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.


Celebrating woman with multicoloured balloons holding a mobile phone

Revealed: Australia’s best-value internet and phone providers

Posted by March 31st 2023

It's easy to compare plans based solely on price, but that doesn't take into account features, inclusions and overall value – so opting for the cheapest plan available could mean you're stuck with an underperforming …


Woman holding Boost mobile box in Coles

Coles brings back door-busting cheap iPhone sale

Posted by March 31st 2023

Run, don't walk! For a limited time, Coles is bringing back its in-store iPhone sale – meaning savvy shoppers can once again get their hands on refurbished iPhones from as little as $199. The supermarket giant …


Young woman using smartphone against pink background

The best prepaid phone plans with unlimited data

Posted by March 8th 2024

While unlimited data is a staple in the home internet world, unlimited data phone plans are a little harder to come by. Fortunately, the big three major Aussie telcos have all recognised the need for …


Closeup of woman using phone

Another telco fined over $250K for safety rule breaches

Posted by March 17th 2023

Regulators have slapped another telco with a six-figure fee for failing to supply crucial customer information to Australia's public number database. SIM-only mobile provider Circles.Life has paid a $253,080 infringement notice to Australian Communications and Media …


Yellow iPhone 14

Save $150 on Apple’s all-new yellow iPhone 14

Posted by March 10th 2023

Apple is out to entice a new round of iPhone buyers with a bee-witching new honey-hued variant. This week the Cupertino company unveiled the next versions of its current iPhone 14 lineup, launching the standard …


Country Australian town sign with satellite dish in background

NBN fights off Starlink with new, faster satellite plans

Posted by February 2nd 2024

While Aussies living in metro areas are comparatively spoilt for choice when it comes to internet options, rural and regional communities aren't so lucky. Country customers relying on satellite broadband have been faced with a …


Phone plans with no credit check

Posted by October 3rd 2024

If you're concerned about your credit score and you’re looking for a new phone plan without a credit check, here’s what you can do. What do phone providers look for in credit checks? Telcos will likely send …




Teen girl using laptop in bedroom

30,000 families to receive free NBN for 12 months

Posted by February 2nd 2024

The Australian Government is partnering with NBN Co to offer thousands of low-income Aussie families a free NBN plan for a full 12 months. Labor's School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) will be open to up to …