Compare the best Internet providers in Melbourne

Melbourne is spoiled for choice when it comes to fast and reliable broadband, so it's important to do your homework when searching for the best Internet provider in Melbourne to meet the needs of your home.

The high-speed National Broadband Network (NBN) extends right across Melbourne, using a range of different connection technologies to deliver fast and reliable broadband services to local households and businesses.

Depending on where you live in Melbourne, your home might be connected to the NBN via Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC).

If you live in more remote areas, you might rely on Fixed-Wireless or SkyMuster satellite. Each NBN connection technology offers different speeds and capabilities, with FTTP the fastest and most reliable.

Across Melbourne, there are a wide range of Internet providers which offer different NBN plans and packages, to suit every need and every budget.

Even though all providers rely on the same NBN connection to your home, not all Melbourne Internet providers are the same.

It's important to consider the speed and data needs of everyone in your home, along with the additional features, bundles and offers available from the different providers.

NBN providers in Melbourne offer a wide range of plans and perks, so it's essential to do your research before making a decision.

You can compare different NBN providers and plans directly on Compare Broadband. Performing a comparison online will help you find the best Melbourne Internet deal for you, while also ensuring that you get the best value for money.

Top Internet providers in Melbourne compared

When it comes to NBN providers in Melbourne there's no shortage of options, each offering its own unique set of plans and perks. As a broadband comparison expert, it is our job to help you find the best broadband provider in Melbourne to suit your exact needs.

Here are some quick highlights of what each of the NBN providers in Melbourne has to offer:

- Aussie Broadband: Known for its exceptional customer service, Aussie Broadband offers a range of affordable NBN plans with unlimited data and no lock-in contracts.

- Belong: A budget-friendly option, Belong offers affordable NBN plans with generous data inclusions, but no options for a bundled home phone.

- Dodo: Dodo provides affordable NBN plans with flexible options for different data usage needs. It also offers various bundles which include home phone and mobile plans.

- Exetel: Exetel offers a range of affordable NBN plans with competitive pricing, generous data inclusions and no lock-in contracts.

- More Telecom: More Telecom offers a range of affordable NBN plans with no set up fees, no contracts and excellent customer service.

- Optus: Optus provides flexible NBN plans with unlimited data, multiple speed tiers and various bundle options that include home phone, mobile plans and Fetch TV.

- Superloop: Superloop offers a range of affordable NBN plans with unlimited data and fast speeds, along with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

- Tangerine Telecom: Known for its affordable and flexible NBN plans, Tangerine Telecom offers unlimited data, no lock-in contracts and a 14-day risk-free trial.

- Telstra: With a reputation for reliability and extensive coverage, Telstra offers various NBN plans with fast speeds and the option to bundle home phone, mobile plans and entertainment options.

- TPG: TPG offers a range of affordable NBN plans with fast speeds and generous data inclusions, along with options to bundle home phone and mobile plans.

How to compare plans in Melbourne

Melbourne residents have lots of options when it comes to Internet service providers, which is great, but it makes choosing the best deal a challenge. To help make your decision easier, here are some tips to consider when comparing Internet plans in Melbourne:

Internet speed

Consider how many Internet-enabled devices will be connected around your home. Also consider the kinds of online activities you undertake. For instance, streaming movies or playing online video games requires much faster speeds than simply sending emails or browsing websites.

Make sure you check the provider's advertised typical evening speed, to know what to expect when it comes to real-world performance. 

Price

It's important to ensure that the upfront costs and monthly fees are within your budget, but keep in mind that the cheapest plans aren't necessarily the best plans. 

Cheap plans often come with the slowest performance, fewest features and – in some cases – additional fees. 

Always look for the best Internet deals that offer the right balance between price, features and quality of service to meet your needs.

Perks and extras

There are plenty of perks and extras on offer from Melbourne Internet providers, which is why it's so important to compare deals carefully. 

Many providers offer additional perks such as discounted or waived setup and application fees. 

Plans might also include a free router or modem, helping you save on upfront equipment costs while ensuring compatibility with the provider's network.

You can also consider bundling services with your Internet plan, such as a home phone line which might come with free calls, a mobile service or entertainment bundles.

Customer support

Reliable customer support is very important when it comes to dealing with technical issues or billing inquiries. Check if the provider offers local support and look for multiple communication channels like hotline, chat or self-service options.

