I am looking to reduce my costs of telephone and internet usage.

Hi Sandy,

That's definitely a lot to be spending every month! However, I wouldn't suggest that you use mobile wireless broadband as a solution. You see, wireless broadband wasn't designed to be a replacement for a fixed line connection, and even though you might think that the data allowance per month and price is worth it, you'll find that it's frustrating, frequently inoperable, and possibly even more expensive than you think it might be.

The main thing mobile wireless has going for it is its total portability – you can take it with you anywhere. This is because mobile wireless works via connection to mobile phone towers, rather than a fixed copper line that runs through the ground from your house to the telephone exchange. As a result, however, mobile wireless is much less stable than a fixed line connection.

In just the same way that your mobile phone has better and worse reception in some areas, sometimes you might find mobile wireless very fast, and at other times it will be too slow to work at all. It will depend upon the area you live in, but also a host of random factors like the time of day, how many other people are online using the same mobile phone tower, and even the weather. That means that even if you did get a coverage check, it wouldn't necessarily be an accurate representation of the kind of internet speeds you'd be able to get in your area.

A better idea might be to get the unlimited mobile plan your friend recommended, and then find either a cheap Naked Broadband (ADSL2+ without the home phone) or bundle connection. Often it's cheaper to get a bundle that includes the home phone even if you don't plan to use it, but there are some great Naked Broadband providers out there.

I'd recommend you try Amaysim (1300 302 942) or Dodo (1300 136 793) for your mobile. Both of these providers offer unlimited plans available on 0-month contracts that include free calls to all numbers, including 1300 and 1800 numbers, unlimited texts, and hefty data packages. They use the Optus network, which has great coverage across Australia, and are priced at only $39.90 per month.

For your internet, you could try TPG's 20GB ADSL2+ and Home Phone plan. For $39.99 a month you'd get 10GB peak and 10GB off-peak, making this a great value plan that would cover all your needs. It gives you the home phone as well, but if you don't plug the phone in, you won't get charged for any calls! Call us for more information about TPG on 1300 106 571.

Alternatively, you could get a Naked Broadband connection from a provider like MyNetFone. While MyNetFone have a similar plan to TPG's 20GB bundle, I'd recommend that you go up an extra $10 for the 200GB Naked DSL Plan. While it's much more data than you might need, at only $49.95 a month it's a good plan, and MyNetFone will give you free set-up and a free modem on the plan. Who knows, you might find some new fun uses of the internet now that you have this much more data available to you! Call them for more information or to set up now on 1300 106 571.

With either of these last two plans and then your mobile plan, you'd only be paying a maximum of around $90 per month for all your phone and internet needs, reducing your current bill by around $70 a month!

This is a huge amount to save each month, and you can do it without sacrificing the speed and reliability of a fixed line connection. If you have any other questions, feel free to call us on 1300 106 571.

Mikaella.