I currently use a Dodo prepaid USB3G modem for my laptop, I have just purchased a Sony Bravia Internet TV.

Hi Pat,

While your current mobile broadband plan from Dodo is a good option if you don't want a landline and don't need much data, it's not going to be a good service for your new smart TV.

Downloading movies and catch-up TV can be data-hungry applications, especially if you download in high definition (HD). As catch-up TV is a streaming application, you will also need a service with faster speeds than available from your current Dodo plan.

The ideal plan for your new TV will be on an ADSL2+ connection or a cable connection, as these two types of broadband will give you enough speed to stream TV and quickly download movies. It will also have plenty of data, 20GB or more, on peak.

Optus offers a cable plan with no home phone required, with 120GB (50GB on peak, 70GB off peak) for $59.99 a month. Call Optus on 1300 137 897 to find out if this plan is available in your area. There is no set-up cost on this 24-month plan and a standard modem (not Wi-Fi) is included for free.

This is a good plan but cable is not available everywhere. ADSL2+ is more widely available and may also be cheaper.

ADSL2+ requires a phone line to work. It doesn't necessarily need to be active, with the ability to make phone calls, as this feature can be turned off. This is called Naked DSL. However, you still need the phone line and part of your monthly fee will go towards the repair and upkeep of this phone line.

In other words, Naked DSL plans are very similarly priced to ADSL2+ broadband plans bundled with line rental. In fact, Naked DSL plan are often slightly more expensive than bundling.

I'll use TPG as an example. TPG offers a 200GB (100GB peak, 100GB off peak) Naked DSL plan for $59.99 a month, on a 6-month contract. The set-up fee is $129.95, taking the minimum cost (6 monthly payments plus the set-up fee) to $489.89.

But if you signed up to TPG's Unlimited plan, you would pay $29.99 for the broadband plan and $30 for the line rental, plus a set-up fee of $99.95. On a 6-month contract, that's a minimum cost of $459.89, a saving of $30, for as much data as you can handle.

The Unlimited plan is great for heavy users but I would actually recommend starting on a lower plan and upgrading if you use up all your data before the end of the month. By starting on a lower plan and moving higher, you don't risk overpaying for data you don't need.

I would suggest TPG's 100GB plan (50GB on peak, 50GB off peak) for $19.99 a month plus $30 line rental, which would bring your monthly payments to $49.99 a month. If you take out this plan on a 6-month contract, the set-up fee is $99.95.

You can call us on 1300 106 571 if you want to sign up over the phone, or simply click on the SignUp Online button and you can apply online instead.

Once you have chosen a plan, you will also need to think about a modem. If you want to connect your TV and your laptop, you will need a WiFi modem. You can buy this from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) when you sign up, or from an electronics store if you prefer.

Enjoy your new TV (I'm just a little bit jealous!) and good luck finding a broadband plan.

Sarah

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