When it comes to choosing an NBN plan, there’s a lot to consider. Not only do you have to choose your NBN speed tier and NBN provider but you’ll most likely need to decide whether you want a modem with your plan or not.
Each internet provider does things differently — some providers offer plans with modems built into the cost, other providers might charge an additional upfront cost, and some providers might even include the modem in your plan price by default, regardless of contract length or plan choice.
If you already have an NBN-compatible modem, or would prefer to buy your own device rather than receiving one from an internet provider, there are plenty of NBN plans without modems (also known as ‘BYO’ modem plans) available. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
Do I need a modem for NBN?
If you’re new to the NBN and a bit unsure about how it all works, you’ll need to know whether you need a modem or not, or if your current modem is compatible with the NBN, before jumping onto a BYO modem NBN plan.
The NBN connection type that connects the NBN to your home may determine which type of modem you need. If you bought a modem in the past couple of years, even if it was for an ADSL plan, you might find this modem is already compatible with an NBN plan – but it’s still worth checking with your NBN provider first.
To find out more about NBN modems and whether or not you need one, you can check out our guide: Do I need a modem for the NBN?
NBN plans without modems
So, you already have a modem, or are planning on buying a modem from a retailer instead of from your internet provider. The good news is that there are plenty of BYO modem plans to choose from — both on contracts and month-to-month plans. The following tables include BYO modem NBN plans across different speed tiers to help you compare NBN plans and find the best NBN deal for you.
Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Premium Evening Speed (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 a referral partner.
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, 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 a referral partner.
Is a BYO modem plan right for me?
If you already have an NBN-compatible modem and decide to switch NBN plans – and if you have had no problems with the modem’s actual performance previously – you’ll most likely want to opt for a plan with BYO modem.
Another reason you might prefer to sign up to a BYO modem plan is if you’re not happy with the modems on offer from the various internet providers — or perhaps your provider of choice doesn’t offer the modem you want. In this case, it would make sense to buy your preferred modem outright, and then sign up to a BYO modem NBN plan.
For customers new to the NBN that require an NBN-compatible modem for NBN setup, you might prefer to sign up to an NBN plan that has a modem included, or that comes with the option to add one to your plan. Internet providers will usually offer modems which are pre-configured to work with the NBN, so you won’t need to worry about the modem’s compatibility. If you’re still unsure as to whether you need a new modem or not, you can always talk to your internet provider for more information.
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