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.


A person holding a phone

What is the cheapest 5G plan?

Posted by February 22nd 2023

With Telstra, Optus and Vodafone rolling out their 5G networks across Australia - and more 5G phones hitting the market - you may be considering a switch to a 5G phone plan. 5G mobile plans are …



Young woman in yellow jumper using mobile phone

Optus follows Telstra in phone plan price hike

Posted by August 1st 2022

Optus has quietly increased the price of its SIM-only and phone-on-a-plan postpaid services for new customers, several weeks after confirming plan changes for legacy users. All of Optus' postpaid mobile plans have risen in price by …



Google Pixel 6a phone in green

The best Google Pixel 6a plans and deals

Posted by August 4th 2022

The Google Pixel 6a is officially available for pre-order in Australia, alongside the new Pixel Buds Pro. If you've been eager to get your mitts on Google's latest, lower-priced smartphone — as well as the …




Grey Motorola Moto G62 5G phone

Motorola releases the big-sound, low-price Moto G62 5G

Posted by July 19th 2022

A new, lower-priced 5G phone has arrived on Aussie shelves, with Motorola's mid-range Moto G62 5G now available from local retailers. Priced at a very competitive $399, the G62 5G is a triple-camera, big-battery smartphone, …


A mobile network tower on the Queensland coast

Telstra & TPG at war with Optus over ‘merger’ claims

Posted by December 21st 2022

Australia's three biggest telcos are engaged in an ongoing war of words, sparked by TPG Telecom and Telstra's proposed network-sharing deal currently before the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It's no secret that competitor Optus …


Woman's hands using black iPhone

New ACMA rules will help telcos stop SMS scams

Posted by July 12th 2022

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing tough new telco rules to protect Australians from SMS scammers. Developed in partnership with industry body Communications Alliance, the new rules will require telcos to identify, trace, …