Key points
- Mobile broadband can be a good alternative to fixed-line home internet, or an easy-to-use portable internet option.
- Vodafone offers several mobile broadband types, including data-only SIM plans and plans with modems.
- Customers can expect mobile broadband speeds between 20Mbps — 150Mbps on Vodafone’s 4G network.
If you’re looking for a flexible NBN alternative, a home internet back-up, or an on-the-go connection, mobile broadband can be a great option. Vodafone is one of several telcos offering portable, easy-to-use mobile broadband, both as a SIM-only plan or with included WiFi modems.
Find out what Vodafone mobile broadband plans and products are available in this Canstar Blue guide.
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Vodafone mobile broadband plans
Vodafone offers a range of mobile broadband or data-only options, which connect you to the internet via the telco’s 4G or 5G mobile networks. This is different from other forms of broadband such as NBN, which uses fixed fibre networks to connect your home.
Mobile broadband is a handy choice if you’re traveling and need a constant internet connection, or as a back-up if your main home internet connection is spotty. It’s also useful for students or anyone who needs to complete work away from the office or office.
There are two Vodafone mobile broadband options currently available to customers: data-only SIM plans, and plans with an included 4G modem.
Vodafone data-only SIM plans
A data-only SIM plan is similar to a SIM-only phone plan, but it includes just data rather than calls and messaging. You’ll get a SIM card which can be inserted into any compatible device, such as a tablet, hotspot or phone. Using this, you can connect that device to Vodafone’s 4G mobile network anywhere in Australia.
All plans come with a monthly full-speed data allowance, plus unlimited data use capped at speeds of 2 megabits per second (Mbps). Vodafone offers both postpaid and prepaid data-only SIM plans, all of which are month-to-month with no contracts. However, you’ll have to call Vodafone or head in-store if you’d prefer the prepaid option.
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Small Data SIM Only Plan
min. cost $20 over first month |
30GB | $20 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Large Data SIM Only Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
70GB | $40 | Link to provider unavailable |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone mobile broadband plans with modems
If you’d like to easily connect multiple devices at once to your Vodafone data-only plan, you can pair it with a Vodafone Pocket WiFi modem. Vodafone’s mobile broadband modem can connect up to 16 users, is lightweight and battery-operated — simply plug it in and go.
The modem is available bundled with Vodafone’s postpaid data-only SIM plans — you’ll just need to insert your SIM card into the modem itself to connect. Currently, Vodafone’s Pocket WiFi modem is 4G-only, and supports speeds up to 150Mbps.
What are automatic recharges on Vodafone mobile broadband?
An automatic recharge is Vodafone’s version of an automatic payment on its prepaid mobile broadband plans. By signing up for an automatic recharge, you may be eligible for bonuses like plan discounts or extra data.
How much does Vodafone mobile broadband cost?
Vodafone’s postpaid data-only plans range from $20 per month on the low end, up to $40. Plans are priced by data inclusions, so the more gigabytes you want, the more you’ll pay per month.
Across the market, mobile broadband prices range between $15 a month for a small data plan, to $70 or more monthly for bigger data inclusions. Unlimited data generally isn’t available for mobile broadband (although you can get it with a home wireless broadband plan), but data allowances tend to fall between 10GB – 200GB+ per month.
If you’re adding a WiFi modem to your Vodafone mobile broadband plan, you can opt to pay off your hardware over 12, 24 or 36 months. Vodafone’s Pocket WiFi modem is currently priced at around $96 in total. If you cancel your Vodafone plan early, you’ll need to pay out the remaining balance of your modem before you leave.
Mobile broadband plans compared
To get a good idea of the prices of mobile broadband prices from different providers, compare plans below.
Mobile broadband plans compared: 100GB+
The following table shows a selection of published 100GB and over mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $34.90 over first month |
100GB | $34.90 | Go to Site |
 |
Medium 100GB
min. cost $35 over one month billing period |
100GB | $35 | |
|
min. cost $49.90 over first month |
200GB | $49.90 | Go to Site |
 |
min. cost $60 over one month billing period |
120GB | $60 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $64.90 over first month |
400GB | $64.90 | Go to Site |
 |
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
100GB | $65 | Go to Site |
|
Large 400GB
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
400GB | $70 | |
|
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
220GB | $70 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Mobile broadband plans compared: Over 50GB
The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with 50GB – 100GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $40 over first month |
70GB | $40 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $40 | Go To Site |
 |
SIM only 50GB
min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period |
50GB | $40 | |
 |
Medium
min. cost $58 over one month |
75GB | $58 | |
|
SIM only 90GB
min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period |
90GB | $60 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Mobile broadband plans compared: Under 50GB
The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with less than 50GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Small 20GB
min. cost $15 over one month billing period |
20GB | $15 | |
|
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
7GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
SIM Only 7GB
min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period |
7GB | $15 | |
|
min. cost $20 over first month |
30GB | $20 | Go to Site |
|
Small
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | |
|
min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period |
15GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $35 over one month billing period |
45GB | $35 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
How fast is Vodafone mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband operates at similar speeds to the data on your mobile phone. It’s typically faster than the 12Mbps limit found on basic NBN plans, with most mobile broadband plans maxing out at about 100Mbps.
You should be able to reach download speeds of between 20Mbps and 100Mbps on a good 4G connection. Vodafone’s 5G network is still being rolled out, but no 5G-specific mobile broadband options are yet available; however, 5G mobile broadband could reach speeds of 1Gbps or faster.
Keep in mind that there are speed differences between devices and networks, and performance may also vary by location.
Can I bring my own modem to a Vodafone mobile broadband plan?
If you have an unlocked WiFi modem or hotspot that is compatible with Vodafone’s network, you’ll be able to use it with Vodafone’s data SIM mobile broadband plans — simply insert the SIM card and follow any activation steps.
Is Vodafone mobile broadband worth it?
Mobile broadband in general can be a good alternative to other forms of internet. It’s portable, easy to activate, doesn’t require installation and is generally available on a month-to-month basis, if you’re not paying off a modem or hotspot.
Vodafone’s mobile broadband plans offer strong 4G coverage across its nationwide network, and are generally fairly competitively priced. You’ll also get the perk of not needing to worry about running out of data or being hit with excess usage charges, thanks to the included unlimited speed-capped data allowance.
Ultimately, you’ll need to compare mobile broadband plans from a range of providers before making a decision. Factor in your budget, how much data you’ll need, and how you plan to use your connection to ensure you’re getting the best plan.
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