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The Ultimate Guide to the NBN

• What Is The NBN?
• So, How Fast Is The NBN?
• What Are The Types Of NBN Connections?

Amrita Bala

18/09/2017 03:29 PM

The NBN is everywhere. Everywhere you turn, you will see a TV commercial for the NBN or massive billboards perched above roads, freeways and buildings. This comes as no surprise, considering how our entire nation will soon run our broadband internet plans via the NBN network. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the NBN. Ever wondered what exactly the NBN is, how fast it is or have any other curiosities about what the shift towards the NBN means for you and your family? If so, this is the article you need to read. Grab a cuppa, get comfortable and keep on reading!

What Is The NBN?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we need to fully understand what exactly the NBN truly is. Most people are aware that the NBN is the network that their broadband internet plans run on, but not very much more than that. To put it simply, the NBN, or National Broadband Network, is a government-owned network that aims to provide all us Australians with a reliable, fast and efficient broadband connection, regardless where you are in Australia. The NBN runs on  a fibre-optic, fixed wireless and satellite infrastructure which aims to replace all existing broadband infrastructure with faster and more reliable broadband services to all homes and businesses across the nation. The NBN is truly a game changer, which boasts download speeds of up to 100mbps, which is over 4 times as fast as the fastest ADSL2+ broadband connections that are currently available. For those who currently access their internet service via an ADSL2+ connection, imagine having your favourite shows, tunes and games loading 4 times as fast as they currently do - this is the dream that the NBN wishes to make come true for all of us Australians who are fed up with slow and unreliable connection speeds. Now that you know exactly what the NBN is, let’s jump into the other questions that you may have about their services and what they can offer you.

So, How Fast Is The NBN?

When it comes to broadband speeds, the NBN offers users a variety of speed options, ensuring that everyone has access to their services at variable budgetary needs. At the very least, NBN users will start their broadband connections and plans on the basic Tier 1 NBN speeds. Tier 1 connections are the standard speed that most plans start at for users and homes with a basic internet usage. At a Tier 1 connection, you will receive download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 1Mbps. To make that easier to understand, such speeds would result in a 2GB movie downloading in 25 minutes or so.

NBN Tier 1 provides users with the equivalent of average ADSL2+ speeds and is best suited for those who use the internet for basic purposes such as checking emails, streaming modest amounts of music and watching a few shows on Netflix, Youtube, and Stan. Most Tier 1 plans are highly affordable, but may not be suited to households with multiple internet users as your plan may be stretched thin.

NBN Tier 2 is the next level of speed you can access via the NBN. This speed tier is an upgrade from the Tier 1 speeds, providing download speeds of up to 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 5 Mbps. Download time for a 2GB movie is reduced to to 11 minutes with this connection and this is the ideal speed tier for users who are looking to stream 4K quality videos online. Tier 2 is also ideal for a household of two who utilise the internet often for both work and entertainment purposes.  

The next upgrade is to a NBN Tier 3 speed.Tier 3 offers awesome download speeds up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps. You’ll be downloading a 2GB movie in just 6 minutes, so this plan is perfect for a household of multiple users, offering users enough bandwidth to enjoy all the movies, games and music they want to access on the internet. 

Last but not least, we have what is considered the fastest possible speeds available at the moment with the NBN Tier 4 plans. This plans offer download speeds up to 100Mbps and upload speeds of up to 40Mbps, making this the ideal plan for those who are obsessed with streaming movies, TV shows, music and playing games online. This is also ideal for those who want to upload files online, whether they be photos, videos or music. NBN Tier 4 speeds are also ideal for regular offsite back-ups via OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, or Google Drive.

What Are The Types Of NBN Connections?

When it comes to the types of NBN connections available to users, there are 4 main options we will look into. The first of these options is the Fibre To The Premises / Home (FTTP/H) connections. When the National Broadband Network initially started its rollout, the government at the time had intentions to roll out fibre optic cabling all the way up to your home or business property. This first type of connection is call Fibre To The Premises/Home.

