Optus is the latest Australian mobile telco to confirm price increases, specifically across its postpaid phone plans.
Starting on 18 May, Optus will raise the price of its Choice Plus postpaid plans by $5 each. As a result, the telco’s cheapest postpaid plan will cost $60 per month. Optus is also adding more data to each plan, including up to 480GB for its priciest option.
Data from the ACCC’s latest Communications Market Report indicates that Australians use 14.5GB from their mobile plans each month on average. The consumer watchdog regularly encourages people to shop around to avoid paying for data they don’t use.
At this stage, Optus’ prepaid plans aren’t affected by any price increases. Telstra recently announced a price hike across its postpaid and prepaid SIM plans, with some plans costing nearly 13 per cent more.
By comparison, the Optus price increase isn’t quite as steep. But with the Small Choice Plus Plan set to rise by roughly nine per cent, it’s still higher than the current 3.7 per cent inflation rate.
Mobile plan
Old monthly price
Old data allocation
New monthly price
New data allocation
Small Choice Plus Plan
$55
50GB
$60
60GB
Medium Choice Plus Plan
$65
200GB
$70
240GB
Large Choice Plus Plan
$85
400GB
$90
480GB
Optus’s revised postpaid plans.
According to a statement provided to WhistleOut Australia, an Optus spokesperson said the adjusted pricing is to support work on “significant, ongoing investments in our network to improve coverage, speed and resilience”.
To compare the current cheapest postpaid phone plans in Australia, check out the widget below.
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Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on 1 April 2026, carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The crew is travelling on a free-return trajectory around the Moon and back, targeting a distance record that will put them further from Earth than any human has ever been – roughly 252,000 miles beyond the lunar surface. They don’t land, but that’s not really the point for this mission. This is a test of the Orion spacecraft and its systems with a live crew, paving the way for an actual lunar landing mission in 2028.
How to watch Artemis II live from Australia
NASA+ and YouTube: free 24/7 live coverage
The simplest starting point. NASA is running 24/7 coverage on its YouTube channel throughout the entire mission, with live commentary, telemetry data, and video feeds. NASA+ carries highlights coverage of key moments including the lunar flyby, far-side pass, and splashdown being the ones to bookmark. Search for “NASA” on YouTube and hit subscribe, or go to plus.nasa.gov.
The Artemis mission blog at nasa.gov publishes rolling written updates at every major milestone. Useful if you want quick facts without sitting through a stream.
You’ll find some amazing views live streaming on Nasa’s Youtube channel, including in-capsule shots! (Source NASA)
How to track Artemis II in real time: NASA’s AROW orbit tracker
This is the coolest one. NASA’s Artemis Real-time Orbit Website (AROW) lets anyone track exactly where the Orion capsule is at any moment with stats like distance from Earth, distance from the Moon, mission elapsed time, and current trajectory. The data feeds directly from sensors on the spacecraft via Mission Control in Houston, updating continuously from around one minute after launch through to reentry.
On desktop, the Unity 3D engine provides views of Orion from multiple camera angles, including from cameras mounted on the spacecraft’s own solar arrays. (Although there may be a bug right now as I can’t seem to access all views).
AROW is NASA’s 3D tracker for Atremis II mission. Source: NASA
On the NASA app (iOS and Android), there’s an augmented reality layer where you can point your phone at the sky and it shows you exactly where Orion is relative to your location. That feature activates roughly three hours into the mission.
Best Artemis II tracking websites in 2026
Several independent developers have built their own dashboards that are genuinely good. artemislive.org uses NASA JPL planetary data to display the free-return trajectory and live spacecraft telemetry in a clean 3D view. artemistracker.com links directly to the NASA stream alongside its own 3D Orion timeline. jasperbernaers.com/artemis-ii-tracker adds crew profiles, a full mission timeline, and a live space weather monitor showing solar radiation data. This is relevant because the crew is beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere for much of the mission.
Keep in mind that some of these sites may still be updating with the latest Atremis II info.
The view from Atremistraker.com (Source: Atremistraker.com)
Watch Artemis II through a telescope: live from Earth
The Virtual Telescope Project is tracking Orion from Earth and streaming it live on YouTube. It’s an unusual experience as you are actually watching a crewed spacecraft move across the sky as a point of light in real time. Search “Virtual Telescope Project Artemis II” on YouTube.
