Compare Optus home wireless broadband plans

Optus wireless broadband plans

Home wireless internet isn’t as widely available as NBN, so your choices for plans and providers will be more limited than when you compare fixed-line NBN plans. However, Optus is one of the leading providers offering home wireless plans, with options for a range of different household needs.

Optus home wireless broadband plans are available on the Optus 4G network and Optus 5G network. Optus offers a single 4G-only plan if you don’t have access to the Optus 5G network, or if you want to save on your plan fees and don’t need the super-fast 5G speeds.

The Optus 4G home internet plan offers unlimited data along with maximum download speeds of 25Mbps and maximum upload speeds of 8Mbps, however actual speed performance may differ from what Optus advertises. Optus also includes a plug and play Optus 4G WiFi modem on the plan, which is included for free when you stay connected for 24 months. Otherwise you’ll need to pay off the remaining modem costs if you cancel your plan before 24 months.

If you want faster speeds and have access to the Optus 5G network, there are a few Optus 5G wireless broadband plans to choose from with different speed caps in place. The two cheapest plans have speeds capped at 50Mbps and 100Mbps respectively, while the most expensive plan has uncapped speeds. Optus does list typical evening speeds for its plans, however real-world performance will differ.

All plans include unlimited data and a plug and play Optus Ultra WiFi 5G modem for no extra cost if you stay connected for 36 months, however you’ll need to pay off the remaining modem cost if you cancel early. You’ll also get a free Netflix subscription on the most expensive Optus 5G home wireless plan, while all plans include access to Optus SubHub subscription bundling — however subscriptions will cost extra.

Optus wireless broadband speeds

The speeds you can expect on Optus home wireless broadband plans depend on whether you choose 4G or 5G, and the plan itself.

If you choose the Optus 4G home internet plan, you’ll be limited to 25Mbps download speeds. For Optus 5G, you’ll either have uncapped speeds or a speed cap of 50Mbps or 100Mbps. While you won’t get a speed cap for the most expensive 5G home internet plan, Optus states the typical speeds you can expect are around 210 – 220Mbps during the busy evening peak between 7pm and 11pm. Keep in mind that listed typical evening speeds may change and real-world performance may differ.

Optus’ 5G home wireless broadband plans offer a 40Mbps or 50Mbps Satisfaction Guarantee (depending on the plan), whereby if you’re not reaching speeds that fast, you can cancel your contract without any extra fees — simply return the modem or pay off the remaining modem cost.

What network does Optus home wireless broadband use?

Optus uses its own 4G and 5G mobile networks to deliver its home wireless broadband plans. Smaller telcos typically have to use the networks owned by Optus, Telstra and Vodafone, and often don’t have access to the whole network; however, this isn’t an issue with an Optus home wireless plan. Keep in mind that 5G is still being rolled out across Australia and a 5G Optus home wireless plan may not be available at your address.

Optus home wireless vs NBN

In addition to home wireless broadband, Optus offers a wide range of NBN plans across different speed tiers to suit different household internet needs.

While Optus’ home wireless broadband may be cheaper than the Optus NBN plans with comparable speeds, home wireless isn’t always as reliable as a fixed-line NBN connection. As home wireless relies on a mobile network to connect your home to the internet, issues with weak signals, patchy reception and interference — as you might experience with your mobile phone’s reception — can also occur with a home wireless plan.

However, some homes may have issues with their NBN connection or have a slower NBN connection type at their home, so a home wireless plan could be a better option.

About our phone experts

Emma Bradstock: Senior Telco Specialist

As Canstar Blue’s Senior Telco Specialist, Emma Bradstock covers all things mobile phone and internet, which she’s focused on for over five years. Emma has over a decade of professional writing experience across print and digital media outlets and for digital agencies, and has turned her hand to multimedia content and social media management.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn.

Josh Filosi: Data Insights Analyst

Josh Filosi is Canstar’s Data Insights Analyst, and helps develop and deliver the methodology for Canstar Blue’s Value Rankings and Awards for the telco industry. He holds a double-major in Economics and Behavioral Science, and enjoys interpreting complex data. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.