What Is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband is a type of broadband internet which is delivered via a mobile network, rather than through cables or fibre.

There are several different products and ways to use mobile broadband on the market, including:

Data-only SIM plans
Plans with a USB modem/dongle
Plans with a portable WiFi hotspot (also known as pocket WiFi)

How does mobile broadband work?

Mobile broadband is a wireless and usually portable connection type that uses the same mobile 4G and 5G networks that your phone connects to when accessing the internet away from WiFi.

It’s delivered to your devices via signals sent from nearby mobile towers, and can be accessed via plans with data-only SIM cards, specialised devices or USB modems. Mobile broadband allows you to get online anywhere your provider’s mobile network is available, so it’s a great option for customers wanting a flexible or portable connection.

What are the different types of mobile broadband?

Data SIM

Data SIM cards provide a stable mobile broadband connection on any compatible device with a SIM card slot. Data-only SIM cards are portable, work in commonly-used devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops, and come with a range of contract and no-contract options.

If your mobile broadband plan includes a data-only SIM card, you’ll be able to connect to the internet on the device that the card is inserted into. If you want other devices to access this internet connection, you will need to set up a mobile hotspot from your tablet or phone.

Pocket WiFi

‘Pocket WiFi’ is a common term for a portable modem that uses your mobile broadband connection to create a WiFi network. This can then connect multiple devices throughout your home simultaneously. Pocket WiFi tends to be battery-powered but rechargeable, making it a popular option for mobile broadband on the go.

USB modem

Also referred to as a WiFi dongle, USB WiFi modems connect to one individual device, such as a laptop, via a USB port. Like pocket WiFi, dongles are portable; however, they don’t create a WiFi network, and are primarily for users who just need one device connected to mobile broadband at a time.

In-car WiFi

There are also some types of mobile broadband devices that can be used in your car, usually by plugging the modem into the 12V charging adaptor or cigarette lighter outlet. These are more commonly used outside Australia.

Mobile broadband plans

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
	100GB Plan Data-only SIM plan Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage Optional modems available Download speeds capped at 100Mbps min. cost $34.90 over first month	100GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$34.90Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Medium 100GB SIM only 5G network access Data gifting available Download speeds capped at 150Mbps min. cost $35 over one month billing period	100_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$35Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	200GB Plan Data-only SIM plan Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage Optional modems available Download speeds capped at 250Mbps min. cost $49.90 over first month	200GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$49.90Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	120GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM only 4G + 5G network access Data pooling min. cost $60 over one month billing period	120_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$60Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	400GB Plan Data-only SIM plan Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage Optional modems available Download speeds capped at 250Mbps min. cost $64.90 over first month	400GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$64.90Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Large SIM only min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period	100_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$65Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Large 400GB SIM only 4G network access Data gifting available Download speeds capped at 250Mbps min. cost $70 over one month billing period	400_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$70Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	220GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM only 4G + 5G network access Data pooling min. cost $70 over one month billing period	220_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$70Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
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
	Large Data SIM Only Plan SIM only plan No excess data charges for use in Australia min. cost $40 over first month	70_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$40Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Medium SIM only min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period	50_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$40Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go To Site
	SIM only 50GB SIM only Download speeds capped at 100Mbps min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period	50_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$40Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	Medium SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $58 over one month	75_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$58Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	SIM only 90GB SIM only Download speeds capped at 150Mbps min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period	90_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$60Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
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 SIM only 5G network access Data gifting available Download speeds capped at 150Mbps min. cost $15 over one month billing period	20_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$15Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	Extra Small SIM only min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period	7_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$15Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go To Site
	SIM Only 7GB SIM only Download speeds capped at 100Mbps min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period	7_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$15Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	Small Data SIM Only Plan SIM only plan No excess data charges for use in Australia min. cost $20 over first month	30_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$20Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
	Small SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $25 over one month	30_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$25Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period
	Small SIM only min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period	15_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$25Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go To Site
	45GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM only 4G network access Data pooling min. cost $35 over one month billing period	45_GBMax Data^**/billing period	^$35Advertised Cost^{^^}/billing period	Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Pros and cons of mobile broadband

Mobile broadband can be a good alternative to NBN, especially if you want an easily accessible and portable connection. However, you will be relying on the mobile network to access the internet — so if there’s a problem with signals or reception, you might experience issues with your connection.

