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BYO Modem NBN Plans

Compare a variety of NBN plans through Savvy instantly and see whether you can choose to BYO modem.

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, updated on August 6th, 2024       

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Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of internet plans to help you compare them.

Looking for flexibility and cost savings on your NBN plan? Some providers and plans will give you the option to bring your own (BYO) modem, enabling you to use your existing modem or purchase one independently to add more convenience and potentially save overall.

Whether you're upgrading to the NBN or switching providers, you can compare a range of NBN plans through Savvy, helping you make an informed decision about the best available BYO modem plan to suit your needs. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote through us today!

What are the benefits of choosing a BYO modem NBN plan?

Opting for a BYO modem NBN plan offers several key advantages for savvy internet users:

  1. Cost savings: one of the primary benefits is cost savings. Some providers will charge an expensive fee for an included modem, while others may include it for free but charge you if you cancel your plan within 12 or 24 months. Because of this, using your current one or buying another one separately (provided each option is compatible) can add up to significant savings and help you secure a cheaper NBN plan overall.
  2. Convenience: rather than unplugging your modem and having to configure a new one, using your existing modem saves on the hassle, potentially only needing to be configured. This may be desirable for those with a more complex internet setup.
  3. Flexibility: BYO modems give you the flexibility to switch providers without worrying about returning leased equipment. This simplifies the switching process and gives you more freedom to find the best deal.

However, it’s important to understand that there may be some factors to consider which could mean a BYO modem isn’t necessarily the best option for you. These include:

  1. Potential activation costs: another potential drawback of BYO modem NBN plans is the possibility of activation costs. While some providers offer free activation, others may charge a one-time setup fee to initiate your NBN connection for BYO modems. It's essential to check with your chosen provider's terms and conditions to understand any associated fees.
  2. Availability: simply put, not all providers offer the ability for users to use their existing or an alternative modem as part of their plan. This may limit your options, especially if your preferred provider doesn’t enable you to do so.
  3. Compatibility: there’s no guarantee that the modem you have is compatible with the plan you want. This could be for several reasons, such as being too old or not fast enough to support the speeds on your new plan.

How do I find out if my modem is compatible with my NBN plan?

Determining modem compatibility with your NBN plan involves a few straightforward steps:

  1. Check NBN technology: first, identify the type of NBN technology available in your area. The NBN employs various connection types like FTTP, FTTN, HFC and more. Your modem must be compatible with the specific NBN technology used in your region.
  2. Review modem specifications: examine the technical specifications of your modem. You can usually find this information on a sticker on the modem itself or in the user manual. Look for details like DSL compatibility, WAN port type and Wi-Fi standards (such as 802.11ax).
  3. Look at speed capability: there’s little point in using the modem if it can’t support the speeds you’re after. Make sure it can handle the speed tier on the NBN plan you’ve chosen (for example, supporting at least 50Mbps download speeds for an NBN 50 plan).
  4. Contact your provider: reach out to your chosen NBN provider's customer support. They can provide a definitive answer on whether your modem is compatible with their NBN plans. Be prepared to provide your modem's make and model for reference.

Remember that NBN technology is evolving, so compatibility requirements may change. It's essential to stay informed and ensure your equipment aligns with the latest NBN standards.

How do I set up a BYO modem for my new NBN plan?

Setting up your BYO modem for your new NBN plan is a step-by-step process which depends on the type of connection you have to your home. The following process works for Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connections:

  1. Prepare your equipment: gather your modem, power adapter and any necessary documentation or login credentials provided by your NBN provider.
  2. Connect to power: plug your modem into both a power socket and telephone socket, keeping it turned off while doing so.
  3. Power on: turn on your modem and wait for it to initialise. This process may take a few minutes.
  4. Configure modem settings: open a web browser and enter the modem's IP address, usually printed on the modem's sticker or found in the user manual. Log in using the default credentials provided in the documentation or set during the initial setup. From there, configure your internet settings based on the information provided by your NBN provider. This typically includes selecting the appropriate connection type and entering your username and password.
  5. Wi-Fi setup: if your modem includes Wi-Fi, configure your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. You can customise these settings to secure your network.
  6. Verify connection and test your internet: after saving your settings, restart your modem if required. Verify that your modem establishes a connection to the network. You may need to wait a few minutes for this to complete. Once up and running, connect a device to your internet plan and ensure you can browse the web and perform speed tests to confirm the connection's stability and speed.
  7. Contact support (if needed): if you encounter difficulties during setup, don't hesitate to contact your NBN provider's customer support for assistance. They can provide guidance and troubleshoot any issues.

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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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