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Knowing what the right broadband plan to purchase for your needs may seem a challenge with the wealth of options on the market in Australia right now, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Anyone can find the best Wi-Fi deals, no matter where they live or what their preferences are. Find out what makes the best internet broadband plans so good for you and read about strategies for comparing and choosing from the top options in this comprehensive guide.
Comparing is an important factor in the decision-making process when it comes to finding the best internet broadband plans in Australia. There are several key factors that you should look at when conducting the comparison process which can help you maximise your chances of finding a great deal to suit your needs. Consider the following when comparing between the best internet broadband plans:
The cost of your plan
Perhaps the easiest way to compare between different internet providers is the price of their plans on offer. You'll usually be able to find a decent broadband plan anywhere between $45 and $90, all of which will obviously vary in terms of features and conditions. There is usually a direct correlation between the cost of your plan and the speed and efficacy of the internet you’ll be able to use, so you’ll find that the higher-end plans will almost always possess the highest quality of broadband.
You’re likely to encounter a myriad of introductory offers from providers looking to entice you through their doors, which may seem appealing on the surface. Discounts of this nature will likely come in the form of $5 to $15 off the monthly rate for a set opening period, often six to 12 months, before reverting to a more expensive rate. Consider whether these offers will be the best for you in the long term, or if you’re only seeking a short-term fix ensure that you won’t be locked into your deal beyond the introductory period.
It’s important to note, though, that cost shouldn’t be your sole consideration when comparing broadband plans. Whilst you may be limited by your budget, you should always try to get the most out of your plan rather than compromise your needs. For instance, if you work from home and require a faster upload speed due to your job, it may not be appropriate to choose the cheapest broadband plan.
Your internet connection type
In Australia, there are two main types of broadband connection: fixed line and wireless internet. These could have a significant impact on your experience using your internet, so different types of connection suit different contexts. Fixed line and wireless connections have several key differences between one another, namely that fixed line connections such as the National Broadband Network (NBN) often come without any data caps, which can be present with wireless connections. However, fixed line connections like the NBN may present greater access restrictions for those living in areas that are yet to be touched by the Australian Government’s rollout.
Your plan’s download and upload speed
When it comes to finding the right broadband plan, one of the key considerations you’ll have to have is how well you’ll actually be able to use it. As mentioned, different types of internet connection will bring with them varying speeds when it comes to downloading and uploading under your plan. You’re likely to find that there’s a direct correlation between the speed of your internet and the cost of your plan, so this should factor into your thinking. The overall takeaway in this respect is to determine what your speed needs are based on how you’re looking to use your broadband connection.
For a larger family with high internet usage, a plan with faster speeds would be more suitable. In this instance, an NBN 1000 connection (which contains download speeds of up to 1000 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 50Mbps) or a 5G home wireless plan (up to 1Gbps) could all be viable options. However, a person living on their own in a small apartment who doesn’t typically stream movies or videos may only need an NBN 12 or home wireless 4G connection, as download and upload speeds of up to 12 and 1Mbps respectively for the former might suffice.
Your plan’s data allowance
This is particularly important to factor into your decision on the type of connection that you’ll be establishing. As previously mentioned, some fixed line connections like NBN plans tend to have uncapped data usage, which can be very useful for more heavy usage throughout the week. For reference, the average Australian spends up to or beyond a quarter of their day online. Conversely, people who don’t use the internet as much won’t have the same needs when it comes to data usage, so capping your allowance at as little as 10GB per month will help you save money and get more value out of your broadband deal.
The future of your plan
You may find that your internet requirements change on a month-to-month basis, whether that be for work, travel or any other reason. If this is the case, you’ll likely want to avoid a broadband plan with a lock-in contract that prevents you from switching out your plan for another for a set period (often for 12 months or more). The primary benefit of these contracts is that they may work out to be cheaper in the long run thanks to being able to waive opening fees, but they strip you of the freedom of choice you’d have with a plan that didn’t lock you in.
Your plan’s provider
It’s not just about the specifics of your broadband plan that you’ll have to consider, though; the type of provider you choose to go with remains a very relevant point of comparison. Customer support is an important factor to take into account, particularly if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, so going with a bigger internet provider like Telstra or Optus can fit your needs there. These providers also may be able to offer a wider overall range of services to suit your needs. However, cheaper providers like Dodo and TPG can often provide the best offers on the market in terms of pricing. Your internet preferences will inform the type of provider you end up going with.
Compare with Savvy
The first step you should take here is to pay a visit to the Savvy website and utilise our comprehensive comparison tools. In doing so, you’ll be able to contrast the best internet broadband plans in Australia in the areas that should be the most important to you. Sifting through the multitude of options on offer in Australia can seem a daunting task, but Savvy can help save on hassle. Find the best broadband plan to suit your needs here today.
Under the banner of fixed line and wireless internet connections, there are four main types of connection that you’ll come across in Australia. These are all unique from one another and present value for different types of people depending upon their internet needs. You’ll be able to choose from the following for your internet connection:
NBN connections
As mentioned, the NBN is the newest initiative by the Australian Government aiming to improve the quality of internet for people across the country. This is a type of fixed line connection which relies on newer fibre optic cables alongside a suite of other technologies such as satellite, wireless and some pre-existing copper cables to establish its connections. The NBN operates on six different speeds, which are designed for varying uses and demographics. These are:
*All of these speeds represent the maximum capable for each tier.
