GUIDES & RESOURCES

Understanding Your Internet Usage

Before choosing your NBN or ADSL plan, it’s important to have a clear idea how you use your internet, and what you use it for.
Couple looking at laptop smiling

Written by

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Compare NBN plans the easy way

Save time and effort by comparing a range of NBN plans and providers online*

*iSelect's partnered with CIMET to help you compare a range of internet plans and providers. Not all plans or providers in the market are compared and not all plans or special offers are available at all times, through all channels or in all areas. Not all plans available from CIMET's providers are compared and due to commercial arrangements, area or availability, not all plans compared will be available to all customers. Learn more

For example, where, when, and how do you use the internet most? Do you feel limited by your current plan, or do you feel like you could do with less? For many people, it’s about finding the right balance between data and price.

Once you’ve answered these questions, it’ll make it much easier to find the right internet plan for you.

Here’s a rough guide to help you decide which type of internet user you are:

orange internet usage infograhic

The general surfer

• Mainly use the internet for emails, news and browsing
• Watch the odd video here and there
• Don’t need to download or upload big files

Recommended data allowance:
100GB per month should be plenty.

Recommended Speed (NBN Only):
Basic Evening Speed

The social networker

This is you, if you:

• Use a range of apps to stay connected
• Regularly upload and share videos
• Spend hours making video calls and chatting online

Recommended data allowance:
You’ll probably need up to 500GB per month.

Recommended Speed (NBN Only):
Standard Evening Speed

The online gamer

This is you, if you:

• Download large games to your PC or console
• Regularly play HD reactive games online
• Use VOIP technology as part of your gaming experience

Recommended data allowance:
You’ll probably need an unlimited data plan.

Recommended Speed (NBN Only):
Standard Plus Evening Speed

The culture consumer

This is you, if you:

• Regularly stream music throughout the day
• Love binge-watching your favourite movies and TV shows
• Are keen to get in on the 4K streaming action

Recommended data allowance:
You’ll likely need unlimited data per month.

Recommended Speed (NBN Only):
Premium Evening Speed

Please note: these are just rough suggestions based on common internet usage patterns. For a more personalised suggestion, give us a call on 13 19 20.

Getting the right broadband for your internet usage

There are two main types of broadband available: mobile and fixed.2 Choosing the right one has a lot to do with how, when, and why you use the internet.

Mobile broadband is a great option if you:

• Travel a lot and need internet access on the go
• Aren’t looking to use too much data
• Don’t want to commit to a long-term contract

A fixed network would be best if you:

• Are looking to use the internet at home
• Need lots of data for things like streaming and gaming
• Value cost and reliability

Ready to get connected?

Now that you've worked out what type of internet user you are. It's time to find an internet plan that suits your needs. 

Call us on 13 19 20 to speak to one of our friendly consultants or hop online to start comparing from a range of providers now*.

Feedback