If you own a Unistellar smart telescope, the company is running a citizen science program where your scope automatically tracks and records the spacecraft using live ephemeris data from NASA.
Artemis II photos and mission updates: where to find them
NASA is releasing crew-uploaded images daily via images.nasa.gov, processed and published as they come in. NASA’s accounts on X and Instagram will push alerts at each major milestone throughout the mission.
Artemis II mission schedule: key dates and events to watch
The lunar flyby and far-side pass are the emotional high points of the mission. I’m stoked to witness the moment the crew gets a view of the lunar far side that no human has seen with their own eyes since Apollo! Splashdown in the Pacific wraps the mission around 11 April. All times will be published on the NASA Artemis blog closer to each event.
As someone who spends time at international press events, it’s fascinating watching how the cameras used there have changed. A few years ago, it was all ENG-style crews with shoulder-mounted rigs. Then came a wave of compact mirrorless setups. More recently, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 became a near-ubiquitous sight at automotive launches and tech briefings. Now I’ve noticed something else is appearing alongside it: the Insta360.
Journalists and content creators are choosing 360 cameras as working tools at events, not just for capturing outdoor action. The question is: what’s driving that decision? And with the Insta360 X5, has the company made an 8K 360 camera good enough to justify a place in a serious content creator’s kit? I wanted to find out.
360 cameras built their name in action sports. Strapped to motorcycle helmets, mountain bike handlebars, ski poles, or a backpack, they brought a first-person immersive perspective to footage that was simply not possible with conventional cameras. The ability to record in every direction simultaneously opened up angles that transformed what action content looked like, and gave those activities a new kind of audience on social platforms.
The Insta360 X5 essentially allows you to film everything and then choose the view you want later in the edit, or AI can do this for you. Image: Valens Quinn.
The early cameras were limited, though. Image quality was modest, battery life was short, and the editing workflow was awkward enough to limit broader adoption.
Moving forward to today, the image quality, battery life, and editing tools have matured, and the Insta360 X5 represents the current high point of that evolution. It uses two lenses: one facing forward, one facing back, each covering roughly 180 degrees. The two feeds are stitched together in-camera to produce a seamless equirectangular image that captures everything around you simultaneously. At 8K resolution, there is enough detail to reframe the footage significantly in post without visible quality loss.
The practical implication is a shift in how you approach filming, so, rather than deciding your framing before you shoot, you capture everything and decide what you want in the edit. For event coverage, interviews, vehicle walkarounds, and behind-the-scenes work, this opens up new possibilities.
The X5 is Insta360’s current flagship, and it takes a big step up from the previous model. The most significant improvement is the sensor, which is now a dual 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor, 144 per cent larger than those in the X4, with more detail and better performance in lower light. The lenses are now replaceable, a first for this series and a practical advantage for anyone who has ever cracked a lens dome on an action camera.
Insta360 X5 specifications and price
Max video resolution (360°)
8K 30fps (supersampled from 11K)
5.7K modes
5.7K 60fps | 5.7K+ 30fps
Reframe output
Up to 4K widescreen (16:9 / 9:16)
Codec
H.265 / H.264
Colour profiles
Standard, Vivid, Flat (I-Log, 5.7K only)
Max photo resolution (360°)
72MP
HDR
Supported
Sensor size
Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS (144% larger than X4)
Stabilisation
FlowState (6-axis gyroscope), Horizon Lock
Weight
200g (7.06 oz)
Waterproofing
IP68, 15m / 49ft without housing
Lenses
Replaceable 170° fisheye; Wide Angle Mod available
I primarily use the X5 for social videos that need to work in both 16:9 for YouTube and 9:16 for Instagram and TikTok. The ability to reframe a single 8K 360 clip into either orientation in post is very handy for anyone publishing across multiple platforms.
The Insta360 X5 records in 8K / 30fps, and there are many other modes to choose from as well. You can also swipe the screen to scroll the view in 360 degrees or show a selfie or outward-facing view. Images: Valens Quinn.
