Compare a range of Internet providers
iSelect’s partnered with CIMET to help you compare a range of internet plans and providers. Not all internet providers or plans in the market are compared. Not all plans may be compared from our range of providers due to area or availability. Learn more.
What do I need from an Internet Provider?
Fast speeds, right? That’s a high priority for everyone? You’d think so, but if you’re paying for speeds you don’t actually use, it’s not quite so appealing. A good provider can help you choose a plan that is ideal for your particular needs – which is also a great way to save money.
How do I choose an Internet Provider?
The speed, reliability and cost of your Internet could be key factors in deciding which provider to go with. But don’t overlook the small details that might ultimately make your life easier, like great customer service and comprehensive bundles.
Helpful Tip:
Chances are good that you’re still with the internet provider you’ve been with for years – maybe forever – and that’s usually a costly mistake. One of the big benefits of the NBN is that it does create a level playing ground, letting the smaller brands compete with the big established internet service providers (ISPs).
You’ll often find better prices for the exact same speeds from these brands, and a quick comparison every six to twelve months may let you save money in the long term. Make sure you read the terms and conditions of each plan carefully though, to avoid any excessive price hikes after promotional periods, or exit fees if you do want to switch providers down the track.
Internet providers explained, with iSelect
Learn more about how Internet Providers work in this short video.
Laura Crowden
ISELECT SPOKESPERSON
What else should I keep in mind?
Customer service
When Internet problems occur, it’s always nice to have a provider that’s easy to get in touch with. A little research at the start – or just calling them up and seeing how responsive they are – could save you hours of repetitive hold music down the road.
Flexibility
Do you struggle with commitment? You might want to go with a provider that allows you to switch between plans. After all, what if you finally start that online business from home? Or become a famous Twitch streamer?
Bundles and extras
Some providers also offer Mobile Phone Plans, which you could be able to bundle with your Internet Plan to save money. Others add special features, like free membership to a streaming service. These extra touches might not make or break which provider you choose, but they could be a cherry on top of your Internet sundae.
Data limits
Nowadays, most NBN Plans come with unlimited data, but it’s still worth double checking. And even plans with unlimited data might slow down your speed once your data reaches a certain limit. If you’re using Mobile Broadband, you might want to check whether your data allowance works for you – and if it works with what you’re paying for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Internet Plans are out there?
Before you get started, it’s helpful to understand the different types of Internet Plans available. There can be lots of ways to connect your home to the Internet, but they might not all be available in your area.
Let’s start off with the connections available via the National Broadband Network (NBN). The NBN is now Australia’s main way to get Internet. By supplementing existing copper cables with supercharged fibre-optic ones, it’s helped improve Internet speeds around the country. Depending on where you live, there are many ways to connect your home to the NBN:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) brings fibre-optic cables right to your house, making it the fastest type of NBN connection.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN) brings fibre-optic cables to a node near your house.
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB) is often used in apartment buildings. Fibre-optic cables travel to the building, and then existing technologies take the final steps to each apartment.
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) brings fibre-optic cables to a central point near your house.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) uses both fibre-optic cables and the same sort of cable as pay TV connections.
- Fixed wireless uses the same technology as your mobile phone to connect to the Internet. Currently, this is typically only available in rural areas.
- Satellite connection beams down data from two Sky Muster satellites. While it may sound high-tech, it’s a slow way of getting NBN and is only available in the more remote parts of Australia.
Another option for getting Internet in your home is ADSL, but this type of connection has been mostly phased out and replaced by the NBN. ADSL connects your home to the Internet via a modem and existing copper cables.
Finally, you might also find Internet Plans that use Mobile Broadband or Home Wireless Broadband. Both of these technologies connect to the Internet via 4G or 5G towers, like your phone. The main difference is that Home Wireless Broadband requires a modem that’s connected to power, whereas you can connect to Mobile Broadband via a dongle or a data-only SIM card.
What Internet Providers do iSelect and CIMET compare?
At iSelect we’ve partnered with our friends at CIMET to help Aussies save time and effort when looking for Internet Plans. We compare a range of providers to help you find an Internet product to suit your budget and lifestyle, including:
- Superloop
- Aussie Broadband
- Optus
How do I switch Internet Providers?
First, it’s worth checking whether your existing contract has lock-in rules. You don’t want an unpleasant surprise on your way out the door!
Then, once you’ve found your new provider, it’s worth checking whether you need a new modem or can use your existing one.
If you’ve been using an email account connected to your old Internet Provider, you’ll want to transfer your information out of there, too. Then hey presto, you’re ready for the change.
It’s a good idea to hold onto your old plan until the new one has kicked in. That way, you won’t have to disconnect from the matrix for even a second.
How long does it take to switch Internet Providers?
This can vary depending on whether you’re switching to a new technology type. If you’re just switching from one NBN connection to another, it could be less than a day. If you need to deal with things like new modems, it could be a bit longer.
How can I compare Internet Providers?
We can help with that! We’ve partnered with CIMET to help you compare a variety of Internet Plans and Providers. Just hop online and in a few clicks, you’ll be able to choose a plan that suits you. Easy as.
Get started on comparing NBN plans today!
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*iSelect’s partnered with CIMET Sales Pty Ltd (ABN 72 620 395 726) to help you compare a range of internet plans and providers. Not all internet plan providers or plans in the market are compared. The availability of plans may change from time to time. Not all plans available from CIMET providers are compared. Due to commercial arrangements, area or availability, not all plans compared will be available to all customers. Click here to view CIMET’s range of providers. iSelect and CIMET earn a commission for every internet plan sold.