NBN Providers Compared

Aussies rate Aussie Broadband best for NBN

When the National Broadband Network (NBN) arrives in your area, your door will be opened to more than 200 different service providers. They include all the big names you’ve already heard of, as well as dozens of others you probably haven’t. Your challenge as an NBN customer is to find the provider and plan that best meets your new-found superfast internet needs. It’s no easy task.

Our mission as a review and comparison website is to help you along the way. We do this by surveying thousands of households across the country that are already connected to the NBN. The feedback we receive is reflected by the star ratings table you see above. If you’re wondering why we haven’t rated all 200 NBN providers, it’s because we have strict minimum sample requirements to be included. If a small NBN provider only has 10 customers, we don’t include them. We think we need to hear from at least 30 customers of each brand to get a good, balanced view of its service.

Our ratings do, however, include some of the biggest and best NBN providers out there, giving you lots to think about when the time comes to make the switch, or you’re just sick of your current provider and fancy a change. Providers have been compared on factors including their speed and reliability, customer service, ease of activation and value for money. The idea is to give you as much information as possible to help you pick the best provider for your needs. So, what did we find this year?

Best-Rated NBN Providers

Canstar Blue’s 2019 review of NBN providers saw 14 brands compared and rated in the following order for overall customer satisfaction:

• 1^st Aussie Broadband
• 2^nd Belong
• 3^rd Westnet
• 4^th Internode
• 5^th Vodafone
• 6^th iiNet
• 7^th Exetel
• 8^th TPG
• 9^th iPrimus
• 10^th Dodo
• 11^th MyRepublic
• 12^th Telstra
• 13^th Optus
• 14^th Foxtel

This is the first year that Aussie Broadband has received the sample size required to feature in our NBN ratings – and it’s straight in at No.1! It was rated best for overall satisfaction, as well as speed and reliability, customer service and ease of sign-up.

Aussie Broadband replaces Internode at the top of the board, with iiNet and TPG also previous winners in this category (all part of the TPG Telecom Group).

• While Aussie Broadband was rated best for overall satisfaction, speed and reliability, customer service and ease of sign-up, Westnet scored the only five-star review for bill and cost clarity, while Belong was deemed best for value for money.

Ultimately, finding the best NBN provider for your needs means finding the right balance between price, speed performance and customer service. That’s what our annual review aims to deliver – based on the real-world experiences of consumers just like you. If you’re only interested in the cheapest NBN plans on offer, this will be a fairly short review. But if you’re more interested in finding the best value, then keep reading as we compare NBN providers big and small to help you find the right deal.

• Jump to more NBN providers

Compared NBN Plans

The following table shows a selection of published unlimited data NBN plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest, all on the NBN 50 speed tier. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN Gold Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $0 upfront Special offer: $59.99 per month for first six months (then $79.99 per month ongoing) min. cost $359.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Family 50 Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $149 optional modem min. cost $64.90 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$64.90Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Standard Plus Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $80 mobile credit min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$65Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract) Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $249 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 SL Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $99.95 setup fee on no lock-in contracts min. cost $199.94 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 Liimitless Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) min. cost $74.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$74.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Everyday Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Optional modem $149 ($15 P&H) min. cost $79 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Essential Flexi Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Optional WiFi hub from $69 + P&H min. cost $79 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $216 modem (free when you stay connected for 24 months) Special offer: $99 connection fee waived (online only) Unlimited local, national & mobile calls included min. cost $306 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$90Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Aussie Broadband NBN Plans

New entrant Aussie Broadband offers NBN plans over several speed tiers, with prices beginning at just $55 per month for 100GB of data. Unlimited data starts at only $69 monthly for NBN 25 speed, with plenty of customisable options available.

• NBN 50 is available from $79 per month, while premium NBN 100 speeds will set you back $99.
• Plans are available with no lock-in contract, and there are no set-up or activation fees for new customers.
• Phone bundles are available for $10 per month for unlimited standard local and national calls.

Aussie Broadband knocked it out of the park in our 2019 ratings, scoring five stars not only in overall satisfaction, but in speed and reliability, customer service, and ease of setup. The NBN provider also achieved four stars on value for money and bill clarity.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	100GB Build Your Own Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) Optional modem $149 ($15 P&H) min. cost $55 over first month	100GBMax Data**/billing period	$55Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Casual Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) Optional modem $149 ($15 P&H) min. cost $69 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Everyday Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Optional modem $149 ($15 P&H) min. cost $79 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Power User Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Optional modem $149 ($15 P&H) min. cost $99 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Belong NBN Plans

A subsidiary of Telstra, Belong offers a dead-simple approach to NBN. All of its plans include unlimited data – simply choose your NBN speed, then decide your contract term.

