A guide to MATE, Australian-based ISP. Information about nbn and ADSL offers, how to subscribe to a MATE service, how to contact MATE customer service, and customer reviews.
Looking for the best internet provider in AUS? Finding the best NBN provider in Australia can be overwhelming, with numerous options available. The right choice depends on factors such as speed, reliability, customer service, and pricing. This guide will help you compare the top NBN providers in Australia to find the best fit for your needs and help you find the best internet provider in Melbourne, Sydney, and more cities!
Broadband & Internet Providers in Australia
With the nationwide rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), nearly all Australians now have access to faster and more reliable internet. But what exactly is the NBN, and how does it compare to older broadband technologies? Below, we break down the differences between NBN, ADSL (now not in use), and home wireless broadband, helping you choose the best internet service for your needs.
What Happened to ADSL?
Before the NBN revolution, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) was the standard broadband service in Australia, delivering internet through existing telephone lines. At its peak, ADSL offered download speeds of up to 24Mbps, which was sufficient for most households at the time.
However, as internet usage evolved—demanding higher speeds for streaming, gaming, and remote work—ADSL became outdated. By 2020, the nationwide NBN rollout rendered ADSL obsolete, and broadband providers stopped offering ADSL plans. If you're still on ADSL, it's crucial to switch to an NBN plan before losing broadband access.
NBN Australia: What is the NBN?
The NBN (National Broadband Network) is Australia’s next-generation broadband infrastructure. Unlike ADSL, which relies on copper telephone lines, NBN uses advanced fibre-optic technology to connect to regional network hubs (nodes), which then link to homes via existing copper or fibre cables.
One of the biggest advantages of NBN over ADSL is its flexible speed tiers. Instead of being restricted to a single speed, NBN customers can choose from various speed options, catering to different household sizes and internet needs:
Since ADSL broadband is no longer available, NBN is now the primary broadband option for most Australians. Whether you live in a city, a suburban area, or even a remote location, you can find an NBN plan that suits your internet usage and budget. If you still have ADSL, it’s important to switch to a new NBN plan before you lose broadband access.
Rural or regionalIf you live in a rural or regional area, your NBN connection may be delivered via Fixed Wireless NBN or Satellite NBN. These options ensure that even Australians in remote locations can access fast and stable broadband internet.
Home wireless broadband: An NBN alternative
If you’re looking for an NBN alternative, home wireless broadband is a great choice. Instead of using fixed-line fibre or copper connections, home wireless broadband delivers internet via 4G or 5G mobile networks, similar to a mobile phone connection.
Using a home wireless broadband modem, you can connect multiple devices, including your smartphone, laptop, desktop, and TV, without requiring complex installation. Unlike NBN, which is managed by NBNCo, home wireless broadband is provided by major telecommunication companies like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
Home wireless broadband should not be confused with mobile broadband (also known as data-only mobile phone plans). While both use mobile networks, there is a key difference between home wireless broadband and mobile broadband:
Home wireless broadband: Uses a dedicated modem with a built-in SIM card, plugged into a power source, offering a more stable and consistent connection.
Mobile broadband: Comes as a data-only SIM card, which can be used in tablets, mobile broadband modems, and mobile phones for on-the-go connectivity.
Which Broadband Option is Right for You?
If you need a fast and reliable internet connection with multiple speed options, NBN is your best choice.
If you want an alternative without installation hassles, home wireless broadband is a flexible option.
If you need portable internet, consider a mobile broadband plan.
With various NBN providers and broadband plans available, choosing the best service can feel overwhelming. Compare options carefully to ensure you get the best speed, reliability, and price for your internet needs.
Choosing the Right Internet Provider in Australia
With the NBN now fully rolled out across Australia, traditional ADSL broadband connections have been phased out. If you're looking for a new internet plan, understanding how to compare NBN providers and their services is essential. Below, we break down the key factors to consider when choosing the best NBN plan for your needs. With NBN now universally available, it’s important to understand how to compare NBN services in Australia.
SPEED:
Internet speed is one of the most important factors when selecting an NBN broadband plan, as it directly impacts streaming, gaming, video calls, and general browsing.
NBN service is divided into different speed standards, which correspond to the fastest possible download speeds you can achieve.
