NBN Providers: Australia’s Best-Rated

Aussies rate Aussie Broadband best NBN provider two years running

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 a customer is to find the internet plans and NBN providers that best meet your high speed broadband 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 and how it compares to the competition.

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 broadband provider for your needs. So, what did we find this year?

Best NBN Providers

Here are the best NBN providers in Australia, as rated by customers in Canstar Blue’s 2020 satisfaction survey of over 4,400 households:

1. Aussie Broadband
2. Westnet
3. Internode
4. Belong
5. TPG
6. iiNet
7. Dodo
8. Vodafone
9. Exetel
10. iPrimus
11. Telstra
12. Optus
13. Foxtel

A big congratulations goes to Aussie Broadband for taking out the number one spot in our NBN provider comparison for the second year in a row. The Victoria-based provider was rated best for overall satisfaction, while also achieving five-star results for speed and reliability, customer service, and value for money. With great average speeds, plus competitive prices and Victoria-based customer service, it’s no wonder Aussie Broadband continues to impress Australian NBN customers. 

Aussie Broadband leads a stellar list of NBN providers, including previous winners Internode, TPG and iiNet. While Aussie Broadband was rated best for overall satisfaction, speed and reliability, customer service and value for money, Internode scored the only five-star review for bill and cost clarity, while Belong also scored five stars 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 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 the big and small NBN providers to help you find the right deal for you and your family.

NBN Providers Comparison

Best NBN Provider: Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband returns to claim the number-one spot in our 2020 ratings, and is one of the few nationwide NBN providers to offer plans at almost every available speed tier – from entry-level NBN 12 and average speed NBN 50, to ultra-fast NBN 1000. Alongside newly-launched NBN 250 and 1000 speed tiers, Aussie Broadband also offers specialised plans for gamers and seniors, and boasts an Australian-based support team and an award-winning self-serve app.

• Unlimited-data NBN plans begin at $59 per month for NBN 12, but tiered data options are also available.
• Plans are available with no lock-in contract, and there are no set-up or activation fees for new customers.
• Phone bundles are available from $10 per month for unlimited standard local and national calls.

In only its second year included in Canstar Blue’s NBN ratings, Aussie Broadband has again exceeded expectations with a five-star overall satisfaction score. The NBN provider also scored five stars for speed and reliability, customer service, and value for money, and achieved four stars for ease of setup and bill and cost 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 $60 over first month	100GBMax Data**/billing period	$60Advertised Cost^^/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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited Family Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100/20) Optional modem $149 ($15 P&H) min. cost $99 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99Advertised Cost^^/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 to both iiNet and sister provider Internode. Prices begin from $69.99 monthly for unlimited data at NBN 25 speeds, although an NBN 12 option with 500GB is available for $59.99 per month.

• Unlimited NBN 50 plans begin at $79.99 per month, with unlimited 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 6-month term, but skipping the contract means you’ll pay an extra $40 upfront if you include a Wi-Fi modem.
• Fetch TV is available to bundle on selected plans from $59.99 upfront, and calling packs begin at $5 per month.

Westnet received an overall satisfaction result of four stars, and scored four stars in each additional category.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 25 Unlimited Plan Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $0 activation and included WiFi modem min. cost $489.89 over 6 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 50 Unlimited Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes Fetch $0 activation and included WiFi modem min. cost $519.89 over 6 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$74.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 100 Unlimited Plan Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Includes Fetch $0 activation and included WiFi modem min. cost $669.89 over 6 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Internode NBN Plans

Beating out bigger brother iiNet in our 2020 ratings, Internode remains a well-loved provider offering a large range of NBN services. Plans start from $49.99 monthly for 100GB data, with unlimited plans available from $69.99 per month 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 unlimited national call packs from $10.
• Internode does offer limited-time specials, such as its popular ongoing six-month discount for NBN 50.

Internode scored four stars for overall satisfaction in our 2020 review, but took home five-star results for speed and reliability, customer service, ease of setup and for bill and cost clarity.