• Plans begin at $55 per month for Starter NBN 25 on a 12-month contract, or $60 on a monthly plan with no contract.
• NBN 50 plans are available from $65 per month, while premium NBN 100 is priced at $95.
• All 12-month plans include a free Wi-Fi modem.

Belong was scored an overall satisfaction rating of four stars, with a five-star result in the value for money category and four stars in all other areas.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN Starter Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), capped at 30Mbps $80 mobile credit min. cost $660 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$55Advertised Data^^/billing period
	NBN Standard Plus Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $80 mobile credit min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$65Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Premium Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $80 mobile credit min. cost $155 over first month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$95Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Westnet NBN Plans

Part of the iiNet family since 2008, Westnet remains an independent brand but offers a similar range of NBN plans. Prices begin from $69.99 monthly for unlimited data at NBN 12 speeds, although the 500GB option is available for $59.99.

• NBN 50 plans begin at $79.99 per month, with NBN 100 available from $99.99. NBN 50 plans also feature unlimited standard calls to Australian landlines.
• Plans are offered both no-contract and on a 24-month term, but skipping the contract means you’ll pay $79.95 upfront (plus $89 if you include a Wi-Fi modem).
• Fetch TV is available from an extra $5 per month, and calling packs from $10.

Westnet received an overall satisfaction result of four stars, but did achieve five stars for bill clarity.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 12 Unlimited Plan Basic Evening Speed (NBN 12) Includes Fetch $0 activation and included WiFi modem min. cost $1,689.76 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period
	NBN 50 Unlimited Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes Fetch $0 activation and included WiFi modem min. cost $1,929.76 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79.99Advertised Data^^/billing period
	NBN 100 Unlimited Plan Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Includes Fetch $0 activation and included WiFi modem min. cost $2,409.76 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.99Advertised Data^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Internode NBN Plans

Beating out bigger brother iiNet, Internode is an all-round four-star provider offering a comprehensive range of NBN services. Plans start from $49.99 for 100GB of data, with unlimited plans available from $69.99 at NBN 25 speeds.

• Unlimited NBN 50 plans are priced from $79.99 monthly, and NBN 100 from $99.99 per month.
• Fetch is available for an extra $5 per month, and call packs from $10.

Internode scored four stars in every category in our 2019 review, including overall satisfaction, value for money and speed.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN Silver Unlimited Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $0 upfront min. cost $419.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Silver Unlimited Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $0 upfront min. cost $69.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Gold Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $0 upfront Special offer: $59.99 per month for first six months (then $79.99 per month ongoing) min. cost $359.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Gold Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $0 upfront min. cost $79.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Platinum Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $0 upfront min. cost $599.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Platinum Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $0 upfront min. cost $99.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Vodafone NBN Plans

Despite being one Australia’s ‘big three’ telcos, Vodafone is a relative newcomer to the NBN game. The telco offers unlimited data across three NBN speed tiers, with prices beginning at $59 a month for NBN 25.

• NBN 50 plans are priced from $69 monthly, and NBN 100 from $89.
• Plans are month-to-month only, with a $180 Wi-Fi modem fee. However, this charge is waived when you stay connected for 36 months.
• Plans also feature included 4G backup during confirmed NBN faults.

Vodafone achieved a four-star rating across all categories except bill clarity, for which it scored three stars.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Essential NBN (Month to month contract) Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $239 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract) Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $249 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Premium NBN (Month to month contract) Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $269 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

iiNet NBN Plans

iiNet remains a hit with customers thanks to its range of customisable NBN plans. Its NBN 12 plans begin at $59.99 for 500GB of monthly data, with NBN 25 from $69.99 for unlimited gigabytes.

• NBN 50 plans are available from $74.99, while NBN 100 will set you back $99.99 monthly.
• All unlimited plans include optional free Fetch TV, but there is a $59.99 setup fee.

Like its sister provider Internode, iiNet scored four stars for overall satisfaction, and four stars in every additional category.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN25 Liimitless Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) min. cost $419.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN 25 Liimitless Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) min. cost $69.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 Liimitless Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Optional included Fetch ($59.99 setup) min. cost $449.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$74.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 Liimitless Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) min. cost $74.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$74.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 Liimitless Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Optional included Fetch ($59.99 setup) min. cost $599.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 Liimitless Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) min. cost $99.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Exetel NBN Plans

Exetel offers ‘NBN, your way’, with plans starting at just $69.99 for unlimited data on the NBN 50 speed tier and $89.99 on the NBN 100 speed tier, both deals with a free modem included. With it’s entry price starting at $69.99, Exetel is one of the lowest-priced providers included in our 2019 ratings.

