Compare prepaid mobile Internet for wireless Internet connection
Prepaid mobile Internet dongles can be what you need on the move. Read all about how they work and get connected.
A wireless Internet plan for your laptop, also known as mobile broadband, is a great way to stay connected at home and on the go. You can use a dongle, which plugs directly into your laptop, or a hotspot, which lets you connect multiple devices.
With a prepaid plan, you have the freedom to browse without worrying about monthly costs or contracts.
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Understanding mobile Internet
It's important not to confuse wireless Internet with Wi-Fi. If you want to connect multiple devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets, you'll need a Wi-Fi-enabled Internet plan, which most broadband connections offer through their modems.
If you need Internet access anywhere, you'll want a wireless Internet plan. A prepaid wireless Internet plan gives you predictable monthly costs and the flexibility of no contracts.
What's the difference between prepaid and postpaid mobile broadband?
Prepaid mobile broadband is more flexible, like prepaid phone plans. You pay for each recharge monthly, without a contract or automatic billing. If you run out of data, your service stops until you recharge, but you won't face extra fees.
Some providers offer longer expiry plans with more data for use over an extended period, like 365 days, which can be handy for backup Internet.
Prepaid mobile broadband plans
Prepaid mobile broadband plans offer a simple and convenient way to go online while on the move. You can use a data-only SIM in a tablet or a small WiFi modem that you can easily take with you wherever you go.
Prepaid plans have other advantages too. It often has longer expiry periods before you need to top up, sometimes up to 60 days depending on the plan, compared to postpaid plans with shorter time frames.
Some providers also offer extra benefits like bonus data on auto-recharge or the ability to save unused data for later use.

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $70.90 for first 6 months, then $95.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $70.90 for first 6 months, then $95.90 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 98/17 Mbps
- Deal: $75 for first 6 months, then $89 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 98/17 Mbps
- Deal: $75 for first 6 months, then $89 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $79.99 for first 6 months, then $89.99 for 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing

- Unlimited
- 100/17 Mbps
- Deal: $79.99 for first 6 months, then $89.99 for 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing
Postpaid mobile broadband plans
Postpaid mobile broadband plans are another option to consider. Most postpaid plans are now contract-free, so there's little difference between prepaid and postpaid plans.
Postpaid plans often offer more choices for data SIMs, dongles, and hotspots. However, these plans usually require more frequent recharges compared to prepaid plans.
How much mobile broadband data do you need?
This is a crucial question for any Internet plan, whether it's for mobile or home use.
Be careful with mobile broadband because data is usually more expensive than with the NBN. Mobile broadband plans are like mobile phone plans, but if you're using it with a laptop, you'll use data more quickly.
Data per hour | Suggested plan | |
Online gaming | From 3MB | At least 1GB |
Podcasts | Approx. 60MB | At least 2GB |
Browsing the Internet | Approx. 60MB | At least 2GB |
Approx. 80MB | At least 3GB | |
FaceTime | Approx. 85MB | At least 3GB |
Facebook videos | Approx. 160MB | At least 5GB |
Netflix | From 250MB | At least 10GB |
YouTube | Approx. 300MB | At least 10GB |
If you use multiple services regularly, think about getting a bigger allowance. Keep in mind that these numbers can change based on your usage habits and the device you have.
Why choose mobile broadband?
There are two main reasons to consider getting a mobile broadband connection:
- Mobile broadband can be a backup if your fixed line connection fails or during a power outage since many modems have a battery.
- When traveling, a portable mobile broadband modem and connection can be useful, especially if you don't want to drain your smartphone's battery by tethering.
Get connected with Compare Broadband
Whether you are looking for a brand new Internet plan or you want to know the best prepaid mobile Internet plan, contacting the team at Compare Broadband is the best thing that you can do. Give our team a call today and let’s get you connected.