The best wireless internet plans in Australia: Comparing fixed, 5G and mobile broadband
So if you think your home wireless internet plan could use some improvement, or you want to see if there’s a potentially better internet option to compete with your NBN landline, we’re here to help. We’ve compared the best wireless internet plans in partnership with WhistleOutincluding NBN fixed wireless, 4G and 5G home internet and even 4G and 5G mobile broadband.
Current tariff offers for wireless internet
Looking for some quick recommendations for the best wireless broadband options in Australia? We’ve selected some of the exceptional deals currently available, which you can view below.
Best NBN Fixed Wireless Plans
The National Broadband Network (NBN) has made it its mission to provide internet access across the country. Most Australians have landline internet access, but for those in more remote areas of the country, the NBN fixed wireless network is available to keep you connected.
As with its landline counterpart, NBN fixed wireless plans are divided into different speed tiers and some may also have a limit on the amount of data you can download. So, as with any internet plan, it pays to do your homework to determine which option is best for you.
It is also worth noting that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found in its latest finding. Measuring Australia’s broadband states that “NBN fixed wireless users achieved an average download performance of 110.2% of the scheduled speed during all hours, dropping to 87.6% during peak hours.
For NBN fixed wireless customers on the equivalent of the NBN 50 plan, which advertises download speeds of up to 50Mbps, this means speeds between 56Mbps and 65Mbps were reported for most hours of the day. During typical busy hours in the evening, between 19:00 – 23:00, download speeds of 38 Mbps – 56 Mbps were recorded.
So while you might initially think that a fixed wireless internet plan won’t offer much in terms of performance, the opposite is actually true.
The best NBN fixed wireless plan: our pick
Why you can trust Tom’s guide
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best one for you. Learn more about how we test.
More NBN Fixed Wireless offers
The best home wireless internet plans
Australia’s 4G and 5G network coverage has been steadily improving in recent years and is now a real internet option for people looking for a fast and reliable connection.
In particular, 5G home internet has the potential to offer download speeds that far exceed those offered on a fixed NBN connection.
4G home internet speeds may be slower in comparison, but they offer an easier and more convenient way to connect to the internet for people in more remote areas.
The best 5G home wireless plan: our pick
When 5G home internet was first available in Australia, only Telstra and Optus could offer it. And Telstra was by invitation only. But now Vodafone has joined the party, Telstra has dropped its invite policy and overall 5G coverage has increased considerably.
This means 5G home internet is a real option for Australians looking to get online and experience super-fast download speeds. And with increased competition, telecom service providers are starting to offer better deals to help lure you. Below we’ve picked our favorite plan for most people, but check it out the best 5G home internet plans for more offers.
Other 5G home wireless plans
The best 4G home wireless plan: our pick
Other 4G home wireless plans
Best Mobile Broadband Plans
Mobile broadband can be useful if you spend a lot of time away from home but still need an internet connection. It is available in both 4G and 5G speeds and can serve as an alternative to using your smartphone as a personal hotspot. However, mobile broadband can get expensive if you need to buy a compatible modem, as telcos charge a monthly fee for it.
You can get SIM-only mobile broadband plans, but these require your own modem. For example, you can insert a SIM card into an old phone and use it as a personal hotspot. With mobile broadband, it’s important to remember that there is usually a limit to the amount of data included.
The plans we’ve selected below are based on the assumption that you have to pay for a compatible modem.
The best 5G mobile broadband plans: our pick
Other 5G mobile broadband plans
The best 4G mobile broadband plans: our pick
Other plans for 4G mobile broadband
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Wireless Internet
What is Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless internet is the type of connection used mostly by people in rural and regional areas of Australia. The ACCC estimates that 4% of NBN customers are served by NBN fixed wireless.
Fixed wireless broadband is delivered to homes through base towers that emit radio waves that are received by an antenna installed on the roof of your property. The antenna connects to NBN equipment in your property, which connects to the modem and sends out a Wi-Fi signal that your devices connect to.
Is wireless broadband better than the NBN?
Yes and no. For some Australians, wireless broadband is their only option to connect to the internet because their property is not served by a fixed NBN connection. Some others may find that they live in an area with good 5G network coverage and so can achieve faster download speeds than what is possible from their fixed connection.
However, wireless Internet capabilities can be affected by network congestion, wireless signal interference, and the distance between the property and the base tower. Although the ACCC found that NBN fixed wireless providers deliver 110% download speeds during all hours, it’s no guarantee you’ll experience the same. A fixed NBN connection is likely to offer consistent speeds.