Apart from filming a range of outdoor activities, the camera also went with me to a recent car press launch, and this is a great example of an alternative use. At this event, I needed to film a few different things: inside and around a new vehicle, through the presentation space, into and out of interviews and maybe a bit of the on-stage presentation. Lastly, a bit of ‘behind the scenes’ footage couldn’t hurt.
To start with, the Insta360 X5 meant I could hold up the selfie stick, walk around the car, and know that I had every angle covered. It played a similar role to a compact camera on a gimbal. Next, I could capture the reveal as a wide shot, with some of the crowd’s reaction, and my own reaction simultaneously. For behind-the-scenes footage, I used FPV-style tracking shots as I moved through the hall, with wide establishing shots of the venue, all from one run.
At a recent launch event, I used the X5 to grab footage of the vehicle from lots of interesting angles. Image: Valens Quinn.
The Essentials Bundle: what you get
I tested the Essentials Bundle, priced at $1,109.99 in Australia. Alongside the camera itself, the bundle includes an additional battery, the Utility Fast Charge Case (which charges the camera and a spare battery simultaneously, and has little cut-outs for storing MicroSD cards), a 114cm invisible selfie stick, standard lens guards, a protective rubber lens cap, and a carry case.
At $929.99 for the camera alone, the Essentials Bundle represents roughly $180 of additional value for practical accessories. The fast-charge case is worth paying extra for, as it lets you charge two batteries in parallel for less downtime between shoots. The spare battery also matters: at 88 minutes per charge in 8K 30fps mode, having a second cell ready is the difference between a half-day and a full-day camera.
The recharging case includes spaces for two batteries to be charged at the same time, plus 3 x MicroSD card slots. Images: Valens Quinn.
Beyond the Essentials Bundle, Insta360 offers a range of configurations, including cycling, diving, and creator-focused bundles, so it’s worth checking what suits your workflow before committing.
Shooting with the Insta360 X5
I really like how the Insta360 opens creative possibilities. Used well, you can produce footage that looks like it came from a crew of several operators. The invisible selfie stick effect, where the mount is automatically removed from the stitched image, is a handy trick, and the stick’s extendable length gets the camera into all sorts of places. And the selfie-stick removal happens automatically, making for clean floating-camera shots that look expensive and effortless.
That said, using a 360 camera effectively requires a shift in how you think about shooting. The twin 180-degree lenses see everything, which means the operator is always in frame. You can’t stand behind the camera. For walkarounds and selfie-style footage, this is fine. For traditional over-the-shoulder interview setups, you’ll need to get your head around it. To avoid recording myself, there’s a ‘single lens’ mode that only films from the outer 180-degree camera, so I used this.
The PureVideo mode (left) is suggested when shooting in lower-light conditions. The 180-degree mode gives you a traditional 16:9 view on the screen and only uses the outward (or inward) facing camera. Images: Valens Quinn.
Footage quality in good light is excellent. The 1/1.28-inch sensors produce crisp, detailed 8K imagery that holds up well when reframed. In lower light conditions, quality degrades more noticeably. The X5 is better than the X4 in this regard, thanks to the larger sensors, but it is not a low-light specialist. Indoor event footage lit with stage lighting is workable; dimly lit corridors or evening exterior shots should be thought through a bit more.
The PureVideo mode takes advantage of the X5’s larger sensor and helps reduce noise in darker scenes, such as my robot footage. You can also use various De-warping settings to reduce the ‘fisheye’ effect. Image: Valens Quinn.
However, when filming darker scenes, the X5 suggests switching over to PureVideo mode, which raises the ISO and applies noise reduction for a cleaner image.
The FlowState image stabilisation does a great job of smoothing out my driving footage. However, you might notice a slight drop in clarity as it needs to crop the image slightly. Image: Valens Quinn.
The FlowState stabilisation is impressive in motion. Walking quickly, turning, or moving through a crowd, the footage remains smooth and usable without any additional post-processing. Horizon Lock keeps your horizon level even in dynamic movement. I also tried brisk walking, running, driving and mountain biking with FlowState enabled, and the results were surprisingly smooth with no obvious artifacts or wobble effects.
Also worth noting about the lens optics is that the fisheye lens produces a distinctive wide-angle look. This can be corrected to a more natural rectilinear field of view in Insta360 Studio, and there are different modes to choose from that vary between ultra-wide and linear, but your best results will probably come in post-production.