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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Platinum Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $0 upfront Special offer: $89.99 per month for first 12 months (then $99.99 per month ongoing) min. cost $599.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Platinum Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $0 upfront Special offer: $89.99 per month for first 12 months (then $99.99 per month ongoing) min. cost $89.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Cost^^/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 simple and hassle-free approach to NBN. All Belong plans include unlimited monthly data – simply choose your NBN speed, then decide your contract term.

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

Belong achieved an overall satisfaction rating of four stars, with a five-star result for value for money and four stars in all other categories.

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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN Premium Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $80 mobile credit min. cost $155 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$95Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

TPG NBN Plans

One of Australia’s biggest and best-known home 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 smaller 100GB per month option available for $49.99.

• TPG also offers unlimited NBN 25 from $64.99 per month. 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 six months, and both terms include a pre-configured Wi-Fi modem. 
• If you do go month-to-month, 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, speed and for value for money.

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 $369.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN50 SL Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $99.95 setup fee on no lock-in contracts min. cost $429.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$69.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 SL Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $99.95 setup fee on no lock-in contracts Special offer: $79.99 per month for first 6 months, then $89.99 ongoing. Terms apply. min. cost $539.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

iiNet NBN Plans

iiNet remains a hit with Aussie customers thanks to its range of customisable NBN plans, which offer plenty of extras such as calling and entertainment. iiNet’s NBN 12 plans begin from $59.99 for 500GB of monthly data, with NBN 25 available from $69.99 per month for unlimited gigabytes.

• Unlimited NBN 50 plans are available from $74.99 each month, while unlimited NBN 100 will set you back $99.99 monthly.
• iiNet’s NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans include optional free Fetch TV, but there is a $59.99 setup fee.
• Customers can add unlimited call packs from $5 per month.

Like its sister provider Internode, iiNet scored four stars for overall satisfaction, with a four-star result in each 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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 Liimitless Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Optional included Fetch ($59.99 setup) Special offer: $89.99 per month for first 12 months (then $99.99 per month ongoing) min. cost $599.94 over six months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	NBN100 Liimitless Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Special offer: $89.99 per month for first 12 months (then $99.99 per month ongoing) min. cost $89.99 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Dodo NBN Plans

Dodo’s simple range of NBN plans include three speed options, with prices starting at $65 a month for unlimited data on the NBN 25 tier. Unlimited data at NBN 50 speeds begins at $70 per month, with NBN 100 available from $85.

• Plans are available with no lock-in contracts, but incur a $120 setup and modem fee. 
• Setup and modem fees are waived if you sign up on a 12-month contract.
• Home phone is available to add to your plan at no additional cost, and 12-month plans also feature optional Fetch TV from $25 per month.

Dodo scored four stars for overall satisfaction in our 2020 ratings, plus four stars in all other categories.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited NBN 25 Plan Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $0 setup fee including modem on 12 month plans ($24.90 modem p&h applies) min. cost $804.90 over 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$65Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited NBN 50 Plan Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $0 setup fee including modem on 12 month plans ($24.90 modem p&h applies) min. cost $864.90 over 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Unlimited NBN 100 Plan Premium Speed (NBN 100) $0 setup fee including modem on 12 month plans ($24.90 modem p&h applies) min. cost $1040.90 over 12 months	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$85Advertised 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 still a relative newcomer to the NBN game. The telco offers unlimited data across three NBN speed tiers, with prices beginning at $65 a month for NBN 25 speeds.

• NBN 50 plans are priced from $75 monthly, and NBN 100 from $95.
• Plans are available month-to-month only, and do incur $180 Wi-Fi modem fee. However, this charge is waived when you stay connected for 36 months.
• Vodafone’s included WiFi Hub offers free 4G backup during confirmed NBN faults.

