How to pick the best home broadband or NBN plan

WE ARE all chewing through data at a rapid rate but there’s some simple ways to work out if you’re on the best deal.

WE ALL seem to be munching through endless amounts of data so picking the right home internet deal is vital to helping get good speeds and paying a decent price.

Consumers want to surf the web, stream video or download movies around the clock without experiencing the frustrations of painful dropouts or the slowing of their service.

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And as Australians gradually make the transition across from home broadband to the National Broadband Network, selecting the right deal for the right price is a good place to start.

Australians are constantly on their devices and are chewing more data than ever before.

Telco comparison website WhistleOut’s spokesman Kenny McGilvary said those already with NBN or getting it soon should avoid locking themselves into a contract.

“If your home is NBN ready we would recommend getting an NBN 50 plan (standard evening plus speed) and to start with a no-contract option first so you can test the quality of service for a month without committing long term,’’ he said.

“If you’re happy with the service you can stick with it, otherwise you can easily switch and try out another provider.

“Just don’t lock in until you know you’re getting what you’re paying for.”

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Mr McGilvary said NBN plans start at about $59 per month, with speeds in four levels:

— NBN 12 (basic evening speed)

— NBN 25 (standard evening speed)

— NBN 50 (standard evening plus)

— NBN 100 (premium evening speed).

Access to the National Broadband Network comes in various speeds.

But Mr McGilvary said consumers still waiting for the arrival of NBN should hunt around as ADSL price deals vary and close attention must be paid to the monthly charges.

“ADSL plans with unlimited data start at $39 per month but quickly ramp up to around $59 per month and you also need to have an active home landline,’’ he said.

Belong’s head Ben Burge said customers yet to get NBN in their home should expect improved speeds once it does arrive.
He said it’s vital to ask questions about what the deal you are signing up to will actually give you.

“The first thing to ask is what are you going to be doing with it (home internet),’’ Mr Burge said.

“If you’ve got a household where you are doing one stream at a time ... you are typically going to find the basic speed is more than enough.”

Internet speeds can vary depending on where you live.

He advises customers to explain to their potential provider their data needs and find out what they can do under the different speeds.

Some carriers will also allow you to upgrade your plan during the contract period if you’re not on the right deal for you.

“Most providers will give you a same product transition from ADSL to NBN,’’ Mr Burge said.

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