Using either a 4G or 5G mobile network, it’s generally reliable and hugely convenient, which is why many Australian households are turning to home wireless over the NBN or any other connection type. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about home wireless broadband, and compare plans from a range of providers.
Home Wireless Plans – Quick Comparison
Just looking for a quick home wireless plan? See our quick comparison of latest offers here.
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 | |||
On this page:
What is home wireless broadband and how does it work?
Home wireless broadband is technology that allows a modem to connect to the internet remotely. In this case, the connection is delivered over the mobile phone network; however, wireless broadband can also be delivered through satellite connection. Home wireless differs from mobile broadband in that it comes packaged with a router and is intended for use as a replacement for a fixed line connection. It’s different from a mobile SIM, which delivers a phone plan and phone plan data to your smartphone.
Most commonly, home wireless broadband works by delivering an internet connection to a wireless modem/router over either 4G or 5G mobile networks. Unlike the NBN, home wireless broadband doesn’t need to connect to a fixed line in the wall, and can be placed anywhere in your home where a power outlet is available. However, speeds are inconsistent compared to the NBN, and it might not be suitable for certain bandwidth-intensive activities.
Keep in mind that home wireless broadband is different to NBN fixed wireless, which is an NBN connection type for rural and remote communities.
Pros and cons of home wireless broadband
Like with any internet service or technology, home wireless broadband is not perfect and it won’t suit everyone. It’s important to look at the pros and cons to ensure that you’re signing up for an internet plan that will work for you.
Pros
- Easy to set up — just plug in and go
- Good alternative to NBN if your wired connection hasn’t met your expectations or you can’t access NBN at your home
- Easy to take with you if you’re a renter or move houses frequently
- 5G speeds becoming easy to access and more options on the market
- Access to smaller data inclusions could suit low internet users
- Plans can be cheaper than what you find on some NBN plans
Cons
- Relies on mobile network coverage, so areas with poor reception will have a poor connection
- Not always as stable as a wired connection
- Not all plans include unlimited data
- 5G not available everywhere and 4G speeds can be slow for certain activities like video streaming
- Smaller selection of providers to choose from
- Service might not be available to all households or locations
- Some plans might throttle your speeds by imposing a speed cap
Home wireless broadband providers
Considering that home wireless broadband depends on a mobile network in order to operate, it’s no surprise that the big three telcos that own and operate the mobile networks — Telstra, Optus and Vodafone — all offer home wireless broadband plans.
However, you’ll find that a handful of smaller telcos also offer these plans, and will use either the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone mobile networks to deliver this service.
Here is a selection of popular providers currently offering home wireless broadband plans (either 4G, 5G or both):
Regardless of your choice of provider, plans usually come with a WiFi modem, often manufactured by a brand such as Huawei. It’s important to note that some telcos might have speed caps and some may also recognise peer-to-peer file sharing and throttle speeds further.
Compare home wireless broadband plans
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 $54.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $54.99 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
iiNet Home Wireless 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 Liimitless Plan
min. cost $44.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $44.99 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Telstra 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra 5G 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
5G Home Internet
min. cost $85 over one month |
1TB | $85 | |
| View all NBN 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 NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
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 | |||
Note: In order to sign up to Southern Phone’s home wireless broadband plans, you’ll need to call to order the plan
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
min. cost $270 over first month plan period |
Unlimited | $60 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $1,440 over 24 month plan period |
Unlimited | $60 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Yomojo Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Yomojo 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.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Home Wireless Broadband Plan
min. cost $238.90 for the first month |
200GB | $59.90 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Home Wireless Broadband Plan
min. cost $248.90 for the first month |
500GB | $69.90 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Spintel Wireless Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Spintel 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.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
4G Unlimited
min. cost $54.95 over a one month plan period |
Unlimited | $54.95 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
4G vs 5G home wireless broadband
Most home wireless broadband plans will use a 4G mobile network to deliver service. As the big three telcos continue to roll out 5G to more areas of the country, 5G home wireless broadband is becoming more common and more homes will find this option available to them.
As 5G is the next stage in mobile technology, it’s clear that the main advantage of 5G is that it delivers faster speeds and can handle more capacity than 4G. The theoretical speeds that 5G can reach make it even faster than some of the most popular NBN speed tiers.