Audio on the Insta360 X5
The X5 features a four-channel spatial audio system with a built-in steel mesh wind guard on the rear microphone. Four audio modes are available: 360-degree Spatial (which captures directional audio from all around for VR applications), Stereo, Voice Enhancement, and Auto Wind Noise Reduction in both strong and weak variants.
For professional content work, the built-in microphones are adequate for ambient capture and scratch audio, but any serious production should be supplemented with external recording. Insta360 offers a Mic Adapter (3.5mm and USB-C) for wired external mics.
The Creator Bundle includes two Standard lens guards, which give you added peace of mind and prevent scratches, but they can catch the light at certain angles and degrade your footage. Images: Valens Quinn.
More interesting is the Insta360 Mic Air, a wireless Bluetooth lapel microphone launched alongside the X5. At 7.9g, it is barely noticeable on a subject, connects directly to the X5 via Bluetooth, and records at 48kHz/24-bit with built-in noise reduction. The X5 supports dual-track audio recording where the camera simultaneously captures its own built-in microphone and the Mic Air feed as separate channels, giving you flexibility in post. For solo operators who need clean interview audio without a separate recorder, this is the answer.
Practical considerations
At 200g, the X5 is compact and light. It disappears into a bag, sits comfortably on the selfie stick for extended shooting, and attracts minimal attention at events, which can be an asset in environments where a large camera rig would draw unwanted interest.
The Insta360 selfie stick extends to about 1.14m and is a fantastic way of accessing vantage points that you’d otherwise miss. Plus, the software makes it invisible and creates a ‘floating’ camera effect. Images: Valens Quinn.
The IP68 waterproofing to 15m without any housing is a significant improvement over the X4’s 10m rating. For most working conditions (rain, splashes, brief submersion), this means the camera simply doesn’t need additional protection. It’s a more capable outdoor tool than it looks. And of course, this all comes in very handy if you’re out enjoying nature, on the ski slope, beach, hitting the trails or asphalt. Thankfully, if you’re wearing gloves or otherwise have your hands occupied, you can start the recording with your voice or a hand gesture.
Battery management is an important part of using the X5 on a full shooting day. The 208-minute rating in 5.7K mode is generous, but shooting at 8K 30fps brings that down to around 88 minutes, or even less depending on visual enhancements that you might have enabled. The fast-charge capability (approximately 20 minutes to resume shooting) mitigates this considerably. With a spare battery and the fast-charge case, a full event day is manageable without much stress.
It took me a minute to find the MicroSD card slot — you need to remove the battery first, and then it’s tucked away inside the compartment via a small sleeve. Images: Valens Quinn.
Storage is via microSD, with support for cards up to 1TB. The camera records in H.265 (HEVC), which produces smaller file sizes for the resolution but requires decent hardware or software for smooth playback and editing. I-Log, Insta360’s flat colour profile for grading headroom, is available in 5.7K mode. It is not available in 8K, which is a limitation for those wanting maximum flexibility in colour work at full resolution. There is no 10-bit option in any mode, so there’s only so far you can push things during grading or when matching other cameras.
There’s a still camera mode too, with the ability to capture a massive 72-megapixel image in 360 degrees. Image: Valens Quinn.
Editing Insta360 X5 footage
Editing 360 footage is quite different from conventional video. Before you can work in a standard non-linear editing (NLE) program like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere, you first need to use Insta360 Studio, the company’s free desktop software, to reframe your clips. In Studio, you select your output framing: moving the virtual camera around the 360 sphere to find the angles you want, setting keyframes for camera movement, and exporting standard video files.
Insta360 Studio also supports automated subject tracking, which can lock to a person or object in frame and follow them through a clip automatically. In my experience, the tracking works reasonably well, though for more demanding or precise editorial work, manual keyframing gives you more control.
The Insta360 Studio desktop app (Mac version shown) is where you can choose your view, or let the AI (DeepTrack) keep your desired subject in the frame, like the robot shown here. You can also manage your media, apply loads of transitions, text and movement effects, all to a timeline. Image: Valens Quinn.