By considering all these factors, you can make a more informed decision when comparing Internet plans and providers in Melbourne. For a faster and more efficient comparison in Melbourne, contact Compare Broadband today and we'll walk you through the best Internet deals in your area.

NBN plans in Melbourne

The most popular speed tier for NBN plans in Melbourne is the NBN 50 plan. It offers typical evening speeds suitable for streaming video, playing online games and general browsing. 

However, if you require a faster speed for activities such as online gaming or running a business, consider an NBN 100 plan or higher.

As the demand grows for faster and more reliable Internet, Melbourne has seen an increase in providers offering high-speed fibre plans with unlimited data. 

Bigger providers like Aussie Broadband, Dodo, Exetel, More Telecom, Optus and Superloop are popular choices. However, small players like Belong have also started offering competitive fibre plans.

The good news is that Compare Broadband has made it easier to compare Internet plans. Our broadband plans experts have reviewed hundreds of thousands of the best Internet deals, so you don't have to.

NBN technology available in Melbourne

In Melbourne, there are several types of NBN technology available, including:

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): This is the fastest NBN technology available in Melbourne, providing download speeds of up to 1000Mbps and upload speeds of up to 400Mbps. FTTP runs fibre all the way into your home, but it is only available in some areas of Melbourne.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN): This technology runs fibre to nodes in each suburb and then relies on the existing copper phone lines to run from the node to reach your home. FTTN is available in most areas of Melbourne.

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Similar to FTTN, this technology runs fibre along your street and only relies on the existing copper phone line to cover the last few metres into your home. FTTC is available in some areas of Melbourne.

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): HFC uses the existing cable network used for pay TV and cable Internet services. HFC is available in some areas of Melbourne.

Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless is used in regional and remote areas where it is not cost-effective to lay fibre. It uses a wireless signal to connect your home to the NBN network. Fixed Wireless is available in some areas of Melbourne.

FTTP upgrade in Melbourne

Unfortunately, you don't get a choice when it comes to the type of NBN connection running to your home. Thankfully, NBN is offering some FTTN and FTTC homes an NBN FTTP upgrade when upgraded to a faster download speed.

To apply for an NBN FTTP upgrade, follow these steps:

- Check your eligibility: Contact us at Compare Broadband to determine your eligibility for the NBN FTTP upgrade. If your home is eligible, you must order a plan based on NBN 100 "Home Fast" or higher for FTTN connections, or NBN 250 "Home Superfast" or higher for FTTC connections.

- Choose a participating Internet provider: Only participating service providers can arrange the NBN FTTP upgrade in Melbourne. These include Aussie Broadband, Dodo, Exetel, More, Optus, Superloop, Tangerine and Telstra.

- Consider costs: You could be up for additional fees, depending on factors such as your building type and the complexity of the connection. To confirm, contact us at Compare Broadband to assist you with the NBN FTTP upgrade process.

- Prepare for installation: Upgrading to FTTP requires new NBN equipment to be installed both inside and outside your home. This requires at least two visits from an NBN technician, which your FTTP provider will help coordinate.

- Check equipment compatibility: Your existing modem or router may need to be replaced in order to work with NBN FTTP, so ask your provider. It can sell you the equipment you need, or you might be able to purchase it elsewhere and BYO.

- Transfer your service: After your new FTTP service is up and running smoothly, you can transfer your NBN service across from your previous connection type. Make sure you cancel your previous plan. Otherwise, you might get charged for both connections.

Compare the best NBN providers with Compare Broadband

Comparing NBN providers and plans can be time-consuming and confusing. At Compare Broadband, we make it easy for you to find the best deal for your needs.

Simply provide us with some basic information about your location, internet usage requirements, and budget, and we will generate a list of tailored results from our database of over 2,000 NBN plans.

By comparing the different features offered by each plan side-by-side, you can easily find the right plan for your needs and budget. We also include helpful guides on how to switch providers as well as tips and tricks to get the most out of your internet connection.

Start comparing NBN providers and their plans today with Compare Broadband and get the best deal for your needs. For more personalised advice on how to switch NBN providers, you can also chat with our customer support team. Our experts are in Melbourne and they will help you find the perfect plan for your needs and budget.

About the author

Adam Turner is an award-winning Australian technology journalist, corporate writer and podcaster who has been writing for more than 20 years about the technology challenges facing Australian businesses and consumers.