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.


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Telstra still number one for 5G mobile speeds and coverage

Posted by February 22nd 2023

Although it's still early days for 5G networks in Australia, the next-generation mobile technology is becoming increasingly available in major metro and suburban areas across the country. Optus, Telstra and Vodafone are each in the …



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Samsung Galaxy S21 review: a fast new flagship smartphone

Posted by February 22nd 2023

Samsung's latest premium smartphone — and the first major device release of 2021 — is the Galaxy S21, a high-end upgrade to last year's much-loved S20 series. Touted as a handset that puts the 'epic' …


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Optus Bundles Compared: Internet & Entertainment

Posted by March 7th 2022

Today’s internet is more than just about data. Providers such as Optus offer entertainment bundles on some plans, so you can not only browse the web but enjoy streaming and premium TV as well. Read …



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Telstra’s new mobile plans ditch bills for upfront payments

Posted by February 22nd 2023

Telstra is making moves to scrap traditional postpaid phone bills, launching a new set of 'upfront' mobile plans that require customers to pay in advance - just don't call them prepaid. The telco has quietly unveiled …


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AGL launches SIM-only mobile plans with bundle discounts

Posted by February 22nd 2023

Several months after launching a small suite of NBN plans, leading energy provider AGL is continuing its move into the Australian telco market. The company has officially announced AGL Mobile, a new range of SIM-only …


Best phone plans on Vodafone Network

Phone Plans & Deals for Students

Posted by January 24th 2023

Compare student phone plans and deals from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and other telcos in this Canstar Blue review.