I am a very light user, and only need the cheapest available.

Hi Ted,

Luckily, any choice you make for your new internet plan is almost certainly going to be faster than your dialup connection. There are plans designed for very light users like yourself, and you also have the option to bundle your home phone service with your new broadband connection if that suits you.

Mobile wireless broadband

If you are a super light user and only need up to about 4GB per month, mobile wireless broadband may offer you the best option. This amount of data will be enough to check your emails, do online banking and surf the net, but it won’t be enough to start downloading music, TV shows or regularly steam video content.

Mobile wireless broadband isn’t as fast as fixed-line internet (which runs through your home phone line), however it will be significantly faster than your dialup speed. The good thing about mobile broadband is that it’s completely portable (wherever there is network coverage), the plans are cheap and you don’t have to sign up for a long term contract – you can even go prepaid.

There are a number of providers who offer mobile wireless broadband, many of which use the Optus network to provide coverage. You can call Optus on 1300 768 194 to find out if they can provide network coverage in your area.

Virgin uses the Optus network, and they have plans on a 12-month or no contract. They also have prepaid plans which may suit you if you’re only an occasional internet user, however be aware that the post-paid plans offer more value.

Virgin $29 4GB
Virgin $39 4GB

There are no set-up fees on the above two plans, and a Wi-Fi modem is included when you sign up for 12 months. You can call Virgin mobile on 1300 106 571 to find out more about their plans.

ADSL2+ broadband

If you’d prefer to get fixed-line broadband (faster and usually cheaper if you use 10GB or more per month) then you could looking at bundling your internet with your home phone with the same provider.

TPG ADSL2+ $39.99 10GB (peak) + 10GB (off peak) – price includes phone line rental

The set-up fee on the TPG six-month contract is $99.95, and $79.95 on an 18-month contract. If you don’t yet have a modem to use with ADSL2+ broadband, TPG offers a Wi-Fi modem for $109.95 (including delivery), or you can get a standard 1-port modem for $59.95 (including delivery).

Call us on 1300 106 571 to find out more about TPG’s home phone and broadband packages designed for light broadband users. You will also need to ask whether they offer the bundles in your area as they tend to be available mainly in metro areas. Alternatively, you can call any of the providers on our website, who can talk you through their plans.

I hope this answers your question. If you would like any further advice, please give us a call on 1300 106 571.

Alana
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