TPG Internet Review: Compare internet plans and prices
TPG has grown rapidly over the past few years to become one of the most popular internet providers in Australia. With a good range of cheap, simple plans, TPG has grown a loyal customer base and over the years has expanded greatly, including the purchase of iiNet. This acquisition made TPG the second largest ISP in the country by market share – behind Telstra of course. More recently, and after a battle in the Federal Court, it has also merged with telco giant Vodafone, making TPG a powerhouse in both the internet and mobile space. So, what does TPG offer that makes it so popular when it comes to internet plans, and how does it stack up against the competition?
TPG, like many internet providers, has ditched many of the broadband plans previously on offer, like ADSL2+. Now, if you’re looking at TPG internet plans, you’ll have a choice of TPG NBN plans and its own ‘Fibre to the Building’ offering. In this internet review, we’ll look at what TPG has to offer for its internet services, specifically NBN, and to see how TPG’s internet plans stack up compared to other internet service providers, to help you find the best deal.
TPG NBN Coverage
TPG’s National Broadband Network coverage is subject to that of the wider network throughout Australia. The fibre component of the network covers 93% of Australians, with the remaining 7% covered via a fixed wireless or satellite connection.
As it stands, fibre coverage extends to capital cities as well as major regional hubs. The TPG website has an address checker so you can see what’s available at your place.
TPG NBN Features & Bonuses
As seen above, TPG is a full-service provider, offering more than just a cheap price and unlimited data.
- Modems: Modems are available across all plans, or you can BYO device. If you do opt for an included modem on a no-contract plan, you’ll need to pay for your modem upfront plus a delivery fee. If you sign up for six months, you’ll get the modem for free (plus delivery fee).
- Call Packs: TPG has a variety of call packs to choose from, including ones with calls to overseas destinations.
On top of this, TPG offers top-speed NBN, unlimited data and no setup fees or lock-in contracts. TPG has also been known to include months of free TPG mobile plans with its internet plans, so keep an eye out to see if there are any deals on offer.
TPG Internet Plans
TPG offers a wide range of internet plans including NBN, home wireless and fibre plans, so you’ll likely find a TPG internet plan to suit your needs.
TPG NBN Plans
TPG offers no-contract NBN plans, with an optional modem and setup fee. However, you can also BYO modem if you’d like to avoid all upfront costs. However, if you opt to sign up for six months, your modem will cost $0 (except for the delivery fee).
Every TPG NBN plan comes with $0 pay-as-you-go calls. Customers may also be eligible for a discount on selected TPG mobile plans when bundling with TPG NBN. TPG offers plans on six different NBN speed tiers.
TPG Fibre to the Building Plans
Apart from NBN, TPG offers its own Fibre to the Building (FTTB) plans. These plans use TPG’s own fibre network, which is mostly available in apartment complexes where TPG has built the network infrastructure. If you’re an existing TPG internet customer and you’re interested in TPG’s FTTB service, you can give them a call to discuss options.
TPG’s FTTB plans are available with your choice of internet speed — Standard (up to 12Mbps download speed) or Superfast (up to 90Mbps typical evening download speed). Then choose between the 18 month or month-to-month option, but keep in mind that there is a setup fee if you choose the month-to-month plan, but this fee is waived on the 18-month contract. A WiFi modem is also included on all plans, but with a delivery fee.
TPG Home Wireless Broadband
If you don’t have reliable NBN access, TPG also offers an unlimited data home wireless broadband plan, which provides coverage on the Vodafone mobile network. This plan offers speeds of up to 20Mbps and is suitable for up to three devices at once. This plan includes a WiFi modem and no lock-in contract.
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 |
TPG 5G Home Broadband
If you’re in an area with Vodafone 5G network coverage, you may be eligible for TPG’s unlimited data 5G home internet plans. TPG offers two 5G plans: one with up to 50Mbps speeds and another with up to 100Mbps speeds. Both plans include a modem, plus no lock-in contract.
TPG 5G Home Internet Plans
The following table shows a selection of published TPG 5G home 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
min. cost $44.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $44.99 | Go To Site | |
min. cost $49.99 over first month |
Unlimited | $49.99 | Go To Site | |
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue | **^^View important information |
TPG Customer Service & Support
Experiencing a TPG NBN outage? Or perhaps you have a question about your internet plan? TPG has several different support numbers to contact, depending on what your issue is. For technical support for internet and home phone, the operating hours are 8am to midnight on weekdays, 9am to 9pm on weekends and the same for any public holidays.
- General TPG customer support: 13 14 23
- TPG NBN technical support: 1300 997 271
- TPG FTTB technical support: 1300 997 274
There is also the TPG Mobile app that lets you manage your account and access customer support. The website also has a range of help topics and community support.
How does TPG compare to other internet providers?
With a strong focus on value for money, TPG’s plans have historically fared well against the competition – especially the big boys like Telstra and Optus. However, a range of smaller providers across all broadband sectors are giving TPG a run for its money. Overall, TPG compares well to the following leading providers:
However, there’s a lot more to broadband than a cheap price; often, setup fees, modem costs, lengthy contracts and more can make or break a plan. It’s worth considering if these are included in your plan and what plan is right for you.
Is TPG worth the money?
TPG is generally quite popular with customers and is a safe bet for many newcomers wanting fairly solid value. However, with a little digging you can find smaller providers offering more data in a lot of cases for the same price, or cheaper. While you can get some low-cost options with TPG, you’ll have to sacrifice data inclusions and NBN speeds to pick up one of these cheap NBN plans. Other providers might offer cheap plans with unlimited data as standard, so it’s definitely worth comparing value for money.
With its focus on winning customers through low prices and easy to understand plans, TPG has worked wonders for many years, and will no doubt continue to do so in the future. Its wide range of internet plans and support of both ADSL and NBN fibre technologies means TPG really does have something for everyone. TPG is a safe choice. However, you could potentially find better deals with a bit of hunting around.
Other articles worth reading
About the author of this page
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Senior Telco Specialist, Emma Bradstock. An expert in all things phone, internet, gaming and streaming, Emma helps to make complicated subjects easier for readers to understand, as well as covering the latest news and reviews across the telco industry. She’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed telco choices and highlighting the next best deals.
TPG Facts
In 2015, TPG was recognised as the second largest internet service provider in Australia. You may remember the television ads, but what more do you need to know about TPG?
About TPG
TPG dates back to 1986, where it was better known as Total Peripherals Group. In 2008, a merger between this group and SP Telemedia saw the beginning of the TPG brand as we know it today. It’s an ASX listed company, meaning it’s owned by various shareholders around the world. TPG currently has an impressive profile of subsidiaries, with some of the most notable being iiNet, Internode and AAPT.
TPG Services
So, what can you sign up to with TPG? Here’s the list:
- NBN Plans
- Fibre to the Building Plans
- ADSL2+ with Home Phone
- Standalone ADSL2
- IPTV
- T4G Mobile Plans
- Internet and mobile bundles
More TPG Services
Service | Does TPG offer it? |
---|---|
Online chat functionality | |
Modem included | |
Extra data available for purchase | |
Multiple billing options | |
Alert for payment reminders | |
App for online account management |
TPG: Recent Key Dates
2010 | TPG acquires PIPE Networks.
2011 | TPG acquires IntraPower.
2014 | TPG acquires AAPT.
2015 | TPG acquires iiNet.
2011 | TPG introduces mobile broadband plans.
2014 | TPG release a range of six NBN internet and Home Phone Bundle plans.