Unlimited internet plans typically include unlimited data.
Most plans these days come with unlimited data so you can use the internet freely without worrying about data caps.
No upfront costs mean that there is no extra money to pay initially upon signup, except for the price of the internet plan itself.
Sometimes providers will charge additional fees when you sign up for a new internet plan which bumps up the initial price you pay.
These include setup fees, modem costs and installation fees (especially if you live in a newly built property).
Setup fees are easy to avoid, you'll be hard-pressed to find a provider that actually has one. If you find a provider is charging you this, you can probably find a better deal elsewhere.
Installation fees generally only apply if you're after an NBN plan and your property hasn't been connected to the NBN before.
You may be charged a one-off fee of $300 if that's the case.
The most common upfront cost you'll face is if you need to buy a new modem.
Some providers will give you a free modem if you stay connected for a certain period of time, while others will charge you a set amount to buy the modem outright.
There may also be a delivery fee associated with getting the modem to you.
If you're looking to keep upfront costs to nothing, your best option is to BYO modem from your last provider.
Not always, but some providers will give you a modem for $0 under certain conditions.
They may require you to sign up for a set period of time, anywhere between 6-36 months in order to get the modem for free.
If you do leave early, you may be presented with one of two scenarios, again depending on the provider.
You simply need to return the modem in good working condition once you cancel your plan. Not doing so will incur a non-return fee.
In another scenario, you'd have to pay off the remaining balance of the modem.
The average cost of a modem for fixed-line NBN plans in Finder's database is about $55. Depending on the provider, you could be paying anywhere between $70 to around $200-ish.
As you can see, there's quite a difference in fees, so always make sure to compare modem costs from providers as well as plan fees before making your decision.
Whether it's worth getting your own modem depends on the type you want and how the internet provider's price stacks up against buying one elsewhere.
With the average NBN modem priced at around $155, according to Finder's database, you can use that as a handy benchmark when comparing prices.
Be mindful of delivery fees some providers tack on - buying your own modem could help you avoid those and save a bit more.
Also, consider how long you'll stay with your provider. If you're in it for the long haul, you might eventually score a free modem anyway.
You can normally BYO NBN-compatible modem when you switch from one NBN plan to another.
The simplest step is to check with your new provider to see if your modem is compatible.
It generally should be unless your hardware is outdated or unable to support the faster speeds you're aiming for.
But that's NBN. Where you can't BYO modem is when you sign up to a home wireless broadband plan.
In most cases, they'll give it to you for $0 if you stay connected for a certain period or if you return it in good condition when you cancel the plan.
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