• NBN 100 plans are also available, with unlimited data from $89.99 per month.
• Plans are available month-to-month with a modem included and a $79 upfront setup fee.

Exetel took home an overall satisfaction rating of four stars, along with four stars in all other categories.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN Standard Plus Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $79 set up fee upfront Exetel ZTE modem included (valued at $140) min. cost $148.99 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period
	NBN Premium Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $79 set up fee upfront Exetel ZTE modem included (valued at $140) min. cost $168.99 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Data^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

TPG NBN Plans

One of Australia’s best-known internet providers, TPG’s NBN plans begin at just $29.99 per month, but you receive a very modest 10GB in return. For unlimited data, you’ll pay a minimum of $59.99 for NBN 12 speeds, with a mid-way 500GB option available for $49.99.

• A boost to NBN 50 speeds with unlimited data is priced at $69.99 monthly, and NBN 100 is available from $89.99.
• All plans are available with no lock-in contracts or over 18 months, and both terms include a preconfigured Wi-Fi modem. However, the monthly option means you’ll need to pay a $99.95 set-up fee.

TPG achieved a result of four stars in each of our NBN categories, including for overall satisfaction.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN12 SL Basic Evening Speed (NBN 12) $99.95 setup fee on no lock-in contracts min. cost $189.94 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN12 SL Basic Evening Speed (NBN 12) $0 setup fee min. cost $1,109.82 over 18 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 SL Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $99.95 setup fee on no lock-in contracts min. cost $199.94 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 SL Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $0 setup fee min. cost $1,289.82 over 18 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 SL Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $99.95 setup fee on no lock-in contracts min. cost $219.94 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 SL Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $0 setup fee min. cost $1,649.82 over 18 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

iPrimus NBN Plans

A stablemate of Dodo under the Vocus Communications umbrella, iPrimus offers customisable unlimited data NBN plans from $80 per month.

• All plans feature NBN 50 speeds, with a $90 entertainment bundle also available. This plan includes unlimited data, a Fetch Mini and premium channel pack, and unlimited standard national calls.
• $80 plans are available on month-to-month, 12 month, or 24-month contracts, with an included modem on 24-month plans. iPrimus’ $90 plan is only available on a 24-month term.

iPrimus received an overall score of four stars in our 2019 ratings, and achieved three stars in all other categories.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited Supercharged Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $60 modem on 12 month plan One month free Bonus 2000 international minutes or unlimited calls to AU numbers on 24 month contracts min. cost $1,920 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$80Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Entertainment Supercharged Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $55 activation fee + $15 P&H min. cost $2,230 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$90Advertised Data^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Dodo NBN Plans

Dodo’s newly-streamlined NBN plans include two speed options, with prices starting at $60 a month for 101GB of data on the NBN 25 tier. Unlimited data begins at $70, and is available only at NBN 50 speeds.

• Plans are available with no lock-in contracts, but incur a $109 modem fee and $99 setup fee. Otherwise, you can sign up for 12 or 24 months with $0 activation and an included modem.
• Home phone is available to add to your plan at no additional cost, and 24-month plans also feature optional Fetch TV.

Like iPrimus, Dodo received four stars overall, and also achieved four-star scores for customer service, value for money, bill clarity, and ease of setup.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	101GB Plan Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) min. cost $1,440 over 24 months	101GBMax Data**/billing period	$60Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Unlimited Plan – Supercharged Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Special offer: $5 monthly discount – was $75/mth min. cost $1,680 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Data^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

MyRepublic NBN Plans

MyRepublic has offered historically cheap top-tier NBN plans, although pricing and options have been tweaked since its 2016 launch. Unlimited data is included on all plans, with prices beginning at $75 for NBN 50 speeds.

• NBN 100 plans are available from $94.95 per month, although discounted promo plans are frequently offered.
• Plans are available on a flexible month-to-month basis with an optional $69 modem fee, or on a 12-month contract with $1 upfront modem. Choosing BYO modem will save a few dollars on your monthly plan fees.
• MyRepublic is one of the leading providers when it comes to plans and deals specifically designed for gaming.

