switch between the tabs below to view regular NBN plans or home wireless broadband plans.
On the lookout for a better Internet plan with faster speeds? Find the best NBN plan for your household this month.
