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Broadband Plans
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Alex KidmanCompare a range of Internet providers
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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 is broadband?
Broadband is internet 2.0, after the old dial-up days. These days, it’s used as an umbrella term for high-speed internet connections that power how we work, stream and play. This includes mobile data (4G and 5G), NBN, and wi-fi.
In Australia, most internet connections fall under the broadband category, which is why people use the phrases ‘internet’ and ‘broadband’ as one and the same.
Is broadband the same as wi-fi?
Not exactly. Think of it this way: broadband is the internet itself, while wi-fi is how the internet connects to your devices.
To have wi-fi in your home, you need a broadband connection (which can be through satellite, mobile, fibre or ADSL). Your wi-fi modem connects, acting as an access point to the broadband connection, and then shares that connection wirelessly. So, no broadband means no wi-fi.
We make comparing broadband plans easy
Tell us what you need
Share a few details about your household (like your address).
Understand your options
Compare from a range of broadband plans to pick and choose what works for you.
Get connected
Once you’re happy with your choice, review all the details, and buy your broadband plan.
Helpful tip:
When comparing broadband plans, don’t just focus on the monthly price. If you want to get a gauge of the value of your plan, a good tip is to calculate the cost per Mbps (megabits per second). Just divide the plan’s price by its advertised speed. So, a $90 plan with 100 Mbps speed will cost 90 cents per Mbps, while an $80 plan with 50 Mbps will cost $1.60 per Mbps. As you can see, cheapest doesn’t necessarily mean best value! This little tip can help you balance out price, speed and your household needs for a good fit.
What are the different types of broadband internet?
NBN internet
NBN is an upgrade to Australia’s phone and internet cable lines. Previously, the internet was transported across the country by copper lines which sent data through electrical currents. But NBN fibre optic cables (which sometimes connect to these existing copper lines) are designed for ultra-fast connection. This means they’re able to transfer large amounts of data, at faster speeds, to keep your connection smooth and future-proof.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband is internet on the go. It’s similar to turning your phone’s hotspot on but with a dedicated singular-use device instead. Mobile broadband is usually delivered through a SIM card that connects to 4G and 5G radio waves for a more powerful connection – kind of like having a little wi-fi modem in your pocket.
Fixed wireless
Fixed wireless is similar to mobile, but instead of a portable modem, it’s fixed (or installed) in your home or premises. While being wired up to a certain spot, you can still connect to the internet through radio waves, or you can have it cabled up to a device through an ethernet cable.
Satellite internet
Satellite internet is exactly what it sounds like. This type of broadband transmits data through satellite signals to a satellite on your home or premises. Your satellite dish receives data from a satellite orbiting around in space, which then gets bounced around between satellite ground stations before connecting back to your home.
How fast are different broadband connections?
Broadband speed depends on how quickly data travels between your computer and the server that stores the data. With different types of broadband connections available, you could see slightly different speeds depending on the connection. For example, fibre optic cables (used for NBN) are incredibly fast. Meanwhile, copper cables (still used alongside fibre for some NBN connections) rely on transferring data through electrical currents. While copper is still quick, it’s not quite ‘speed of light’ fast.
How fast should my broadband be?
The speed you need for your broadband depends on the number of people in your household and what you mostly use it for. It also varies based on the specific details of your plan. If you’re looking for a general ballpark answer, 25 Mbps is an average base download speed for HD streaming, basic online gaming, and more. If you have a bigger household or a family of professional gamers you might need more.
On average, Australian broadband speeds are 66.58 Mbps for fixed broadband and 94.28 Mbps for mobile internet (the global average speed for mobile is 56.43 Mbps). So just keep these averages in mind for your needs.
What should I consider when choosing a broadband plan?
No one wants to be without internet if they can help it, so it’s important to choose a broadband plan that’ll be able to keep up with your household needs.
How many devices do you have?
The needs of a two-person household will be different to a bustling family home. The more devices and data-intensive systems, the higher bandwidth you’ll likely need.
What speed do you need?
Look at the download and upload speeds (or tiers) offered, each suiting a different set of needs. Make sure to have a read of the download and upload speeds in relation to your needs.
How much data do you need?
While you might be focused on the speed, how much data you have to play with is important too. No one wants to be stopped by a barely loading page when you’ve hit your limit. Some plans come with a cap, while others are unlimited, so finding the most cost-effective option definitely counts!
What’s your budget?
While a solid internet connection is the number one priority, making sure you find a plan that matches your budget is also important. So, compare plans to find one that strikes the right balance.