The next connection available is the Fibre To The Node (FTTN) connection which was introduced mid-way through the NBN rollout when a change in government leadership saw funding constraints which lead to a slightly different roll-out approach for the National Broadband Network. This revised approach involves an amalgamation of existing original copper systems and fibre optic systems, referred to as Fibre To The Node (FTTN). FTTN connections mean that a fibre optic cable will runs from your telephone exchange to your local node/ cabinet. The node/ cabinet is then connected to your property via existing copper lines.

Next up, we have Fixed Wireless Connections. In certain situations such as homes and businesses in remote locations, it is highly impractical to physically connect a property to the fibre-optic network. In these situations, homes will be connected by a wireless network referred to as a Fixed Wireless NBN connection.  This type of connection means that remote areas will have a local tower that is connected to the NBN™ with fibre optic cables. Properties will also have an external antenna installed on roofs which will be used to wirelessly connect the property to the local NBN tower. However, such a service will not support a standalone VoIP home phone service. In this case, users will have to get it bundled with their internet plans.

Lastly, there is the Fibre To The Curb (FTTC) which is intended to launch next year. This connection will utilise fibre optic cabling from the exchange to the telecom pit outside the property, and a smaller amount of copper cabling between the telecom pit and property.

This approach is believed to make the NBN roll-out quicker, easier, and more cost effective. Additionally, FTTC is believed to be a superior type of connection to FTTN as it is less subject to local network traffic conditions, and data only has to travel a short distance via existing inferior copper lines.

Can I Get The NBN?

So, after reading all of that, you may be wondering to yourself, “Can I get the NBN?”. The quick answer to this is, yes. However, this is highly dependant on the NBN Rollout Map. Whilst the NBN is aimed to reach almost all residential and business properties by 2020, it does take time to get everything up and working for the entire nation.

The easiest way to check if your home is in an NBN accessible area is to head over to the NBN Rollout Map. This handy map just requires you to type your address in, and it will let you know if NBN services are currently already available in your area, or otherwise if the building has commenced already. For further simplicity, the rollout map has been made extremely easy to understand with colour coded activities, all representing a different stage of progression in the nation’s switch to NBN. If you are someone who lives in a Metro area, chances are you already have access to the NBN, so always call your Telco to enquire and find out more.

How Do I Get Connected To The NBN?

Once you have checked the rollout map or received notification from NBN Co that the NBN has been installed in your area, you can start taking advantage of the benefits of the NBN. However, with new technologies usually come the need for some new equipment, and in this case, you will need an NBN compatible modem as well as a technician appointment to get the equipment installed at your property.

If you’re moving from a cable connection to the NBN, you will definitely need a new modem. Some ISPs offer free NBN compatible modems when signing up to their NBN plans, or will offer customers compatible modems which they can purchase and install themselves. If you are currently connected to an ADSL2+ connection, your modem may already be compatible with the NBN and you should check this with the manufacturer. If not, again, you will be able to purchase one from your ISP.

After ensuring you have access to a compatible plan and modem, chances are you will need to book a connection appointment to have your property connected to the NBN. For FTTP connections, your NBN technician will need to install an NBN utility box both inside and outside your property. For Fixed Wireless NBN connections, a technician will also need to do the same.

For FTTN customers, you will then be booking an appointment to have your connection enabled at the node. FTTN customers do not need to be at home for the appointment, however, FTTP and Fixed Wireless customers may require an adult to be at home for the duration of the appointment. Based on your type of connection and the availability of technicians in the area, appointments could be anywhere from one day to a whole month after you request one. However, most times, it will take an average of 5-10 business days. 

After your appointment, you should be able to connect to the NBN almost immediately. FTTP and Fixed Wireless users will need to plug their NBN compatible modems into the UNI-D port of the new NBN Connection Box that has been installed in your home. For FTTN users, you will simply need to plug your modem into your old home phone wall socket with an Ethernet cable. After going through all these steps, you should successfully be connected to your new NBN connection.

