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

Optus once again tops ACCC’s NBN speed report

Posted by October 14th 2022

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its latest report on NBN speeds across the country - and for the third quarter in a row, Optus has claimed the top spot. The ninth Measuring …


Woman on laptop

Telstra launches NBN ‘health check’ tool for broadband customers

Posted by February 10th 2021

Telstra has announced several updates to its newly-launched My Telstra app, including a self-service 'health check' for NBN customers. Alongside changes to available media and entertainment options, plus an updated Telstra Plus rewards experience, the My …


Couple with laptops

NBN Co report: data demand continues through COVID-19 pandemic

Posted by October 14th 2022

NBN Co has released its latest weekly report into how Australian households are using the network during the COVID-19 pandemic - and to no-one's surprise, demand is still sky-high. The company's Australian Broadband Data Demand report …


Optus Family Plan

Optus launches new 250GB Family Plan for mobile

Posted by April 12th 2023

If you've been searching for a simple mobile solution for the whole family, Optus has come to the rescue. The telco has launched a brand new Family Plan, featuring four SIMs and a range of child-friendly …


Realme 6

Realme 6: the affordable iPhone SE alternative?

Posted by April 12th 2023

Move over OPPO, Huawei, and even HTC -  there's a new Asian mobile manufacturer ready to take on the Aussie tech market, with a low-priced flagship phone now on offer in stores. Realme's flagship Realme 6 …


Vodafone iPhone SE Plans

Vodafone’s iPhone SE plans, prices and deals

Posted by January 23rd 2024

Note: The 2020 iPhone SE is no longer available to buy from Vodafone. You can find info on the 2022 iPhone SE in our review. Following months of rumours, Apple has unveiled a smaller, budget-friendly new …


iPhone SE

iPhone SE: Apple’s new ‘budget’ smartphone

Posted by June 3rd 2022

Apple has finally unveiled its long-awaited 'budget' iPhone - and while it's not quite as wallet-friendly as competing entry-level devices, it's significantly cheaper than the flagship iPhone 11 range. Named the iPhone SE - the same …



Best mobile broadband plans

The top mobile broadband plans for working from home

Posted by March 31st 2023

With so many Aussies now working from home, fixed broadband connections - such as NBN and ADSL - are starting to feel the strain. If you're looking for a reliable, portable, and affordable internet option …