Vodafone achieved a four-star rating across all categories in 2020, including overall satisfaction.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Essential NBN (Month to month contract) Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) Special offer: $55 per month for the first 6 months, then $65 per month ongoing. Offer expires 16/04/21. $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $245 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$65Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Essentials+ NBN (Month to month contract) Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Special offer: $65 per month for the first 6 months, then $75 per month ongoing. Offer expires 16/04/21. $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $255 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$75Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Premium NBN (Month to month contract) Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Special offer: $85 per month for the first 6 months, then $95 per month ongoing. Offer expires 16/04/21. $180 modem (reduced to $0 over 36 months) min. cost $275 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$95Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Exetel NBN Plans

Exetel offers ‘NBN, your way’, with plans starting at $69 per month for unlimited data at NBN 25 speeds. NBN 50 is available from $79 per month, while premium NBN 100 is priced at $99 monthly. 

• All plans are offered contract-free and month-to-month.
• An optional WiFi modem is available from $79 upfront on all plans.
• Customers can also add an unlimited call pack from $10 per month.

Exetel took home an overall satisfaction rating of four stars in this year’s ratings, plus four star results for speed and reliability, value for money, ease of setup, and bill cost and clarity.

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 Cost^^/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 Cost^^/billing period
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 just $70 per month for NBN 25 speeds. Unlimited NBN 50 data is available from $75 monthly, while NBN 100 is $90 per month. 

• Plans are available on month-to-month or 12-month contracts, but going contract-free incurs a $99 setup and modem fee.
• Customers can mix and match data, speeds and contracts to create their own personalised plan.
• Fetch TV is available on unlimited plans from an extra $10 per month. 

iPrimus received an overall score of three stars in our 2020 ratings, with four-star scores for speed and reliability, value for money, ease of setup and for bill and cost clarity.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 25 Standard Evening Speed (NBN 25) $70 modem and setup fee PAYG calls min. cost $140 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 50 Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) $70 modem and setup fee PAYG calls min. cost $145 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$75Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	NBN 100 Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) $70 modem and setup fee PAYG calls min. cost $160 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$90Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Telstra NBN Plans

Telstra’s range of contract-free NBN options are comparatively expensive, but the telco giant does offer an extensive range of extras and perks. Prices begin at $75 per month for 500Gb of data and NBN 25 speeds, with unlimited NBN 50 from $90 and NBN 100 beginning at $110 per month. NBN 250 is also available for an additional $30, on top of the NBN 100, as is NBN 1000 for an additional $70.

• All plans include unlimited standard mobile and national calls. 
• 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, which is priced at $216 (but is included free if you stay connected for 24 months).

Telstra was rated three stars for overall satisfaction in our 2020 report, but did score a four-star result for speed and reliability, ease of setup and for bill clarity.

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) Unlimited local, national & mobile calls included Special offer: $99 connection fee waived (online only) Special offer: 3 months free BINGE Standard (offer available until withdrawn). min. cost $291 for first month	500GB 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) Unlimited local, national & mobile calls included Special offer: $99 connection fee waived (online only) Special offer: 3 months free BINGE Standard (offer available until withdrawn). 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’ NBN range includes six plans, split between Fetch TV offerings through the Entertainer category and Standard Plus and Premium NBN speeds. A standard NBN 50 plan is available from $75 per month, while the Family Internet Ultimate plan is priced from $85 and includes a Fetch Mini and WiFi Booster. The Entertainer plan starts at $90, and includes a Fetch Mighty and a premium channel pack. 

• An upgrade to NBN 100 is available on both Everyday and Entertainer plans for extra $20 per month.
• All plans include Optus Sport, plus optional phone line.
• Plans are available month-to-month with a $99 upfront cost. All plans include an Optus Wi-Fi modem, priced at $252 upfront (or $0 if you stay connected for 36 months).

