I am looking into changing my current Telstra ADSL plan from 2016 to an NBN-ready plan (currently don't have it installed in my area and with Covid-19, don't expect it for a few more months). As an existing customer with Telstra, I have to pay an extra $9 a month for their Modem, but if I was a new customer I would get it included with the plan.
I was wondering if there is an alternative modem that can be purchased to avoid paying an extra $9.
That might be worth a shout. I haven't called them up just yet. Will definitely ask them tomorrow.
I asked and they said if I don't have an NBN Compatible Modem, they just give you one within the plan so that issues all sorted now. Cheers for the help
Check nbn connection type for your address, if it’s hfc, then you don’t need a modem, just need a router.
if it’s HFC, then you don’t need a modem
Same with FTTC
It's FTTN on the NBN site
Telstra Smart Modem, Gateway Max, or whatever they're called this year, manufactured by Technicolor. Cheap used from eBay or Gumtree from ~$20, or free from e-Recycling.
Beware if you're keeping your landline. Telstra doesn't like telling you its VoIP configuration but instead pre-programs it into the modem it gives you. So you'll be forced to use it instead of your own device.
you can unlock the voip with effort check the doc here: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/9vxxl849?p=246
I don't think an user paying $9 monthly to Telstra for a modem will know how to hack the firmware or how to extract the VoIP configuration from the supplied modem.
oh i didn't read OP properly, but yes its probably hard to obtain the telstra's voip info
what i was trying to say is you can hack these and use a different voip provider, and its not difficult if you know basic programming - you're basically following a guide, finding this info was the hard part
If OP is sticking with Telstra, it's worth using the Telstra provided box for 4G backup as well as VOIP.
The cheap/free Telstra Smart Modem is good value for other purposes. The only caveat would be that it doesn't support a VLAN ID required for some providers (e.g. TPG, iiNet)
Have you tried asking Telstra if they'll send you a free modem, I switched from telstra cable to NBN a few months ago and they happily sent me a new modem for free.