I have BigPond as my ISP but am not happy with it.

Hi Mel,

It sounds like you're considering switching from an ADSL2+ connection to a mobile wireless connection. Of course, I could have it all wrong – you could already be on mobile wireless, in which case I'm sure you already know what the experience is like, but if you are using an ADSL2+ connection right now with BigPond, there are definitely some things to consider before you switch to mobile wireless.

Mobile wireless strikes a lot of people as the perfect deal. It's often cheaper than ADSL2+, you don't need a phone line, it's available even when ADSL isn't, and it's completely portable. However, with that list of positives come some pretty heavy setbacks.

Mobile wireless broadband works off mobile phone towers. So just in the same way that a mobile phone has better reception in some places and worse in others, sometimes mobile broadband speeds will be quite manageable – and other times simple pages will just refuse to load. We might accept sub-par speeds as one of the conditions in the brilliance of being able to surf the web on our mobile phones, but for an internet connection that you're using on a computer, it is often less than satisfactory and very frustrating. Slow mobile broadband speeds are one of the biggest complaints amongst the broadband consuming public, and we've had many articles detailing the problems of mobile broadband.

If you're set on mobile broadband, Vodafone will be cheaper than BigPond – they offer a 6GB Mobile Broadband Plan for $29.00 per month.

However, I think it would be a better option to find a provider who offers a small amount of GBs as an ADSL2+ connection. I think you would find the connection much more stable and faster than mobile wireless broadband, and there would be less chance of you ending up feeling unhappy and unsatisfied with your ISP again.

If you didn't mind bundling with your home phone, TPG offers the 20GB Broadband and Home Phone bundle for $39.99 per month. This gives you 10GB peak and 10GB off-peak along with your phone line rental included, and the option of paying an extra $5 per month for unlimited local calls. You can call us for more information or to sign up with TPG on 1300 106 571.

Dodo offers the 10GB ADSL2+ Plan for $27.90 per month. This gives you 5GB peak and 5GB off-peak to use, and if you decide to sign up on the 24 month contract, you can get free set up and a free ADSL2+ modem. Call Dodo for more information on 1300 163 793.

Finally, Club Telco offers the 10GB ADSL2+ Plan for $30 per month. They give you 10GB that you can use at any time, with no peak or off-peak times. Club Telco are also famous for their month to month contracts and their dedicated customer service – they provide you with a single account manager who knows the details of your account and can help you with any and all problems while you remain with them. Call Club Telco for more information or to sign up with them today on 1300 138 155.

I hope this helps! If you're still having trouble understanding the difference between mobile wireless broadband and a fixed line connection, or having trouble choosing one over the other, please don't hesitate to call us on 1300 106 571.

Mikaella.