How to save money on home internet plans
Fear of racking up massive internet bills mean many of us opt for “unlimited” data plans but it turns out that may not be the right decision for everyone.
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There’s no doubt that home internet bills can take a big chunk out of household budgets.
If you don’t feel like you are getting value for money because of slow speeds or constant drop outs, it’s time to start shopping around for a better deal.
Whether you want fixed-line internet like the NBN, or think you’d be better off with the new 5G internet option, their are lots of options to find the home internet plan for you.
How do you choose an internet plan for your home?
With so many options out there, how do know which internet plan to choose. Here are iSelect’s top tips on how you could choose a suitable home internet plan to meet your family’s needs.
Speed is key
To avoid slow connections or buffering issues, opt for at least a 50/20 Mbps plan. Many providers have made their 50/20 plans, and above, more affordable and they are suitable for connecting multiple devices, streaming online entertainment or gaming.
Unlimited may be unnecessary
A lot of people prefer ‘unlimited’ data plans for budget certainty and to protect themselves from high internet use, but many users don’t need it and could be paying more than they need to. From 200 to 250GB a month should cover most families for downloads, streaming and gaming. Most of our options are unlimited now, with minimal capped data options on our panel.
Lock it in
It’s usually better value to opt for a 12 or 24 month contract, rather than going month-to-month. Contract plans generally have lower set up fees and often include a free modem which can improve your connection speed.
Forget the phone
Most Aussies have unlimited calls included with their mobile plan, so opting for a plan without mobile calls included could save you money.
Speak to an expert
Speak to a broadband comparison service like iSelect who can do the hard work for you by finding an internet plan that suits your needs and budget.
FAQs: Home internet plans
What’s the downside of selecting the cheapest internet plan?
If price is the most important factor for you, are you prepared to put up with the possibility of a less than adequate speed and/or data allowance? If so, the choice is easy - go for the cheapest option you can find.
How do I find cheap internet with decent speed?
It all comes down to Mbps — megabits per second. That measurement shows how quickly your device or computer will download from the internet. Typically, the higher the number, the faster the downloads.
What kind of internet user am I?
Think about your usage and how many people are accessing the internet at a time, especially during the evening. If you can work out what speed internet you need at the busiest time, it becomes easier to look for a plan that suits your budget and required speed.
Is there a formula for finding a cheaper internet plan?
Sadly, there’s no magic formula for finding a cheap internet plan that will suit your lifestyle. It’s all about balancing three factors — cheap, fast, lots of data — against each other and deciding whether you can compromise on any. Ask yourself the following questions. How much is my budget? What speed do I require? How much data would I like? Ultimately, a cheap internet plan is no use if it doesn’t provide the speed and data you need.
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