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.


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 …



Telstra SIM Only Plans

Telstra SIM Only Phone Plans

Posted by July 4th 2023

Compare Telstra SIM Only postpaid plans with providers like Optus and Vodafone in this Canstar Blue review. All Telstra postpaid SIM Only plans listed.


Young woman with red smartphone on red background

Vodafone launches new phone plans, scraps unlimited fast data

Posted by January 24th 2023

Vodafone has made sweeping changes to its postpaid mobile plans, streamlining its range down to three selections and scrapping its premium unlimited data offer completely. The telco’s new SIM-only postpaid range is live from today, and …


Telstra NBN Plans & Prices Compared

Posted by March 20th 2024

As Australia’s largest telco, Telstra offers some of the most popular and feature-packed NBN plans in the market. Telstra was one of the first big service providers to be more upfront about realistic NBN speed expectations, and …