• Going green doesn’t just mean switching energy providers
  • A green Internet provider can save you money and help you to give back
  • Learn which telcos are the best green Internet providers out there

Concerns about climate change are growing steadily, and more people are becoming aware of this issue. As a result, some individuals now research companies' environmental practices before doing business with them. 

The ethical shopping movement extends beyond food and clothing to include utilities like waste disposal, water, and electricity. Many people avoid brands that lack environmental ethics and opt for those committed to sustainability. 

Australians, in particular, are mindful of their carbon footprint. We understand that taking action can be challenging, especially during a cost of living crisis. That's why we've researched to help you find green Internet providers in Australia that benefit the environment.

What makes an Internet provider green?

To qualify as a green Internet provider, several criteria must be met, including the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, and recycling practices.

General environmental criteria:

  • Emissions (including offsets)
  • Percentage of the business powered by renewable sources
  • Efforts to avoid landfill waste
  • Targets for emissions, renewable energy use, and waste reduction
  • Publicly available climate change plan
  • External accreditation and benchmarks

Sector-specific criteria:

  • Recycling or refurbishing electrical waste
  • Using energy-efficient equipment
  • Offering discounts or incentives for sustainable purchases or behaviours
  • Providing carbon-neutral products

These factors help determine the overall environmental impact and sustainability practices of an Internet provider.

How to spot a green Internet provider

A carbon-neutral Internet plan ensures that the carbon emissions generated by the business supplying the plan are offset by projects designed to remove an equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere. This process includes:

  • Calculating the business's emissions
  • Developing a reduction strategy
  • Purchasing carbon offsets
  • Auditing data
  • Maintaining an up-to-date public summary of the claim

Wondering how to identify an environmentally friendly Internet service provider? There are several indicators of an ISP's commitment to environmental ethics. Generally, you can start by looking at its environmental initiatives. An ISP is likely eco-conscious if it:

  • Supports company-wide environmental initiatives
  • Uses sustainable materials in its operations whenever possible
  • Encourages employees to participate in environmental preservation events
  • Uses renewable energy sources

Additionally, check the ISP's infrastructure to ensure its facilities comply with environmental codes of ethics.

Why you should go green with your Internet service provider

Internet and mobile phone companies produce a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, similar to the aviation industry. Opting for a green or sustainable telecom provider helps reduce this impact. It's like supporting the environment without changing your daily routine: passive activism.

Just as people support small businesses, choose renewable energy providers, or buy cruelty-free beauty products, you can also be eco-conscious with your phone and Internet providers.

Usually, choosing a telecom provider is about balancing cost and benefits. The providers in this article offer great value and are also environmentally friendly.

Types of green Internet connection

There are a lot of different Internet connection types out there and all differ from one another, this means not all of them are eco-friendly. To give you an idea of those that are, here's a breakdown of each type of Internet connection. 

  • Fibre optic Internet: Uses light to transmit data, making it more energy-efficient and reliable compared to traditional copper wires.
  • Green wireless networks: Use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to power its operations.
  • Satellite Internet with renewable energy: Providers that use solar panels or other renewable energy sources to power its satellites and ground stations.
  • Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC): Combines fibre optic and coaxial cable, reducing the need for energy-intensive equipment.
  • Community Wi-Fi networks: Locally managed networks that often use sustainable practices and renewable energy sources.
  • Mesh networks: Distribute Internet traffic across multiple nodes, which can be powered by renewable energy and optimised for energy efficiency.

Top 3 green Internet providers

Belong

As the first company to offer certified carbon-neutral plans in Australia, Belong provides a range of great Internet plans.

For those seeking budget-friendly, eco-friendly options, Belong stands out with features like unlimited data banking and international add-ons, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Belong broadband provider logo
Unlimited Belong Starter broadband plan on the NBN™
$70 .00/ mth
Min total cost $70
Belong broadband provider logo
Unlimited Belong Standard Plus broadband plan on the NBN™
$85 .00/ mth
Min total cost $85
Belong broadband provider logo
Unlimited Belong Premium broadband plan on the NBN™
$95 .00/ mth
Min total cost $95
To find out more about how we recommend plans, take a look at how we work.

Telstra

Telstra is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality. It provides a broad selection of Internet and mobile plans while actively working to reduce its environmental footprint. 

Its initiatives include harnessing renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency throughout its operations, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.

Telstra broadband provider logo
Telstra Basic NBN Broadband plan
$89 .00/ mth
Min total cost $89
Telstra broadband provider logo
Telstra Essential NBN Broadband plan
  • Unlimited
  • 50/17 Mbps
  • Deal: $100 for first 6 months, then $105.00 ongoing
$100 .00/ mth
Min total cost $100
Telstra broadband provider logo
Telstra Premium NBN Broadband plan
  • Unlimited
  • 100/17 Mbps
  • Deal: $100 for first 6 months, then $110.00 ongoing
$100 .00/ mth
Min total cost $100
Telstra broadband provider logo
Telstra Ultimate NBN Broadband plan
  • Unlimited
  • 250/22 Mbps
  • Deal: $115 for first 6 months, then $130.00 ongoing
$115 .00/ mth
Min total cost $115
To find out more about how we recommend plans, take a look at how we work.

Optus

Optus is making impressive progress in sustainability, aiming for net-zero emissions. It offers a diverse range of Internet and mobile plans and has adopted several eco-friendly practices to lower its carbon footprint. 

These efforts include using renewable energy and enhancing operational efficiency to support its commitment to the environment.

Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Everyday Basic NBN™ Bundle Plan
$75 .00/ mth
Min total cost $75
Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Everyday NBN™ Bundle Plan
$89 .00/ mth
Min total cost $89
Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Everyday Fast NBN™ Bundle Plan
  • Unlimited Data
  • 100/18 Mbps
  • Deal: $89 for first 6 months, then $99 ongoing
$89 .00/ mth
Min total cost $89
Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Everyday Superfast NBN™ Bundle Plan
  • Unlimited Data
  • 245/22 Mbps
  • Deal: $99 for first 6 months, then $119 ongoing
$99 .00/ mth
Min total cost $99
Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Fast Bundle Plan
  • Unlimited Data
  • 100/18 Mbps
  • Deal: $110 for first 6 months, then $120 ongoing
$110 .00/ mth
Min total cost $110
Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Bundle Plan
$110 .00/ mth
Min total cost $110
Optus broadband provider logo
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Superfast Bundle Plan
  • Unlimited Data
  • 245/22 Mbps
  • Deal: $120 for first 6 months, then $140 ongoing
$120 .00/ mth
Min total cost $120
To find out more about how we recommend plans, take a look at how we work.

These energy providers not only provide carbon-neutral plans but also actively strive for sustainability and minimise its environmental footprint.

Connect with Compare Broadband

If you’re looking to switch to a green Internet provider, don’t hesitate to call Compare Broadband. Our Australian-based team can walk you through available plans and providers that are on the list for being eco-friendly, budget-friendly and better for your family. Contact us today on 1300 764 000 for more information.