- Best mobile broadband plan: Heavy use
- Best mobile broadband plan: Everyday use
- Mobile broadband plans with even more data
- How we choose the best mobile broadband plans
- Vodafone mobile broadband plans
- Optus mobile broadband plans
- Telstra mobile broadband plans
- Prepaid mobile broadband plans
- What equipment do I need for a mobile broadband connection?
- Who offer mobile broadband plans?
- Why would I get mobile broadband?
- Can I get an unlimited mobile broadband plan?
When it comes to getting online, mobile broadband is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to do it. You can stick a data-only SIM in an iPad or Android tablet, or grab a compact, lightweight WiFi modem, so you can use it at home in the evenings and then pack it in a bag before leaving in the morning.
Best mobile broadband plan: Heavy use
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Tangerine Telecom
Editor's Pick
100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan
$34.90/mth
Min. cost $34.90
Link not supplied
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What we love: Tangerine's 100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan comes with a massive 100GB of data for only $34.90 per month – enough data to keep your internet up and running on the go.
Or if you want some alternatives, check out how this plan compares to other popular options from our database, all with at least 75GB:
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#1
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Optus
$130 Prepaid Data Only SIM (Online Only)
$130
Link not supplied
|
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#2
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Telstra
$74 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go
$74
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
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Belong
400GB Data SIM Only
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
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#4
|
Tangerine Telecom
Editor's Pick
100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan
$34.90/mth
Min. cost $34.90
Link not supplied
|
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#5
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ALDI mobile
$365 Data Plan
$365
Link not supplied
|
Best mobile broadband plan: Everyday use
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Vodafone
Editor's Pick
Small Data SIM Only Plan
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
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What we love: If you use your data SIM on an iPad, chances are you probably already have a mobile phone and home internet plans. As such, you'll probably want to keep the bill for your data SIM as low as possible.
Vodafone has a great plan where you'll get 30GB of data for $20 per month. With its current promo, you will get 30GB bonus data each month.
Or if you want some alternatives, check out how this plan compares to other popular options from our database, all with at least 30GB:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
Small Data SIM Only Plan
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Lebara Mobile
Data Plan Small
$22
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
Upfront Data Plan Small
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
SpinTel
Mobile Broadband 50GB
$28/mth
Min. cost $28
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Tangerine Telecom
Editor's Pick
100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan
$34.90/mth
Min. cost $34.90
Link not supplied
|
Mobile broadband plans with even more data
|
#1
|
Tangerine Telecom
200GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan
$49.90/mth
Min. cost $49.90
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Mobile Broadband Unlimited
$59.95/mth
Min. cost $69.95
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Belong
400GB Data SIM Only
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
XX-Large Data Only 5G SIM
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
$74 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go
$74
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
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ALDI mobile
$240 Data Plan
$240
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
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Vodafone
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge $250
$250
Link not supplied
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What we love: These mobile broadband plans have at least 150GB of data per month.
How we choose the best mobile broadband plans
Mobile phone and internet plans are our focus at WhistleOut, so we put a lot of thought into how we judge these awards.
We divide our eligible mobile broadband plan recommendations into two categories:
- Plans with lots of data that could be used as the main internet service at home
- Plans with less data designed for use on-the-go via a tablet or iPad
Because of the simple structure of mobile broadband plans, the winners are usually the best value plans that also meet the usage criteria our expert team believe meet the needs of most people. We also consider setup costs and plan bonuses when selecting the best plans.
Prepaid mobile broadband plans
|
#1
|
Lebara Mobile
Data Plan Small
$22
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$30 Prepaid Data Only SIM Starter Kit
$30
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge $35
$35
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
ALDI mobile
$95 Data Plan
$95
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
$180 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go
$180
Link not supplied
|
What we love: With a prepaid mobile broadband plan you have the flexibility to pay for each individual recharge on a month-to-month basis, with no contract, no overages, and no automatic billing. If you run out of data, you're simply out. This has the advantage of not incurring any extra fees. But it also means you won't be able to use your service until you recharge.
Some telcos also offer longer expiry plans, which offer a larger amount of data to use over a longer period of time. Some providers even offer plans with a 365-day expiry, which could be ideal if you're looking at mobile broadband as a backup to a fixed-line connection, rather than a day-to-day tool.