But, Do I Have To Change Over To The NBN?

The simple answer to this is yes and no. For most users where the internet service you have is provided over Telstra's copper phone lines, you will definitely need to switch over to the NBN. This is because all of Telstra’s existing copper network will eventually be switched off. If you want to continue having a fixed line at home, then you will need to have your home phone and internet service connected to the NBN network. Optus cable internet and cable phone service users will also have to make the shift to the NBN. As the NBN broadband access network is rolled out, some Special Services will also be disconnected. For those who are unaware, Special Services are a set of business telecommunication products delivered on copper, other than your standard landline phone or internet services. Those who require these services will have to switch over to the NBN.

On the other hand, there are some users who will not have to switch to the NBN should they choose not to. The copper network within NBN™ Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster™ Satellite areas will not be switched off. Customers of other Fiber Providers will also not need to switch over. If your phone or internet connection is already provided over another fibre network such as a network provided by your building owner, private enterprise network, health or education network, or a cable network that's not owned by Telstra or Optus (such as TransACT – excluding ACT customers being migrated to an nbn™ powered plan, OptiComm, Pivit or others), they should continue operating unless your provider advises otherwise.

Lastly, if you are subscribed to Foxtel Pay TV and it is provided by satellite or Telstra Cable, it will not be switched off as part of the NBN™ rollout. If you access any Foxtel services via the net (ie via an Xbox/PC/tablet/smartphone/smart TV), you will need an internet connection in line with Foxtel’s minimum requirements.

What NBN Speed Should I Get?

Once connected to the NBN, you might be wondering what speeds you should get to best suit your needs. You will have the option of choosing either a 12Mbps, 25Mbps, 50Mbps or 100Mbps download speed plan. Below we touch on the individual speeds and what they are best for.

12 Mbps: This is the first tier which advertises download speeds of 12Mbps, a match for older ADSL2+ speeds. This is the cheapest plan available and are as fast as most people have come to expect from their normal home broadband connection. This speed is ideal for single occupant homes or those who do not use the internet all day long.

25 Mbps: This Tier 2 connection is currently the most popular NBN speed tier, as 25Mbps is a good amount of bandwidth for smaller households who have standard internet usage. This speed is fast enough for watching a tv show or streaming

50 Mbps: This  is one of the more uncommon connection speeds available. 50Mbps speeds are great for families who listen to music, play games and watch movies all all at the same time on their own devices at home without having to suffer with slower download speed.

100 Mbps: This is the fastest speed available today and the best way to future-proof your connection. This speed option is best for large families or share homes that will be able to make use of the capacity of this connection speed. It is also a fantastic choice for businesses, as these connections offer 40 Mbps upload speeds, fantastic for backing up business systems or sharing large files with friends and family.

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So, there you have it. The Ultimate Guide To The NBN. After reading this, we are sure that you have all that you need to know about switching over to the NBN. For those who still have queries or questions, do not hesitate to head over to our website or contact us today. We are here to help you, and help we will! 

Mate Communicate wins Product Reviews best ISP for 2016

• Mate Communicate is a great NBN and ADLS2 broadband provider
• Mate Communicate has a whopping 129 “Excellent” and a current overall rating score of 4.4 out of 5 on their reviews on ProductReview.com
• Mate Communicate plans also come with no lock-in contracts

Amrita Bala

16/08/2017 10:49 AM

Product Review, a leading website that is home to reviews of various products and services in Australia offers annual awards to various companies and products that are conducted by the Editorial & Data Team at ProductReview.com.au. These awards highlight the products and services that are voted the best of the best by the ProductReview community. The awards are conducted and also judged autonomously and impartially by the Editorial & Data Team. Thus, awards that are given out cannot be purchase nor can they be influenced by commercial or personal relationships.

