Household utility bills, including the cost of the internet, are all on the rise. So how do you know if you’ve got a good deal? Below we will look at the average monthly cost and compare broadband plans so you know if you’re paying too much for your internet services.

Contents:

• Compare internet prices
• What are the cheapest internet plans
• Switch internet providers Australia

Compare internet prices

For a fair comparison, we are going to look at unlimited data NBN plans. The NBN is now available to over 90% of Australians, but of course, there are other connection types available, including 4G and 5G, which could be a better option for your home.

The average monthly internet bill in Australia is $71 per month, this varies very slightly between states:

• Western Australia: $73
• Tasmania: $73
• Victoria: $72
• Queensland: $72
• New South Wales: $71
• South Australia: $68

(Source: Canstar Blue customer satisfaction report)

While there isn’t much difference between how much customers in each state pay, it’s important to remember that your particular monthly cost is based on many factors, including your internet speed tier, provider and any special offers, bundles or add-ons you have taken advantage of.

What are the cheapest internet plans?

The main factor affecting cost is the speed of your plan, with NBN 12 being the slowest and cheapest NBN plans, all the way up to NBN 1000. If you are on either the slowest or fastest tier, your monthly cost will vary the most from the averages above, which are based on NBN 25 and NBN 50 plans.

The list below gives a guide to the cost of each NBN speed tier.

• NBN 12 plan: $50 to $70/month
• NBN 25 plan: $60 to $75/month
• NBN 50 plan: $65 to $100/month
• NBN 100 plan: $85 to $130/month
• NBN 250 plan: $110 to $140/month
• NBN 1000 plan: $150 to $180/month

(Source: Canstar Blue)

It’s important to find out the speed tier you need for your home and make sure that your internet plan matches. As you can see, internet prices increase dramatically for higher speeds, so you don’t want to find yourself paying for top-tier speeds that you don’t need.

Switch internet providers Australia

If the average price guides above have got you thinking you’re paying too much for your internet, it’s time to compare broadband plans and find a better deal. 

You need to think about how many people are in your home, the type of activities you use your internet for, and the other services you need (home phone, mobile, business services) to find the best plan.

Some other factors that might be important to you include the quality of customer service, customer satisfaction ratings, self-service options such as My Account or an app and the provider’s commitment to social responsibility.

You can refer to Google or Facebook reviews, company websites or award platforms to find the providers who are excelling in these areas.

With over 150 internet providers in Australia, finding the cheapest plans that match your unique needs and preferences can be a challenge. An expert at CheapBills can compare internet prices from our panel of preferred providers to find you the cheapest internet plans. We will compare internet rates in Australia from these leading providers:

• Optus
• TPG
• Foxtel
• Tangerine
• More Telecom
• Aussie Broadband

When you compare with CheapBills you can also donate to your favourite crowdfunding campaign through Switch and Donate from icause.

You should compare your internet plan every year to make sure you always have the best offer available and that your plan still meets the needs of your household’s changing requirements. 

The best plan for you will be a balance of speed, quality and cost. It’s easy to fall into the trap of choosing a cheap NBN plan, only to find you are locked into a contract for a connection that doesn’t meet your needs or be dazzled by super-fast speeds, only to end up paying more for speeds you can’t use.

Conclusion

On average, Australians pay $71 per month for their NBN internet services. This can be as little as $50 or as much as $180 depending on the speed tier you choose and if you have any bundled services or add-ons.

While price is an important factor to consider when choosing your plan, the cheapest option might not be the one that is right for your unique internet needs.

If you are not sure about your speed requirements, or if you feel overwhelmed by the volume of choice, talk to a professional comparison service provider who can recommend the best plan for your home.