When it comes to NBN, Telstra and Aussie Broadband are two of the more premium providers you can pick from. Telstra is naturally Australia's biggest and oldest telco, while Aussie Broadband has risen through the ranks to become the nation's fifth-largest NBN provider and garnered a "good guy" reputation thanks to excellent support. If you're tossing up between the two, here's what you need to know.
In this guide:
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: NBN plans at a glance
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited
$58/mth
Min. cost $58
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
All Fixed Line nbn®
Basic Internet Only Plan
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value nbn - Unlimited
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#1
|
Telstra
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Premium Internet Only Plan
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Aussie Broadband
nbn® Fixed Wireless Plus Unlimited
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Fast nbn - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
|
|
#1
|
Telstra
Premium Internet Only Plan (Fixed Wireless)
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
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#2
|
Aussie Broadband
nbn® Fixed Wireless Fast Unlimited
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
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|
#1
|
Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Ultrafast Internet Only Plan
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
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#2
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Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Ultrafast Fibre - Unlimited
$129/mth
Min. cost $129
|
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Internet types available
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband predominantly sells NBN plans, and does so across all speed tiers: NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, and NBN 1000. In addition, it has a unique NBN 75 plan for those that want connectivity faster than NBN 50 without splurging on an NBN 100 plan.
Here are Aussie Broadband's unlimited NBN plans:
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited
$58/mth
Min. cost $58
|
|
#2
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value nbn - Unlimited
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Basic nbn - Unlimited
$77/mth
Min. cost $77
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Fast Fibre - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Fast nbn - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
|
|
#6
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTP
Super-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
|
|
#7
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
|
|
#8
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Superfast Fibre - Unlimited
$119/mth
Min. cost $119
|
|
#9
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Ultrafast Fibre - Unlimited
$129/mth
Min. cost $129
|
|
#10
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTP
Turbofast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$136/mth
Min. cost $136
|
If you're considering an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan, be aware that not everyone can get these: you need an FTTP or HFC NBN connection. All FTTP customers can get both NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans. On the other hand, all HFC customers can now get NBN 250 plans and over 90% can get NBN 1000 plans.
Aussie Broadband also offers OptiComm fibre plans for eligible areas.
Telstra
Telstra offers NBN plans on NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, and NBN 1000 speed tiers.
Here's Telstra's range of NBN plans:
|
Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Premium Internet Only Plan
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
Telstra also has ADSL and Cable plans for those that haven't been connected to the NBN yet, and mobile broadband options. Telstra also has 5G home internet available as an NBN alternative.
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Typical evening speeds
Typical evening speeds refer to the download speeds you can expect during peak usage times on the NBN - between 7pm and 11pm.
Much in the same way that traffic on the road can slow down during peak hours, the NBN can too. NBN connections may slow down in the evenings, when everyone in your neighbourhood is jumping online to stream, surf, download, and more. As such, a provider's evening speeds indicate how fast your connection will be at the times you use it most.
Here is how Aussie and Telstra stack up against each other in terms of typical evening speeds on the NBN.
| NBN 12 | NBN 25 | NBN 50 | NBN 100 | NBN 250 | NBN 1000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie | 12Mbps | 25Mbps | 50Mbps | 99Mbps | 248Mbps | 600Mbps |
| Telstra | - | 25Mbps | 50Mbps | 100Mbps | 250Mbps | 700Mbps |
For comparison, here are the 10 fastest providers on NBN 100 plans.
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#1
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amaysim 
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Link not supplied
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#2
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Belong 
|
|
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#3
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Tangerine Telecom 
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|
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#4
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Dodo 
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#5
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Optus 
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Link not supplied
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#6
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SpinTel 
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#7
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Telstra 
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Link not supplied
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#8
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Kogan Internet 
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|
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#9
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iiNet 
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Link not supplied
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#10
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Superloop 
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Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Data limits
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband NBN plans all have unlimited data, but most are also available in 100GB or 500GB options if you'd prefer a smaller allowance to save a bit of cash each month.
