Optus outs unlimited NBN plans

Joseph Hanlon - Editorial Director

Last updated 04 November 2013

Optus today unveils a range of new broadband plans for homes and small businesses, including an unlimited option for unlimited data on the NBN.

There are a number of new plans available, with a variety of different inclusions. Optus customers choose either ADSL2+ or an NBN Tier 1 connection; 30GB, 200GB or Unlimited data; and whether they want to bundle a home phone or Fetch TV service.

Prices start from $55 per month for a 30GB broadband-only service over 24-months and increase up to $115 per month for the Unlmited data Entertainment bundle, including unlimited use of a home phone line and a Fetch TV subscription. ADSL2+ and NBN plans cost the same per month.

All plans can be taken on a month-to-month contract basis for a flat $10 per month premium on the cost of the same service on a 2-year plan. Optus advertise that customers can change plans, up or down, without a penalty.

NBN Plans listed are for access to NBN Tier 1 service, with speeds maxing out at 12Mbps downloads and 1Mbps upload. Customers can choose to add a speed bolt-on to access faster services, starting from an extra $10 per month.

	Cost p/m	Data included	Home phone	Fetch TV	Total Cost
Just Broadband	$55	30GB	Yes	Yes	$1410
Just Broadband	$80	200GB	Yes	Yes	$2010
Just Broadband	$100	Unlimited	Yes	Yes	$2490
Broadband + Phone	$70	30GB	Yes	Yes	$1680
Broadband + Phone	$90	200GB	Yes	Yes	$2160
Broadband + Phone	$115	Unlimited	Yes	Yes	$2760
Entertainment Bundle	$90	200GB	Yes	Yes	$2160
Entertainment bundle	$115	Unlimited	Yes	Yes	$2760

The table above shows the prices for the plans over 24-months. For monthly pricing, add $10 per month to each plan.

As an interesting bonus, Optus is offering customers, who are not on unlimited plans, the option to 'Double data' for 2-months in every year. For a $10 fee, customers get double their monthly data allowance just just those two nominated months.

How it stacks up

Optus certainly isn't first out of the gates with an unlimited NBN plan, but it is close to the front of the pack. ISP OzLinked has unlimited plans for all NBN tiers, starting from $75 per month for a Tier 1 plan, on a 24-month contract.

Loads of other service providers offer virtually unlimited packages with NBN speeds, including 500GB or more of included data. These plans would be sufficient for all but the highest users.

Optus' option to offer month-to-month service is one of the key differentiators. Many of the competing ISPs require a commitment of some sort, many for 12-months or more.

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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