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 piggy bank next to a laptop

NBN Co proposes price changes that could double your broadband bill

Posted by February 27th 2023

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released full details on proposed variations to broadband pricing submitted by NBN Co that, if approved, could cause internet bills to double over the next decade. NBN Co …


iPhone SE 2022 review: Small but mighty

Posted by July 22nd 2022

Apple's newest smartphone, the more-affordable iPhone SE, hit Aussie stores in late March, offering buyers a lower-priced alternative to the premium iPhone 13 series. With a retail price beginning at $719, the 2022 edition of …


Google Pixel Watch

Google takes on Apple with the all-new Pixel Watch

Posted by May 12th 2022

It’s been a long time coming, but Google's home-grown Pixel brand has finally entered the premium wearables game, with the launch of the first-ever Pixel Watch. While the debut wasn’t exactly a surprise, it’s a welcome …


Google Pixel 6a with green background

Google unveils the Google Pixel 6a, a powerful Pixel spin-off

Posted by May 12th 2022

Google has revealed the latest member of the Google Pixel smartphone family: the smaller, more affordable Google Pixel 6a. The bouncing baby handset delivers many of the features of the flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel …


Happy amn using phone against blue wall

Telstra finally extends 5G network access to smaller telcos

Posted by July 1st 2022

Telstra has confirmed its long-awaited 5G wholesale service will go live in July, giving more customers potential access to the next-generation mobile technology. The news is a game-changer for Telstra Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), who …


Young man taking selfie and flashing peace sign

Save hundreds on Apple and Google phones in Telstra Day sale

Posted by June 15th 2022

Telstra's monthly one-day-only sale is back — cutting the price of big-name smartphones by up to $250, and offering discounts on new home internet and SIM-only mobile plans. Locked in for Thursday, May 5, Telstra …


Piggy bank in front of internet

Telstra refunds customers more than $1.7 million after billing error

Posted by February 27th 2023

Telstra has paid out more than $1.73 million in refunds — and a hefty half-million dollar fine — after an investigation found the telco had overcharged thousands of its customers. The Australian Communications and Media Authority …


Hand holding Samsung Galaxy S22

Samsung Galaxy S22 review: A pocket-sized powerhouse

Posted by August 9th 2022

Early 2022 has been a banner period for smartphone releases, with new premium devices from Apple, OPPO, Samsung, and Motorola all hitting Australian shores. One of the biggest launches has been this year's flagship Samsung …


Pocket wifi plans and prices

Best WiFi Dongle and Pocket WiFi Plans in Australia

Posted by May 15th 2024

WiFi dongles – or USB modems – and pocket WiFi are becoming increasingly popular due to the drop in price of mobile broadband. Usually, you need a mobile broadband plan to make use of either …


Man frustrated using mobile phone

ACMA to crack down on SIM-swap scammers

Posted by April 8th 2022

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is laying down the law to stop SIM-swap fraudsters, announcing that it will introduce new industry rules to protect customers later this year. Designed to enforce stronger identity checks …