Tara Donnelly

Tara Donnelly Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology, across news, reviews and how-tos. Tara has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, which means she’s written about countless product launches and industry changes, including the rise of 5G, Australia’s ongoing NBN rollout, the recent years of energy price volatility and the rise of renewable energy sources. Tara also has long experience in writing within the comparison industry, giving her great insights into the information consumers want when determining which plan or device will best meet their needs, while time spent in the financial sector before turning her talent to content lets her crunch the numbers on price with ease. Tara leads the coverage of Canstar Blue’s ratings and awards for the internet and phone sectors and is an expert at advising consumers on how to use comparison tools to find the best power, internet or phone deal. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident.



Woman using laptop while sitting cross-legged on floor

NBN address check: How do you check NBN availability?

Posted by March 18th 2022

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is in the final roll out stage, with the initial build now completed and more than seven million premises connected across Australia. But while NBN Co claims that the bulk …


LAPTOP REVIEW

Telstra to refund $25m to customers after NBN rule breaches

Posted by October 14th 2022

Telstra has been hit with a massive $25 million remedial direction by Australia's communications regulator, after breaching NBN rules and leaving almost 50,000 customers with under-performing broadband plans. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued …


4G NBN Backup

Internet plans with 4G backup routers

Posted by March 31st 2023

There’s nothing worse than a random internet drop-out, especially when you're in the middle of Netflix or gaming. But, that’s a fact of life for many Australians, including those on the National Broadband Network (NBN). …


Young couple watching tablet together at home

Optus reclaims #1 spot in ACCC’s NBN speed rankings

Posted by July 1st 2021

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has dropped its latest Measuring Broadband Australia Report - and the good news is, NBN performance has never been better. The 13th quarterly report tracked the speeds achieved by …


Young woman using smartphone against orange wall

Southern Phone is Australia’s best-rated phone provider

Posted by June 28th 2021

If you’ve noticed your phone bill steadily rising, your coverage lacking, or you’re just ready to make a change, it’s probably time to find a new mobile plan. But if you’re also looking to upgrade …


Woman with smartphone putting coin in piggy bank

ACCC warning: Aussies paying too much for phone plans

Posted by February 22nd 2023

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned customers to keep an eye on increasing mobile plan costs, after analysing recent price changes from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. The big three telcos have all adjusted …


Smiling man posing for selfie with dog in park

New report ranks Australia’s telcos on commitment to green energy

Posted by September 5th 2023

Greenpeace has released its latest briefing paper into how Australia's biggest telcos are leading the 'race to renewables', ranking the biggest companies on their commitment to cleaner energy. Somewhat surprisingly, Australia's largest telco emitter is …


OPPO A53 phones in mint and black

OPPO A53 review: a pretty phone with a great battery

Posted by October 17th 2022

A multi-time winner of Canstar Blue's Most Satisfied Customers award for smartphones, OPPO has risen from being a little-known challenger brand to an increasingly popular choice for Aussie phone users. OPPO offers a range of …


Young man using laptop against white background

NBN provider Superloop to acquire Exetel

Posted by June 8th 2021

Another Aussie telco sale is in the cards, with NBN provider Superloop announcing plans to acquire internet and mobile reseller Exetel. Superloop has officially confirmed its intent to nab the Australian-owned Exetel in what is set …