This makes 5G an ideal wireless option for homes where several devices are usually connected at once and are used for high intensity activities like online gaming and video streaming. Low internet users might find that having a 5G home wireless broadband plan makes little difference if you’re mainly using your internet for basics such as checking emails and browsing the web.
However, because 5G is still in its early years, these plans are typically more expensive than the 4G counterparts. If you’re on a tight budget, you might find 5G home wireless plans might stretch your budget.
Ultimately, if you have both options available to you, you’ll want to consider whether you need the speeds that 5G can deliver, or if a 4G plan will suit (and save you a bit of money in the process).
The following table shows selected published 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5G Home Internet
min. cost $85 over one month |
1TB | $85 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
min. cost $675 over first month |
Unlimited | $99 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
The following table shows selected published 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5G Home Broadband Plus
min. cost $44.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $44.99 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
5G Home Broadband Plus plan
min. cost $44.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $44.99 | Link to provider unavailable |
 |
5G Home Internet Plus
min. cost $65 over one month |
Unlimited | $65 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
5G Home Broadband Premium
min. cost $49.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $49.99 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
5G Home Broadband Premium plan
min. cost $54.99 over one month |
Unlimited | $54.99 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
5G Home Internet Premium
min. cost $70 over one month |
Unlimited | $70 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
min. cost $655 over first month |
Unlimited | $79 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
SpinTel 5G Unlimited
min. cost $89 over one month |
Unlimited | $89 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Read more: 5G vs 4G: What’s the difference?
What’s the difference between home wireless and mobile broadband?
While both types of broadband rely on cellular networks, rather than a fixed-line connection, mobile broadband is designed for on-the-go use rather than as a total home internet solution. You’ll find mobile broadband plans are typically a little more expensive than home wireless, and may not be ideal for heavy data users or larger households.
Still, if you’re interested in comparing mobile broadband, we’ve listed several plans with around 50GB per month below. The following table shows a selection of comparable published 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.
Mobile Broadband Plans Compared: 100GB+
The following table shows a selection of published 100GB and over 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 |
 |
Medium 100GB
min. cost $35 over one month billing period |
100GB | $35 | |
|
min. cost $49.90 over first month |
200GB | $49.90 | Go to Site |
 |
min. cost $60 over one month billing period |
120GB | $60 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $64.90 over first month |
400GB | $64.90 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
100GB | $65 | Go to Site |
|
Large 400GB
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
400GB | $70 | |
|
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
220GB | $70 | Go to Site |
|
Large
min. cost $90 over one month |
400GB | $90 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Mobile Broadband Plans Compared: Over 50GB
The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with 50GB – 100GB of data 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 $40 over first month |
70GB | $40 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $40 | Go To Site |
 |
SIM Only 50GB
min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period |
50GB | $40 | |
|
min. cost $40 over one month billing period |
45GB | $40 | Go to Site |
|
Medium
min. cost $58 over one month |
75GB | $58 | |
|
SIM Only 90GB
min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period |
90GB | $60 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Mobile Broadband Plans Compared: Under 50GB
The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with less than 50GB of data 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 20GB
min. cost $15 over one month billing period |
20GB | $15 | |
|
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
7GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
SIM Only 7GB
min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period |
7GB | $15 | |
|
min. cost $20 over first month |
30GB | $20 | Go to Site |
|
Small
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $25 | |
|
min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period |
15GB | $25 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
How to choose the best home wireless broadband plan
When comparing wireless broadband plans, the first step is to check to see if wireless broadband is available to your address. You may find some providers do not offer these plans to your address and you’ll need to look into an alternative. If you can access wireless broadband from your home and from a range of providers, take into consideration what your budget is and how much data you’ll need on your plan and compare what is on offer from each plan. This should help you find the best wireless broadband plan for your home.
Think about:
- Your preferred mobile network – be it Telstra, Optus or Vodafone. What’s coverage like in your area? Do you already have a good connection with one of these networks for your phone service?
- You data requirements – the main limitation to home wireless broadband is that data is often capped at about 500GB or 1000GB, so if you desperately need unlimited data then you may be out of luck. Think carefully about this though – it’s common to overestimate your data needs.