Telstra
All Telstra NBN plans also have unlimited data.
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Contracts
Aussie Broadband
All Aussie Broadband NBN plans are contract-free. You can leave at any time without penalty.
Telstra
All of Telstra's NBN plans are contract-free. Just note that if you're on one of Telstra's standard NBN plans and you leave in your first 24 months, you'll need to pay a prorated modem fee. This is equivalent to $9 multiplied by the number of months left in your two-year term. If you've taken on any extras like a Telstra TV, you will also need to pay out its remaining value.
If you're on a Telstra Upfront NBN plan, you can return your modem instead. If you don't return it, you'll pay a $200 non-return fee.
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Modem
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband plans all allow you to bring your own modem. If you need a new one, it offers the following options.
- Netcomm NF18MESH: $149
- Google Nest Wifi: $249
- Google Nest Wifi with 1 Nest Point: $349
- Google Nest Wifi with 2 Nest Point: $469
This pricing excludes shipping.
The Netcomm modem can be ordered online, but you'll need to call Aussie to order a Google Nest.
Telstra
All Telstra NBN plans come with its second-generation Smart Modem, which also facilitates 4G backup. If you're on a standard Telstra NBN plan, you'll need to pay out a modem fee if you leave within your first 24 months. This is equivalent to $9 multiplied by the number of months left in your two-year term.
If you're on a Telstra Upfront NBN plan and leave within your first two years, you can simply return the modem instead. If you'd prefer to keep it (or forget to return it) you'll pay a $200 non-return fee.
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Customer service
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband offers support over the phone from 8am to midnight, AEDT, seven days a week. You can call 1300 880 905 to reach Aussie Broadband. You can also submit an inquiry via its website and request a call back at a specific time, and the telco also helps out customers on Facebook and Twitter.
Telstra
Telstra support is available over the phone between 8am and 9pm AEDT, seven days a week. You can call 13 2000 to reach Telstra. Telstra also has web chat, and maintains an active and helpful social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.
Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Extras
Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband customers can add Fetch TV or a mobile phone plan onto their NBN plan.
When it comes to Fetch TV, you won't get any discount compared to the standard pricing - you just have the option of adding your set-top box onto the same bill. You'll pay a minimum of $10 per month for the set-top box itself, and channel packs start at $6 per month.
Aussie Broadband offers mobile plans powered by Optus, and has 4G-only and 5G-ready available options available. If you have an Aussie Broadband NBN plan, you'll get extra data on Aussie Broadband's 4G plans. Bonus data or discounts aren't available on Aussie Broadband's 5G mobile plans.
Telstra
Telstra NBN plans come with a couple of extras. All plans include the telco's second-generation Smart Modem with 4G backup. 4G connectivity can be called up before your NBN plan is connected and whenever there's a problem with your home internet connection. Backup connectivity is limited to maximum speeds of 25Mbps down, and 5Mbps up. Download speeds are equivalent to an NBN 25 connection - making Telstra's 4G backup the fastest around.
If you're a gamer, you can add Xbox All Access onto your Telstra NBN plan. Xbox All Access lets you pay off an Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X over a 24-month period rather than upfront, and includes Game Pass Ultimate.
Telstra is also currently offering customers a free three-month subscription to Binge.
Telstra NBN customers can also bundle on streaming services and pay TV options on their monthly bill. At present, you can add on a Foxtel package to your NBN plan for a cheaper rate than you'd pay with Foxtel itself, but the discount only lasts for your first 12 months. After you'll pay the same rate as you would with Foxtel.
Telstra has a similar offer for Kayo, where you'll save $10 per month compared to retail, but only for your first year.
Lastly, all Telstra customers get access to Telstra Plus, Telstra's perks program. Every dollar you spend with Telstra earns you points, which then be redeemed for gadgets or discounts on more expensive tech.
Telstra Plus also gets you $12.50 movie tickets for Event and BCC cinemas, excluding sessions after 5pm on a Saturday, public holidays, and special events
Alex Choros
Thousands of internet plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
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