- Secure your connection with an NBN provider offering 4G backup
- Currently, there are only six providers with this on offer
- Learn which providers offer NBN with 4G backup
NBN outages are an unfortunate reality, but several providers now offer NBN plans with 4G backup to keep you connected when the NBN goes down.
These plans include an NBN modem that not only connects to the NBN but also taps into mobile networks for data. If your NBN connection fails, the modem switches to its 4G connection, allowing you to stay online, albeit at slower speeds. This means you can continue streaming Netflix without interruption during an outage.
Currently, six Australian NBN providers offer plans with 4G backup. It’s important to note that the top of the line modems from telcos only offer 4G backup instead of 5G backup.
That will likely change in the future as 3G is switched off and more customers migrate to 5G as standard, but for now, if you want 5G at home, you either need to get a 5G home wireless plan or tether from your 5G smartphone
Below, we'll take a closer look at each provider's offerings to help you to make the right choice:
Optus
Optus NBN plans come with 4G backup capability, providing a reliable connection in case of NBN outages. To access this feature, you'll need to select a plan that includes the "Optus Ultra WiFi Modem." This modem allows you to use 4G connectivity while waiting for your NBN connection to be activated and switches to 4G automatically during outages.
While using the 4G backup, your speeds are capped at 25Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads. Optus offers contract-free NBN plans, and the modem is included with select plans at no extra cost. However, if you cancel your plan within the first 36 months, you'll be required to pay a prorated hardware fee, amounting to $8.50 for each remaining month.
For customers opting for the Optus Plus Family Entertainer NBN plan, an Ultra WiFi Booster is also included. If you decide to leave your plan early, you'll be responsible for paying out the remaining months for the booster, which totals $14.50 per month. This results in a maximum hardware repayment of $306 or $522, respectively, if you cancel immediately.
iiNet
iiNet offers 4G backup as an optional feature on all its NBN plans. To avail of this backup, you can add the "High-Speed NBN Modem with 4G Connection Backup" when signing up for a new plan.
While the modem itself is $0 upfront with a $10 shipping fee, there is an early termination fee if you cancel within the first 24 months. This fee is calculated at $8 for each remaining month in your two-year term.
The 4G backup provided by iiNet is powered by the Vodafone network and offers unlimited data. However, speeds are capped at 12Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads during backup mode.
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband offers NBN plans with 4G backup, providing a reliable connection even during NBN outages. With the 4G backup feature, customers can stay connected using the mobile network until the NBN service is restored. This ensures uninterrupted Internet access for essential tasks like working from home, online schooling, or streaming.
The 4G backup is available on select Aussie Broadband NBN plans and is included with the "Ultra" plan. Customers need to use an NBN modem that supports 4G backup, which is provided by Aussie Broadband. When the NBN service is down, the modem automatically switches to the 4G network, allowing users to continue browsing and streaming, albeit at reduced speeds.
Aussie Broadband's 4G backup offers unlimited data, but speeds are capped at 25Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads. This ensures that customers can still access essential online services even during an outage, although at a reduced speed compared to the usual NBN plan.
Telstra
Telstra provides 4G backup with all its NBN plans, offering a third-generation Smart Modem with this feature. This backup can be used before your NBN service is activated or during any interruptions to your home Internet connection.
Data used on the 4G backup will be drawn from your plan's monthly data allowance. However, since Telstra's NBN plans are typically unlimited, there's no need to worry about exceeding your data limit. The speeds on the backup connection are capped at a maximum of 25Mbps for downloads and 5Mbps for uploads, which is similar to an NBN 25 plan.
While Telstra's NBN plans are contract-free, if you cancel within the first 24 months, you'll need to return your modem or pay a $200 non-return fee.
Internode
Internode offers 4G backup as an optional extra on all its NBN plans. To get 4G backup with Internode, you simply need to add the "High-Speed NBN Modem with 4G Connection Backup" during the sign-up process.
The cost for the modem is $0 upfront, but there's a $15 delivery fee. If you decide to leave Internode within the first 24 months, you'll need to pay a prorated modem fee, which is calculated at $8 for each month remaining in your two-year term.
Like iiNet, Internode's 4G backup is provided through the Vodafone network and offers unlimited data. However, the speeds are capped at 12Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads.
Vodafone
Vodafone offers NBN plans with an integrated 4G backup feature using the Vodafone WiFi Hub 3.0 modem. This backup can be used for up to 30 consecutive days while waiting for your NBN connection to be activated or in case of a fault in your NBN line.
During an NBN outage, you'll have unlimited 4G data, but speeds are capped at 20Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads.
The Vodafone Wi-Fi Hub is provided at no extra cost on any Vodafone NBN plan for a 24-month contract. If you decide to leave before the 24 months are up, you'll need to pay a prorated modem fee equivalent to $7.50 per remaining month.
Additionally, Vodafone mobile customers can enjoy a $15 per month discount on any Vodafone NBN plan.
What about iPrimus?
iPrimus provides the option for a 4G backup modem at an additional cost. Without this option, you'll receive the standard modem without the 4G feature.
To get the 4G backup modem from iPrimus, you'll need to pay an extra $10 per month. If you opt out of this feature, you'll receive a regular modem without 4G capability.
The regular plans from iPrimus, without the 4G backup modem, are $9 per month cheaper compared to Optus. The 4G speeds are limited to 12Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads.
Finding the right provider
To find the right provider, consider the following factors: your location and connection type available, lock-in periods before you can keep the modem, and the fee that comes with transferring providers.
At Compare Broadband, we’ve analysed and compared hundreds of NBN plans that Australia’s top Internet providers offer. Call us if you need assistance in finding the best plans and deals in your area.
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