MATE is a proudly Australian provider, fully owned and operated within the country. Committed to exceptional customer service, its support team is locally based and accessible through various channels. All its plans come with no lock-in contracts or setup fees when you bring your own modem
For enquiries about MATE plans call 1300 763 813We cannot currently compare or connect MATE plans
MATE's range of plans cover almost every nbn® speed tier, including the slowest (nbn® 25) and the fastest nbn® 2000 speed, which may be excessive for typical home use.
However, it's essential to note that MATE's plans tend to be relatively expensive for the speeds promised during peak hours (7–11 pm). There are alternative providers offering better speeds at more budget-friendly prices.
Nevertheless, MATE nbn® might be a suitable choice if:
MATE keeps it simple: no contracts and no setup fees if you bring your own modem. Ideal for renters or those not ready for commitment, it's a chance to test a broadband plan hassle-free.
MATE covers a range of nbn® speed tiers with unlimited data and the flexibility to add a phone service. Note that modems aren't included, a plus if you have one, but something to think about if you don't as it currently offers the TP-Link for $165.
The nbn® connection available at your address will determine the services and speeds you can access with MATE. As with other nbn® providers, this can include Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) and Fixed Wireless, depending on your location and the nbn® infrastructure available there.
You'll need a compatible modem, router or modem router to connect. MATE allows customers to bring their own compatible hardware, which can be useful if you're switching providers and already have suitable equipment. MATE says there is no additional cost for using your own modem, although you'll need to connect and configure it for the MATE network.
Before switching, it's worth checking both the nbn® technology available at your address and whether your existing equipment is compatible. Some higher-speed services also require particular nbn® connection types, so not every speed will be available at every property.
MATE doesn't feature in the ACCC Broadband Performance report, making it challenging to officially validate the reliability of its speeds.
MATE publishes typical busy period speeds for its nbn® services, which indicate the speeds customers can generally expect between 7 pm and 11 pm when demand on residential networks is at its highest. These figures can be more useful when comparing providers than simply looking at the maximum theoretical speed of an nbn® tier.
Actual internet performance can still vary according to factors such as your nbn® connection type, network conditions, Wi-Fi setup, modem or router, the number of devices being used at once and the location of those devices within your home.
For faster nbn® speed tiers, connection technology becomes particularly important. Higher-speed services are generally restricted to eligible FTTP and HFC premises, so checking your address should be one of the first steps before deciding which speed is suitable.
Top tip: The maximum or fastest speed signifies the highest achievable Mbps on a specific nbn® speed tier. For instance, nbn® 50 offers a maximum speed of 50Mbps.
MATE also services eligible customers connected to the nbn® Fixed Wireless network. Fixed Wireless differs from a fixed-line nbn® connection because the property connects wirelessly to an nbn® transmission tower rather than relying on a physical nbn® line for the entire connection.
It's commonly used in regional and rural parts of Australia where fixed-line infrastructure may not be practical. Availability and the speeds accessible at an individual property depend on the nbn® infrastructure servicing the address.
MATE supports higher-speed Fixed Wireless services where the relevant nbn® infrastructure and premises are eligible, giving some regional households access to faster options than have traditionally been associated with Fixed Wireless.
Eligible customers may also be able to upgrade their nbn® connection through the Fibre Connect program. The program replaces eligible copper-based connections with Fibre to the Premises, giving the property a fibre connection directly to the premises.
An FTTP connection can provide access to higher nbn® speed tiers and greater capacity than older copper-based technologies. Eligibility depends on the address and nbn® requirements, and customers should check whether their property qualifies before considering an upgrade.
The fibre infrastructure upgrade itself can be available at no upfront cost for eligible premises when the applicable nbn® requirements are met, although customers should always check the conditions associated with their chosen service and upgrade.
MATE stands out by focusing on straightforward, value-packed unlimited broadband without unnecessary extras.
MATE isn't limited to home Internet. It also provides SIM-only mobile services, which can be purchased separately or bundled with MATE Internet. Its mobile services include access to 5G on eligible services and devices, along with features including VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.
MATE also supports eSIM, giving customers with compatible devices the option to activate their mobile service digitally rather than waiting for a physical SIM card. International roaming is available through roaming packs for customers who need to use their service overseas.
Mobile inclusions, data allowances and network access can vary between services, so it's worth comparing the mobile side of the bundle on its own merits rather than choosing it purely for the broadband discount.
One of MATE's main extras is its Internet and mobile bundle. Customers with an eligible active MATE nbn® and mobile service can receive $10 off their monthly Internet bill.
Unlike a short introductory broadband offer, MATE describes this as an ongoing bundle saving. As long as the eligible Internet and mobile services remain active together, the $10 monthly discount continues. That works out to $120 in savings over a full year.
Bundling can also make sense for households that prefer to keep their services with one provider, although it's still worth comparing the combined cost against taking Internet and mobile services from separate providers.
MATE doesn't require customers to purchase its hardware when signing up. If you already own a compatible modem or router, its BYO modem policy lets you connect that equipment to the MATE network without an additional hardware charge.
This can reduce the upfront cost of switching providers, particularly for customers who already own suitable equipment. However, compatibility matters: the equipment needs to work with the nbn® connection technology at your property and be configured correctly for the service.
Customers who don't have compatible equipment can choose to purchase hardware when signing up. Before buying a new modem or router, consider the size of your home, the number of connected devices and the Wi-Fi standard supported by your devices, as the quality of your home Wi-Fi can have a substantial impact on the speeds you experience.
MATE offers a range of highly competitive plans. With the absence of setup fees when you BYO modem, no contractual obligations, and economical rates for home phone calls, the overall value proposition is high.
While it may not offer all the bells and whistles, it provides a straightforward approach to broadband.
MATE's appeal is largely centred on flexibility and keeping its Internet services relatively straightforward. Rather than relying on long-term contracts, customers can use its nbn® services month-to-month, with unlimited data available across its Internet range.
Some of the main reasons customers may consider MATE include:
These features make MATE particularly relevant to customers who value flexibility, Australian-based support and the option to combine their Internet and mobile services with the same provider.
Customer support is one of the areas MATE uses to distinguish itself from larger Internet providers. MATE promotes 100% Australian-based support, meaning customers aren't routed to an overseas contact centre when they need assistance with their service.
Support is available for areas including Internet connections, billing, account management and technical issues. MATE also provides an online Help Centre covering common questions and troubleshooting, while customers can manage aspects of their services through MATE's online account tools.
Locally based support may appeal to customers who place greater value on service accessibility when comparing Internet providers, particularly when dealing with connection or technical issues that can't be resolved through self-service tools.
MATE is known for excellent customer service and offers great value nbn® packages, making it a competitive choice against major providers like Telstra and Optus.
MATE provides a straightforward and cost-effective option for Internet connectivity. You can easily bundle home phone or mobile plans with your Internet, and even rural customers are accommodated with Fixed Wireless nbn® options.
Ultimately, whether MATE represents good value will depend on the nbn® technology available at your address, the speed you need and whether you'll benefit from features such as mobile bundling and Australian-based support. Comparing the total ongoing cost and typical evening speed with other providers can help determine whether MATE is the right fit for your household.
If you are looking to compare plans and learn more about what MATE can offer you, talk to our team at Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000.
Loading...
