Today’s internet is more than just about data. Providers such as Optus offer entertainment bundles on some plans, so you can not only browse the web but enjoy streaming and premium TV as well. Read on to find out what bundles Optus offers and how they stack up to others – such as Foxtel and Telstra – in the internet and entertainment game.
Optus Bundles – Internet, Entertainment & Sport
Optus offers a slightly different selection of bundles compared to the more traditional entertainment bundle. While all Optus NBN plans include free access to Optus Sport, there are two ‘bundle’ plan options available in addition to the basic Internet Everyday plan. The Internet Family Entertainer bundles WiFi-boosting products to your basic NBN plan (on both NBN 50 and NBN 100 speeds) to improve WiFi performance throughout the home and for larger families, plus included access to a standard Netflix subscription via Optus SubHub. Then there is the Internet Gamer plan, available on NBN 50 and NBN 100, which includes an ASUS gaming modem and other extras to optimise your in-home online gaming experience.
Optus NBN Plans are available with no lock-in contracts. Plans include a $252 modem charge, however, stay with Optus for 36 months, and your modem is included free (Internet Gamer plan includes a different modem). All in all, Optus offers some decent variety on its bundled plans, with bundles for a more niche group of users.
The following table features selected Optus NBN plans from Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost from lowest to highest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a wider range of providers.
How do Optus bundles compare to Telstra and Foxtel?
All three providers offer internet and entertainment deals, but when you look at the details, each paints a slightly different picture. The other two are priced higher than Optus, but have slightly different bundles to offer:
- Telstra offers unlimited data from $80 a month, and Telstra TV can be added for an additional $9 monthly. Telstra also offers bundled-in Foxtel packages, including Movies and Sports, from about $130 per month (including your broadband plan) on a no lock-in contract (setup fees may apply). Telstra customers can also add streaming services such as Foxtel Now, BINGE and Kayo Sports to plans from an extra $10 monthly.
- Foxtel offers bundles with unlimited data from $124 per month. You’ll get unlimited NBN 50 data with the Foxtel Plus entertainment bundle included in this package; about $149 monthly will get you the Broadband + Sports bundle, while the $174 per month plan includes the Premium Plus bundle, featuring every channel available.
Overall, Optus obviously exists at the cheaper end of the scale, but its bundles will add on a fair bit extra compared to the basic plans. If you’re a stickler for these types of premium entertainment content, then you likely have no choice but to side with Telstra or Foxtel. However, if you’re just looking for EPL and a less standard bundle option, Optus has some fairly unique or hard to find offers.
Is an Optus bundle worth the money?
Optus certainly presents its case well – $79 per month for basic internet with included access to Optus Sport. That sounds pretty tough to beat, and for EPL nuts alone it may be worth the fee. However, Optus faces some stiff competition, and it’s not so much about price but more so about what’s on offer.
- Telstra and Foxtel are priced higher than Optus but both offer bundles with Foxtel in them, including access to the Sports packages. Basic entertainment starts at about $100 each month, while for sports you’ll be paying closer to $130 per month.
With these two you also get access to HBO content, something which Optus cannot provide. Ultimately it comes down to what you’re after. If you’re after EPL and more niche add ons, it’s hard to go past Optus. However, if you want NRL, AFL and HBO, it’s tough to go past Foxtel or Telstra. All have their unique selling points, it just comes down to what provider fits your needs best.
Share this article