Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: NBN plans compared

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 25 November 2021

When it comes to NBN, Telstra and Aussie Broadband are two of the more premium providers you can pick from. Telstra is naturally Australia's biggest and oldest telco, while Aussie Broadband has risen through the ranks to become the nation's fifth-largest NBN provider and garnered a "good guy" reputation thanks to excellent support. If you're tossing up between the two, here's what you need to know.

In this guide:

Available internet types
Typical evening speeds
Data limits
Contracts
Modem
Customer service
Extras

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: NBN plans at a glance

All Fixed Line nbn®

Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 23/9 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $83/mth after promo ends 15.11.26

$58/mth

Min. cost $58

Link not supplied

$58/mth

Min. cost $58

Link not supplied

All Fixed Line nbn®

Basic Internet Only Plan

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 25/4 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

All Fixed Line nbn®

Value nbn - Unlimited

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 47/18 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26

$70/mth

Min. cost $70

Link not supplied

$70/mth

Min. cost $70

Link not supplied

Essential Internet Only Plan (Fixed Wireless)

nbn® Wireless 68/7 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$99/mth

Min. cost $49.50

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $49.50

Link not supplied

nbn® Fixed Wireless Plus Unlimited

nbn® Wireless 80/9 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

Premium Internet Only Plan

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

nbn® 100/17 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$99/mth

Min. cost $49.50

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $49.50

Link not supplied

Premium Internet Only Plan (Fixed Wireless)

nbn® Wireless 183/14 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$99/mth

Min. cost $49.50

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $49.50

Link not supplied

nbn® Fixed Wireless Fast Unlimited

nbn® Wireless 160/10 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

$99/mth

Min. cost $99

Link not supplied

FTTP, HFC

Ultrafast Fibre - Unlimited

FTTP, HFC

nbn® 875/92 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$129/mth

Min. cost $129

Link not supplied

$129/mth

Min. cost $129

Link not supplied

FTTP, HFC

Ultrafast Internet Only Plan

FTTP, HFC

nbn® 815/80 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$129/mth

Min. cost $64.50

Link not supplied

$129/mth

Min. cost $64.50

Link not supplied

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Internet types available

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband predominantly sells NBN plans, and does so across all speed tiers: NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, and NBN 1000. In addition, it has a unique NBN 75 plan for those that want connectivity faster than NBN 50 without splurging on an NBN 100 plan.

Here are Aussie Broadband's unlimited NBN plans:

#1	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 23/9 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $83/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $58/mth for first 6 months, then $83/mth Min. cost $58 Link not supplied	$58/mth for first 6 months, then $83/mth Min. cost $58	Link not supplied
#2	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Value nbn - Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 47/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#3	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Basic nbn - Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 12/1 Mbps Unlimited Data $77/mth Min. cost $77 Link not supplied	$77/mth Min. cost $77	Link not supplied
#4	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Fast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/44 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Fast nbn - Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 94/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#6	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP Super-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited FTTP nbn® 250/89 Mbps Unlimited Data $114/mth Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$114/mth Min. cost $114	Link not supplied
#7	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 94/36 Mbps Unlimited Data $114/mth Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$114/mth Min. cost $114	Link not supplied
#8	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Superfast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 750/44 Mbps Unlimited Data $119/mth Min. cost $119 Link not supplied	$119/mth Min. cost $119	Link not supplied
#9	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Ultrafast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 875/92 Mbps Unlimited Data $129/mth Min. cost $129 Link not supplied	$129/mth Min. cost $129	Link not supplied
#10	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP Turbofast Pro nbn - Unlimited FTTP nbn® 500/178 Mbps Unlimited Data $136/mth Min. cost $136 Link not supplied	$136/mth Min. cost $136	Link not supplied

If you're considering an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan, be aware that not everyone can get these: you need an FTTP or HFC NBN connection. All FTTP customers can get both NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans. On the other hand, all HFC customers can now get NBN 250 plans and over 90% can get NBN 1000 plans.

Aussie Broadband also offers OptiComm fibre plans for eligible areas.

Telstra

Telstra offers NBN plans on NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 250, and NBN 1000 speed tiers.