Vodafone mobile broadband plans
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
Small Data SIM Only Plan
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
|
What we love: Vodafone mobile broadband plans come with a 30-Day Network Satisfaction Guarantee and the telco's signature $5 roaming deal. Take Vodafone mobile broadband overseas and use your plan inclusions as you would at home for an extra $5 per day.
Optus mobile broadband plans
|
Optus
20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (M2M)
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
|
What we love: Optus is Australia's second-largest telco and a trusted name in Australian internet. In addition to fixed-line internet, Optus has a single mobile broadband plan that can be bought with a 5G modem or as a SIM-only plan.
Telstra mobile broadband plans
|
Telstra
Upfront Data Plan Small
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
|
What we love: Telstra is still Australia's biggest telco, and while it isn't the best option for more budget-conscious consumers, this provider is a good choice if you're after quality, reliability, speed, and extras.
What equipment do I need for a mobile broadband connection?
At a minimum, you need a data-only SIM card and a device to put it in to get a mobile broadband connection. This could be as simple as putting a SIM in your iPad, and using it as a hotspot, or alternatively, as involved as buying a modem with a SIM card slot.
Most telcos selling data-only SIM plans will also have a range of 4G capable modems available. These include portable battery-powered solutions, as well as more traditional modem replacements that plug into a spare power outlet.
|
SIM-enabled tablet
If you've got a SIM-enabled iPad or Android tablet, you can simply put in a data-only SIM and then use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot to share its connection with another device. |
|
|
USB Modem
A USB modem is a great portable mobile broadband solution, provided you only need to take one computer online at a time. While it doesn't need to be recharged, it needs to be plugged in directly to the device you want to get connected. |
|
|
Portable WiFi Hotspot
A portable wireless hotspot lets you share a mobile broadband connection with a number of devices simultaneously. These are typically battery-powered and will need recharging. |
|
|
Fixed Home Wireless Modem
A fixed home wireless modem is much more like a traditional modem, in that it needs to be plugged into a power outlet to work. As such, these are more appropriate for those who don't need their mobile broadband on the go. |
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For more information read: Mobile Broadband: Everything you need to know.
Which providers offer mobile broadband plans?
At the time of writing, we compare 11 providers offering mobile broadband plans. These include:
- ALDI Mobile
- amaysim
- Aussie Broadband
- Belong
- Lebara
- Optus
- Southern Phone
- SpinTel
- Tangerine
- Telstra
- Vodafone
Why would I get mobile broadband?
There are three main reasons you'd consider signing up for mobile broadband:
- Unreliable home connection: If you don't have a fixed address, are regularly changing addresses, or can't get a fixed-line connection where you live, mobile broadband is a great alternative. It doesn't rely on copper or the NBN, so there's no need for a fixed physical connection between your place and the internet.
- Back-up alternative: Mobile broadband can also be useful as a backup solution if your fixed line connection goes down or in the event of a power outage. Many mobile broadband modems are powered by a battery, so they'll keep on kicking even when the lights are out.
- On-the-go: A portable mobile broadband modem and connection are a great option when travelling. Especially if you want to avoid burning through your smartphone's battery while tethering.
Can I get an unlimited mobile broadband plan?
Short answer, yes. SpinTel is the only provider in our database which offers an unlimited mobile data plan. For $59.95 per month you'll enjoy speeds of up to 20Mbps on the Optus network.
However, you will also need a Netgear AC800S modem. If you have your own, great! Otherwise you will need to add on an extra $10 per month for modem rental.
Check out SpinTel's unlimited plan below:
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SpinTel
Mobile Broadband Unlimited
$59.95/mth
Min. cost $69.95
Link not supplied
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Our Editor's Picks awards are selected by our team of data experts. We may earn a commission if you click on one of the products listed, but a service provider isn't required to have a commercial relationship with us to be eligible for consideration. See here for more information about how we work.
These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:
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#1
|
Exetel
Extra-value nbn50
$60.99/mth
Min. cost $60.99
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value Plus NBN
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
Buddy Telco
Editor's Pick
Value nbn - Unlimited
$63/mth
Min. cost $63
|
|
#4
|
TPG
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Internet
Silver Unlimited
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
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#6
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iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
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#7
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Dodo
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$68.90/mth
Min. cost $68.90
|
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#8
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Superloop
Extra-value nbn50/20
$67/mth
Min. cost $67
|
|
#9
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Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Essential
$105/mth
Min. cost $105
Link not supplied
|
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#10
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iPrimus
Standard Plus nbn50 Plan
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
|
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