If you want to get the most value for your money, you’ll want to balance cost with speed and reliability, along with your household’s needs. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $69.95 to $79.95 a month for a plan at the NBN50 speed tier, and between $79.99 and $99 a month for one at the NBN100 speed tier.
As you may already know, each ISP has its own positive and negative points, so here’s a quick rundown.
Those who want to be able to bundle their gas and electricity with an internet plan need to look no further than Dodo. However, your only payment option with this ISP is direct debit, and their network support is solely offshore. In other words, when you contact them for help with your connection, don’t waste your time waiting to get in touch with the technician or representative you dealt with when you first signed the contract or had them help set up your connection.
If you’re looking for auxiliary products like those that involve security or mobile phones, Optus is a great choice. Besides mobile phone-related or security-related products, you’ll also get access to Optus Sport, and a VoIP phone if you need one. Just be prepared to pay a little more since Optus’s plans tend to be pricier than those of other ISPs, especially if you want a no-contract plan and so have to choose one at the NBN100 speed tier.
If you don’t want to worry about setup costs, don’t see yourself staying in your current premises for too long, or want to be able to pay in installments, then you’re better off with Belong. This ISP is very renter-friendly, but you’ll have no choice but to pay through direct debit. As mentioned, though, you can do so in installments). Also, it’s worth noting that this ISP’s customer support is online only, which can be difficult if you can’t get online at all and still need to reach a Belong technician.
If you decide to go with Tangerine, you’ll have access to phone support for network or connectivity issues, and you’re looking at a discounted rate for your first six months with them. Tangerine also has VoIP phone plans that you can bundle with your internet. You’ll have to pay an extra $149.95 for a modem unless your current one is already NBN compatible.
If you do have an NBN-compatible modem, you’ll want to consider TPG or Uniti Wireless since both ISPs don’t mind if customers bring their own modems. Both also offer phone support, like Tangerine, so you can reach someone easily if you have connectivity issues. The drawback for Uniti Wireless is only long-term customers see any form of discount. Meanwhile, with TPG, there’s a prepayment of $20 for a home phone, and if you need a modem delivered, you’ll have to pay $10 for that on top of the price of the unit itself.
If you don’t see yourself switching providers every month, Optus would be a good choice. Uniti Wireless is another option since their 24-month plan doesn’t entail any extra costs compared to their no-contract plan. As far as costs go, a plan at the NBN50 tier will cost $79 a month with Optus and $79.95 with Uniti Wireless. At the NBN100 tier, a plan with Optus will cost $89 and one with Uniti Wireless will cost $89.95 a month.