Here's Telstra's range of NBN plans:

All Fixed Line nbn®

Basic Internet Only Plan

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 25/4 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

$89/mth

Min. cost $44.50

Link not supplied

Telstra also has ADSL and Cable plans for those that haven't been connected to the NBN yet, and mobile broadband options. Telstra also has 5G home internet available as an NBN alternative.

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Typical evening speeds

Typical evening speeds refer to the download speeds you can expect during peak usage times on the NBN - between 7pm and 11pm.

Much in the same way that traffic on the road can slow down during peak hours, the NBN can too. NBN connections may slow down in the evenings, when everyone in your neighbourhood is jumping online to stream, surf, download, and more. As such, a provider's evening speeds indicate how fast your connection will be at the times you use it most.

Here is how Aussie and Telstra stack up against each other in terms of typical evening speeds on the NBN.

	NBN 12	NBN 25	NBN 50	NBN 100	NBN 250	NBN 1000
Aussie	12Mbps	25Mbps	50Mbps	99Mbps	248Mbps	600Mbps
Telstra	-	25Mbps	50Mbps	100Mbps	250Mbps	700Mbps

For comparison, here are the 10 fastest providers on NBN 100 plans.

Fastest Typical Evening Speeds

Unlimited Data
12/1 Mbps typical evening speed
$77/mth
Min. cost $77

12 Mbps

Link not supplied

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $41/mth Min. cost $41 WhistleOut Special: Includes $28.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $41/mth for first 6 months, then $69.95/mth	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 25/8.5 Mbps typical evening speed $42.90/mth Min. cost $42.90 Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths, $42.90/month for first 6 months, then $72.90/month. Ends 30.10.26	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 25/9 Mbps typical evening speed $43.99/mth Min. cost $43.99 Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $73.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Belong	Belong Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $49/mth Min. cost $49 Deal: Includes $26 off for 6 months - $49/mth for first 6 mths, then $75/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $49.90/mth Min. cost $49.90 Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 12mths. $49.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $70.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	MATE	MATE Unlimited Data 25/10 Mbps typical evening speed $55/mth Min. cost $55 Deal: Includes $25/mth off for first 6 mths, $55/mth for first 6 mths, then reverts to $80/mth (code MATE25) + Bundle & Save + more!	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#7	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 25/8.5 Mbps typical evening speed $58/mth Min. cost $58 Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $58/mth for 6 months, then $78/mth + Bundle & Save	25 Mbps	Go to Site
#8	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $59.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $59.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $59.99/mth Min. cost $59.99 Deal: $59.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	25 Mbps	Link not supplied
#10	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited Data 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed $60/mth Min. cost $60 Deal: Special Intro Offer - Includes $10/mth off for the first 6 months, $60/mth for first 6 months, then $70/mth	25 Mbps	Go to Site