The 2016 ProductReview.com.au Awards marked the inaugural season for the website, with over 72 out of 65,000 items, products and services receiving an award for the year of 2016. The winners of this award are products/services based off ProductReview's most popular categories. These products and services illustrate the best of the best and the most reliable choices available to the Australian market in both 2016 & 2017.

Winners of these awards are determined by fulfilling certain criteria such as minimum star scores of at least 4.1, placement in the most popular categories on the website, 8 or more reviews under a product or service’s belt and the proportion of 5-star to 1-star reviews, with more weight being given to reviews written in 2016.

For those who don’t already know, the winner of ProductReview’s prestigious award for best ISP in 2016 went to the wonderful Mate Communicate.  It is no surprise, considering Mate Communicate has a whopping 129 “Excellent” and a current overall rating score of 4.4 out of 5 on their reviews on ProductReview.com. Aside from reviews, what else makes Mate Broadband one of the best NBN plans out there? Well, if you’re keen to know, keep on reading! 

Mate Communicate

Mate Communicate is a great NBN and ADLS2 broadband provider that offers its users unlimited data schemes that are available at differing price points. Such a setup ensures that everyone will be able to find a plan that suits them best, regardless of their budget as Mate prides itself on providing internet to people of all walks of life. 

A budget of $59 per month will get you unlimited data with Mate NBN plan at 12Mbps. Speed increases to 25Mbps for $69, 50Mbps for $89 and 100Mbps for $99 are also available. On top of their affordable broadband plans, Mate Communicate plans also come with no lock-in contracts or activation fees. Additionally, Mate also offers unlimited call inclusions with each plan for an extra $9 per month, which in our eyes is an absolute steal. 

With cheap, reliable and fast internet and no sneaky additional costs that would otherwise send you into a panicked frenzy, what is there not to love about Mate? If you would like to know more about Mate’s NBN and ADSL2 plans, please do not hesitate to hop over to our website or contact us to find out more. 

To view all the available Mate Communicate Broadband Plans CLICK HERE or call 1300 106 571 to get connected.

The Ultimate Parent's Guide To Internet and Online Safety

• What Is Cyber bullying?
• Unwanted Contact
• Online Time Management

Amrita Bala

14/08/2017 03:48 PM

One thing we can all definitely agree on is that the internet is truly a wondrous gift to mankind. Once a portal for adults, the internet has now transcended the generations, and is something that children as young as the age of 3 are now using on a daily basis. Flashback 20 years ago, and kids had to find ways to fill their time - playing sports, going to the playground or listening to their favourite bands on that now ancient Discman. Fast forward to today, and children are spending their time online playing games, shopping and talking to their friends. In fact, the youth are more forward and intelligent than they have ever been with the internet exposing them to what is happening around the world.

Whilst all these positives are lending beneficial impact to the lives of the youth, there is also a downside to youngsters spending so much time on the web. The internet, unfortunately, is an environment that is also full of predators, identity thieves, cyberbullies and content that is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 18. Although most kids are confident that they know how to protect themselves online, not many think about the consequences of their online activities. Children these days are sharing personal details about their lives online, making them prime targets for anyone who is lurking the internet and looking to prey on the innocent. This is why schooling your children on the dangers that exist on the internet is absolutely crucial.

Teaching kids how to make informed decisions, how to protect themselves online and how to not fall prey to predators is something that is so very essential in today’s age, and in this article, we will look at how you can go about doing so. With this article, we aim to both educate and prevent harmful online behaviours from even occurring in the first place. Prevention is always key, and that is our ultimate goal at the end of the day. Read on to find out more!

What Is Cyber bullying?

Have you ever turned the news on, only to be faced with a story about cyber bullying? Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a problem that is occurring more and more often in today’s technologically advanced world. But wait a second, what exactly is classified as cyber bullying? Cyberbullying behaviour may include sending abusive text messages and emails, hurtful messages/videos/imagery, excluding others online, impersonating someone online, humiliating someone online and spreading nasty online gossip about someone. Essentially, almost every aspect of real-life bullying that can transcend onto the internet is considered cyber bullying.

