Compare Broadband in Australia

Compare Broadband in Australia

Broadband is basically technology that enables faster internet access, and as a result allows services such as interactive digital TV, video conferencing and streaming video at much faster speeds than dial up internet.

In Australia the broadband infrastructure has improved signifently over the years and still continues to improve. There are now many broadband providers in Australia offering a variety of different services such as ADSL, ADSL2+, Naked DSL, Cable, Satellite, Wireless and Mobile broadband at different price points its never been more important to compare broadband plans to ensure you get the best broadband deal.

The top providers in the Australian market are Optus, Telstra Bigpond, iiNet, AAPT, iPrimus, Netspace, Dodo Broadband, Virgin Broadband, Vodafone, (Virgin and Vodafone are offering mobile broadband)

In this section we take a look at the different types of broadband. This may help you pick which kind of connection is right for you.

Adsl

Adsl is the entry level option for broadband and is typically also the cheapest option. Download speeds typically range from 256kb uptp 8 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 1.0 Mbit/s. Generally speaking though the cheaper the plan the lower the speed or download limit. Prices for Adsl start from as low as 10 dollars a month but there may be a few gotcha's you need to look out for. The technology works over a standard copper phone line so you need to pay for phone connection. This is not a big deal if you use your standard phone for making phone calls.

Adsl2+

Adsl2+ is typically for user that require better performance from a broadband connection. This may be for quicker downloading / uploading, video streaming or even just a better, quicker web browsing experience. Typically speeds for Adsl2+ range from 12 Mbit/s upto 24 Mbit/s download speeds and 1.0 Mbit/s upto 3.5 Mbit/s upload speeds. Like normal Adsl you still need an active phone connection.

Naked Dsl

Naked Dsl is basically the same as Adsl2+ except you dont need to pay for the extra phone line (One of the better providers in iiNet naked DSL) . This is a great option if you don't use your home phone (many people don't use there home phone as the use there mobile phone instead as it can be a cheap option). Many Naked DSL services come bundled with a VOIP phone which can replace your standard home phone connection.

Cable

Cable broadband is broadband that is passed down Fiber optic cable. It is the same cable as used by Cable TV providers. Download speeds through some providers range between 256kb up to a staggering 30 Mbps. Upload speeds greatly depend on the provider and how many people use the cable in your area. The Australian cable network is capable of even higher speeds according to some sources so stay tuned for even faster broadband speeds.

Satellite

Satellite broadband is normally used by people that cant get access to cable or dsl technologies. This is a good option for regional areas to gain access to broadband internet. There are many disadvantages when it comes to satellite. Some these disadvantages are the setup and equipment costs, whether conditions (your connection many drop out in different kinds of whether conditions) and depending on which service you sign up to the speeds can be unreliable. But if you can get access to normal broadband then this may be an option.

Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband is a relatively new concept in Australia and uses the mobile phone network to transmit data to and from the internet. The bueaty of this is that regional users that have access to the 3G phone network may have access to wireless broadband as well. The speeds and reliability of this service are getting better all the time especially since the introduction of the Telstra NextG HSDPA network. Download speeds range up to 7.2 Mbps depending on how close you are to a mobile phone tower. There are a few different options in terms of hardware depending on your needs. Because it run on the mobile phone network data rates can be expensive although many providers now offer prepaid services with out contracts which brings the cost down for the occasional wireless broadband user.

Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband (this service is offered by Telstra, Vodafone and Virgin Broadband) is pretty much the same as wireless broadband accept you will use an usb modem dongle, express port modem or inbuilt modem on your laptop to connect the the 3G network. This is a very good option if you are on the road or in regional areas.