#1	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $45/mth Min. cost $45 Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 04.10.26	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $55/mth Min. cost $55 Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $57.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $64.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month.	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $69/mth Min. cost $69 Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $69.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.	50 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $69.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6	50 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	50 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	Optus	Optus Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $82/mth Min. cost $82 Deal: $82/mth for a year, then $97/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $388. Ends 6/10.	50 Mbps	Link not supplied
#10	iPrimus	iPrimus Unlimited Data 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed $90/mth Min. cost $90	50 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited Data 500/43 Mbps typical evening speed $50/mth Min. cost $50 Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong Unlimited Data 500/40 Mbps typical evening speed $59/mth Min. cost $59 Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Unlimited Data 500/42.5 Mbps typical evening speed $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Deal: Includes $33/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth. Ends 30.10.26	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 500/48 Mbps typical evening speed $62.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel Unlimited Data 500/42 Mbps typical evening speed $69/mth Min. cost $69 Deal: Includes $20.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $89.95/mth.	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 500/42 Mbps typical evening speed $69.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 500/42 Mbps typical evening speed $69.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6	500 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 500/45 Mbps typical evening speed $74/mth Min. cost $74 Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Bundle & Save	500 Mbps	Go to Site
#9	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 500/42 Mbps typical evening speed $74.99/mth Min. cost $74.99 Deal: Save $240 over 12mths! $74.99/mth for first 12 months, then $94.99/mth. Min cost $84.99 if modem returned. T&Cs apply	500 Mbps	Link not supplied
#10	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Unlimited Data 500/44 Mbps typical evening speed $79/mth Min. cost $79 Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26	500 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel Unlimited Data 750/42 Mbps typical evening speed $69/mth Min. cost $69 WhistleOut Special: Includes $25.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $94.95/mth.	750 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 750/45 Mbps typical evening speed $79/mth Min. cost $79 Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $104/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save	750 Mbps	Go to Site
#3	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Unlimited Data 750/44 Mbps typical evening speed $119/mth Min. cost $119	750 Mbps	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra Unlimited Data 750/40 Mbps typical evening speed $119/mth Min. cost $59.50 Deal: Get 50% off any home nbn plan for 2 months. Add code PROMO at checkout. Ends 05.10.26. T&Cs apply.	750 Mbps	Link not supplied
#5	Dodo	Dodo Unlimited Data 740/49 Mbps typical evening speed $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $99.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply	740 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 740/42 Mbps typical evening speed $74.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths - $74.99/mth for first 6 months, then $104.99/mth. Use code SAVE30FOR6	740 Mbps	Link not supplied
#7	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 740/42 Mbps typical evening speed $74.99/mth Min. cost $74.99 Deal: $74.99/mth for first 6 months, then $104.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	740 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone Unlimited Data 740/42 Mbps typical evening speed $84/mth Min. cost $84 Deal: Incl. $20/mth for 12 mths, then reverts to $104/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone	740 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 740/42 Mbps typical evening speed $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 12mths. $84.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $94.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.	740 Mbps	Go to Site
#10	iPrimus	iPrimus Unlimited Data 740/49 Mbps typical evening speed $107/mth Min. cost $107	740 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel Unlimited Data 1000/100 Mbps typical evening speed $76/mth Min. cost $76 Deal: Includes $28.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $76/mth for first 6 months, then $104.95/mth.	1000 Mbps	Go to Site
#2	MATE	MATE Unlimited Data 913/94 Mbps typical evening speed $101/mth Min. cost $101 Deal: Includes $25/mth off for first 6 mths, $101/mth for first 6 mths, then reverts to $126/mth (code MATE25) + Bundle & Save + more!	913 Mbps	Link not supplied
#3	Belong	Belong Unlimited Data 875/80 Mbps typical evening speed $75/mth Min. cost $75 Deal: Includes $35 off for 6 months - $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM	875 Mbps	Go to Site
#4	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Unlimited Data 875/92 Mbps typical evening speed $129/mth Min. cost $129	875 Mbps	Link not supplied
#5	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 860/85 Mbps typical evening speed $89/mth Min. cost $89 Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $89/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save	860 Mbps	Go to Site
#6	iiNet	iiNet Unlimited Data 850/85 Mbps typical evening speed $84.99/mth Min. cost $94.99 Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths - $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $114.99/mth. Use code SAVE30FOR6	850 Mbps	Link not supplied
#7	TPG	TPG Unlimited Data 850/85 Mbps typical evening speed $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Deal: $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $114.99/mth. T&Cs apply.	850 Mbps	Link not supplied
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone Unlimited Data 850/85 Mbps typical evening speed $94/mth Min. cost $94 Deal: Incl. $20/mth for 12 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone	850 Mbps	Link not supplied
#9	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Unlimited Data 850/85 Mbps typical evening speed $94.90/mth Min. cost $94.90 Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 12mths. $94.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $108.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.	850 Mbps	Go to Site
#10	iPrimus	iPrimus Unlimited Data 840/94 Mbps typical evening speed $122/mth Min. cost $122	840 Mbps	Link not supplied

#1	MATE	MATE Unlimited Data 1831/96 Mbps typical evening speed $141/mth Min. cost $141 Deal: Includes $25/mth off for first 6 mths, $141/mth for first 6 mths, then reverts to $166/mth (code MATE25) + Bundle & Save + more!	1831 Mbps	Link not supplied
#2	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Unlimited Data 1810/178 Mbps typical evening speed $189/mth Min. cost $189	1810 Mbps	Link not supplied
#3	Superloop	Superloop Unlimited Data 1700/85 Mbps typical evening speed $148/mth Min. cost $148 Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 mths! $148/mth for 6 mths, then $168/mth + Bundle & Save	1700 Mbps	Go to Site

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Data limits

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband NBN plans all have unlimited data, but most are also available in 100GB or 500GB options if you'd prefer a smaller allowance to save a bit of cash each month.

