Broadband & Internet Providers in Australia

Australia has moved to the NBN, with almost 100% coverage across the country, but what is NBN? How does it compare to older broadband choices? Learn about the NBN and the differences between broadband services below.

ADSL in Australia

ADSL was the traditional broadband service for most of the country, using the existing phone lines to deliver internet to millions of Australians.

ADSL, for a time, worked great, offering download speeds of up to 24Mbps. But, as technology improved, our need for faster internet grew. In 2020, NBN rolled out across Australia, making ADSL obsolete.

NBN Australia: What is the NBN?

For the last 10 years, NBNCo has been rolling out the National Broadband Network (NBN) across Australia. Instead of using the wires associated with ADSL, NBN uses cutting-edge fibre technology to connect to regional connection points (called nodes) and then connect that node to consumers’ homes through the existing copper wires.

Instead of the one download speed associated with ADSL, NBN gives customers the choice of download speeds. This means bigger households won’t have to worry about slower speeds when multiple devices are connected, while smaller households don’t need to pay for more than they actually need.

Since the NBN rollout has been completed, broadband providers no longer sell ADSL broadband plans. For most customers, NBN is a great option for reliable high-speed internet, no matter where in Australia they live. If you still have ADSL, it’s important to switch to a new NBN plan before you lose broadband access.

Rural or regional NBN isn’t just for the main cities. If you live in rural or regional Australia, you might get your NBN service from satellite NBN.

Home wireless broadband: An NBN alternative

Home wireless broadband is an internet alternative that uses the mobile broadband network to connect your home to the internet rather than traditional copper or fibre connections.

Using a modem very similar to an NBN modem, you can connect multiple devices including your mobile phone, laptop, computer, and TV to the internet. The only difference is that this internet is from either Vodafone, Optus, or Telstra rather than NBNCo and, unlike NBN, does not require special installation or set up, simply plug it in and go.

Home wireless broadband should not be confused with mobile broadband (also known as data-only mobile phone plans). Mobile broadband is when you receive a standalone SIM card that can be inserted into any mobile broadband-enabled device such as a mobile phone.

However with home wireless broadband, the SIM card is usually installed directly in the home wireless broadband modem which you can plug into a power source.

Choosing the Right Internet Provider in Australia

NBN is officially rolled out across Australia, meaning that all the traditional ADSL broadband connections have been phased out of Internet providers’ services. 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 choosing a new broadband plan. This is especially true with NBN.

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, these are not the speeds you will actually achieve. Broadband providers also display their “typical evening speeds” which are the average download speeds during peak busy hours. 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.

 PHONE LINE INCLUDED:

Unlike traditional ADSL, NBN does not require an active phone line. However, if you’re someone who enjoys using the home phone, it might be worth considering an NBN plan with a phone line and voice add-on plan.

Likewise, if you don’t want a home phone service, you don’t need to select an NBN plan that has it included.

 DATA:

Most NBN plans come with unlimited data, particularly plans at faster NBN speeds. If you don’t require a lot of data, and rarely use the internet, you might choose a plan with 100GB or 500GB of data instead.

 CONTRACT LENGTH:

Most Internet providers give the choice of month-to-month or 12-month contracts. Oftentimes, choosing the month-to-month option will result in a higher upfront cost (either for set up, or an included modem) while these fees are waived if you choose a 12-month contract.

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.

 INCLUDED MODEM or B.Y.O.M. :

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).

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:

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 Fetch TV.

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.

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! 

• What we like about Southern Phone:
• No lock-in contract
• Unlimited data
• BYO modem or purchase one for +$156 upfront
• Satellite NBN available for remote Australians

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

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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.

• What we like about Flip:
• No lock-in contract
• Unlimited data
• 14-day satisfaction guarantee
• BYO modem or purchase one for +$199
• Discounts for the first four months

8. Belong

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 Belong’s Premium NBN plan for $85 per month for the first 6 months!

• What we like about Belong:
• No lock-in contract
• Unlimited data
• Free activation
• Free mobile SIM with $80 credit included
• Free wifi modem delivery for new customers

7. Vodafone

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

Vodafone NBN Plans

NBN Plan	Cost / Month	Typical Evening Speed
NBN25 Basic	$70 / month	25Mbps
NBN50 Essential	$75 / month	50Mbps
NBN Essential +	$80 / month	100Mbps
NBN Home Fast	$90 / month	250Mbps
NBN Home Superfast	$100 / month	800Mbps

Source: Provider’s website. Comparison does not include all discounts, features, or offers. Valid January 2025 and subject to change.

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Vodafone Offers NBN Plans with Unlimited Data, Discount Modems & 4G/5G Home Internet Plans

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6. iPrimus

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.

• What we like about iPrimus:
• No lock-in contract
• No set-up fees
• Pause your internet anytime
• No plan change fees
• Unlimited data
• Free Wi-Fi modem after 18 months

5. Tangerine

For simple, low-cost, NBN plans Tangerine 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.

• What we like about Tangerine:
• No lock-in contract
• BYO modem or purchase one for +$99.90
• New customer discount
• 14-day NBN trial
• Unlimited data

Tangerine NBN Plans

NBN Plan	Cost / Month	Typical Evening Speed
Value Plan	$47.90 / month first 6 months $67.90 / month after	25Mbps
Value Plus Plan	$62.90 / month first 6 months $82.90 / month after	50Mbps
Speedy Plan	$60.90 / month first 6 months $85.90 / month after	100Mbps
Speedy Plus Plan	$69.90 / month first 6 months $89.90 / month after	100Mbps
Super Speedy Plan	$79.90 / month first 6 months $104.90 / month after	250Mbps
Ultra Speedy Plan	$94.90 / month first 6 months $124.90 / month after	700Mbps

Source: Provider’s website. Comparison does not include all discounts, features, or offers. Valid January 2025 and subject to change.

Sign Up for Tangerine NBN Today

Tangerine Offers Discount NBN Broadband, NBN Bundles and 4G SIM Only Plans

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4. TPG

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)
• Discounts on your 2nd monthly invoice
• Unlimited Data
• No change plan fees

3. Exetel

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 ffrowining 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

2. Sumo

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

1. Aussie Broadband 

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.

• What we like about Aussie Broadband:
• No lock-in contracts
• No connection fees
• Unlimited data
• BYO modem or purchase one outright
• Network optimised for gamers
• Australian-based support

Prefer home wireless broadband? Compare 4G and 5G home wireless broadband plans - the alternative to the NBN!

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