Hi, I am seeking a plan that I can operate my laptop from any room in the house and also away from the house ie:On Holiday.

Hi Robert,

Wow, that's a lot of information! You seem to be confused about some things; hopefully I'll be able to simplify things so that you can see exactly what you want.

First of all, you've conflated two kinds of broadband: mobile broadband and ADSL2+.

Click here for the best mobile broadband plans.

Click here for the best home WiFi plans.

Mobile broadband is a USB modem that you plug into your computer (called a dongle). It connects to mobile phone towers in order to be able to provide you with your internet, and typically provides small data allowances – the most you're going to be able to get with mobile broadband is around 20GB, and that's expensive. Mobile broadband isn't as fast nor as stable as a fixed line connection, but it is entirely portable; you could use it on your laptop in every room in your house, and you could take it with you on holiday. However, mobile broadband is not usually available as part of a bundle deal. You'd have to get your phone through a different provider, as you are currently doing.

ADSL2+ is a fixed line connection that goes through the same copper line as your home phone connection. It is one of the fastest and most reliable broadband connections you can get, depending upon your distance from the telephone exchange (that and the quality of your copper line will affect your speed and the strength of your connection). You can also get as much data as you want – unlimited broadband connections are both common and inexpensive. When you get ADSL2+, you'll need to get a modem: a WiFi modem will allow you to access the internet from every room of your house. However, you cannot take your fixed line connection with you when you leave your house, whether to go on holiday or just for a jaunt down to a local cafe. You can get a great bundled home phone deal along with your ADSL2+ connection.

Personally, I would recommend that you go for an ADSL2+ connection. It's not as useful for taking on holiday, but it does give you fast, reliable internet, bundled with a home phone, available with a WiFi modem. (Just get a WiFi modem – don't worry about twin splitters or anything like that!)

For the kind of usage you're describing, I'd recommend that you go with Optus. Optus are great about including free calls within your plan, so you'd be able to get those free local and national calls that you're looking for. Optus offer a range of contracts to suit every user, so you can choose between 0 and 24 months, and sometimes they'll include a free WiFi modem. Their installation fees vary depending upon which contract and which plan you sign up for, and sometimes they may even waive them. Give them a call on 1300 137 897.

Alternatively, you could consider a TPG plan. TPG offer an Unlimited Super Chat ADSL2+ Bundle Plan for $69.99 per month. This plan gives you unlimited internet, unlimited local calls, unlimited national calls, and 100 international minutes per month. They also include a free WiFi modem. This plan is only available on a 24 month contract, and you end up paying around $110 to set it up (including a home phone deposit and delivery for the modem). Call us for more information or to sign up with TPG on 1300 106 571.

If you're set on mobile broadband, I'd recommend the following providers:

Virgin: 1300 106 571
Optus: 1300 137 897
Dodo: 1300 136 793

I hope this has clarified things, Robert! If you have any further questions don't hesitate to give us a call on 1300 106 571.

Mikaella.