These are: NBN12, NBN25. NBN50, NBN100, and higher speeds. However, advertised speeds are maximum potential speeds, and your actual internet speed may be lower, particularly during peak hours. Broadband providers display “typical evening speeds”, which indicate the average download speeds during busy periods. The faster the plan, the higher the cost, so it’s important to choose a speed tier that fits your household's usage. The cost of your NBN plan is directly related to how fast the download speeds are, with faster plans costing more.
Discover your current broadband speed Take the Internet Speed Test to see how fast your broadband connection currently is, and learn ways to troubleshoot slow internet connections.
Do You Need a Home Phone Line?
Unlike ADSL broadband (now obsolete), NBN does not require an active phone line. However, if you still use a landline phone, consider an NBN plan with a voice add-on for making and receiving calls.
If you don’t need a home phone, you can opt for a standalone internet-only NBN plan to save on costs.
How Much Data Do You Need?
Most NBN plans now offer unlimited data, particularly on NBN50 plans and higher. However, if you rarely use the internet, you might save money by choosing a plan with a data cap, such as 100GB or 500GB per month.
Contract Length: Month-to-Month vs. 12-Month Plans
Many internet providers offer both month-to-month and 12-month contracts. Here’s what to consider:
Month-to-month plans: Usually have higher upfront costs (for setup or modem fees) but offer more flexibility.
12-month contracts: May waive setup fees and include a free modem, but come with cancellation fees if you leave early.
However, if you plan to only need your broadband service for a couple of months, these upfront costs might make more sense than paying a cancellation fee later down the line.
Modem Options: Bring Your Own or Get One Included?
Some broadband providers allow you to bring your own modem (BYOM) when you sign up for their plan, while other Internet providers include their own (either included in your costs, as a rental, or for an additional upfront fee). Before choosing, check whether your modem is compatible with your NBN connection type.
If you already have an NBN-ready modem, you might be able to use that, but make sure it’s properly set up for your connection. If you don’t already have a modem, make sure to read the fine print to see if there are any additional fees associated with getting one from your broadband provider.
Bundles & Discounts: Save on Extras
Bigger internet providers will often let you bundle services with their NBN plans for slightly discounted rates. This might include a home phone add-on, a mobile phone plan, or entertainment services like Disney Plus or Netflix. If you're already using services from a specific provider, bundling them with your NBN plan could lead to additional savings.
Top 10 Internet Providers in Australia
When comparing broadband providers in Australia, it can be hard to narrow down which providers and plans are best for you. If you need some help narrowing down your search, Selectra has you covered. Below, you will find our choice of the top 10 internet providers, the NBN plans they offer, and just why we like them. This will help you find the best internet provider and best nbn provider for your needs while saving money with the best internet provider in Sydney, Melbourne and more!
10. Southern Phone
Southern Phone has carved out its market in rural and regional Australia, going so far as to give back to rural and regional councils.
In addition to its competitive mobile phone deals, and Skymesh™ satellite NBN for its most remote customers, Southern Phone offers a selection of no-contract NBN plans starting at $45 per month for their NBN Basic plan! Currently all of their plans have no Southern Phone setup fees, and no lock-in contract which makes it easy for you to save money!
Sign Up for Southern Phone Internet & Mobile Today
Southern Phone offers great prices on NBN, Mobile and home wireless broadband plans - save more when you bundle all three
9. Flip
With a reputation for some of the cheapest NBN plans on the market, Flip comes in as one of the top 10 internet providers in Australia.
If you don’t need the fastest broadband on the market, Flip Value Plan comes in at under $50 per month during the first four discounted months, and pensioners can score an even bigger discount. For households who need faster internet, plans go up to $84 / month for the first four months for NBN250 on their Super Speed Plan.
Belong offers simple NBN plans with lots of inclusions.
This includes free activation and even a free SIM card with $80 credit. Plans start at $70 for their Starter plan and go up to Belongs Premium NBN plan for $85 per month for the first 6 months!
While probably better known for their mobile phone plans with unlimited data, Vodafone also offers a wide range of NBN offers with something available for everyone.
