Tara Donnelly

Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology, across news, reviews and how-tos. Tara has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, which means she’s written about countless product launches and industry changes, including the rise of 5G, Australia’s ongoing NBN rollout, the recent years of energy price volatility and the rise of renewable energy sources. Tara also has long experience in writing within the comparison industry, giving her great insights into the information consumers want when determining which plan or device will best meet their needs, while time spent in the financial sector before turning her talent to content lets her crunch the numbers on price with ease. Tara leads the coverage of Canstar Blue’s ratings and awards for the internet and phone sectors and is an expert at advising consumers on how to use comparison tools to find the best power, internet or phone deal. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident.



Energy Credit Checks Explained

Energy credit checks in Australia

Posted by April 11th 2024

Electricity and gas retailer credit checks. Canstar Blue looks at how your credit score impacts your chances of getting a good energy deal.


gas stove up

Is gas cheaper than electricity?

Posted by April 10th 2024

Is gas cheaper than electricity? Canstar Blue compares electricity and gas rates and prices to determine which fuel will save you most money.



Direct Debit Energy Discounts Explained

Direct debit energy discounts explained

Posted by July 25th 2024

You’d be hard pressed to come across someone who doesn’t love a discount, so when an opportunity pops up where you can save a few bucks on your energy bill, taking it may seem like …


Starlink antenna on rooftop in Australia

Telstra launches Starlink satellite plans: Should you ditch the NBN?

Posted by March 26th 2024

Telstra's new Satellite Home Internet plans are finally available to residential customers, giving Aussies in regional areas a new option for faster and more reliable internet. Originally announced in July 2023, Telstra's satellite plans include broadband …


Boost Broadband logo

Boost Mobile takes on ‘less trusted’ telcos with NBN launch

Posted by March 22nd 2024

Popular prepaid provider Boost Mobile is finally making the move into broadband, announcing plans to begin offering high-speed NBN plans to Aussie customers. The challenger telco — which offers SIM-only mobile service on Telstra’s nationwide network …


Red race car crossing finish line

Compare the best NBN 250 plans

Posted by March 21st 2024

Initially, NBN 50 and NBN 100 were the maximum speeds on offer, but in more recent years, NBN Co has rolled out even faster speed tiers. As the next step up in speed from NBN …


Going wireless with the NBN

Fixed Wireless NBN plans and providers

Posted by August 21st 2024

Fixed wireless and satellite will bring the NBN to rural and remote communities. So what are your options? Compare wireless plans today with Canstar Blue.


Lightbulb, calculator in front of small toy house

Power bill relief could be on the way for millions of Aussies

Posted by March 22nd 2024

Power price relief could be on the way for Australian households, with the country's energy regulators proposing lower default electricity costs from July 1. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and the Essential Services Commission (ESC) have …