Telstra

All Telstra NBN plans also have unlimited data.

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Contracts

Aussie Broadband

All Aussie Broadband NBN plans are contract-free. You can leave at any time without penalty.

Telstra

All of Telstra's NBN plans are contract-free. Just note that if you're on one of Telstra's standard NBN plans and you leave in your first 24 months, you'll need to pay a prorated modem fee. This is equivalent to $9 multiplied by the number of months left in your two-year term. If you've taken on any extras like a Telstra TV, you will also need to pay out its remaining value.

If you're on a Telstra Upfront NBN plan, you can return your modem instead. If you don't return it, you'll pay a $200 non-return fee.

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Modem

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband plans all allow you to bring your own modem. If you need a new one, it offers the following options.

Netcomm NF18MESH: $149
Google Nest Wifi: $249
Google Nest Wifi with 1 Nest Point: $349
Google Nest Wifi with 2 Nest Point: $469

This pricing excludes shipping.

The Netcomm modem can be ordered online, but you'll need to call Aussie to order a Google Nest.

Telstra

All Telstra NBN plans come with its second-generation Smart Modem, which also facilitates 4G backup. If you're on a standard Telstra NBN plan, you'll need to pay out a modem fee if you leave within your first 24 months. This is equivalent to $9 multiplied by the number of months left in your two-year term.

If you're on a Telstra Upfront NBN plan and leave within your first two years, you can simply return the modem instead. If you'd prefer to keep it (or forget to return it) you'll pay a $200 non-return fee.

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Customer service

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband offers support over the phone from 8am to midnight, AEDT, seven days a week. You can call 1300 880 905 to reach Aussie Broadband. You can also submit an inquiry via its website and request a call back at a specific time, and the telco also helps out customers on Facebook and Twitter.

Telstra

Telstra support is available over the phone between 8am and 9pm AEDT, seven days a week. You can call 13 2000 to reach Telstra. Telstra also has web chat, and maintains an active and helpful social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.

Aussie Broadband vs. Telstra: Extras

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband customers can add Fetch TV or a mobile phone plan onto their NBN plan.

When it comes to Fetch TV, you won't get any discount compared to the standard pricing - you just have the option of adding your set-top box onto the same bill. You'll pay a minimum of $10 per month for the set-top box itself, and channel packs start at $6 per month.

Aussie Broadband offers mobile plans powered by Optus, and has 4G-only and 5G-ready available options available. If you have an Aussie Broadband NBN plan, you'll get extra data on Aussie Broadband's 4G plans. Bonus data or discounts aren't available on Aussie Broadband's 5G mobile plans.

Telstra

Telstra NBN plans come with a couple of extras. All plans include the telco's second-generation Smart Modem with 4G backup. 4G connectivity can be called up before your NBN plan is connected and whenever there's a problem with your home internet connection. Backup connectivity is limited to maximum speeds of 25Mbps down, and 5Mbps up. Download speeds are equivalent to an NBN 25 connection - making Telstra's 4G backup the fastest around.

If you're a gamer, you can add Xbox All Access onto your Telstra NBN plan. Xbox All Access lets you pay off an Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X over a 24-month period rather than upfront, and includes Game Pass Ultimate.

Telstra is also currently offering customers a free three-month subscription to Binge.

Telstra NBN customers can also bundle on streaming services and pay TV options on their monthly bill. At present, you can add on a Foxtel package to your NBN plan for a cheaper rate than you'd pay with Foxtel itself, but the discount only lasts for your first 12 months. After you'll pay the same rate as you would with Foxtel.

Telstra has a similar offer for Kayo, where you'll save $10 per month compared to retail, but only for your first year.

Lastly, all Telstra customers get access to Telstra Plus, Telstra's perks program. Every dollar you spend with Telstra earns you points, which then be redeemed for gadgets or discounts on more expensive tech.

Telstra Plus also gets you $12.50 movie tickets for Event and BCC cinemas, excluding sessions after 5pm on a Saturday, public holidays, and special events

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

Read full bio