Many internet providers include modems with their plans, but there are often added costs involved. So if you already have a modem, can you use it with a new internet plan? In this Canstar Blue guide, we explain whether you can use your own modem with a new internet plan, and how to check if a modem is locked.
On this page:
- When can I use my own modem with a new internet plan?
- When can’t I use my own modem with a new internet plan?
- How to check if a modem is locked
- Can I unlock a locked modem?
- Can I use my Telstra modem with another provider?
- Can I use my Optus modem with another provider?
- Can I use my Vodafone or TPG modem with another provider?
- Do I need a modem or a router?
- FAQs about BYO modems
NBN offers you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $79.99) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$79.99 Cost/month |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $85) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$85.00 Cost/month |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $99.99) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$89.99 Cost/month |
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Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
When can I use my own modem with a new internet plan?
If you have an unlocked modem that is compatible with your new plan, you should be able to use it, although there could be some restrictions. Usually, you should be able to use your existing modem with a new plan if you’re:
- Upgrading from ADSL to Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Building (FTTB) NBN and you already have a VDSL2 modem
- Switching NBN plans at the same address (and you have the same NBN connection type)
- You have an unlocked pocket WiFi, WiFi dongle or portable WiFi hotspot (and you’re just changing the data-only SIM)
Compare BYO NBN Plans
If you already have a compatible NBN modem but want to switch to a new NBN plan, the below table compares a range of BYO NBN plans and providers. Switch between the tabs to compare different speed tiers.
Unlimited NBN 100 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 50 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 25 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 25 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 12 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 12 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
When can’t I use my own modem with a new internet plan?
There can sometimes be restrictions that mean you can’t use your modem with a new internet plan. These include:
- Upgrading from ADSL to Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), fixed wireless or satellite NBN
- Moving from ADSL or NBN to 4G or 5G wireless broadband (and vice versa)
- Moving to a new address, as the new location may have a different NBN connection type
- If your modem is locked to your provider
- If you do not own your modem outright and have to return it at the end of your previous internet contract
How to check if a modem is locked
If you own a modem but aren’t sure whether it’s locked, there is an easy way to find out.
If you have a modem that requires a SIM card, the easiest way to check whether it’s SIM-locked to a specific provider is to insert a SIM card from another service provider. If the modem is locked, a message should appear in the modem application. If no message appears, you can safely assume you’re good to go!
Alternatively, you could just ask the internet provider that issued you with your modem. If the modem is locked, they should be able to tell you if it’s possible to unlock it and explain your options.
Can I unlock a locked modem?
If you do have a modem that is locked to a certain provider, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t get it unlocked. Few providers actually lock their modems completely.
The easiest way to unlock the modem is to contact the provider that the modem is locked to. They should be able to unlock it for you, although they might charge you a fee for the service.
Can I use my Telstra modem with another provider?
According to Telstra, its NBN modems are locked. However, there are user reports that they will work with some other providers. If you do leave Telstra, then phone calls or 4G backup services will be disabled.
The following table features selected published Telstra NBN plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance. Use our NBN comparison tool to see plans from a wider range of providers. These are products with links to a referral partner.
Can I use my Optus modem with another provider?
Technically, Optus modems are not locked. However, there are specific functions that may not work with other providers. If you leave your Optus plan, then your 4G backup will most likely be disabled.
The following table features selected published Optus NBN plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance. Use our NBN comparison tool to see plans from a wider range of providers. These are products with links to a referral partner.
Can I use my Vodafone or TPG modem with another provider?
Vodafone’s NBN modem is completely unlocked, which means it can be used with any other NBN provider, as long as it’s compatible with the new internet plan. You can even replace the SIM for 4G backup. However, you may need to make some setting changes to get it working.
Similarly, TPG modems are also unlocked, so you can take those to a new provider, too.
The following table features selected published Vodafone and TPG NBN plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance. Use our NBN comparison tool to see plans from a wider range of providers. These are products with links to a referral partner.
Do I need a modem or a router?
In order to connect your devices to the internet, both a modem and a router are required. These terms are often used interchangeably: however, while they perform two separate functions, both devices are usually combined into a singular unit. Essentially, a modem connects your home to the internet, and a router creates a WiFi network within your home that you can connect your devices to.
If you’re still unsure as to which device you need for your new plan, you can always check with your internet provider about what type of modem you need and whether your current modem is compatible.
FAQs about BYO modems
There are several different connection types. The most common are FTTN, FTTP, HFC or FTTB.
- FTTP: Fibre to the Premises is the fastest form of NBN currently available and works by having a fibre-optic line connected to your home directly.
- FTTC: Fibre to the Curb uses a fibre-optic line that is run to a Small Distribution Point (DPU) located on the curb of a street, which the utilises the copper wiring used by phone lines to service internet to nearby houses.
- FTTN: Fibre to the Node is the most common form of NBN currently available, running fibre-optic lines to street cabinets scattered throughout neighbourhoods, which are then connected to existing copper wiring for landline phone networks to run NBN to different houses. With this connection type, your speed will depend on how far away you live from the node.
- FTTB: Fibre to the Building connections are very similar to FTTC, as fibre-optic lines are run directly to buildings (such as apartment or office buildings), which are then serviced by already existing technology in the building to get NBN wiring to everybody in the building.
- HFC NBN: Similar to FTTN, Hybrid Fibre Coaxial connections have a local node and existing lines are used to connect to homes. However, rather than copper wiring used for landline phones, HFC connections use existing Pay TV lines.
- NBN Fixed Wireless: This is when NBN data is transmitted using radio signals to connect a home to the NBN in the same way a mobile phone connects to the internet. This type of connection is generally used in regional areas, usually using a transmission tower (that can be up to 14km away from your property) and an antenna on the property to receive and transmit to the tower.
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