These speed tiers are all designed for different uses. For example, while NBN 100 is more suited to families of four or more members with greater overall usage, an NBN 12 plan’s lack of speed compared to the others makes it more ideal for light usage and messaging for one person. With the NBN rollout nearing completion, almost everyone should have access to some form of NBN connection. In most instances, this will allow you to choose plans from a range of providers and six different speed tiers.
Home wireless connections
This wireless internet connection presents itself as a viable alternative to the NBN in many ways, as it can be an attractive option for those who don’t wish to have their broadband connection built into their home in the same way. Home wireless connections are also usually the less expensive option of the two, with $45-$50 usually the basement price in this regard compared to an NBN plan’s $60. These can come with data caps, though, whereas spending the extra each month on NBN can provide you with unlimited data.
These connections are separated by three distinct services, all of which you’re likely to have heard of or used: 3G, 4G and 5G. While these aren’t as well-defined in terms of the specific speeds delivered due to greater capacity to fluctuate based on its location across the country, 5G is capable of reaching speeds of up to 1Gbps, which can match those of NBN 1000. However, because this service is yet to be fully integrated in Australia, your experience using it in the short term (if it’s readily available in your area) might be vastly different to someone living on the other side of the country. As a result, you may only experience speeds of around 400Mbps.
ADSL connections
ADSL (which stands for asymmetric digital subscriber line) is amongst the slowest internet options available in Australia in terms of speed, rendering it comparable to 3G and the two slowest NBN speed tiers in that respect. It relies on relatively outdated copper cables associated with telephone signals to carry data, whose capabilities are far exceeded by those of the NBN. However, while the Australian Government is ostensibly rolling out the NBN to replace existing ADSL connections, you can still find plans to cater to your needs if you don’t wish to upgrade it.
Just because ADSL’s speed capability isn’t very high doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to save money on your deal, though. Not all internet providers will offer ADSL plans, as they’re becoming more of an outdated service, and those that do are likely to charge you a similar price to that of an NBN 50-100 plan. If you don’t use the internet much and don’t want to cover installation costs, though, you may look to this as an option.
Mobile broadband connections
The best mobile broadband plans will help you with smaller data amounts per month at affordable prices. These are essentially the same as regular home wireless connections, except you’re generally paying comparatively more for your service. This is because mobile broadband connections account for portability on the 3G, 4G & 5G networks and roaming connections are more expensive to run than those of a stationary wireless internet connection in your home. It may not be the perfect solution to your home internet needs if you require greater data usage, with data caps generally limiting this to under 200GB, but you’ll be able to find cheap broadband plans if you only need around 50GB per month.
When it comes to broadband plans, everyone’s needs are different. The amount of data usage you require and the speed at which you want to access it is likely to vary widely across every house on your street. As such, it’s important to know what the best broadband plan is to suit you. We’ve listed some common types of people looking for internet in the table below and outlined which plans would be best for them.
| Type of user/s | Internet usage profile | Best NBN plans | Estimated price range | Best wireless plans | Estimated price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single, living on their own |
Low: checks emails and messages, occasional streaming on YouTube |
NBN 12 with data cap |
$30-$60 (up to 100GB cap), $60-$70 (unlimited data) |
4G, 200GB cap |
$50-$60 |
|
Couple with one pre-school aged child |
Medium: movie and TV streaming every week, limited mobile gaming |
NBN 25 with data cap |
$50-$65 (up to 500GB cap), $55-$80 (unlimited data) |
4G, 500GB cap |
$60-$70 |
|
Family with two school aged children |
Moderate: heavy mobile gaming and YouTube streaming, movie and TV streaming every week |
NBN 50 without data cap |
$60-$75 (up to 500GB cap), $70-$90 (unlimited data) |
5G, unlimited data |
$70-$90 |
|
Parents who work from home with three high school aged children |
High: heavy online console gaming and movie and TV streaming, large file downloads |
NBN 100 or 250 without data cap |
NBN 100: $80-$100
NBN 250: $90-$120
|
5G, unlimited data |
$70-$90 |
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It's always essential that you keep one eye on cheap broadband plans at all times to ensure that you don’t miss out on the best offers. Those who compare the best NBN and wireless plans even when comfortably covered by an existing plan have the highest chance of maximising the deal they receive.
You may find that you’re spending more on internet than you need because you’re paying for unlimited data when you don’t need it. If you’re on unlimited data but only using less than 100GB per month, looking into a 100GB cap can help you save $10 to $20 on your monthly bill.
The plan you take out might not only offer internet services, but also built-in extras to sweeten your deal. This could include things like a landline phone or set-top box, but if you have no need for features like these, you’re simply paying extra for your internet unnecessarily. You can focus on the best deals for Wi-Fi without this hassle.
Some internet service providers will also supply other services like utilities and plans for your mobile phone, which may appeal to you if you’re looking for service in these areas. Taking out multiple plans with the same provider can help you cut down on the individual cost of your broadband plan.
Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.
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