Here’s some of the main pros and cons of mobile broadband plans you may want to consider.

Mobile broadband pros	Mobile broadband cons
Portable, and accessible anywhere your telco’s 4G and 5G networks are available. Works as a good back-up for NBN or fixed-line internet. Most plans are no-contract. Plug-and-play setup, so no installation required. Can be used with a variety of devices, including phones, laptops and tablets.	Unlimited data is generally not available, and data allowances may be too small for bigger households or power users. Speeds may be capped or limited. Generally pricier on a data-per-dollar basis when compared to NBN or fibre. Relies on mobile signals, so will be impacted by bad reception.

How fast is mobile broadband?

The speed of your mobile broadband connection is dependent on a few factors, including your provider, coverage, time of use and type of device.

Some plans may come with uncapped speeds, and on a 5G network this may exceed more than 200 megabits per second (Mbps). Other plans will limit download speeds to 20Mbps, 50Mbps or 100Mbps.

Generally, you can expect speeds of at least 20Mbps on most 4G plans, and faster for 5G. Keep in mind that the faster your potential speeds — and the bigger your data inclusion — the more expensive your plan is likely to be.

Why would I need a mobile broadband plan?

While the NBN network is the most common form of home internet used by Aussies, there are many reasons why a mobile broadband plan could be a good option for you.

Considering the portability of most mobile broadband plans — especially if you have a portable modem or dongle — mobile broadband can be useful for anyone needs internet access when travelling, or when away from a WiFi network. Data-only SIM cards are also convenient if you have a tablet or portable device and need internet on the go.

If you currently don’t have NBN available in your area, a mobile broadband plan could also be a good alternative while you wait for your home to be connected. It’s also suitable for renters who want to easily take their internet with them when moving.

Mobile broadband can also be a great additional internet plan for large households, especially if you work from home full time or part time, as dropped connections and slow speeds could cause problems. Having a separate internet option at home can minimise congestion on your home broadband plan, especially if multiple people in the home are using the internet simultaneously.

Can I get 5G mobile broadband?

Some Aussies might also find they’re in an area with access to Telstra, Optus or Vodafone’s 5G networks. Currently, all three telcos offer 5G mobile broadband or 5G data-only SIM plans. Each provider is continually rolling out 5G coverage, so availability and performance is likely to improve even in areas that aren’t yet covered.

If you’re interested in a 5G mobile broadband plan, you can check availability at your address through your intended provider’s website.

Should I get a mobile broadband plan?

If you’re looking for an NBN or fixed-line internet alternative, mobile broadband could be a good option. Think about what it is that mobile broadband will help you with: do you need portability, a data-only SIM card for a single device, or just an additional internet plan at home?

Keep in mind that your plan is only as good as your mobile coverage, so mobile broadband is best suited to homes with strong and reliable 4G or 5G reception. Big data users, larger households, or those that want ultra-fast speeds may prefer NBN or other forms of broadband, otherwise you’ll likely be paying too much for an underwhelming service.

Whatever you decide, make sure to compare a range of broadband plans and providers to find the best deals for your needs and budget.

FAQs about mobile broadband

Is mobile broadband the same as home wireless broadband?

Mobile broadband and home wireless broadband both use the same 4G and 5G mobile networks to wirelessly connect you to the internet. While the tech is the same, home wireless is designed as a home internet solution on par with NBN, often with unlimited data and a modem that can’t be take from location to location.

Is mobile broadband the same as fixed wireless NBN?

One of the technology types available on the NBN is fixed wireless, which is different from mobile broadband. It also uses 4G and 5G technology to wirelessly connect your home, but requires you to install an outdoor antenna to receive those 4G/5G radio signals from the nearest tower.

How do I set up mobile broadband?

Once you’ve purchased your mobile broadband plan, your provider will send you a SIM card, USB/WiFi dingle, modem or hotspot. Set-up will vary depending on the product and plan but should be quick and easy: usually all you’ll need to do is insert and activate a SIM card, or plug in and activate your dongle or modem.

Tara Donnelly

Utilities Editor

Tara Donnelly is an internet and mobile expert - sectors she’s spent a decade covering - and also oversees energy and consumer technology content. She holds a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and has shared her expertise on national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise and the ABC.

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