- Are you a renter looking for a better Internet plan?
- Are you currently with a provider who understands your Internet needs?
- Learn about the best plans and providers for renters
In the past, renters often faced difficulties securing the best broadband plans due to the prevalence of lock-in contracts. Fortunately, the landscape has evolved, allowing renters to avoid long-term commitments for their Internet connections.
Today, contract-free plans have become standard, offering dependable Internet without hefty exit fees or complicated processes. Renters can now easily transfer their Internet service when moving to a new residence.
With the ongoing housing affordability crisis, Australian NBN providers have adapted to meet the needs of the rental market, creating plans specifically designed for renters.
These renter-friendly plans typically feature no lock-in contracts, easy relocation options, no setup fees, and optional phone line rentals. However, the abundance of NBN providers can make choosing the best broadband plan overwhelming. Let’s delve into the top broadband plans for renters.
Internet plans for renters: What to consider
When searching for a broadband plan as a renter, keep an eye out for the following:
- NBN plans without line rental
- Low or no setup fees
While these factors might seem trivial if you're only looking for the cheapest plan, they become crucial when considering the ease of moving. Can you terminate the contract without hassle? Are there additional costs for home phone numbers?
Many inexpensive plans come with significant setup fees, which can be burdensome when you’re already dealing with moving expenses and security deposits. Avoiding these fees can help manage your budget more effectively.
Finding a plan that combines all three features at an affordable price is ideal. Fortunately, many NBN providers now offer plans that include these benefits, often with additional discounts for six or twelve months.
What about mobile Internet?
Nowadays, it's common to find NBN plans that don't include line rental, meaning you won't have a home phone service. With mobile plans being so affordable, it often makes more sense to rely solely on your mobile, which offers all the functionality of a home phone without the additional expense.
The good news is that many providers allow you to choose whether or not to include line rental in your plan. While some plans offer line rental at no extra cost, these plans can be more expensive overall compared to those without it.
If you already own a modem or device and just need a SIM-only plan, many telecom companies offer SIM-only mobile broadband options.
The main benefit of choosing one of these plans is that you can focus on getting the best value rather than being limited by the modems offered by the providers. This is especially useful if you prefer to use your existing modem or choose and purchase a new one yourself.
Some of these SIM-only plans come with flexible month-to-month terms, which is ideal if you need a temporary solution before switching to an NBN plan.
Since these are mobile broadband plans, you can easily take your Internet service with you if you move, so you won't need to worry about cancelling or changing plans mid-contract.
Modems and routers: What you need
Many Internet providers include a modem-router as part of their standard package, but they also typically allow you to use your own equipment if preferred. Opting to buy your own router can be advantageous; you can find affordable models that perform well or invest in high-end options for an enhanced Internet experience.
It's important to check the specifics of the plan you're interested in to see if a router is included. If not, our buying guide might be helpful in selecting the right one.
If you’re switching to an NBN connection, ensure your current router is compatible. Most routers less than a few years old should work fine, but older models might need an upgrade to handle the faster speeds of NBN.
Chat to the Compare Broadband team
If you’re looking for a new plan as a renter, or you want some solid advice about your modem-router options, give our team a call on 1300 764 000. We’re based in Australia and have the knowledge you need to get the plan you want.