MyRepublic scored ratings of four stars for value for money, bill clarity, ease of setup, and overall satisfaction in our 2019 review.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited Essential BYO Modem Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) BYO modem or WiFi hub for $69 + P&H min. cost $900 for 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$75Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Essential Flexi Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Optional WiFi hub from $69 + P&H min. cost $79 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Essential Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Included AC1600 Modem for $1 + P&H min. cost $959 over 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Premium Promo BYO Modem Plan Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) BYO modem or WiFi hub for $69 + P&H Special offer: $89.95 per month for the first 12 months, then $94.95 per month ongoing min. cost $1,079.40 for 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.95Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Premium Promo Flexi Plan Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Optional WiFi hub from $69 + P&H Special offer: $94.95 per month for the first 12 months, then $99.95 per month ongoing min. cost $94.95 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$94.95Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Premium Promo Plan Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Included AC1600 Modem for $1 + P&H $94.95 per month for the first 12 months, then $99.95 per month ongoing min. cost $1,150.40 over 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$94.95Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Telstra NBN Plans

Telstra’s newly revamped NBN products are simpler than ever, although the telco giant remains a generally expensive provider. 200GB of data at NBN 25 speeds is available from $75 per month, with unlimited data on the NBN 50 tier priced from $90.

• Where eligible, unlimited data customers can add an NBN 100 speed boost to their plan for an additional $30 per month.
• Other optional add-ons include international call packs, Foxtel entertainment packages, and Telstra TV.
• All plans are contract-free and include a Telstra Smart Modem, but do require an upfront cost of $216.

Telstra was rated three stars in each category for our 2019 report, including overall satisfaction, value for money, and speed.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Core Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $216 modem (free when you stay connected for 24 months) Special offer: $99 connection fee waived (online only) Unlimited local, national & mobile calls included min. cost $291 for first month	200GB Max Data**/billing period	$75Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $216 modem (free when you stay connected for 24 months) Special offer: $99 connection fee waived (online only) Unlimited local, national & mobile calls included min. cost $306 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$90Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Optus NBN Plans

Optus has recently lowered its NBN pricing, with plans now beginning at $70 per month for unlimited data at NBN 50 speeds.

• Optus’ $90 unlimited bundle includes a Fetch Mighty package with one premium channel pack, plus Optus Sport and included unlimited standard calls to Australian landlines, again at NBN 50 speeds.
• Both plans can be upgraded to NBN 100 for an additional $30 per month.
• Plans are available on a 24-month term with a $99 start-up fee, or month-to-month with a $200 upfront cost. All plans include an Optus Wi-Fi modem.

Like main competitor Telstra, Optus achieved an overall rating of three stars, plus three stars across all other categories.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	70 Bundle Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $99 upfront fee Includes phone line min. cost $1,779 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Data^^/billing period
	90 Bundle Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $99 upfront fee Includes Fetch TV + channel pack and Optus Sport Includes phone line & unlimited national calls min. cost $2,259 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$90Advertised Data^^/billing period
	70 Bundle Plan + speed boost Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $99 upfront fee Includes phone line min. cost $2,499 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$100Advertised Data^^/billing period
	90 Bundle Plan + speed boost Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $99 upfront fee Includes Fetch TV + channel pack and Optus Sport Includes phone line & unlimited national calls min. cost $2,979 over 24 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$120Advertised Data^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Foxtel NBN Plans

Another new addition to Canstar Blue’s NBN ratings, Foxtel now offers combined broadband and pay TV packages, all featuring unlimited monthly data. Broadband prices begin at $65 per month for Platinum HD Foxtel customers, and $75 monthly on all other packages (in addition to your monthly Foxtel fee).

• Bundles are offered on the NBN 50 speed tier, but eligible customers can upgrade to NBN 100 for an additional $20 per month.
• All plans include unlimited standard national calls, with 24-month terms including a free Wi-Fi modem and no setup fees.

Foxtel’s broadband services received an overall rating of three stars for satisfaction, and three stars in all other categories.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Foxtel Plus Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $49 TV Entertainment pack Upfront iQ4, install, modem and activation fees apply Special offer: Discounted monthly price on 12 month direct debit plan. Ends 12/11/19. min. cost $1,727 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$124Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Movies HD Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $59 Movies Combo + Foxtel Plus pack Upfront iQ4, install, modem and activation fees apply Special offer: Discounted monthly price on 12 month direct debit plan. Ends 12/11/19. min. cost $1,847 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$134Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Sport HD Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $59 Sports HD TV Combo + Foxtel Plus pack Upfront iQ4, install, modem and activation fees apply Special offer: Discounted monthly price on 12 month direct debit plan. Ends 12/11/19. min. cost $1,847 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$134Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Platinum HD Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $139 Platinum HD TV Pack with 90+ channels Special offer: Discounted monthly price on 12 month direct debit plan. Ends 12/11/19. min. cost $2,687 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$204Advertised Data^^/billing period
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Other NBN providers

In addition to the big-name telcos, there are several ‘second tier’ NBN providers around that should be equally capable of supplying your internet service. These include some familiar names from the world of mobile phone plans, plus NBN-only challenger brands.

