I'm looking for best broadband and mobile phone plan and cable tv if it exists?

Hi Judy,

Unforunately, we suffer in Australia from what's called 'infrastructure competition'. Instead of there being one method of achieving a broadband connection to the internet that is simple for everyone to understand, we're forced to consider several options that are filled with conditions well beyond what customers should have to deal with. So, as a quick primer:

ADSL2+ - This is where a connection is achieved via your existing copper telephone line. This service CAN produce great speeds, is widely available and because the phone lines are open to all, also offers the greatest amount of competition (ie. cheaper prices). ADSL2+ plans usually require that you take a landline phone service, but it's important to remember that you don't actually have to use it, if you otherwise don't need one. But even with this extra expense, it's the cheapest option.

Cable - Optus and Telstra laid down Cable networks in the 90's, which they so far have not wholesaled out to conmpetition. Cable speeds are POTENTIALLY faster than ADSL2+ speeds, but are often slower due to how these connections are shared. Optus' network is limited to major metro areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and usually not to flats and apartments. Optus no longer offers Pay TV on its cable service, at least not the way it used to. Telstra does, with BigPond Cable and Foxtel, but because they have no real competition, it can bve quite expensive if available at all.

Mobile Broadband - The easiest way to get a broadband connection - it simply uses a mobile phone signal to connect. Also the worst for value, speed and general reliability.

Some providers have recognized that even though ADSL2+ represents the best option for most people, the included landline is more hassle than advantage. Dodo (1300 136 793) offers ADSL2+ plus mobile bundles, as does TPG (1300 106 571). Optus (1300 137 897) does as well, but usually requires a 24 month contract.

As for Cable, or Pay TV, your options are pretty much Foxtel and that's it, for a major service provider. Bundling your service requires taking a service with BigPond - which is often more expensive than other options, even with bundling discounts - and of course requires long contract commitments. Personally, I wouldn't recommend bundling - it often confers no pricing benefit, and no real benefit beyond having things on one bill. I would recommends:

TPG for your broadband service - with their $60 Unlimited Plan providing the best overalol value for money

Amaysim (1300 302 942) for your mobile service. They have a SIM only, $39.90 plan that offers unlimited everything, and 4GB of mobile data

Calling Foxtel directly for a standalone Pay TV package.

Alternatively, there is a service called Fetch TV. Fetch TV provides Pay TV over your internet connection, rather than a direct feed from a cable or satellite dish. it's vastly cheaper, but still a new technology that requires a fast connection. Internode (1300 211 235) and Optus both offer this service. It requires a little more set up and patience than Foxtel, but offers far more flexibility at a much cheaper price.

If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Thanks,

Adam at CompareBroadband

1300 106 571