Plans start at $70 per month for their basic offer, but customers can choose up to NBN Home Ultrafast with 800Mbps typical evening download speeds, and currently Vodafone is offering their Vodafone modem for $0 per month (if you stay with Vodafone for 24 months) which comes with 4G back-up.
What we like about Vodafone
BYO modem or get a modem with 4G backup for $0 / month when you stay for 24 months
No lock-in contract
Unlimited data
30 day network guarantee
Save $15 / month when you bundle Vodafone NBN and a mobile plan
With their simple plans and flexibility, iPrimus makes the rank as one of the top NBN providers in Australia.
Though iPrimus only offers four plans, customers are free to switch at any time, and can even pause their service for up to four weeks every 24 months (whether for vacation, to reduce spending, or just reduce screen time). Plans start at $84 / month for their Standard Plus plan, and all plans include no set-up fees and a free Wi-Fi 6 modem after 18 months.
For simple, low-cost, NBN plansTangerine frequently comes in as some of the cheapest options around.
Tangerine NBN plans come with generous discounts for the first six months, but after 6 months they still offer competitive rates. Tangerine NBN plans start at $47.90 per month for the first six months, for their Standard Speed plan, before increasing to $67.90 per month and customers can choose to bring their own modem or purchase one outright.
No matter what your broadband needs and usage is, you’re likely to find the perfect plan with TPG.
Choose whether you want a 6-month contract with an included modem, a no lock-in contract + included modem with a $114.95 setup fee, or a no lock-in contract with no setup fee if you bring your own modem. TPG budget plans start at only $69.99 per month with a $50 savings on your 2nd monthly invoice for unlimited data, but people who need faster speeds and unlimited data can choose from every NBN speed tier, up to NBN Superfast and Ultrafast.
What we like about TPG:
Flexible NBN options (no contract, 6-month contract, included modem, or BYO modem)
Australian-based ISP Exetel has over 20 years of experience delivering the fastest broadband possible to Aussie households.
They went from being a start-up to Australia's fastest growing challenger telco, and have consistently reached plan speeds 100.3% faster than advertised. Exetel NBN plans start at $53.99 for the first 6 months for their everyday plan, but customers who need faster broadband can choose up to Exetel’s Superfast NBN plan for $98.99 per month with 250Mbps average download speeds.
What we like about Exetel:
No lock-in contract
Unlimited data
No connection fees
No change plan fees
Exetel Everyday Plan
First 6 Months at
$50.99
/ month
Then $63.99 / month
Heavy internet users need to look to Sumo for all their streaming, gaming, and downloading needs.
Sumo's services focus on simplicity and value, which makes their products easy to use and efficient! Their NBN plans come with unlimited data, and some of the cheapest pricing around, making them a great choice for streaming, gaming, and working from home. Sumo also stands out by offering bundle discounts when you combine internet and energy services, helping you save even more!
What we like about Sumo:
Unlimited data
Discounts for bundling internet and energy
No lock-in contract for internet
Simple set up with BYO modem options
Sumo Simple 25
Price w/ Energy Bundle:
$69
/ month
$84 Without Bundle
Aussie Broadband is frequently cited as one of the best broadband providers in Australia, and with good reason.
Not only does Aussie Broadband manage to score high customer ratings across the web (4.5 out of 5 stars on ProductReview and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Review), but their reliable Australian-based support makes it easy to contact Aussie Broadband’s customer service if you ever have any issues.
The Best NBN Plan and The Best Internet Plan- Which is Best?
Choosing the best NBN provider in Australia depends on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize speed, cost, reliability, or customer service, the providers listed above are some of the best in the market. Compare plans and choose the one that fits your lifestyle and budget to enjoy seamless internet connectivity in 2025.
If you need help further making your decision, we at Selectra are here to help! Call us now at 1300 560 964 to switch providers today and get our experts opinions!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest NBN provider in Australia?
Super loop and Aussie Broadband consistently rank among the fastest providers, offering high speeds with low latency.
Which NBN provider offers the best customer service?
Aussie Broadband is widely recognized for its excellent customer support and service reliability.
What is the cheapest NBN plan available?
TPG and Superloop offer some of the most affordable NBN plans with competitive pricing.
Which NBN provider is best for rural areas?
Telstra provides the most extensive coverage, making it the best choice for users in remote locations.
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