• Activ8me
• Barefoot Telecom
• Bendigo Telco
• Flip
• Kogan
• Mate Communicate
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Sumo
• Tangerine Telecom
• TeleChoice

These smaller telcos may even offer superior value than their bigger counterparts, but what you save in price you may lose when it comes to customer service and other features. Or you may not. The point is, it’s hard to know for sure.

Big providers will generally have the most comprehensive customer service and will likely pick up the phone a little bit quicker if you call. This will not always be the case, but it’s worth keeping in mind when it comes to deciding which provider to go with. And just because someone picks up the phone, doesn’t mean they’ll be able to help. Also consider that the big providers often offer more in the way of extra entertainment features, or other sign-up incentives.

While some of these NBN providers will offer cheap alternatives to their bigger counterparts, it would be hard to really judge their customer service credentials until you have actually signed up. It could mean taking something of a gamble with your NBN service. With that in mind, you may want to avoid lengthy contracts, rather keeping your options open just in case things don’t work out as planned.

The NBN is nearly complete

The NBN is due for completion in 2021. And while there are more than 200 NBN providers in Australia, the majority of households are still connected with one of the big telcos featured above. Is that a good move? Maybe. We’ll come to that shortly.

If you’re really not sure about the NBN actually offering the best internet service for you, you may want to consider the alternatives and how 5G could be the solution. The launch of 5G phone plans in 2019 has also added an extra element to the NBN conversation. Maybe, one day, you won’t need a fixed-line internet connection at all.

How to pick an NBN provider

As you will have gathered, picking the right NBN provider for your specific needs can be a real challenge, which will help explain why a majority of Aussie households stick with one of the big guys as a seemingly ‘safe bet’. While this is perfectly understandable, try to keep an open mind and judge every provider on its own merits. Try not to be sucked in by funny marketing campaigns or other gimmicks, rather focusing on the products and service being offered.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about customer service (such as call centre opening times) and what you will need to do in the event of any problems.
• Find out as much as you can about the provider itself and the plan on offer, by reading the critical information summary. This holds all of the details relating to the plan, including the contract terms and any charges you may need to pay.
• Make sure you understand what speed tier you’re signing up to, and what that provider’s typical evening speeds are.
• Pay attention to contract lengths and any upfront costs. It’s common to find set-up and modem costs slashed or removed altogether if you agree to a one or two-year contract. Signing up on a monthly basis usually means the highest upfront costs.

Also seek out customer reviews to give you an idea of what you can expect if you sign up. All in all, with so many NBN providers out there, it can be hard to disseminate which provider is right for you.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Internet Deals
• Best Internet For Netflix
• Wireless Internet Guide

How much can you expect to pay on the NBN?

Our research shows that households connected to the NBN are paying an average of about $77 a month for their new service. This compares to an average of about $72 for those who still have an ADSL connection, suggesting an upgrade to the NBN is resulting in higher costs for many. Though this doesn’t have to be the case. While the opportunity to upgrade your internet service is tempting, make sure you consider exactly what you need in terms of speed levels and data allowance.

• Many providers only offer unlimited data, but this could mean you’re paying for something you don’t need.
• Switching to the NBN will not necessarily deliver an upgrade to your internet service in terms of performance, especially if you subscribe to a plan with the slowest download speeds, which are comparable to those experienced with an ADSL2+ connection.

NBN speeds remain a major political issue, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigating service providers to ensure that advertised speeds are realistically being met by the end user. It is worth remembering that all download/upload speeds reported are the maximum speeds that can be achieved with a particular plan.

• A number of providers have had to compensate customers over slow NBN speeds.
• The NBN is improving, however, with the ACCC reporting ‘better than expected’ results since its crackdown on NBN speeds.

While it’s tempting to go for a cheap NBN plan, keep in mind that doing so will likely mean that you are sacrificing either speed or data allowance. You might find there is better value in paying a little extra but think carefully about what you’re getting if your new NBN plan is more expensive than your old service. The last thing you’ll want is to end up paying more for a service that is no better than your old one!

When it comes to picking an NBN provider or plan, the most important message is to keep your options open – you certainly have plenty of them!

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