Although one cannot physically harm someone online, the psychological effects of cyber bullying are real and very serious. Just like real life bullying, children often keep these issues to themselves as they feel embarrassed to be the victim of a nasty bully. Even worse, some children fear that reporting cyber bullying will get their devices confiscated from them, and thus, they choose to keep adults in the dark. This is why it is important for parents to let children know that they can be open about their experiences and feelings with their family.

Always remain calm and supportive should your child report an instance of cyber bullying to you. Young people may also be concerned that parents’ actions will make cyber bullying issues worse, so as an adult, you should always remember to keep a level head and not in any instance, blame your child for falling prey to a cyber bully.

So, what are your options as a parent when you find out that your child has been a victim of cyber bullying? First and foremost, you will want to report the cyberbullying material to the social media service on which the bullying occurred. Most social media services have a reporting area on their website, and it is their responsibility to remove cyber bullying material that has been reported and it is a huge breach of their terms and conditions.

Next, you will want to collect all the details you possibly can of the cyber bullying material. Keep in mind that you might actually even need to do this before you send your report into the social media website. A simple way to collect information is by taking a screenshot of the cyberbullying material. You can then send this information and evidence off to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Lastly, you will want to block the cyberbully immediately. We recommend that you assist your child in blocking the person who is upsetting them, in order to prevent the bully from furthering their antics whilst offensive material is being removed. Another thing to keep in mind is that should your child show changes in behaviour or mood, it may be advisable to seek professional support through Kids Helpline. The mental health of a child is so very important, and getting help early can prevent a child from going down the wrong path in the future.

Social Networking

Social networking describes a vast variety of services such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, World of Warcraft, Twitter, Skype and many other networks that now exist on the world wide web. All of these social networking services allow direct interaction between individuals. On these networks, users can post information about themselves, photos, let people know where they are and play games with each other. In today’s world, social networking forms a huge part of the social identity of many youngsters. However, with anything online, there are certain risks that come with sharing so much online such as not being able to control where a photo or video has been shared, or meeting people in real life who they only otherwise have known online.

As a parent, it is a key responsibility of yours to help your children have positive experiences on social networking websites. You can do this by staying involved in your child’s use of technology. Learn about the privacy settings offered on these networks, as it will help you understand how you can best protect your child. Always remember to read the ‘terms of use’ on social media services and make sure your child understands what is expected of them.

Certain websites such as Club Penguin are created especially for children. However, some of the most popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years of age. If your child is under the age guidelines, ensure that they are not creating profiles with fake birth dates in order to access the website’s services. It is also helpful to check the age ratings set by app stores too before downloading an app—bearing in mind that these age ratings can sometimes differ from those for websites of the same service.

Advising children to set their accounts to private so that the only people who can view their information are those they trust is also crucial, as is encouraging children to think before they post anything up online. Information and photos posted online can often be rather difficult or sometimes even impossible to completely remove, so always advise your kids to think twice before saying anything online. An inappropriate image posted today may very well have a long term impact on their digital reputation in the future.

Last but not least, remind children to be careful when making new friends online; people may not be who they say they are. They should never arrange to meet an online friend unless a trusted adult or parent is with them. Always remind children to turn their location settings off as well, in a bid to further protect their privacy.

Unwanted Contact

Whilst making new friends online is exciting for children, the anonymity offered by the internet can allow these new friends to mask their true identities. Someone who claims to be a 10 year old girl could in fact be a 45-year-old person. This anonymity that exists online means that that sexual solicitation and online grooming can occur to any child at any point in time. In order to prevent this heinous crime from occurring, always encourage kids to share with an adult if there is a threat to their safety.

