With broadband speeds getting faster and connections more reliable, more and more employers are offering flexible working arrangements to employees. Working from home – full time, part time, or every now and then – has become a convenient way to balance professional and personal obligations, providing a helpful alternative for parents, students, or anyone needing a break from the stress of commuting.
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Mobile broadband plans
Instead of being locked into a fixed-line internet plan when working from home, you may want to consider the flexibility of mobile broadband. A mobile broadband plan uses the same 4G or 5G cellular network as your mobile phone, but can connect to other devices such as your tablet or laptop. Mobile broadband plans are data-only, but are great for anyone needing an easy, portable, plug-in-and-go work from home internet connection.
If you’re a student, renter, or someone who’s constantly working on the road or out of the office, mobile broadband could be right for you. Most mobile broadband plans are powered by a SIM card, which can be inserted into your device or portable modem, or a dongle that plugs straight into your laptop (or any other USB-enabled device).
While most providers only offer mobile broadband on 4G and 3G networks, 5G service is now available from Telstra. As Telstra 5G is only live in limited major-city areas, coverage will vary, and you’ll also need Telstra’s new 5G Hub in order to access the network via a mobile broadband plan.
Telstra 5G mobile broadband
Telstra’s HTC 5G Hub was the first 5G-capable device available to Australians, now replaced with the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro, which can be paired with any of Telstra’s mobile broadband plans on a 24-month contract. The modem offers mobile access to both 5G and 4G networks where available, with Telstra’s 5G network now live in 32 cities and towns across Australia.
The below table features all published Telstra mobile broadband plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from lowest to highest and then by data allowance. These do not include device payments for the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro or any other Telstra device. These are products with links to a referral partner.
Telstra Mobile Broadband PlansThe following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile 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.
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More about Telstra’s 5G Hub
Note, the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro has replaced the HTC 5G Hub, with similar capabilities.
The Telstra 5G Hub can connect up to 20 devices over Wi-Fi, as well as support a 1GB ethernet connection. If you’re not in a 5G-covered area, you can still use Telstra’s 5G Hub with its 4G service, or pair a Telstra mobile broadband plan with a 4G-only device, such as Telstra’s 4GX WiFi Pro or the 4GX USB dongle.
As of June 2020, Telstra 5G access is available for free for Medium and Large mobile broadband plan customers. Extra Small and Small plan customers will need to upgrade to a Medium or Large plan for 5G access.
4G mobile broadband options
If 5G is not yet available in your area, there are still plenty of 4G mobile broadband options available, across a variety of data allowances and price points. Many mobile broadband plans are available on a month-to-month basis, and you can even find prepaid mobile broadband options if you’re worried about bill shock.
We’ve highlighted several mobile broadband ranges from selected providers in the below table that might be a suitable work from home internet plan for you.
Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Small
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | |
|
Medium
min. cost $58 over one month |
75GB | $58 | |
|
Large
min. cost $90 over one month |
400GB | $90 | |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone mobile 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Small Data SIM Only Plan
min. cost $20 over first month |
30GB | $20 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Large Data SIM Only Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
70GB | $40 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Amaysim Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Amaysim mobile 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sim Only 7GB
min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period |
7GB | $15 | |
|
Sim Only 50GB
min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period |
50GB | $40 | |
|
Sim Only 90GB
min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period |
90GB | $60 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Southern Phone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Southern Phone mobile 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
7GB | $15 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period |
15GB | $25 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $40 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
100GB | $65 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Tangerine Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Tangerine mobile 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $34.90 over first month |
100GB | $34.90 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $49.90 over first month |
200GB | $49.90 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $64.90 over first month |
400GB | $64.90 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
The following table shows selected published Belong mobile 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.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $15 over one month billing period |
20GB | $15 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $35 over one month billing period |
100GB | $35 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
400GB | $70 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Home wireless broadband
If your home isn’t yet NBN-ready, or you’ve had issues with your existing NBN or fixed-line connection, you may benefit from a home wireless broadband plan. Like with mobile broadband, home wireless uses your provider’s 4G or 5G mobile network to connect your devices; however, plans are designed to be used in a fixed location, rather than on-the-go, and usually include larger data allowances, plus a router to enable multiple devices to connect at once. This makes home wireless broadband a great work from home internet option.
