Broadband Internet Deals
Following on from the previous posting about Internet performance, there a many broadband internet deals in Australia. Most deals rely on the existing infrastructure developed and installed by Telstra.
ADSL Broadband
| Supplier | Speed | Data | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilli | 256/64k | 2GB | AU$29.95 |
| Chilli | 1500/512k | 40GB | AU$64.95 |
| Chilli | 8000/384k | 80GB | AU$119.95 |
| Bigpond | 1500/256k | 25GB | AU$79.95 |
| Bigpond | ADSL2+ | 12GB | AU$89.95 |
| Optus | (64k) | 2GB | AU$50 |
| Optus | (128k) | 30GB | AU$110 |
| Optus | 20Mbps/640k | 50GB | AU$230 |
Better value – lower costs – can definitely be obtained if you integrate the Internet plan with a mobile and/or land line.
Obviously it can be argued that if you have a good, reliable Internet connection, VOIP connection, you don’t need a “standard” land line phone connection. Just like Skype, there are a couple local providers in Australia that offer an Internet to standard phone line / fax service at an even lower cost.
Some of the wireless broadband deals are listed below:
Wireless Broadband
| Supplier | Speed | Data | Coverage | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilli (iBurst) | 1M/345k | 4GB | Okay | AU$50 |
| Chilli (iBurst) | 1M/345k | 30GB | Okay | AU$200 |
| Vodafone | 3G | 5GB | Excellent | AU$39 |
| Bigpond | 3M/384k | 1GB | Good | AU$85 |
| Bigpond | 3M/384k | 3GB | Good | AU$114 |
| Optus | 3G | 5GB | Good | AU$39 |
| Three | 1.5M/384k | 1GB | Good | AU$15+5 |
| Three | 1.5M/384k | 2GB | Good | AU$29 |
The last option with 3, whilst having the appearance of low cost becomes rather expensive as you exceed the 2GB quota. Each additional MB incurs a 10 cent penalty. There is also roaming surcharge of $1.65 per MB!!! The 3 deal is also a 24 month contract!
It is better to accept a provider plan that has integrated speed shaping than get a bill a horrific account at the end of month.
What do you think?
Hi,
I’ll tell you what I think. I think that the cost of broadband in Australia is worryingly high. Those prices are scary. $200 a month for 30GB of data? Ouch.
But it’s probably not worth moving half way around the world just to get cheaper internet connectivity. And you’d have to put up with crap weather, so maybe it all evens out…
Internet in Australia is a tad expensive, but a hell of lot better than South Africa. Back in SA, you’d be lucky if your ADSL line averaged a 100k and for 1GB you pay US$30. At least in Australia the internet might be expensive but at least you’ve got some bandwidth that really works.