Getting your home or office space connected to the quickest possible internet speeds can be of the utmost priority to many Australians. 5G has made this goal that much more accessible, as the successor to 4G. So read on with Canstar Blue to find out what 5G WiFi is, and the best 5G modems on the market right now.
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What is a 5G modem?
Essentially, a 5G modem is a device that connects to a 5G mobile/cellular network and connects your other devices to that network. The name 5G comes from the technology being the fifth generation in cellular progression (just like 4G and 3G before it). However, you may see ‘5G’ used to refer to the 5GHz frequency emitted by 5G modems.
There are generally two speeds that modems are capable of working at: 2.4GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4GHz has a lower general speed, but it covers more area and can go through walls easier. The 5GHz speed is much quicker, but has less range and doesn’t go through walls as easily.
This is where the terminology can get muddled for 5G technology. In this article, we’re using the term ‘5G modem’ to refer to a modem or modem-router that can use 5G cellular networks to deliver a broadband connection to your devices.
How fast is 5G internet?
5G home internet is available to eligible customers on plans from a handful of telcos, including the big three: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. It uses the same 5G networks that can connect to your phone to deliver home internet wirelessly.
5G internet is the fastest rendition of cellular broadband on the market so far, however speeds can be hard to gauge. This can be due mainly to physical locations, and time of day. It’s a good idea to look at coverage and average speeds from each provider before signing up for a plan.
What are the best 5G modems?
If you’re looking to switch to a 5G home internet plan, let’s dive into the best 5G modems, breaking down the pros and cons, and how you can get yourself one.
Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro
This is arguably the most coveted of the 5G modems. The Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro tends to retail for around $599, and can be purchased directly from Telstra, as well as The Good Guys, and other select telco retailers. The device obviously connects to the Telstra 5G network, and has a battery life of roughly nine hours. Up to 30 devices can join the hotspot connection at one time, with 4K streaming and the like possible through its connection. The 2.4-inch touch screen allows for sufficient information on data speeds and usage.
Telstra 5G Internet Modem 2
The Telstra 5G Internet Modem 2 is WiFi 6 Certified and made from 95% recycled plastic. It is included for use with 5G internet plans but if you cancel within 24 months, return the modem within 21 days or pay the $400 non-return fee.
Netgear Nighthawk M6
The Netgear Nighthawk M6 is a portable modem powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System. It combines dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi 6 with AX3600, able to deliver internet for up to 32 devices. The Nighthawk M6 comes as a square device, with a 5040mAh battery, designed to last you all day. This device can be used on both the Telstra and Optus networks.
ZTE 5G Portable Wi-Fi Modem
The frontier of Optus’ 5G modems, the ZTE 5G Portable Wi-Fi Modem offers nine hours of battery life alongside its 32-connection capability. The 2.4-inch touch screen delivers important feedback on the network analytics, and the quick charge technology ensures limited waiting around. The ZTE 5G costs $434.88, and can be bundled with an Optus mobile broadband plan.
Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway
This tends to be the modem-of-choice for non-Telstra customers. The Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway comes alongside 5G home internet plans from Optus, TPG, Vodafone, iiNet, Internode, SpinTel, or any other major telco. Due to it being a home modem, it doesn’t have a battery but rather needs a constant source of power. The standout feature of the Nokia FastMile is that if 5G isn’t available in your area, it can connect to a 4G network as a backup. Supporting download speeds of up to 500Mbps makes this a serious contender in the 5G home modem market.
Is 5G better than the NBN?
While 5G has been dubbed the ‘NBN Killer,’ offering theoretical speeds of up to 20 times faster than the fastest speeds available with the NBN, it is a much more volatile network. Many areas don’t yet have access to 5G connectivity, and the 5G broadband connection itself can have a lower range and not go through walls easily.
How can I get 5G?
Canstar Blue’s team of experts have scoured the market for the best 5G deals, so if you’re looking for a 5G plan, head on over to the 5G Home Internet guide to help you figure out which plan might be best for you.
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 | |||
Photo Credits: rawpixel.com, telstra.com.au, netgear.com.au, optus.com.au, nokia.com.au
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