Frequently asked questions
Which broadband plan is best for my household?
There’s no one-size-fits-all best plan, but most broadband plans do come with some suggestions as to what might suit you best.
NBN plans, for example, are split into speed categories tailored to different household needs. A Home Basic II (NBN 25) tier has a download speed of up to 25 Mbps, ideal for one to two people doing light browsing or streaming. At the other end of the spectrum, a Superfast (NBN 250) tier delivers up to 250 Mbps for households of five or more people who are often online at the same time.
Ultimately, to find the best plan for your household you need to look at how many people will be using your broadband and what they’ll be doing. Streaming? Gaming? Working and video calls? Matching your needs to the right speed tier will be key to a fast and reliable internet connection.
What is Mbps?
Mbps is a fun little acronym used to measure your internet speed – just like how ‘km/s’ is used to measure your speed in the car. It stands for ‘megabits per second’ and measures how fast you can download or upload data.
What’s the difference between broadband and NBN?
Broadband is a broad (pun intended) term for your internet connection, while NBN is just one type of connection to the internet. NBN uses high-speed fibre optic cables and existing copper cables to transmit fixed broadband to homes and businesses. Think of it as an upgrade to ADSL connections.
What is ADSL broadband?
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) was once Australians’ go-to internet connection line. This connection uses copper wire phone lines to transmit data through electronic currents. While it did a good job for years, NBN has largely replaced ADSL services with faster coverage. ADSL is still available in some areas, but it has mostly been phased out.
What are ‘on-peak’ and ‘off-peak’ periods?
‘On-peak’ periods are like internet rush hour – a recurring time when more people are online. Most internet providers list the hours of 7 pm – 11 pm as ‘peak’ hours, with anything outside this being ‘off-peak’. ‘Off-peak’, on the other hand, is when fewer people are using the internet, which usually equals faster speeds.
What equipment do I need to set up a new broadband connection?
The equipment you need depends on the type of connection and plan you’ve chosen.
- NBN: if you’re in an area already connected to the NBN, your provider will send you everything you need (usually just includes a modem and an installation guide). So, all you need to do is plug it in and follow the steps.
- Mobile broadband: All you’ll need is to put a SIM card into your mobile broadband device and connect your wi-fi-enabled device.
- Fixed wireless and satellite broadband: this setup needs a little more dedication. Your provider will send over a technician to install an NBN outdoor antenna or satellite dish and connection box. Once that’s sorted, you’ll get a wi-fi router and ethernet cables to hook up all your devices.
How can I check the availability of different broadband types in my area?
While the NBN rollout to 8.62 million homes across the country finished in November 2024, that doesn’t mean every type of broadband is available everywhere – especially for rural homes. To see what’s available at your place, pop your address in the NBN rollout map.1For more information, see NBN – Check your address It’ll show you what type of connection is ready to go at your property. Simple!
Do seniors get discounts on broadband plans?
There aren’t many discounts for seniors when it comes to broadband plans. That said, the government does have a telephone allowance, which helps some people pay for their phone and internet usage with quarterly payments. Some providers also give discounts to concession card holders, so it’s worth calling your provider to see if they’ve got any special deals up their sleeve.
Is NBN broadband or fixed wireless better?
Out of NBN and fixed wireless, what works best really depends on where you live and how you use the internet. If you live in an area where the NBN isn’t available, wireless broadband could be a better option. But if you spend most of your internet usage gaming and need those high download speeds, then opting for the NBN might be a better choice.
Fixed wireless also doesn’t need any installation, so if you don’t have an NBN setup at home or can’t fit in an installation time, then fixed wireless could be a better option. All you need is a SIM card to connect to the 4G/5G connection.
How do I switch broadband plans?
Switching broadband plans doesn’t have to be a chore; after all, no one wants to go a day without internet.
Once you’ve browsed around and found a plan that suits your needs and budget, it’s time to have a chat with your current provider. You should sort out any fees you might have to pay to get out of your contract or give any notice periods. Once that’s done and dusted, call up your new provider and set up your new plan. Make sure to overlap your old and new plans by a day or two; this way, you won’t be left without the internet while switching.
If you’re upgrading your connection type, like moving from an ADSL to NBN, your new provider will also send you all the equipment you need to get connected, like an NBN modem.
Get started on comparing broadband plans today!
Say goodbye to buffering and hello to seamless streaming. Make all these high-tech terms simple by giving our comparison experts a call at 13 19 20. You can also start comparing online from a range of providers and plans to find the right fit for you, without breaking the bank.
*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.