Once clips are exported from Studio, they can be brought into DaVinci Resolve for colour grading, audio work, and cut in the normal way. There is currently no direct native workflow from INSV files into Davinci Resolve, though this appears to be on Insta360’s roadmap, but this has been a long time coming. Adobe Premiere, however, does have an Insta360 plug-in for a more direct workflow.
Insta360 Studio is competent rather than exceptional. It does what it needs to do, though those accustomed to the refinement of professional NLEs will find it basic. I’d rather not have to learn a new editing tool and just do the work in my editing suite. However, with practice, the reframing tools are perfectly functional.
Who is the Insta360 X5 for?
The Insta360 X5 is a great addition to any content creator’s kit, particularly for those who work across events, press situations, and social platforms where versatility and speed matter more than traditional cinematic control.
And as an action camera, it is a fantastic way to introduce new, creative dimensions into your videos, and has evolved into a very feature-rich system in its own right.
Regardless of which way you go, what it offers that few camera types can match is the freedom to capture everything and decide what you want in the edit. The footage quality at 8K, with substantially improved sensors over the previous generation, is good enough to hold up at professional output resolutions, although the final resolution is often reduced once tracking and stabilisation are applied.
The limitations are manageable, too. The editing workflow is more involved than conventional footage. The fisheye look doesn’t suit everything, but at least there are different wide-angle modes. I-Log is restricted to 5.7K. For those wanting cinema-quality grading, this is not that camera.
But for content creators operating across social and editorial channels, covering events, or building flexible libraries of footage that can serve multiple platforms and formats, the Insta360 X5 is the most capable and practical 360 camera that I’ve seen. It represents a real evolution over the X4, and at $929.99 for the Standard Bundle, or $1,109.99 for the Essentials Bundle with the accessories, you can really put it to work.
It’s also clear that 360 cameras are becoming the new normal in content capture, and the Insta360 X5 is the reason why.
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Insta360 X5
The Insta360 X5 opens new dimensions to your filming and is a feature rich way to film everything so you can pick what you want later for your final edit.
Performance
8.5
Features
9.2
Value for money
8
Ease of use
8
Design
8.5
Positives
Dramatically larger 1/1.28 inch sensors deliver 8K quality with far better low-light performance than the X4
So many shooting modes to capture the moment
Invisible selfie stick effect is one of the most useful tricks available on any camera
Replaceable lenses are a great way to protect your investment and change up your shooting scenarios
Compact and lightweight at 200g
Insta360 Mic Air integration brings clean wireless audio via Bluetooth
Negatives
Editing workflow requires Insta360 Studio as an intermediate step for pro workflows
I-Log flat colour profile only available in 5.7K, not accessible in 8K mode, no 10-bit colour mode
Low-light footage degrades more noticeably than dedicated cinema cameras
Requires a rethink of shooting technique: the 'capture everything' approach has a learning curve
Keen to find a better deal on your home internet? We’ve compared the cheapest NBN plans from many of the biggest telcos to find the best deals for you in each speed category.
One of the best ways to save money on your internet bill is to shop around frequently. Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer introductory deals, including generous discounts for the first six months. Afterwards, it’s always worth comparing providers so you’re not left paying more than you should. Most ISPs don’t use lock-in contracts, making it relatively easy to swap to a better-value plan.
After the big NBN speed upgrade, it’s now easier than ever to enjoy fast internet at decent prices. Some older NBN plans got five times faster for the same price. Not a bad deal for those eligible.
With that in mind, here are the current cheapest NBN plans in Australia from a wide range of telcos. We also have some affordable tips and tricks on how to maximise your current internet speeds. Looking for a new phone plan, too? Compare the cheapest SIM plans to save even more money.
SpinTel currently sells the cheapest NBN home internet plan in Australia, with a discounted rate of $39 per month for the first six months on its NBN 25 plan. Compared to the telco’s standard pricing, that’s an overall discount of $155.70.
Take a look at the widget below for more of the cheapest NBN plans. We update this article monthly, but the widget updates automatically, giving you up-to-date and accurate information.
Many of the retailers display promotional prices aimed at new and returning customers. These offers generally involve paying a discounted rate for six months before reverting to a standard price. To view the details of promotional offers, click on the green text labelled ‘deal’, which will also show the standard price.
Each plan featured here includes unlimited data. Some providers let you save a few dollars every month by choosing a plan with a data cap. If you know you don’t need much data, use this search tool to find plans with monthly data allowances.
