Home Broadband

Why you need to compare broadband

There are many reasons why you need to take the time to compare broadband services from different providers, and with so many plans and providers offering great home broadband plans you should have no problem pinpointing the perfect plan for your needs. Some of the important reasons that you need to check and compare home broadband plans before you make any commitment include:

• To check the suitability of the plans: You need to ensure that the plan you choose will be suited to your needs, particularly if you will be tied in for a relatively lengthy contract period

• To ensure that you get value for money: You should bear in mind that the cost of home broadband plans can vary from one provider to another, so when it comes to broadband compare plans to ensure you get value for money

• To see what’s on offer: Unless you take the time to compare home broadband plans you will find it difficult to check and see where and when you can get the best deals, so you could miss out on some highly competitive broadband plans that could be perfect for you, so instead make sure you are informed of all the latest technology and deals.

When looking commit to a home broadband plan it is essential to weigh up all of the available options to ensure you find the best plan for your money and your needs. From bundled broadband to naked broadband to wireless broadband… the options are endless! So, to help you with this decision, consider the features you need and want and how they will affect the cost and the type of plan you choose:

• Bundled, naked or wireless: are you looking for a home phone, internet and cable T.V. package? Or perhaps you just need the internet? Are you a light user or a heavy user? Do you want a fixed connection or one that you can take with you?

Top Home Broadband Bundles

Plan	Details	Data (Peak/Offpeak)	Speed (Kbps)	Price	Sign Up
Dodo Broadband + Home Phone ADSL2+ 5GB Metro (inc. Line Rental)	5GB (2.5GB peak & 2.5GB off-peak) ADSL2+ download speeds (metro location) free static ip address, free backup dialup account. Terms available on 0 to 24 months.	3 GB / 3 GB	24000 / 1000 kbps	$49.90
Dodo Broadband + Home Phone ADSL2+ 100GB Metro (inc. Line Rental)	100GB ADSL2+ download speeds in metro location, suitable for high internet users of webmail, email, and online content (high quality music and movie streaming). Terms available on 0 to 24 months.	50 GB / 50 GB	24000 / 1000 kbps	$49.90
TPG ADSL2+ with Home Phone Bundle 500GB	Superfast ADSL2+ speeds with 500GB (uploads not counted) Existing home numbers can be transferred if applicable, with cheap local national and international calls. Enhanced features such as call barring, number display, call line identification, call waiting, call waiting at no extra charge. Terms available on 6 or 18 months.	250 GB / 250 GB	24000 / 1000 kbps	$49.99
TPG ADSL2+ with Home Phone Bundle Unlimited 24×7	Uncapped download limit on ADSL2+ (uploads not counted). Existing home numbers can be transferred if applicable, with cheap local national and international calls. Enhanced features such as call barring, number display, call line identification, call waiting, call waiting at no extra charge. Terms available on 12 or 18 Months.	Unlimited	24000 / 1000 kbps	$59.99

What to look for when you compare home broadband plans

These are a few of the questions you have to ask yourself when considering home broadband. Bundled broadband plans are the norm, and usually consist of a cable or ADSL2+ connection along with a home phone plan. These are typically leveled towards families and heavy users, and give a hefty data allowance. Additionally, bundle packages also may include options like cable T.V.! Naked home broadband plans are orientated towards students or younger couples who don’t require a home phone but still want the reliability of a fixed internet connection with a solid data usage. Finally, wireless mobile broadband users simply plug-and-play with their devices, saving on installation costs and other usage fees. Wireless broadband users can take their USB modems with them on-the-go and do not require a fixed internet or home phone connection!

• The data allowance: The amount of monthly data usage you get with your home broadband plan can vary from one plan and provider to another. Your data allowance is particularly important if you are a heavier internet user, as without adequate data you could end up exceeding your limits and paying the price

• The speed: Of course, we all want to benefit from high speeds when it comes to our home broadband plans but speed can depend on a number of factors. You should compare the speeds that come with home broadband plans you are considering but bear in mind that the actual speed that you get may be quite different to the advertised speed

• The provider: It is also important that you compare providers when looking at home broadband plans, not only to ensure that they cover your area but also to look a little deeper into their reputation and their customer services levels

Generally speaking, fixed term bundle broadband plans are the most expensive as they provide the most benefits and largest data allocations. Bundle broadband plans start from about $50 – $60 per month but can range up to $129 with the Optus ‘fusion’ bundles. As naked broadband plans cut the home phone, these typically start from around $40 per month, with major savings on line rental. If you’re running on a thin budget, then wireless broadband may be your thing. Wireless broadband modems usually start at $29 per month and are an alternative to the heavy usage bundle and naked broadband plans.

• Contract: at the same time, consider whether you are budgeting for a fixed term 12 or 24 month contract. Most bundle plans have a minimum 24 month term, while naked and wireless broadband plans are usually 12 months or 0 month terms. Many of the higher usage and cost plans have expensive early termination fees so be wary of committing to a long term plan without proper planning.

At the end of the day, it is very important to analyse the needs of your household before making any decision. At the moment, ADSL2+ and cable broadband are the most popular choices in Australia, with many service providers offering great discounts on home phone and pay T.V. bundles! If you are a heavy user or browse in a family environment, you may wish to head down this avenue. But if you hardly use your home phone anymore, naked broadband may be a better option for you, saving you line rental fees every month! Alternatively, for those who have a small budget and don’t mind not being hooked up to the fixed internet connection, wireless mobile broadband may be your calling!

Finally, consider the relevant contract term lengths and all relevant fees and charges (especially installation costs) and whether they fall under your budget. Modem fees, delivery costs and discounts are all important in lowering your final costs!