It is important that you encourage your child to change their profile settings so that their personal details are kept private, and in an unfortunate instance where your child has fallen victim to an online sex predator, always keep the evidence, no matter how upsetting it may be. Keeping the evidence can be highly useful in tracking the person posting unsuitable material. Reports can be made directly to the AFP about abuse or illegal activity online using the online child sex exploitation form. Parents can also click on the Report Abuse button on the ThinkUKnow or Virtual Global Taskforce websites. It is important that you always reassure your child that they have your undying support, and avoid blocking their internet access as the fear of not being about to use the internet may cause a child to not tell you what is going on online.

Another thing to look out for is any changes in your child’s behaviour or mood that are concerning, including increased/decreased sexualised behaviours and/or apparent confidence, clinginess or withdrawal, anxiety or sadness and changed interactions with friends. Explore your concerns with them and, if necessary, seek professional help.

Online Time Management

Do you feel like your child seems to spend the entire day online? Does he or she prefer sitting in front of the computer over going out and playing with friends? The number of hours that youngsters spend online can vary significantly. Whilst there is no guideline for the ‘right’ amount of time for children to spend online, if you happen to notice that their online activity appears to impact negatively on their studies, behaviour or well-being, it may be time to discuss expectations and establish time limits.

Whilst this may be a touchy topic that may very well upset your child, always remember that the longer you wait to address the issue, the more difficult it will be for your child to overcome. Thus, if you start to notice an emerging problem arising from excessive use, act on it right away. You can do this by discussing your concerns with your child and monitoring what games, apps and devices they are using. If you want to go one step further, you could even install a program on your child’s device which limits the amount of time an internet connection will be available on said device.

Another thing you could do is to implement family agreements about the amount of time your children can spend online or on certain devices. Do keep in mind that some of the time your children spend online may indeed be related to their education. However, if your child seems particularly anxious or irritable, or you notice them isolating themselves from family and friends, there may be an underlying mental health issue that you will need to tackle with the assistance of a GP or counsellor.

Dealing With Inappropriate, Offensive & Illegal Content

Inappropriate, offensive or illegal content may include topics, images or other information that are prohibited in Australia or could be damaging to young people online. Whilst children may not deliberately seek out inappropriate content, they may inadvertently be exposed to it whilst undertaking online searches, or if their friends send it to them. Inappropriate content can be made up of footage of real or simulated violence, criminal activity or accidents, extreme political or religious views or sexually explicit material. Promotion of hatred towards individuals or groups on the basis of race, religion, sexual preference or other social/cultural factors is also illegal. Similarly, promotion of self-harm, suicide, eating disorders and drug use are considered highly inappropriate content that should never reach the eyes of children.

If your child does find themselves exposed to such material, it is important that you encourage them to share their experiences with you. You can also choose to limit their exposure to inappropriate content by supervising their online time where possible. Installing filters, labels and safe zones can also help you reduce their risk of exposure to unsuitable or illegal sites. You should also report inappropriate material to site administrators, or report it on social networking websites. One thing to point out is that it is crucial that you reassure your child that access to the internet will not be denied if they tell you about seeing inappropriate content and that it is in no way their fault.

Safety Measures

There are many ways in which parents can assist their children in exploring the internet safely. The most important step to take would be to put in place online safeguards and parental controls-settings, filters and products that help block certain content so that you are in control of what your children are exposed to online. Parental controls are available for most devices in the form of pre-installed settings that you activate with the touch of a button. Other ways of safeguarding your children would be to set up customisable computer accounts specifically for your children. On these accounts, you can restrict access to downloads, apps and purchasing games. You can even apply router settings that will restrict any access to online content.

If your child is accessing the internet on a mobile phone, download apps or apply settings to the mobile phone that restrict access to browsers, apps, social networking sites, inappropriate material, photo/video sharing sites, streaming, and gaming. One thing to keep note is that no single parental control tool is 100% effective. Certain websites can be encrypted in such a way that they are not recognised by parental controls.