NBN 12 plans
Aimed at people who only need the internet for browsing online and checking emails, an NBN 12 plan isn’t blazingly fast but saves money.
TPG currently sells the cheapest NBN 12 plan at $54.99 per month for the first six months. Its subsequent full price of $74.99 costs more than many NBN 25 plans, however.
For the most part, you’d be better off scrolling down and looking at faster speeds available for the same price or less. Not many telcos sell NBN 12 plans these days, so there’s little competition for lower prices.
NBN 25 plans
Suited for streaming videos in HD and basic online tasks, an NBN 25 plan gives you a bit more flexibility and much more value for money.
As mentioned above, SpinTel’s NBN 25 plan is the cheapest, priced at $39 per month for the first six months. Once the discounted period ends, the plan costs $64.95 per month ongoing.
You can also get a $40 monthly NBN 25 plan from Dodo for the first six months, a deep discount on its regular $71.99 monthly price. Flip sells a cheap plan worth considering; its regular monthly price of $59.90 is one of the cheapest non-discounted plans, providing long-term savings.
After the glow of discounts ends, the cheapest NBN 25 plans cost between $65 and $70 per month, so it’s a relatively cost-effective speed tier.
NBN 50 plans
Traditionally Australia’s most popular internet plan, NBN 50 balances value with performance. These plans support 4K video streaming and can sustain multiple simultaneous users.
At the time of writing, Origin sells the cheapest NBN 50 plan, at $51.50 per month. It’s an interesting one, with Origin using Superloop’s wholesale broadband network, while going direct with Superloop is also cost-effective, with its discounted $65 monthly plan.
However, Origin is quite expensive once the six-month discount ends. Its full price is $103 per month, which can be discounted to $93 per month ongoing by bundling your internet and energy plans together.
Most full-priced NBN 50 plans can be found for around $85 per month, though, so it’s worth shopping around. Other discounted highlights in this tier include Dodo ($54/month) and Tangerine ($59.90/month).
NBN 100 and NBN 500 plans
This is where the NBN speed upgrade starts to kick in. For customers with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections, the NBN 100 tier becomes NBN 500 plans at no extra cost.
Both sets of speeds are ideal for streaming multiple 4K videos and downloading files quickly. If you get 500Mbps speeds, those downloads will be five times quicker. Only slightly more expensive than the 50Mbps tier, NBN 100 plans are still good value for most people; NBN 500 is even better value, given the small gap in pricing.
To start with, let’s look at the cheapest NBN 100 plans — these speeds apply to those with Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connections:
Origin sells the current cheapest NBN 100 plan, with a discounted monthly rate of $53.50 for the first six months, down from $107 per month. Like the NBN 50 tier, Origin’s full price is more expensive than many of its competitors.
Amaysim has the next cheapest offer, at $60 per month for the first six months. It’s one of several telcos selling NBN 100 plans for $65 or less per month for the first six months, alongside Dodo, Tangerine, TPG, and iiNet.
Once the discounts end, NBN 100 plans start from around $90 per month. Flip is a rare exception, selling its plan at a flat rate of $83.90 per month.
If you have a direct fibre connection, here are the cheapest NBN 500 plans:
As you can see, the prices are more or less the same as NBN 100, which makes it pretty good value for those who can get NBN 500 plans.
Origin tops the list again, joined by Amaysim, Dodo, Tangerine, iiNet, TPG, and Belong for $65 or less per month for the first six months. As long as you have the technology to support faster speeds, the prices for NBN 500 plans are no more expensive than the slower NBN 100 tier.
NBN 750 plans
500Mbps download speeds aren’t fast enough for you? For even faster speeds, you could try NBN 750, which was NBN 250 before the wholesale speed upgrade. This is the tier you consider when you want to download the latest video game or save a whole bunch of media for offline viewing.
Origin has the current cheapest NBN 750 deal, charging $64.50 per month for the first six months. Just make sure you assess your options before the monthly price reverts to $129 once the discount ends.
Elsewhere, Dodo has a $68 deal, followed by iiNet ($69.99). Without factoring in discounts, expect to pay between $100 and $110 per month for most NBN 750 plans.
