Whether you’re looking to change providers or enter into a new internet plan, a lot of providers include modems when you first sign up for an internet plan. But, if you already have a working modem, you might prefer looking at BYO modem plans instead. However, whether or not you can continue to use your existing modem with a new internet plan is not as simple as a yes or no — we explain why in this Canstar Blue guide.
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 my 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?
- FAQs
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 $74.99) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$74.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $99.99) Typical evening speed of 90Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$89.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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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 |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (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 Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited Premium Evening Speed (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?
Generally speaking, if you have an unlocked modem that is compatible with your new plan, you should be able to use it. While this is not always the case, and there are some restrictions, the main situations where you should be able to use your existing modem with your new plan include:
- If you’re upgrading from ADSL to FTTN or 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 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?
As mentioned, there are some restrictions which may mean that you can’t use your modem with your new internet plan. These include:
- Upgrading from ADSL to HFC, FTTP, 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 my modem is locked
If you’ve got a modem that you own outright and is compatible with whichever kind of internet plan you’re looking to enter into, but you’re not sure whether it is unlocked or not, there is an easy way to find out!
If you’ve got a modem that requires a SIM card, the easiest way to check whether or not it’s SIM-locked to a specific service provider is to simply insert a SIM card from an alternate service provider. If the modem is locked, a message will appear in the modem application. If no message appears, you can safely assume you’re good to go!
An alternative would be to simply ask the service provider that you got the modem from. If it turns out that the modem is locked, then they will 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 does not necessarily mean that you can’t get it unlocked. There are not that many providers that actually lock their modems, however if you do the above steps and it turns out that your modem is locked then your best bet is to go directly through the provider that the modem is locked to. Often they will be able to unlock it for you, however this is usually accompanied by a fee.
Can I use my Telstra modem with another provider?
According to Telstra, its NBN modem is locked, however there are user reports that it will work with some other providers. If you do leave Telstra then phone calls or 4G backup services would 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 the Optus modems are not locked, however there are specific functions that may not work with other providers. Similar to Telstra modems, if you do leave your Optus plan, then your 4G backup would 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 that they can be used with any other NBN provider, granted that it is compatible with your new internet plan. You can even replace the SIM for 4G backup, however you may need to make some manual setting changes to get it working.
Similarly, the TPG modems are also unlocked so you can take those to a new provider as you please.
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 and nowadays it is most common that both of these functions are combined into a singular device. Essentially the difference is that a modem connects your home to the internet and a router creates a network within your home that you can connect your devices to.
If you’re still unsure as to which device you’ll need for your new plan, you can always check with your new internet provider on what type of modem you’ll need and whether your current modem is compatible.
FAQs
When it comes to NBN, 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 essentially 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 copper wiring already 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 is 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 which existing lines are used to connect to homes however the difference is that, 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 over radio signals to connect a home to NBN. 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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