The price gap between the cheapest and priciest broadband providers can top $600 a year, but with so many broadband plans and speed tiers out there, it can be hard to know which one's right for you, especially if all the jargon sounds confusing.
Hi, I'm Mariam, Finder’s tech and utilities expert, and I'm here to help you figure out how to compare internet plans and pick the one that works best for your home and won't break the bank.
Let's start with the basics. In Australia, there are a few main ways to get internet at home. Most people use the NBN, which is the National Broadband Network. That includes fixed line NBN, which most of us have, plus satellite and fixed wireless NBN, which are mainly used in regional and rural areas.
If you can't get NBN, you might have access to a private fibre network like those offered by TPG or GigaComm. Another option is home wireless or mobile broadband, which run on 4G or 5G mobile networks. What's actually available to you will depend on where you live. So, it's worth checking which options are available at your address before comparing. You can use the address tracker on Finder to see what plans you can get. If it's not NBN, we'll show you alternatives.
Once you know the type of connection you can get, the next step is to look at speed. For fixed line NBN, speeds are grouped into tiers like NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100 and higher. These help you work out what suits your household.
For example, NBN 25 can be fine for light users or smaller households, while NBN 100 is better for busier homes with three or four people online at once. Your address also determines the type of fixed line NBN connection you have, which will in turn affect what speeds you can get. Some connection types can't go beyond NBN 100, while fibre to the premises, for example, can reach the fastest speeds available all the way up to NBN 2000.
If you're not happy with your NBN connection or you just can't get access to it, home wireless broadband plans have become a really popular alternative, especially on the 5G network as it can hit speeds similar to some NBN plans. The main catch is that not every provider offers it yet and coverage still depends on where you live.
If you want something more portable or your internet needs are pretty light, you could go for a mobile broadband plan. It works similar to your phone plan minus the calls and texts.
Once you've decided on the type of plan, the next thing to look at is data and price. Most internet plans now come with unlimited data, which gives you peace of mind, but with mobile broadband or NBN satellite, data caps are more common. So, make sure your allowance actually fits how you use the internet.
And finally, price. Always, always look out for a deal. Most broadband providers have sign-up offers, think six or even 12-month discounts. Plus, most plans don't have lock-in contracts anymore, so it's easy to switch when a better deal comes along.
And remember to factor in modem costs, too. If you can't bring your own modem or don't already have a compatible one, you might need to get it from your provider. Some will even give you one for free if you stay connected for a certain period or return it after cancelling your plan.
And that's a wrap. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to compare internet plans. Check out the link in the description to shop around for a deal or leave a comment if you have any questions. Bye.
Hi, I am looking at connecting gas electricity and internet connection at my place that I am moving in.
Can you please advise and give me quotes. I can be contacted by email. Thanks
Hi Lubaina,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Though we are a comparison website, users could use the provided articles and comparison tables to choose what best fits their needs. Below are links that you could visit to check on the different plans, providers as well as quotes available for you to choose from.
Internet: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans
Please indicate your address on the address bar provided on the page to see available providers as well as plans for you to choose from.
Energy provider: https://www.finder.com.au/energy
Depending on the state you are residing, you may choose on the tabs provided to see the available providers in your area that you could choose from.
Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
How often do you update your webpage given that I am trying to find a good NBN deal in my area (Mount Waverley Victoria) however your webpage states NBN is not available in my area whereas every ISP are telling me otherwise and NBN have schedule an connection for the start of February?
Hi Breeze,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
We obtain nbn results from the nbn co data and it’s updated on a regular basis. You may choose to receive notification when nbn is available in your area by subscribing in the newsletter part of your finder account.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I presently have NBN and we plan to move. I have checked and been advised that NBN is available in the home I plan to buy. What are the procedures to transfer my present NBN contract from my present home to my new home? Will there be a waiting period?
Hi Allan,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Kindly contact your current provider regarding your plan of moving. They will provide further info on your internet contract as well as installation and waiting period if there is.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I’m after a good monthly WiFi network. nbn is not in my area. Currently with Vivid wireless – it’s crap. Please help. Need to be unlimited and fast.
Hi TJ,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You may consider getting a mobile broadband plan. According to our review, you can use mobile broadband for:
You can use our comparison table and search filters to help you find the plan that suits you. You can also refer to our guide on how to compare mobile broadband plans and know the mobile broadband device you can use to get wireless internet. When you are really, press the “Go to site” button to apply.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I would like to get the internet for home. I don’t have a phone line what is the best thing to do as I would like to get Netflix at home.
Hi Terry,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
If you consider getting nbn service connected in your home, you may enter your address to check if it is available in your area.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni