With 5G networks rolling out across the country – and 5G devices now available from brands including Apple, Samsung, OPPO, Nokia, and Motorola – millions of Australians now have some access to 5G on their smartphone. However, when it comes to using 5G for home internet, it’s a different story.
5G has been touted as a possible ‘NBN killer’, promising speeds that can easily outstrip the fastest available residential NBN plans. The new network isn’t quite there yet: but for lucky Australians living in areas covered by Telstra, Optus or Vodafone 5G, it could be a fast alternative to your current home broadband plan.
Despite the ongoing network rollout several providers are now offering 5G home internet plans to customers wanting a flexible, fast and reliable broadband connection. If you’re considering giving 5G internet a try, in this guide we’ll take a look at 5G broadband plans available in Australia.
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5G internet plans compared
The following table shows a selection of published 5G broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
The following table shows selected published 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
5G Home Internet
min. cost $85 over one month |
1TB | $85 | |
 |
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
min. cost $675 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Link to provider unavailable |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
The following table shows selected published 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $59.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $59.99 | Go to Site |
 |
min. cost $59.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $59.99 | Go to Site |
 |
Ultimate 5G Home Broadband Plus
min. cost $65 over one month |
Unlimited | $65 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $64.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $64.99 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $69.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $70 over one month |
Unlimited | $70 | Go to Site |
|
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
min. cost $655 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Link to provider unavailable |
 |
SpinTel 5G Unlimited
min. cost $89 over one month |
Unlimited | $89 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
What is 5G home internet?
5G is the latest generation of mobile technology in Australia and world-wide, which can deliver fast speeds wirelessly via 5G-enabled mobile networks. 5G internet uses these networks to connect your home or office via a modem, hotspot, internet dongle or SIM card, depending on your choice of plan.
Opting for 5G over a wired connection offers flexibility and simple set-up, without the need for a phone line or a complicated installation process. You’ll get fast speeds and – if you’re on the right plan – the option to connect anywhere your provider offers 5G coverage.
What’s the difference between 5G mobile broadband and 5G home wireless?
There are two types of 5G internet available to Australians: 5G mobile broadband, and 5G home wireless/home broadband. Both types use 5G cellular networks to wirelessly access the internet, but are a little different in how they operate and who they’re best suited to.
- Mobile broadband is usually portable, with capped data inclusions. You can connect quickly and easily via a data SIM, USB dongle, or a WiFi hotspot (depending what your provider offers). Mobile broadband is a good back-up for fixed-line broadband, and is great for travel, or for getting online when you’re away from home or WiFi.
- Home wireless broadband is designed to replace your home’s wired broadband connection and uses a plug-in modem to connect multiple devices. These plans can sometimes include unlimited data, and tend to offer more data for your money when compared to mobile broadband, but can’t be easily used on-the-go as you’ll need a power source for your modem.
How fast are 5G home internet plans?
Theoretically, 5G is capable of reaching speeds up to 20 times faster than NBN. However, the speeds you’re likely to actually achieve depend on a number of factors, including:
- Location and coverage, including whether there are obstacles between you and the closest 5G tower
- Congestion on the network: the more devices trying to connect, the slower your service is likely to be
- Provider and plan: some 5G home internet plans have capped speeds of 50 or 100 Mbps
5G home internet providers
There are a number of telcos that offer 5G home internet plans and we’ve compiled some of the offers available from each provider below.
Telstra 5G Internet Plans
Telstra was the first Australian telco to offer some form of 5G service to residential customers. While Telstra offers mobile broadband plans, if you’re looking for home wireless broadband with 5G access, you can pick up a 5G home internet plan from Telstra.
Unlike mobile broadband, Telstra 5G home internet is designed to be used at a single home or business address, and isn’t portable – your modem is geo-locked to your street address. However, the plug-and-play modem makes setup easy (and is included free when you stay connected for 24 months), and also offers 4G network backup.
Telstra 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra 5G internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5G Home Internet
min. cost $85 over one month |
1TB | $85 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus 5G Internet Plans
Optus was the first Australian provider to offer customers unlimited 5G internet plans, which are designed as an alternative to traditional fixed-line broadband. These plans are available on monthly contracts and include a modem, which you can get for $0 if you stay connected for 36 months.
Customers can choose between the cheaper Optus Plus Everyday plan with a download speed limit of 50Mbps, the faster Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G with 100Mbps speeds, or choose unrestricted speeds on the more expensive 5G Internet Entertainer Superfast option. All plans include a speed satisfaction guarantee of 40Mbps or 50Mbps (depending on the plan). Optus’ Entertainer plan also includes a standard subscription to Netflix, via Optus SubHub.
Optus 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows selected published Optus 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Optus Plus Everyday 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone 5G Internet Plans
Vodafone is also rolling out its own 5G mobile network, and has two 5G home internet plans for eligible customers. Vodafone gives customers two 5G broadband options: a more affordable Plus plan, with download speeds capped at a maximum of 50Mbps, and the more expensive Premium plan, with a 100Mbps download speed cap.
Both plans include unlimited 5G data, no lock-in contracts, and no setup fees, and feature an included 5G modem (free when you stay connected for 36 months).
Vodafone 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone 5G home broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $65 over first month |
Unlimited | $65 | Go to Site |
|
5G Home Broadband Premium plan
min. cost $70 over first month |
Unlimited | $70 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
TPG 5G Internet Plans
TPG now offers unlimited 5G home broadband to customers, with coverage provided by sister company Vodafone’s 5G network. The telco has also split its 5G range into two options, a Plus plan with a 50Mbps download speed limit, and a Premium plan with a maximum speed of 100Mbps.
Both plans feature no contracts or activation costs. TPG includes a 5G modem with each plan, which is free to keep when you stay connected for 36 months.
TPG 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of published TPG 5G home broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $59.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $59.99 | Go to Site |
|
5G Home Broadband Premium plan
min. cost $64.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $64.99 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
iiNet 5G Internet Plans
Like TPG, iiNet offers two unlimited data 5G home broadband options. iiNet’s Plus plan includes a maximum download speed of 50Mbps; for something faster, the Premium plan offers maximum speeds of 100Mbps.
Both plans include a premium WiFi modem, which is free to keep if you stay connected for 36 months. iiNet’s 5G internet plans feature no lock-in contract or activation costs, and the telco offers customers optional add-ons such as Fetch TV.
iiNet 5G Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of published iiNet 5G home broadband plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $59.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $59.99 | Go to Site |
|
5G Home Broadband Premium plan
min. cost $69.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $69.99 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
SpinTel 5G Internet Plans
SpinTel offers 5G home internet on the Optus 5G network. There are three unlimited data 5G plans on offer, all of which are available with no lock-in contract or setup fees; however, the cheapest plan is limited to download speeds of 50Mbps. You can add on a modem for an additional monthly cost, plus postage.
Spintel Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows selected published Spintel 4G and 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spintel 4G Unlimited
min. cost $49.95 over first month |
Unlimited | $49.95 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Spintel 5G Unlimited 50Mbit
min. cost $59 over first month |
Unlimited | $59 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Spintel 5G Unlimited 100Mbit
min. cost $69 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Spintel 5G Unlimited 225Mbit
min. cost $89 over first month |
Unlimited | $89 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Read More: What are the best 5G phones in Australia?
Frequently asked questions
5G internet pricing is generally determined by a plan’s data allowance. For unlimited data, expect to pay a minimum of $70 per month for 5G broadband in Australia – this is pricier than entry-level NBN, but with faster speeds.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, you can opt for a 5G mobile broadband plan with a monthly data cap. These plans are available from $20 per month, but you’ll need to keep an eye on your data use.
Outside of the monthly plan price, you may also be required to pay initial setup costs, such as modem charges or activation fees. If you’re on a contract, you may also be charged an early termination fee if you cancel your plan early.
It’s hard to say if 5G is ‘better’ than the NBN just yet, but it could act as a fast and reliable alternative to the broadband network down the line. However, it’s unlikely to ever operate as a replacement to fixed-line NBN plans.
Currently, the fastest NBN plans available to residential customers are on the NBN 1000 tier, which offers downloads speeds of up to 1000Mbps (that’s one gigabit per second). 5G speeds have been recorded in the 2Gbps region during telco tests, but average real-world 5G home internet speeds are around 220Mbps – 240Mbps during busy periods, depending on your location and provider.
While both the NBN and 5G internet can theoretically promise incredibly fast speeds, what you’re able to experience at home will vary due to your plan, budget, and – in the case of NBN – connection type. There are a lot of variables impacting both technology types, but as of mid-2021 most Australians are likely to find more reliable and affordable broadband by opting for the NBN.
In order to use 5G home internet, you’ll first need reliable 5G coverage on either the Telstra, Vodafone or Optus 5G networks. You can check your address online on all three companies’ websites to see if you’re eligible for 5G broadband plans.
If your address is covered, you’re free to sign up for an applicable 5G internet plan. Keep in mind that as 5G is still in the early stages of roll out, you may have to wait a little while for coverage to be live in your neighbourhood, particularly if you’re outside a major metro area. You can find more information on each telco’s 5G network rollout in the following guides:
If you’re looking to sign up for a 5G internet plan, you’ll need a modem that’s capable of connecting to 5G networks. Fortunately, Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, TPG and SpinTel all offer 5G-capable modems or modem/routers alongside their respective 5G broadband or home wireless plans, so you won’t need to go searching for compatible 5G-ready hardware.
Telstra 5G modems: Telstra includes its 5G Home Modem on all 5G home internet plans, and it’s free when you stay connected for 24 months.
Optus 5G modems: Optus includes the Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway on all 5G home internet plans. The telco prices this modem at $0 per month if you stay connected for 36 months, but if you if leave earlier you’ll need to pay the remaining modem cost in full ($16 for each month remaining, with a maximum cost of $576).
SpinTel 5G modems: SpinTel operates on Optus’ 5G network, and offers the same Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway on its 5G internet plans. The device can be rented for $4 per month on top of your plan fees, but remains the property of SpinTel even if you cancel your service. If you leave SpinTel, you’ll need to return your modem, or be charged for the full retail value of $935.
There’s no difference between the 5G connection you get on your phone, and the 5G you use on a mobile broadband or home wireless broadband plan. Both 5G mobile and 5G internet use the same 5G networks from Telstra, Vodafone and Optus – the difference is that access and data use is packaged into plans that are specific to the way you’re using the network.
5G phone plans include calls, texts and data, as well as other perks such as international calling and roaming (depending on your plan and provider). They’re designed to be used with a smartphone, although you can ‘tether’ your phone in order to connect other devices to your mobile plan’s data service.
5G internet plans are data-only, and may come with a modem or hotspot rather than a SIM card or dongle. Some providers may throw in extras such as data-free music streaming – but overall these plans are internet-only, and don’t include calls or texts over 5G networks.
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