Essentially, home wireless broadband serves as your primary home internet, rather than as a complement to your existing broadband service. As with mobile broadband, many Australians are turning to home wireless as an alternative to unsatisfactory ADSL connections, or as a stopgap measure while they wait for the NBN.
Most home wireless plans include a modem or hub, rather than the SIM card or dongle you’ll usually get with mobile broadband. However, this can vary between telcos – your service provider will let you know how you’ll connect at sign-up.
Optus 5G home broadband
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area covered by Optus’ new 5G network, you may be eligible for the telco’s unlimited data 5G home broadband plan. Priced from $75 per month on both month-to-month and 24-month options, this plan includes a Nokia 5G modem and comes with a minimum speed guarantee of 50Mbps. Optus $75 plan does come with a speed limit of 100Mbps, but the upgraded $90 per month tier offers unlimited speeds, with an average of 225Mbps during busy periods.
If you do opt for a no-contract Optus 5G broadband plan, be aware that you’ll need to pay a $200 set-up fee that isn’t required on a two-year contract. Keep in mind also that Optus’ 5G network is still only available in limited areas, but 4G mobile broadband plans make a great substitute while you wait.
Optus 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows selected published Optus 5G 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.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Optus Plus Everyday 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $69 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
min. cost $468 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
4G home wireless broadband
5G not yet available in your area? You can still sign up to a 4G-only home wireless broadband plan. These plans are available Australia-wide, and usually offer data allowances of 100GB or more each month.
We’ve highlighted several home wireless broadband options from selected providers in the below table.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4G Home Internet Unlimited (24 Month)
min. cost $1,357 over 24 month plan period |
Unlimited | $59 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Home Wireless Unlimited M2M
min. cost $270 over first month plan period |
Unlimited | $60 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
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 | |||
NBN plans
Despite the controversy, NBN plans still remain a fast, effective, and reliable home broadband option for the majority of Australians. However, if you’re looking for a working from home internet plan that offers quick speeds, low latency, and quality performance during high-traffic periods, you’ll probably want to consider the higher NBN speed tiers.
Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard 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 a referral partner.
Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard 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 a referral partner.
Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50)
For Australians looking for an all-round option that’s great for everyday use and can support multiple simultaneous connections, Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) is your best bet. With a maximum download speed of 50Mbps, and maximum uploads of 20Mbps, most plans on this tier come with a typical evening speed of over 40Mbps during peak hours (7pm to 11pm), and faster speeds during the day. NBN 50 is also considered the ‘hero’ speed tier by most telcos, so this is where you’ll often find the best deals.
Almost all NBN 50 plans are available with unlimited monthly data, and depending on your provider, you may also be given the option of ditching the contract and going month-to-month, often without set-up fees. You can also generally bring your own modem, or opt for a pre-configured modem/router provided by your telco.
In the event that there’s an NBN outage or issue, several providers also offer 4G network backup. Vodafone’s WiFi Hub and Telstra’s Smart Modem both automatically switch customers to each provider’s 4G mobile network during outages at no extra cost.
Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100)
If you’re looking for a truly fast and congestion-proof connection, and don’t mind paying a little extra each month, you may prefer to upgrade to Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100). With maximum download speeds of 100Mbps, and uploads to 40Mbps, NBN 100 typically delivers evening speeds in the 80Mbps region, but this obviously varies by provider.
Premium plans are obviously pricier than Standard Plus, but are a great option if you need to send or receive large amounts of data, join video calls or conferences, or require ultra-HD streaming.
Image: Creative Lab/Shutterstock
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