Internet

utility connection services explained

What is a utility connection service?

Posted by November 13th 2024

When applying to rent a property, you could be offered a free utility connection service. While they are convenient, what’s the true cost? Find out at Canstar Blue.


Couple using home internet on couch.

Mobile broadband vs NBN

Posted by November 7th 2024

The NBN has become the standard for home broadband in Australia, but you don't need an NBN plan to access the internet. Many people forgo a fixed-line connection and use alternative methods to get online. …


An NBN modem having an ethernet cable plugged into it

Modem vs router: What is the difference?

Posted by November 7th 2024

Compare the differences between internet modems and routers and find out which one is right for your home with Canstar Blue.


Happy woman using laptop at home

What is a VPN?

Posted by November 6th 2024

Security, censorship and having to wait to watch the latest American TV shows are all serious problems for internet users. Can a VPN solve them?


Woman happily using laptop while sitting cross-legged

Expert Picks: Best Value NBN Plans (November 2024)

Posted by November 5th 2024

And while price is important, opting for the cheapest plan available doesn't always mean you'll be getting the best value for your money. Finding the best plan means working out not only your monthly budget, but …


Man using laptop. ADSL concept

What is ADSL?

Posted by November 6th 2024

Over the past decade the NBN has revolutionalised internet connectivity in Australia, providing households with more consistent internet connections. However, in areas where a fixed-line NBN connection isn’t available, some homes are still connected to …


Best internet plans and best internet deals

Best Internet Deals [November 2024]

Posted by November 14th 2024

Compare internet deals from providers such as Belong, SpinTel, Amaysim, MyRepublic, AusBBS, MATE, Barefoot and Telstra with Canstar Blue.


Man using VPN

Best VPN providers in Australia 2024

Posted by November 1st 2024

VPNs are a great way of adding an additional layer of protection to your personal information while online. With so many VPN providers on offer, it can be confusing knowing where to start. In this …


Woman using laptop with yellow background, Internet contention ratio concept.

What is internet contention ratio?

Posted by October 31st 2024

If your internet plan isn’t delivering on its promised fast speeds, it might be held back by other households using the same provider as you during peak hours.  In this article Canstar Blue explains why internet …


Mobile towers with blue sky. Network coverage concept

Telstra mobile network coverage explained

Posted by October 31st 2024

Find out how much of Australia the Telstra network covers, and whether it’s the provider for you in this Canstar Blue article.


Data only SIM plans

Best data only SIM plans in Australia

Posted by October 30th 2024

If you’re looking to connect your tablet, dongle or phone to the internet without access to WiFi and aren’t looking for talk and text capabilities, a data-only SIM might be the right choice for you. Data …


A person using a laptop

What is an ISP?

Posted by October 18th 2024

If you're shopping around for anything home internet related, you've probably seen the acronym ISP floating around. But you may be wondering what those three letters actually mean. Essentially, an ISP is your go-to retailer for …


Happy man using internet at home

LBN Co providers and plans compared

Posted by October 15th 2024

What is the LBN? It sounds very similar to the NBN, but the fact is LBN is its own network, servicing a range of homes and businesses. In this article, Canstar Blue explores what LBN …


Happy woman using a tablet at home

How to increase internet speed

Posted by October 18th 2024

There are several common reasons why you might experience slow home internet speeds. To get your internet running smoothly with fewer disruptions, here are 10 recommended ways to increase your internet speed. What is my internet …



NBN Speed Test

Posted by October 2nd 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.



Is my modem NBN compatible?

Posted by September 24th 2024

With the NBN rollout complete but with some homes scoring a speed and connection upgrade, but when it comes to upgrading to a better NBN plan, you may not benefit from the network’s full potential …


Young women looking at smartphones against purple background

Is it better to buy a phone outright or on a plan?

Posted by October 1st 2024

Buying a smartphone is always exciting, but it can also be a confusing prospect. Depending on which phone you’re looking at, it can be an expensive purchase and for many of us, spending thousands of …


Woman playing mobile game

How much data does online gaming use?

Posted by September 20th 2024

Gaming often gets a bad rap for being a data drain, especially when you’re playing on a mobile device. If you’re gaming on the go and away from WiFi, you’ll need a phone plan with …