The NBN is well and truly the number one choice in the internet world for Australians, but as with any avenue of internet connectivity, it certainly has its downfalls. There are a couple of alternatives, with 4G home internet being one of them. 4G home internet offers similar network speeds for a comparable price. Canstar Blue will look at the pros, cons, and viability of 4G home internet, and whether you should consider it.
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NBN plans you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners..
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $65.90) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$65.90 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $69) Typical evening speed of 100Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$69 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $63.90) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$63.90 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
What is 4G home internet and how does it work?
4G home internet operates in a similar fashion to mobile data, using mobile or cellular networks to provide internet access instead of cables. Most of these 4G home internet plans come with unlimited data, giving some peace-of-mind to users.
While the data may be unlimited, the speeds tend to be capped, with maximum megabits per second differing based on the telco you’re with. The speeds are slower than the newer 5G. The set-up process is virtually non-existent with 4G home internet; generally, you can plug in the provided modem and you’re ready to go.
4G home internet is available from many of the big NBN or mobile plan providers, including Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. You can also find plans from smaller telcos who offer service on Telstra, Optus and Vodafone’s 4G networks.
4G home internet plans
iiNet Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published iiNet home wireless broadband plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Home Wireless Broadband Limiitless Plan
min. cost $44.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $44.99 | Go To Site |
 View all internet plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
TPG Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published TPG home wireless broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Home Wireless Broadband Unlimited Plan
min. cost $39.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $39.99 | Go To Site |
| View all internet plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus 4G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of Optus 4G Home Internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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4G Home Internet Unlimited (24 Month)
min. cost $1,357 over 24 month plan period |
Unlimited | $59 | Link to provider unavailable |
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4G Home Internet Unlimited (Month-to-Month)
min. cost $275 (incl. $216 modem cost) over first month plan period |
Unlimited | $59 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all internet plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Southern Phone Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone wireless broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Home Wireless Unlimited M2M
min. cost $270 over first month plan period |
Unlimited | $60 | Link to provider unavailable |
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Home Wireless Unlimited 24M
min. cost $1,440 over 24 month plan period |
Unlimited | $60 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all internet plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
The difference between 4G home internet and NBN
There are a fair few similarities between 4G home internet and the NBN, with the main one being price. Both NBN and 4G home internet hover around the $50 per month range in terms of starting prices, however speed is where NBN pulls away from the pack. NBN plans are able to reach speeds of 1000Mbps, while 4G home internet speeds tend to cap out at 50Mbps. The speeds delivered by the NBN are generally more consistent also, while 4G home internet can be sporadic at times. Factors that may affect 4G speeds include your location, how congested the network is, the devices you’re using and even the position of your 4G modem in the home.
While you can access faster speed on the NBN, you’ll pay more for the privilege when compared to 4G internet. The fastest speeds available will set you back a minimum of $100 per month, with plans costing up to $180 depending on your provider. Mid-speed NBN 25 or NBN 50 plans are more in line with 4G home internet prices, and tend to fall in the $60-$80 per month range at the cheaper end.
Would 4G internet speeds work for me?
While most 4G home internet plans come with unlimited data, most also come with capped speeds with a max of 2oMbps — 25Mbps. This might be fast enough, however if you have a bigger household or regularly rely on the internet for online gaming and downloading large files in a shorter period of time then this might not be the best option.
Instead, you might opt for 5G home wireless for uncapped speeds. Of course, the speeds you’re truly able to reach will depend on a number of factors. The biggest factors include the coverage at your location, congestion on the network and setup at your home.
Read More: 4G vs 5G: What’s the difference?
4G home internet pros and cons
| 4G Home Internet Pros | 4G Home Internet Cons |
|---|---|
| A decent alternative to the NBN | Slower than the NBN and 5G |
| Relatively affordable | Speeds and network strength may depend on your location |
| Available to a wide array of people | Less providers offer 4G internet when compared to NBN plans |
| Easy to set up | There is a better, yet more expensive, option available in 5G |
Is 4G home internet the best alternative to the NBN?
If the NBN is unavailable in your area, or not living up to the supposed standards, 4G home internet is a strong second option. If you’re able to upgrade to a 5G home internet plan, the speeds alone make this a much better option than its predecessor, however 4G home internet still provides a heap of value in today’s internet market.
Photo Credits: GaudiLab
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