If your child is exceptionally bright and tech-savvy, they may even be able to bypass parental controls. This is why being open with your children about the dangers that lurk online is so important. When children are aware that “bad people” and “bad things” exist on the internet, you will teach them to be responsible for their actions and to be on high alert for anything that may seem suspicious or dubious online. You can also create a “safe space” in your home where both your children and you can use their devices, but be prepared to stick to these boundaries yourself. Learning by example is what children do, so it is up to you to lead the way.

Where To Go For Help & Resources

1. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner

The Office’s website contains free resources, information and related links to support parents in keeping kids safe online. Resources include practical, action focused advice, videos, games, support, and research-based information.

2. Parentline

Parentline provides a counselling, information and referral service for parents that operates seven days a week between the hours of 8am and 10pm.

3. Crime Stoppers

Crimestoppers or your local police can assist with concerns about children’s personal safety.

4. eHeadspace

eHeadspace is a confidential, free and secure space where youngsters aged 12 to 25 or even their families can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified mental health professional.

5. School Support

Many of our schools have policies and procedures already in place to help support children online, including how to manage issues such as cyberbullying and other online concerns. The Department of Education policies in each state provide information for students, teachers, parents and the broader community to help raise awareness and counter the inappropriate use of technology. Do contact your child’s school for more information.

Mate NBN Plans vs Optus NBN Plans

• We will be looking into Mate NBN Plan vs Optus NBN Plans
• Mate NBN Plans
• Optus NBN Plans

Amrita Bala

16/05/2017 12:36 PM

Hey there everyone, we’re back with another one of our NBN plan comparisons that set out to make your life that much easier when it comes to choosing the right NBN plan for you and your family! This time round, we will be looking into Mate NBN Plan vs Optus NBN Plans - from download speeds to pricing and different plan options, we have you covered. Both Mate and Optus are very popular contenders in the ISP game and are rated some of the best providers of NBN internet in Australia today. If you are keen to look further into what both companies have to offer, grab a snack, scroll down and read on! 

Mate NBN Plans 

For those who are unaware, Mate Communicate was voted best ISP on Product Review in 2016, and for good reason too. Mate has won the hearts of many all over the continent, as it provides all its users with unlimited data plans that come with different price plans. This means that regardless of budget, there will definitely be a Mate NBN plan that suits your needs. Diversity and catering to all audiences are key, and Mate definitely has that covered. 

For a very affordable amount of just $59 a month, you can purchase unlimited data with Mate at a the industry average Tier 1 speeds of12Mbps. Upgrades to your speed are also available with added costs - 25Mbps for $69, 50Mbps for $89 and 100Mbps for $99. Another bonus is that all of Mate’s plans are lock in contract free and do not cost you any activation fees so that you can keep your spending to a minimum. Mate also offers unlimited call inclusions with their plans for an extra $9 per month, should you want to purchase a phone bundle. 

Optus NBN Plans 

Optus is one of the leading companies in Australia, proving mobile phone connections and NBN internet connections to hundreds of thousands of Aussies today. When it comes to NBN plans, Optus starts you off with their $80 My Basics bundle which boasts a basic maximum download speed of 12Mbps, again, the industry standard for Tier 1. Adding an additional $10 to your plan will see you upgrading to Tier 2 speeds of 25Mbps, whilst adding $20 to your plan will get you download speeds of up to 50Mbps. If you’re looking for the fastest speeds money could possible buy, adding $30 to your My Basic bundle will get you ultimate NBN speeds of up to 100Mbps (the fastest in the market today). Aside from fantastic, efficient and speedy broadband, these plans come with a bonus of unlimited standard local calls to landlines, so keeping in touch with family abroad is made easier than ever. 

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So, which ISP’s NBN Plans suit you best? We know that this is a very subjective issue and that everyone has their own unique needs when it comes to picking the best internet plan for both themselves and their families. We hope that this comparison has aided in your decision-making process. If you still have queries on NBN plans, do not hesitate to contact us today, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. 

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