NBN 1000 plans
NBN 1000 plans now come with 100Mbps upload speeds, giving you fast downloads and a strong upload rate. Consider these plans if you regularly work with large files, like content creators, and don’t want to waste time waiting for downloads or uploads to finish.
You’ll notice that not every telco promises 1,000Mbps download speeds during peak times. That’s because the NBN speed upgrade is still relatively new, so the industry is still collecting real-world performance data. Rest assured, though, that these plans are fast.
For now, the cheapest NBN 1000 plan comes from Origin, which costs $69.50 per month for the first six months ($139 afterwards). Elsewhere, Dodo, iiNet, and Belong cost $80 or less per month during the discounted period, so there are a few options to choose from.
Aside from SpinTel and a few others, like Southern Phone and Amaysim, most NBN 1000 plans cost upwards of $110 per month.
NBN 2000 plans
One of the new additions following the speed upgrade, NBN 2000 plans, also known as ‘Hyperfast’, is for absolute power users. Capable of handling multiple 8K video streams and downloading large files in the blink of an eye, it’s much faster than anything previously available to the wider Australian public.
Because it’s new and a bit on the pricier side, not many ISPs sell NBN 2000 plans just yet. Still, there are some discounts available, with prices already varying between telcos.
Superloop currently has the cheapest NBN 2000 plan at $145 per month. That price lasts for six months before increasing to $165 per month.
With not as much competition as other speed tiers, some NBN 2000 plans are as expensive as $189 per month.
What you need to know
If you want broadband internet in Australia, your main and most reliable choice is via the National Broadband Network (NBN). Although the NBN provides the internet backbone, it does not sell plans directly to the public. Instead, telecommunication vendors package up retail and business plans, which include different features and levels of customer support.
NBN availability
The NBN is available to all Australians, but the way you access the NBN may be different. This might include a fixed cable into your home, wireless access via an antenna on your roof or a satellite dish.
To see what technology is available to you, start by visiting the NBN getting connected page. After entering your address, you will be shown the technology available at your address. You will also see which providers or NBN retailers sell access in your area. In Sydney alone, we were presented with 123 different retailers.
Speed and reliability
It is important to understand that the speed and reliability of your NBN plan can differ by retailer. Each buys internet capacity from the NBN. This capacity is then shared with a certain number of the retailers’ customers. This means that a retailer may have faster speeds in one suburb versus another based on how many customers are accessing the overall capacity. It’s always good to ask your neighbours who they are with and their experience with a particular NBN retailer.
It’s also worth checking the ACCC website regularly. They publish quarterly broadband performance results, measuring how well telcos deliver on advertised internet speeds. You want to be certain that you’ll get the speeds you pay for, so this is a good starting point.
Having good internet speed is more than just a fast broadband connection. For more, be sure to check out GadgetGuy’s guide to improving your internet for more information.
Which NBN plan?
When evaluating an NBN plan, consider the following criteria:
Data Limits – Is there a monthly download limit of data, or is the plan unlimited?
Download Speed – Best measured at its busiest in megabits per second (Mbps) typical evening speed. Is it enough to watch Netflix? (Netflix requires 10-25Mbps depending on resolution quality.) Larger households with members using the internet simultaneously will require higher download speeds.
Cost – How much do you pay each month, and is there a connection fee?
Contract – Are you locking yourself to a retailer for a period, or is it month-to-month?
Telephone – Is a fixed-line telephone service bundled into the plan?
Customer service – What hours are supported, and is it an Australian-located call centre?
Upload speed – Important for people who save large files online, like photos and videos.
Changing providers
If you wish to change internet providers, the process involves signing up with the new retailer in-store or online. You may receive a new Wi-Fi router, and you may have to return your old router to your previous retailer. The retailer-provided router is generally low quality but provides a fixed-line telephone connection if selected.
Your retailer might offer you an email address. Still, we recommend using a non-telco-specific email address, such as Gmail or Hotmail, allowing you to easily change NBN retailers.
The NBN changeover process can take less than an hour, but depending on the location and NBN technology, it could take a few days. To take advantage of introductory offers, you could swap your provider every six months.
Suppose you do not wish to leave your existing provider. In that case, you may be able to negotiate a better rate by comparing it to cheaper offerings.
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