Hi I am in temporary accommodation. I am looking for the cheapest available internet with no contract. I am finding it confusing as they all seem to bundle the packages with home phone. I do not have a home phone connected as I was just going to use my mobile since I am in temporary accommodation. There is a socket here to get a phone connected if I have to. What would you recommend? I used to have Bigpond cable with 20GB per month. I would like something similar to that. However I cannot sign up for a 24month contract and it looks like I will need $150 for setup fees if there is no contract. And I can't really afford that. I do have a mobile broadband thing with Vodafone that came with my mobile phone but it's only 1GB. I am not sure if they would increase the limit and it's pricey. It also drops in and out a lot. Thanks for your advice.

It sounds like ideally you would like a Naked broadband connection, where you have an internet plan without paying for line rental, on a short-term or month-to-month contract. If you live in a metro area, this could be available to you.

Try iiNet and Westnet first. iiNet offers a month-to-month contract (although there may be an early termination fee if you cancel within six months, ask about this when you call) on Naked broadband, so you wouldn't have to pay for line rental.

iiNet can also set you up from an inactive number. I know it sounds odd, but many internet service providers (ISPs) can only offer Naked broadband to people who already have an active phone service. iiNet's number is 1300 137 765 and Westnet's number is 1300 768 134.

I know you are not keen on a bundle, but I wouldn't rule it out. TPG has bundles so cheap you don’t even need to use your home phone. TPG doesn't offer month-to-month contracts, but does have a six-month contract, which might suit you.

Set-up fees are a drawback when you are in temporary accommodation. You are right not to sign up for a long contract because you would have to pay disconnection fees when you leave. Unfortunately, short-term and month-to-month contracts usually have an expensive set-up fee attached.

If you can't afford this, your other realistic option is mobile broadband. Vodafone offers plans with more than 1GB and I am sure would be happy to upgrade you. The drop-outs are an unfortunate fact of life with mobile broadband. You may get a better result with another ISP, but it's never going to be as fast, reliable, or as good value as ADSL2+!

I think you will have to make your decision based on how much you really need the internet, your budget, and how long you will be at your address. If it is very important and you will be there for six months, I would recommend a TPG bundle. For $49.99 a month, you will get 100GB (split 30GB in peak and 70GB off-peak) and line rental. TPG's set up fee is $129.95 for six months.

This is assuming you can get ADSL2+ in your area; you can expect to pay more for an ADSL1 connection. Call us on 1300 764 000 and we can find out based on your address.

If you will only be at your place for one or two months, I don't think an ADSL2+ connection will be worth it because of the set-up costs. Instead, I would recommend looking around for a good mobile broadband plan. Vodafone has some good plans, but you should also ring up Optus and find out if its coverage is any better in your area, as Optus also has some competitive plans. If coverage is better with Optus, you will experience a faster service and fewer drop-outs. Call Optus on 1300 137 897.