Recently moved to Australia and need home phone/ broadband confused over different offers, need one that caters for lots of downloads.
23/11/2010
Australia's broadband market is somewhat confusing at first but there are some great providers and plans available. I'll start off with a few terms you may not be familiar with and recommend some providers who have good value plans for heavy downloaders.
ADSL and ADSL2+
You may be familiar with ADSL broadband, which is the internet through your phone line. ADSL2+ is just a faster version of this and is available in most metropolitan areas. Not only is it faster than ADSL, it is also cheaper, so you should definitely look for an ADSL2+ plan if available in your area.
Data quotas
Australian ADSL2+ plans are sold by data, rather than speed (on ADSL plan prices are based on speed and data) so you need to decide how much data you need. You can use our tool to work out your monthly usage. Some internet providers offer unlimited data, including TPG and Dodo.
Shaping
After you have used up all your quota for the month, some internet providers will slow (shape) your connection, while others will charge for the excess data. Most people prefer to be shaped as there is no unpleasant surprise when you get the bill. On an unlimited plan, you will never be shaped or charged.
Peak and off peak
Most Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) restrict the amount of data you can use at the busiest times, which is usually the daytime and the evening. You will see on our website that most plans come with a peak and off peak data quota. If you use up all of your data for the peak time, you will be shaped or charged during the peak time for the rest of the month. Make sure you choose a plan that has enough data for the time you want to use it. Internode, Optus and Bigpond are ISPs that will let you use all of your data, anytime, on many of their plans.
ISPs
If you are after a phone and broadband bundle with plenty of data, TPG is a great place to start. TPG has some very cheap bundle deals on ADSL2+, starting from as little as $39.99 a month for both line rental and internet. TPG is also one of the few Australian ISPs that offers unlimited internet. Call us on 1300 764 000 to find out more about TPG plans.
iiNet and Westnet also have very competitive bundles. iiNet offers a whole range of innovative products to go along with a broadband and phone package, including VoIP, BoB (a combined VoIP handset and Wi-Fi modem) and fetchtv, an online TV service. If you are just looking for a straightforward bundle with award-winning customer service, you should also talk to Westnet. Call iiNet on 1300 137 765 and Westnet on 1300 768 134.
iPrimus also has some good broadband bundles and can provide ADSL in many areas. On longer contracts, iPrimus will waive the set up fee and give you a discount on a modem. Give iPrimus a call on 1300 137 794 to find out more about bundle deals.
You can also use our website to directly compare offers and to sign up to the deal you decide on.