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.



Blue iPhone 13 Pro in hands

Save $350 on the iPhone 13 in Telstra Day phone sale

Posted by July 6th 2022

Telstra's once-a-month one-day sale is back for July, and the telco is dropping heavy discounts on some of its most popular smartphones — including the in-demand iPhone 13. The one-day-only sale is locked in for Thursday, …


Samsung Galaxy Note 8 phone in spilled liquid

Samsung fined $14 million for false waterproof phone claims

Posted by June 27th 2022

Samsung Australia has been smacked with a massive $14 million fine after incorrectly advertising the water resistance of multiple Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The Australian Federal Court handed down the verdict last week, in response to proceedings …


Wireless earbuds in a woman's hands

The best EOFY tech & gaming deals 2022

Posted by July 7th 2022

The mid-year sale season is the perfect time to snatch a sweet deal on a range of tech, including smart watches, tablets, games, and smart devices. And while many shoppers will head to retailers such …


Smiling young dark haired woman using laptop against mint green background

Exetel retains top spot in NBN speed report

Posted by May 14th 2024

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its latest report on NBN speeds, pitting 12 of Australia's biggest and best-known providers against one another in a quarterly battle for broadband supremacy. And in …


Amaysim gives customers free 4G phones due to Optus 3G refresh

Posted by July 1st 2022

Prepaid telco Amaysim is giving a free 4G-compatible smartphone to customers set to be affected by Optus’ 3G network refresh. Amaysim customers still using a 3G device not compatible with the 900MHz 3G network will be …


A blue piggy bank next to a mobile phone

Telstra confirms phone plan prices will rise in July

Posted by March 24th 2023

Aussies continue to feel the sting of higher living costs, with Telstra confirming that its postpaid mobile plan prices will rise from July 1 for both new and existing customers. Current Telstra subscribers will see their …


Mother and young daughter using tablet together

ACCC pits the NBN against New Zealand’s broadband in new report

Posted by June 2nd 2022

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a new report that pits Australian broadband speeds and performance against New Zealand’s fibre and fixed wireless networks, to see just how the NBN stacks up. …


Woman paying bill using smartphone

Telstra error leads to delayed $11 million payout for customers

Posted by May 27th 2022

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has again called out Telstra for compliance failures, after the telco delayed paying customers more than $11 million in compensation. The ACMA launched an investigation into Telstra's conduct regarding …