5 ways you can get a better (and cheaper) home internet set up this year
Don't chuck your modem out the window! We'll show you some simple tips to help enhance your internet speed.
Sponsored by TPG. TPG's high-speed nbn plans are all backed by the TPG Price Beat Guarantee. TPG will beat any high-speed nbn price from any eligible provider over the first 12 months of your plan!* To find out more, make sure you visit the TPG website. T&Cs apply. Offer available until withdrawn.
The speed and quality of your internet connection are determined by more factors than you might realise. So let's look at some ways you can get better connected at home.
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1. Switch providers
When it comes to internet connectivity, not all providers are created equal.
With a range of different providers and speed tiers to choose from, it makes sense to look for a provider that offers high speed at a reasonable price.
At the moment*, TPG is offering a Price Beat Guarantee on a range of nbn plans, including the NBN100, NBN Superfast & NBN Ultrafast offers.
Taking advantage of offers like this can help boost your internet speed, while also saving some cash.
You can also read a review of TPG's internet services right here on Finder.
2. Upgrade your modem
Technology marches on over time and modems are no exception.
If you've had your modem for more than a few years, it's quite possible that it's still working – but it may be out of date.
In turn, you may not be getting the best possible speed from it. The ACMA actually published an interesting study on how it can affect your wi-fi in particular.
So if your connection is running slow, your modem is one factor to consider.
The good news is that when you switch to a new internet provider, you'll often be provided with a new modem as part of the overall package, depending on your contract.
TPG's current nbn plans can include a Wi-Fi 6-compatible modem ($0 on a 6-month contract) if you require it when you change over.
3. Check your router placement
So – your modem is what connects your place to the internet, but your router is how your connection is divvied up among all of your devices.
(These days, most modems have the router built in, though this isn't universal. But either way, its placement matters!)
For example, if your router is in a different part of the house to your gaming setup, the signal has to pass through walls and potentially even through different floors.
As you might expect, this can throttle your internet speed.
So if your connection is lagging behind, take a look at where you've currently got your router in the house. You might be slowing things down without even realising it!
4. Check your cables
Using a wired connection for devices like your desktop or gaming console can be a great way to guarantee connection integrity. In many instances, you'll be able to get faster speed than by connecting via wi-fi.
However, cables don't last forever. They can degrade and get damaged over time, particularly if they're in high-traffic areas of your home.
To avoid issues, you should check your cables at least once every few months to make sure there are no signs of fraying, tearing or unusual bending.
Additionally, when you're installing cables, it's best to look for ways to keep them off the floor. This will help avoid accidental damage, as well as reduce the chance of a tripping hazard!
5. Check for unnecessary connections
The old days of just having a computer or two at home hooked up to the internet have long since gone the way of the dinosaur.
Today, your home internet connection is probably handling a desktop, some laptops, even more tablets, a smartphone or five and probably some consoles in the mix. It's a lot for your router – and your connection – to handle!
So first things first. Take a look at how many devices you've actually got connected to your network, and look at what you can boot off. It's a good opportunity to make sure the neighbours aren't doing some sneaky downloading from your connection, too…
This is also where switching providers can be very handy. A faster connection with the right provider can help increase not only your internet speed but also your overall bandwidth.
For example, TPG currently offers a range of high-speed nbn plans, as well as a Price Beat Guarantee on those plans, which can help your home cater for more devices.
