Expert guide: Swoop Broadband Internet Plans

Formally known as Cirrus Communications, Swoop Broadband was founded in 2004 and operates one of the largest fixed wireless networks in Australia.

Swoop Broadband is a proudly Australian-owned and operated internet service provider, based in regional Victoria. It offers a range of retail and wholesale residential and business internet plans over several different technology types, with the goal of getting Aussies connected to faster internet.

In this Canstar Blue review, we take a look at the pros and cons of signing up to a plan with Swoop Broadband.

Swoop Broadband expert guide

Swoop Broadband isn’t exactly the biggest name in the game, however the brand does offer internet plans over several different technology types. Plans do tend to be on the pricier side so it’s always important to have a look at the pros and cons before making any switching decisions.

Pros:

Australia-based customer support
No lock-in contracts for NBN
Multiple internet types available
No additional charges for exceeding data allowances

Cons:

Modem not included
No extras
Fixed wireless plans have a big setup fee

Services offered

Swoop Broadband offers a range of internet plans with several different technology types: NBN, OptiComm and Fixed Wireless for both residential and business customers. These plans operate on a variety of speed tiers and there are no lock in contracts.

With all of its plans, you have the choice to BYO modem or purchase one directly through Swoop for an additional fee.

Coverage

Swoop Broadband offers plans across the NBN, Fixed Wireless and OptiComm networks. To check the network coverage in your area, head to the Swoop Broadband website. Keep in mind that accessing certain internet types and even speed tiers may be limited at your home due to your internet connection type, so it’s best to check your address on any provider’s website before signing up to a plan.

Special features and bonuses

Swoop Broadband doesn’t have much in terms of special features and bonuses however this isn’t saying that there isn’t anything special about the telco.

Multiple internet types available: Swoop Broadband offers NBN, Fixed Wireless and OptiComm.
Variety of speed tiers offered: NBN plans are offered on five speed tiers as well as Fixed Wireless and OptiComm operating across four speed tiers each.
Modems: You’re free to bring your own compatible, unlocked modem to all Swoop plans, however there are also modems available to buy for an additional fee. The OptiComm Enhanced WiFi router is $140, including postage.

Consumer ratings

At the time of writing, Swoop Mobile is yet to qualify for any consumer ratings. If you’d like to learn more, here is Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.

For more information about other NBN providers, check out our most recent NBN providers ratings.

Swoop Broadband internet plans

NBN

Swoop Broadband offers NBN plans across NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250 and NBN 1000 speed tiers. These plans start from $69 per month, ranging to $139 per month, and all come with unlimited data and no lock-in contracts.

The below table features a selection of Swoop NBN plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from lowest to highest and then by data allowance. Use our free NBN comparison tool to see plans from a wider range of providers. These are products with links to a referral partner.

Fixed Wireless

The fixed wireless plans come with a $480 set up fee that is payable upon service cancellation (termination). This fee reduces by $20 per each month of active service for 24 months and after this time period is up, the setup fee is waived in full. This does not include any fees involved in non-standard installation, which will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.

The following table shows a selection of published Swoop Fixed Wireless 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
	Fixed Wireless 70 70/20 speed tier $480 setup fee (if cancelled in the first month, setup fee reduces by $20 each month you’re connected) min. cost $89 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$89Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Fixed Wireless 120 120/20 speed tier $480 setup fee (if cancelled in the first month, setup fee reduces by $20 each month you’re connected) min. cost $109 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$109Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Fixed Wireless 250 250/100 speed tier $480 setup fee (if cancelled in the first month, setup fee reduces by $20 each month you’re connected) min. cost $129 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$129Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Fixed Wireless 500 500/200 speed tier $480 setup fee (if cancelled in the first month, setup fee reduces by $20 each month you’re connected) min. cost $149 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$149Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

OptiComm

There are only a few telcos that offer broadband on the OptiComm network, with Swoop Broadband offering plans across four speed tiers. Other notable OptiComm providers include:

There is no minimum term with Swoop’s OptiComm services, you can terminate at any time, however there is a $99 set up fee for new and returning customers.

The following table shows a selection of published Swoop Opticomm 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
	Opticomm Casual 25/5 speed tier $99 activation fee min. cost $158 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$69Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Opticomm Everyday 50/20 speed tier $99 activation fee min. cost $168 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$79Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Opticomm Fast 100/20 speed tier $99 activation fee min. cost $188 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$99Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Opticomm Superfast 250/25 speed tier $99 activation fee min. cost $218 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data^**/billing period	^$129Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Swoop Broadband company information

Contact details

Need some help with your Swoop Broadband plan or service? The telco offers several contact and support options, including:

Residential general support: 1300 66 55 75
Email: support@swoopbroadband.com.au
Support request via the Swoop website

Outages

If you are currently experiencing issues with your Swoop Broadband plan, there may be a network outage. Usually, your telco will inform you of any planned maintenance if it is expected to interfere with your service. If you haven’t received a notice of this but are experiencing network outages where normally you would have service, you should get in touch with Swoop for assistance. You can do this via one of the options above or directly through their website, under ‘Network status’.

Swoop Broadband FAQs

Who owns Swoop Broadband?

Swoop Broadband is Australian-owned and operated, based in regional Victoria. Its subsidiaries include Cirrus Communications, NodeOne, Moose Mobile, Beam, Speedweb, Countrytell, Community Communications, DCS Internet, Anycast Networks, Luminet and VoiceHub.

How do I pay my Swoop Broadband bill?

Swoop Broadband bills monthly and accepts credit card, direct debit and BPAY payment methods. There is the option to set up automatic payments: automatic credit card payments are debited on the day that the invoice is due and automatic direct debit payments are initiated on the second business day of the month. Cheques are not accepted.

Can I BYO modem?

If you already have a modem, then yes you can bring it to your Swoop plan as long as it’s compatible and not locked to another provider.

How do I sign up to a Swoop Broadband plan?

You can sign up to NBN and Fixed Wireless directly through the Swoop Broadband website but OptiComm requires you to call or leave your contact details for them to call you.

Is Swoop Broadband a good deal?

If you’re looking for a telco with multiple technology types that doesn’t lock you into contracts, Swoop Broadband may be worth looking into. While its prices are on par with the likes of Aussie Broadband, its plans do tend to sit on the pricier side. However, it does pride itself on its Australian-based customer support centre, so it may be worth paying a little bit extra for homegrown customer service if that is important to you.

It always helps to compare internet plans from a range of providers to ensure you’re getting value for money and signing up to a plan that is going to suit your needs. Our free internet comparison tool is a great way to see what different telcos have to offer all in one place!

Abi Buckland: Utilities Content Producer

This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Utilities Content Producer, Abi Buckland. She covers a wide range of topics at Canstar Blue, including the Telco and Energy sectors, as well as consumer news.

Other internet plan providers worth considering

Swoop Broadband isn’t the only telco offering a range of broadband plans, with some providers also offering great value for cheaper prices.