5 ways to lower your Internet bill

Check out our tips for budget-friendly broadband.

Access to the Internet at home can be pretty expensive in Australia. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to rein in the cost of your Internet connection.

If you're on the hunt for affordable Internet, this article is for you. We've got 5 money-savvy tips for saving cash on your Internet connection.

Understand your usage

Do you know what speeds you need for your typical usage? If you're just using the Internet for very basic activities, you might be able to get by on lower average download speeds. In that case, you can save money by eschewing a lightning-fast connection.

But if you're unsure of what your actual usage looks like, you won't be able to find the best-priced plan with the most appropriate benefits.

Go for lower speeds

Choosing a plan with lower average speeds could save you some money. For example, More's XXL Speed Boost NBN plan offers typical evening speeds of up to 92Mbps for $99 a month or $69.30 a month for CommBank customers who use their CommBank credit or debit card to pay for their bill.

However, if you were happier with more modest limits, there's a huge potential for savings. More's Standard Speed NBN plan offers typical evening speeds of up to 25Mpbs for $66 a month or $46.20 a month for CommBank customers.

Of course, lower speeds might not work for everyone. If you don't have many people in your household and aren't heavy internet users, it's less likely to be an issue.

BYO or buy second-hand

When it comes to routers and signal extenders, you can save money by shopping second-hand and looking for a provider that allows you to bring your own.

While this won't lower your ongoing monthly bill, it could cut your upfront costs and reduce e-waste while you're at it. Just make sure any hardware you buy is compatible.

Look for deals

We've already touched on this one earlier, but you should pay attention to any introductory offers, sign-up deals or general promotions that might cut the price of your plan.

Right now, CommBank customers can access a 30% discount on More nbn plans. So if you went for More's mid-range XL Speed Boost NBN plan, you could bring the monthly cost down from $77 a month to $53.90 a month. Not bad.

Compare online

I can't stress this one enough. Don't just go with the provider that you're most familiar with or have seen the most ads for.

Compare your options online and find a plan that actually meets your needs. You can even check out our guide on comparing Internet plans.

Comparing online isn't a one-time thing though. If you really want the most affordable plan possible, you should be checking regularly to see what else is out there.

If you come across a more appealing plan, be brave and ask your provider if they can match the price. If not, it might be time to switch.

Get 30% off your internet bill with CommBank and More nbn