Home wireless broadband allows you to connect to the internet remotely using signals from nearby mobile towers.
The speed and reliability of your connection will depend on whether you're using 4G or 5G technology plus the signal strength in your area. 5G generally provides faster speeds and lower latency compared to 4G.
Lower latency improves your connection's performance, making activities like online gaming smoother and more responsive.
Home wireless broadband differs from mobile broadband in that it uses a stationary modem linked to your home address, rather than a portable device.
If you move, you'll need to contact your provider to check if your plan and modem can be used at your new address.
The NBN use fixed lines, like fibre or copper cables, to connect to the internet.
Home wireless broadband, on the other hand, relies on mobile networks (4G or 5G) which makes it a bit more prone to internet congestion.
However, it can be a great alternative if you're having trouble with your existing NBN connection.
It really depends on where you live. The easiest way to check availability is by entering your address on a provider's website to see if you can sign up for one of their home wireless plans.
Keep in mind, that availability can vary between providers. Just because Telstra offers home wireless broadband in your area doesn't necessarily mean Optus will.
The same goes for 4G or 5G plans. Since 5G is still being rolled out across Australia, it might not be available where you are yet.
Either way, the provider will let you know as soon as you enter your address in their search bar.
Yes, home wireless broadband is generally reliable because you'll only be able to sign up for a plan if the provider is happy with the coverage at your home.
Here's a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
"I'm living in an apartment in Sydney that doesn't have access to NBN (shocker, right!). My choices on the Opticomm network are ridiculously limited so I can't really switch providers. But that's where 5G home internet has opened a few doors for me, especially since mobile network receptions have drastically improved at my address in the last year and I now also get 5G coverage. I've taken Optus 5G home internet for a spin and had zero issues with download speeds or poor reception. Plus, it was so easy to set up. I just had to pop in a SIM, plug in the modem and voilà , all good to go."
When comparing home wireless broadband plans, check if it's 4G or 5G.
4G speeds usually cap out at 25Mbps while 5G plans tend to go up to 50Mbps to 100Mbps. Some providers like Telstra can clock up to 633Mbps on 5G and Optus offers a 5G home internet plan with uncapped speeds.
That's why you need to look at the max speeds offered. Keep in mind though actual speeds can vary due to signal strength and congestion.
It's why you'll see typical download speeds displayed on most plans to show you what speeds it can achieve during the busy hours of the day (7-11pm).
The good news is that the majority of plans come with unlimited data. The exception is Telstra.
Its 5G home internet plan comes with 1TB of data allowance which should be good enough for the average household. However, you may want to reconsider if you're a heavy internet user running heavy downloads.
Luckily, going over the data allowance will simply cap your speeds to 25Mbps and you won't be charged extra.
As we've mentioned, home wireless broadband isn't available everywhere, especially 5G. If you see a plan you like based on the speed, simply check your address on the provider's website to see if it's available to you.
In most instances, you won't ever be locked into a contract but sometimes you may need to pay off the cost of the modem if you leave before a certain time frame.
Or, you'll simply have to return it free of charge in good condition right after you cancel your plan. It's rare but one or two providers may ask you to pay for the modem upfront.
Regardless of the scenario, make sure to read the terms and conditions and compare the cost of the modems too especially if you have to pay for it.
There's no single "best" plan because everyone's need for speed is different.
Instead, we've gathered all the details on all 7 home wireless broadband providers in our database to help you easily find the perfect fit for your needs.
Learn more in our full Optus broadband review.
Learn more in our full iiNet broadband review.
Learn more in our full TPG broadband review.
Learn more in our full Telstra broadband review.
Learn more in our full SpinTel broadband review.
Learn more in our full Yomojo broadband review.
Learn more in our full Southern Phone broadband review.
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Why do I need this
Hi Jenny, home wireless broadband plans are an alternative to the NBN in case your address can’t connect to the NBN or you’re having problems with your internet connection. Do let me know if you have any other questions on the topic and I’ll be happy to help out :)
What your suggestion for Seniors/Single person/Pensioner. Bundle,internet,mobile. Thx.
Hi Robert, if it’s just yourself using the internet, you can look at our guide to cheap internet plans: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/cheap-broadband-plans or, we have a guide to NBN plans for seniors that could also help you out: https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans/nbn/nbn-plans-for-seniors. Cheers!