Like main competitor Telstra, Optus achieved an overall rating of three stars, but did eke out four stars for bill and cost clarity.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Internet Everyday $75 and Phone Lite Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) of 50Mpbs from 7-11pm. Various factors affects speed and performance Includes Optus Sport Stay connected for 36 months and pay no modem cost or pay $7 x per month remaining if cancelled earlier min. cost $426 over first month +$252 modem (included) | +99 setup fee	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$75Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Family Internet Ultimate $85 and Phone Lite Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) of 50Mbps from 7-11pm. Various factors affect speed and performance Includes Fetch TV Mini and Optus Sport Stay connected for 36 months and pay no modem cost or pay $7 x per month remaining if cancelled earlier min. cost $652 over first month +$252 modem (included) | +99 setup fee | + $216 WiFi Booster charges	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$85Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Internet Entertainer $90 and Phone Lite Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) of 50Mbps from 7-11pm. Various factors affect speed and performance Includes Fetch TV + Premium Channel Pack and Optus Sport Stay connected for 36 months and pay no modem cost or pay $7 x per month remaining if cancelled earlier min. cost $441 over first month +$252 modem (included) | +99 setup fee	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$90Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Internet Everyday $75, Phone Lite and Premium Evening Speed $20 Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100/20) of 100Mpbs from 7-11pm. Various factors affect speed and performance Includes Optus Sport Stay connected for 36 months and pay no modem costs, or pay $7 x per month remaining if cancelled earlier min. cost $446 over first month +$252 modem (included) | +$99 setup fee	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$95Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Family Internet Ultimate $85, Phone Lite and Premium Evening Speed $20 Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100/20) of 100Mpbs from 7-11pm. Various factors affect speed and performance Includes Fetch TV Mini and Optus Sport Stay connected for 36 months and pay no modem costs, or pay $7 x per month remaining if cancelled earlier min. cost $672 over first month +$252 modem (included) | +$99 setup fee | +$216 WiFi Booster charges	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$105Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Internet Entertainer $90, Phone Lite and Premium Evening Speed $20 Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100/20) of 100Mpbs from 7-11pm. Various factors affect speed and performance Includes Fetch TV + Premium Channel Pack and Optus Sport Stay connected for 36 months and pay no modem costs, or pay $7 x per month remaining if cancelled earlier min. cost $461 over first month +$252 modem (included) | +99 setup fee	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$110Advertised Data^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Foxtel NBN Plans

Known primarily for its pay TV and streaming channels, Foxtel offers combined internet and entertainment plans, featuring unlimited monthly data. Broadband prices begin at $65 per month for Premium customers, and $75 monthly on all other packages (in addition to your monthly Foxtel fee).

• Plans are available on both 12-month and 24-month contracts.
• 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, a free Wi-Fi modem and no setup fees.

Foxtel NBN  received an overall rating of three stars for satisfaction in our 2020 ratings, 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 $59 TV Entertainment pack Upfront iQ4, install, modem and activation fees apply min. cost $1,827 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$124Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Movies HD Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $69 Movies Combo + Foxtel Plus pack Upfront iQ4, install, modem and activation fees apply min. cost $2,067 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$144Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Sport HD Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $74 Sports HD TV Combo + Foxtel Plus pack Upfront iQ4, install, modem and activation fees apply min. cost $2,127 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$149Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Unlimited Broadband + Premium Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Includes $99 Platinum HD TV Pack with 90+ channels min. cost $2,307 over 12 month plan period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$164Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

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
• MyRepublic
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Start Broadband
• Tangerine Telecom

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 with a no contract NBN plan, rather keeping your options open just in case things don’t work out as planned.

Can I switch to the NBN?

The NBN is due for completion in late 2020, with most suburbs already connected or now on track to connect soon. 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 NBN alternatives and how 5G could be the solution. The launch of 5G broadband 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, choosing the best 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 – this is a much better indicator of your plan’s average speed than just the NBN speed tier alone.
• 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.
• Seek out customer reviews to give you an idea of what you can expect if you sign up.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Internet Deals
• Best Internet For Netflix
• Home Wireless Broadband
• Fixed Wireless Guide

How much can you expect to pay for the NBN?

Our research shows that in 2020, households connected to the NBN are paying an average of about $69 a month for their new service. 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) compiling its own independent research each quarter into Australia’s fastest NBN providers.  It is worth remembering that all download/upload speeds reported are the maximum speeds that can be achieved with a particular plan, and to look at data such as typical evening speeds for a more accurate real-world performance .

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!

About the author of this page

This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent more than seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including NBN plans and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best NBN deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of. Tara also acts as a spokesperson for Canstar Blue.

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