5G is changing the way we get online. Instead of relying on a fixed-line connection like the NBN, 5G can provide an entirely wireless internet solution with lightning-fast speeds using the same mobile towers that provide internet to our phones.
While 5G isn't everywhere yet, most Aussies can get a 5G home internet connection right now. It's faster than the older 4G home wireless internet and even faster than some NBN plans.
Before we dive deeper, here is the cheapest plan (with at least 30Mbps download speeds) from each provider in our database
Best 5G home internet plans in Australia
Best value 5G home internet Plan
It's a tie between iiNet and TPG for best value 5G home internet plan. iiNet, TPG and SpinTel each offer $10 off their plans for the first six months. But once you factor in the end of the discounts and upfront cost of delivering SpinTel's modem ($25) iiNet and TPG emerge as the clear winners.
Best value uncapped 5G home internet Plan
When it comes to the best uncapped 5G home internet plan for value, SpinTel's plan can't be beat.
It reports download speeds of up to 240Mbps (higher than Optus' speeds by 30Mbps) and ends up being cheaper by $5 over 12 months than Optus' plan. It's also worth noting that Optus locks you into staying for 36 months with a credit for its modem each month. If you leave before 36 months are up, you pay a $13 fee for every month remaining.
Can I get a 5G home internet plan?
To get 5G home broadband, you need to be within a telco's 5G footprint. Check the map below to view 5G coverage in your area.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
"The majority of 5G home internet providers won't charge you for the 5G home wireless modem. Instead, they'll require you to return it in 'good working condition' if you don't stay connected with them. This is usually over a period of 24 or 36 months."
"If you cancel the plan during that period and don't return the modem, or return it in a damaged condition you may need to pay a fee."
Dylan Crismale, Digital Content Editor
How fast are 5G home internet plans?
5G WiFi network technology has achieved speeds of well over 1Gbps in lab tests, but in reality, average data transfer speeds depend on several factors.
- Your plan, some 5G plans have speed caps of 50Mbps or 100Mbps
- Your coverage
- Any obstacles between you and the nearest 5G tower
- Congestion - more devices trying to connect can slow the service down
When you compare 5G to 4G, it does travel a shorter distance, especially at very high frequencies, and can have a hard time penetrating walls.
Capped plans naturally max out at 50Mbps or 100Mbps, as written on the tin, but there's a lot more variance when it comes to uncapped options.
Optus 5G home internet plans
Optus is the only one of the big three telcos to offer 5G home internet plans in three speed tiers including an
uncapped one.
View Optus' plans:
Your 5G home wireless modem is free if you stay with Optus for 36 months. If you decide to leave you'll need to pay a modem fee equivalent to $13 for each month left in your three-year term (maximum total cost $468).
You can get out of this fee if your 5G internet plan doesn't meet Optus' satisfaction guarantee. If you can prove that your download speeds are slower than 40Mbps or 50Mbps (depending on your plan) and Optus can't help you improve these then you can return your modem in "good working order", at no additional cost to you.
TPG 5G home internet plans
TPG offers two 5G home internet plans:
TPG will not charge you anything for the 5G home wireless modem if you stay connected for 36 months. It needs to be returned in "good working condition" within 21 days if you cancel your service.
If you fail to return it in that condition you'll need to pay $17 per month remaining in the 36-month period (total maximum cost $612).
TPG's 5G internet plans run on the Vodafone network.
iiNet 5G home internet plans
See iiNet's two 5G home internet plans:
iiNet offers the same 5G home wireless modem terms as TPG including a 21-day return period and a maximum total cost of $612 if you fail to return it in "good working condition".
TPG's 5G internet plans run on the Vodafone network.
SpinTel 5G home internet plans
Spintel is one of just a couple of smaller telcos that offer three 5G plans including one with uncapped speeds.
SpinTel will loan you the Nokia FastMile 5G modem to go with your plan.
The modem needs to be returned in "good working condition" within 21 days of cancelling your plan or you'll be charged the retail value of the modem ($935).
SpinTel's 5G internet plans run on the Optus network.
Telstra 5G home internet plans
Telstra offers just one uncapped 5G home internet plan.
Like Optus, the Telstra 5G Internet 2 modem is included for free in your plan but you'll need to stick with Telstra for 24 months. If you leave before then you'll need to return your modem in "good working order". If you don't return the modem in that condition you'll need to need to pay a $400 non-return fee.
It's important to note that Telstra has 1000GB of included data. Once that allowance is used up you won't be charged a fee but you will find your speeds throttled down to 25Mbps. That's the equivalent of an NBN 25 plan.
Vodafone 5G home internet plans
Vodafone offers three 5G home internet plans:
Vodafone's modem is also free when you stay signed up for 36 months. If you decide to leave early you'll need to return the modem in "good working order" or pay $17 per month for each month remaining (total maximum cost $612).
It's worth noting that Vodafone's cheapest 5G home internet plan, while cheap is not a great option. Its download speeds are capped to just 20Mbps, which is the same as most 4G home internet plans.
If you have an active phone plan with Vodafone than you can save $5 per month.
Yomojo 5G home internet plans
Yomojo also offers three 5G internet plans including one with uncapped speeds.
As with other 5G home broadband providers, Yomojo will provide a modem for free on the condition you stay signed up for 24 months. If you leave you'll need to return the modem in "good working condition". The modem is valued at $456, if you leave early, you'll need to pay the cost of $19 for each month remaining.
Yomojo's 5G internet plans run on the Optus network.
5G home internet FAQs
Do I need a modem for 5G home internet?
Yes, all of these plans require a 5G modem. You will need to use the modem supplied by your provider to use your connection.
Do 5G home internet plans come with a phone line?
No, 5G home internet plans don't include a phone line. As such, you'll need to use your mobile to make phone calls.
Is 5G home internet portable?
No, unfortunately, 5G home internet is not offered as a portable internet solution. In some cases trying to use it as such may violate the terms of service. Most providers require you to only use your 5G home wireless service at your nominated home address. Some modems may even be geolocked.
If you are moving homes, reach out to your provider to see if 5G is available in the area you're moving to and if you're able to keep your plan.
Is 5G home internet unlimited?
Most 5G internet providers offer unlimited data plans. Telstra is the only exception, where you'll have a monthly allowance of 1TB.
Related Articles
Related Topics
5G Home wirelessPopular Topics
NBN Telstra Optus Streaming Internet Broadband 5G smart home Foxtel Mobile BroadbandSign up for telco news, money-saving deals and more.
Internet Plans by State
- Internet Plans in ACT
- Internet Plans in NSW
- Internet Plans in NT
- Internet Plans in QLD
- Internet Plans in SA
- Internet Plans in TAS
- Internet Plans in VIC
- Internet Plans in WA