Ditch the discounts and save on your NBN bill

Joseph Hanlon - Editorial Director

Last updated 11 December 2025

This article is sponsored by Exetel.

We’ve all seen the ads promising “cheap, lightning-fast NBN”. It’s tempting; who doesn’t want to save money?

The straightforward truth is that these discounted headline prices rarely turn out to be cheaper over the long term. When your “honeymoon period” ends, typically after 6 or 12 months, your provider will jack up the price by as much as 50% in some cases. If you are looking for a provider who offers genuine, stable value without these pricing games, you need to look at Exetel.

FTTP, HFC

One Plan 500/50

FTTP, HFC

nbn® 500/45 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$80/mth

Min. cost $80

Go to Site

$80/mth

Min. cost $80

Go to Site

The promo pricing problem

Consider how the discount cycle typically works. You sign up for a new NBN plan at a heavily reduced rate, and initially, you feel like you’re saving money.

Once the discount period ends, your bill jumps significantly, returning to the full retail rate. The savings have disappeared, leaving you with an unwelcome price hike and a choice. Find a provider with a cheaper deal and switch again, or stay on your existing plan and pay back the initial savings at the higher rate.

Providers rely on this friction to keep you connected. The discounted price may even cost them money upfront, but they know they’ll make it back from the customers who stick around.

The alternative is an internet service provider that values your long-term commitment, not just your initial subscription. No eye-catching discounts or gimmicky bonuses. Just fast, reliable nbn internet and a consistent monthly bill that you can plan your budget around.

This philosophy of transparent pricing is central to Exetel’s service model. Their high-speed 'The One Plan' has pricing that couldn’t be simpler: $80 per month for NBN Home Fast tier speeds of 500/50 Mbps (Typical Evening Speeds of 500/40Mbps).

Real Rewards for Customers

One way Exetel acknowledges customer loyalty is through its Refer-a-Friend program.

When you refer a friend to 'The One Plan,' both you and your friend receive a $1 discount on your bill, and this continues every single month for as long as you both remain connected to ‘The One Plan.’ While a single dollar might not seem like a lot, it adds up - especially if you share the love with more of your mates and family.

If you refer five people, you save $5 a month, and your friends start paying the lower rate on their first bill. There are no limits on the number of friends you can refer. The savings continue for as long as you and your referred friend remain connected to Exetel’s ‘The One Plan’.

Hibernate and save

Australian life is dynamic, and there are times when you simply do not require maximum internet speed. Going on a holiday? Perhaps you’re planning a digital detox?

Most providers will continue to charge you the full rate even when you’re not using your nbn service. However, Exetel offers a feature called Hibernate, which lets you temporarily reduce your service speed and save $1 per day when you are away or disconnected. Just whip out your phone and log in to your account to activate the feature at any time.

That dollar a day quickly accumulates throughout the month. For example, you plan a three-week holiday and set your account to Hibernate for the entire time you’re away. If all of the days you’re away fall in the same billing period, your $80 nbn bill is now just $59.

Beyond the promo price tag

Selecting the correct plan requires moving past the initial advertised price and comparing pricing over the long term.

Let’s take an example from our current database of nbn plan data. A competing provider offers the same 500/50Mbps nbn connection for $64.99 per month for six months, before reverting to standard pricing of $94.99 thereafter. Your friend chooses this plan as $64.99 per month is cheaper than their current monthly bill. You choose ‘The One Plan’.

Over the first six months, your friend pays $390 (rounded up), while you pay $480. After 12 months, you have both paid $960 for your internet services, but now it’s your plan that is $15 per month cheaper. Looking ahead another 12 months, you will have paid $180 less than your friend.

This focus on simple, consistent pricing removes the confusion and the need to switch providers constantly.

Rather than hunting for the cheapest bill right now, look for an nbn plan offering consistent long-term value. When you factor in the financial savings from the Hibernate feature and the continuous Refer-a-Friend rewards, Exetel is a smart choice.

Ready to choose ongoing value over temporary deals? Visit Exetel’s website today to confirm your address eligibility for 'The One Plan' and discover how much stress-free savings you could begin accumulating.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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