Most homeowners in Australia are now able to access the National Broadband Network (NBN). If you’re among them, you may be wondering how to compare NBN providers and find the best deal. Here are six things to keep in mind when shopping around for an NBN plan.
Speed
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The vast majority of NBN plans offer speeds of up to 100Mbps. However, some providers advertise plans with ‘boosted’ speeds of up to 120Mbps or even higher. If you’re interested in a plan with faster speeds, make sure to check what the maximum speed is and whether there are any restrictions such as during peak times.
Data allowances
Most, if not all, NBN plans come with unlimited data, but the amount of data you can use at full speed may vary. If you’re a heavy user, you may want to look for a plan with an “unlimited data” option which only means that there are no overage fees. However, your speed may still be throttled after you reach a certain amount of data usage.
Contract length
Be sure to check the contract length when comparing NBN plans. Some providers may require you to sign up for a two-year contract, while others may offer month-to-month plans with no lock-in period. If you’re not sure how long you’ll be in your current home, a month-to-month plan may be the best option.
Early termination fees
If you do sign up for a contract, be aware of any early termination fees that may apply if you cancel before the end of the contract period. These can range from around $60 to as much as $240, so be sure to factor this in if you think you may need to cancel your service before the end of your contract.
Installation fees
Some NBN providers charge an upfront fee for installation, while others include it in the price of the plan. If you’re not sure whether an installation fee applies, be sure to ask before you sign up for a plan.
Compare plans
As soon as you have considered all of these factors, the next step is to compare the plans and pricing from different providers to find the best deal for your needs. The good news is that there are now many websites that make it easy to do just that. There is also the option for you to contact a broadband advisor who can help you compare NBN plans and find the best deal for your needs.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family who may have already switched to the NBN internet. Once you have a few options, the best way to decide is by looking at the total cost of the contract, including any installation and early termination fees. You should also consider whether you need a fast speed or unlimited data and whether you’re willing to sign up for a long-term contract. With all of these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best NBN deal for your needs.
