Tara Donnelly

Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology. She has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, and has authored over 500 Canstar Blue articles. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC , The Australian Financial Review, 4BC Radio and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has been nominated for multiple awards for her technology reporting, including Canstar Blue’s highly commended recognition for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. She 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. You can read more of Tara's published articles and follow Tara on LinkedIn.


Young woman in orange jumper on white couch using laptop

Guide to your NBN connection box

Posted by February 26th 2025

KEY POINTS An NBN connection box connects your modem to the NBN. NBN connection boxes are provided, maintained and installed for free by NBN Co, though some non-standard setups may have a fee. A range …


NBN plans for seniors

Cheapest NBN plans for seniors and pensioners in Australia

Posted by February 26th 2025

KEY POINTS Providers like Aussie Broadband and Flip offer affordable plans tailored for seniors, often including home phone services. Seniors should choose internet speeds based on their internet usage needs. Seniors can check availability at …


Average solar bill

What is the average electricity bill with solar panels?

Posted by December 9th 2024

In this article, Canstar Blue takes a look at the average bill credits that Australians with solar panels could be earning on their electricity bills. The savings you may make from installing solar panels in …



NBN Speed Test

Posted by December 5th 2024

How do you know if your NBN speed is slow or not? Speed tests are easy to do and can reveal a lot about how good your internet is.



Pros and cons of solar energy

Pros and cons of solar energy

Posted by November 27th 2024

In this Canstar Blue guide, we look at the pros and cons of solar energy. From installation costs and energy savings to efficiencies and maintenance, this guide simplifies the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy …


OPPO Find X8 Pro phones in black and white

OPPO’s Find X8 Pro offers amazing cameras, new AI features

Posted by November 25th 2024

OPPO's newest premium smartphone, the OPPO Find X8 Pro, has arrived in Australia, boasting an all-new professional camera setup and a range of advanced AI enhancements. The OPPO Find X8 Pro is the brand's first global …


Carbon neutral vs greenpower

Carbon neutral vs GreenPower

Posted by November 25th 2024

If being conscious of your environmental footprint and living your life more sustainably are some of your personal mantras, you’ve come to the right place. It’s no secret that Australia’s energy grid is fueled primarily …


No lock-in energy contract

Electricity deals that don’t lock you in

Posted by November 25th 2024

Want to switch energy providers, but worried about being stuck in a contract? Canstar Blue explains how electricity contracts really work, which retailers will lock you in, and which you’re free to leave at any …