- Your bank balance – home wireless is generally not the cheapest form of internet for your home and can seem quite expensive when you have a data cap in place, so make sure you find the right balance of data versus price.
Home wireless broadband FAQs
Still confused about home wireless broadband? We’ll answer some of your burning questions with the explainers below.
A home wireless broadband plan isn’t going to suit every household. Homes in an area with good mobile coverage are best suited to this type of internet. Large households with high internet usage needs (HD video streaming, online gaming) might find wireless broadband struggles to keep up, unless you have access to 5G with strong reception.
It’s a good option for renters and anyone who moves around a lot and doesn’t want to think about moving their wired internet when they move home, or homes where the fixed wired technology isn’t up to scratch.
The NBN is the way that most Aussies connect their home to the internet, but for some, the experience could be a disappointment. However, the same can be said for home wireless broadband, where homes with patchy mobile reception — or due to other factors — could struggle to stay connected.
Home wireless broadband is by no means a perfect technology, and unless you have a 5G plan, it’s unlikely you’ll reach the speeds that super fast NBN speeds tiers, such as NBN 250 and NBN 1000, can reach.
As to which technology is better? That entirely depends on your home’s wired internet connection (if there is one) and mobile reception, along with your household needs.
The speed of your home wireless broadband plan will depend on a number of factors such as your home’s location, the provider you’re with and the mobile network connection. Some telcos may have speed caps on the plan, so even plans capable of reaching certain speeds, might not be able to achieve those speeds.
Of course, 5G wireless broadband plans will be faster than those on the 4G network. For uncapped 5G home wireless speeds, Optus lists 225Mbps* as its typical evening speed (between the hours of 7pm to 11pm), while Telstra lists 378Mbps* as its average speed, although states that anywhere between 50Mbps and 600Mbps is possible.
*Speeds listed are as appears on the telcos’ websites, as of October 2022.
Home wireless plans typically involve two components — a SIM card and a modem. The SIM card is used to access the mobile network and the modem supports either a WiFi or Ethernet connection. Insert the SIM in the router, power the modem up and your connection is good to go.
This is generally a much more simple process than establishing a new NBN or other fixed-line connection as that usually requires professional installation and tech support. With home wireless, you can simply ‘plug and play’. In fact, Optus boasts that its home wireless router takes less than five minutes to set up.
Home wireless broadband relies on having a modem and a 4G, 5G or satellite signal in range (specifically, one that your plan can connect to). Often, your home wireless broadband modem will contain a SIM card, which is how your plan details are stored, however, this is not always the case. You might also assume that you can put this SIM card in your phone, however, you’ll find that the home wireless broadband plan will simply not work. You’ll need a functionally independent modem powering your home wireless broadband plan, which you can connect your devices to either over ethernet or over WiFi. You’ll also need to pay for a home wireless broadband plan.
Home wireless does have several limitations, with the price per megabyte being a major factor. Limitations include:
- It can be expensive, with data over wireless far more costly than ADSL or other fixed line connections in a ‘data for dollars’ sense.
- Coverage can vary just like a mobile phone’s signal. Home wireless won’t vary as much as your typical phone, as your router generally doesn’t leave your house. However, if your mobile reception at home is poor, you may want to think twice before committing to a lock-in home wireless plan.
- Top speeds can be affected easily, with some providers only promising max speeds slower than that of ADSL – 12Mbps.
Home wireless broadband can be used anywhere that there’s a power outlet and a signal the modem can connect to – so don’t be worried about moving it around the house. This being said, it’s important to check if your provider offers taking your home wireless broadband modem when travelling as an option. Home wireless broadband plans cannot be used overseas.
No, you don’t need a phone line for wireless broadband in Australia, just as you don’t need one for the NBN.
You can boost your wireless broadband signal by moving your modem to a more ideal spot in your home – a place where the WiFi can be transmitted thoroughly throughout the house. If you’ve tried this, but you’re still getting signal issues, consider moving your devices closer to the wireless broadband modem, and limiting what devices are connected to the modem at any given time, as some devices can suck up bandwidth when you’re not expecting them to (such as with background updates). You can also try a WiFi range extender.
Share this article