Telstra NBN plan expires soon, should I switch provider?

Hey Ozbargainers,
My 2 year Telstra plan “Home Internet Connect Plus” is expiring fairly soon, and a couple of NBN deals posted on Ozbargain have got me wondering whether it’s worthwhile switching.

The current setup uses a Telstra smart modem (gen 2), which seems like it would be fine to use with another ISP.
I pay $79/month for 1000gb of data (we usually use 200-300gb), and I think it’s supposed to be a 50/15 or 50/25 connection, it’s not so clear since Telstra offers change all the time.

We usually get about 30/13 speeds over wifi, which seems reasonable. I do work from home with large files so faster would be nicer.

Am I missing on some better internet for the same price, or for even cheaper? Or should I just stick with this plan?

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Comments

  • Do you have real NBN, or one of the inferior NBNs that the Coalition invented?

    • Politicians would never have enough brain cells to even invent anything past a phone. 95% of customers have the same speed vdsl or ftth. Having 3rd world speeds overall has little to do who is in charge today.
      Most important: Ask for a churn and not a second connection. No churn no change. Ask for total cost not a cheap start up and after 6 months you get ripped off.

      I asked for Mate to churn me but no avail and I now am forced to pay double. Will the TIO help? Old provider uses covid excuse that no staff to cancel is available even I have wasted hundreds of hours actually with them!

    • -1

      We have HFC, so it’s NBN to the building, and then copper cable to the NBN box.

      • That doesnt make sense…. but if its a building probably FTTB (VDSL).

      • Do you currently have a 4G SIM backup with your current plan?

    • He's getting 30/13. It's obvious that he's not on FTTP.

      • Weak. Y'all should have voted Labor. Now you all stuck at home with your terrible Internet. But at least you showed that Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd what's what.

  • When your NBN internet goes down, does your modem switch to mobile internet ? I think Vodaphone is the only other telco to do this.
    When your NBN goes down, A) you have no internet B) you have no telephone - very frustrating when you're trying to do work.

    I've been with Optus since December, and I've had 2 outages during work hours where I've had to rely on my mobile phone.
    Their suggestion was to go to the Optus shop (and there aren't many) and purchase a dongle and they would reimburse the cost. Ha.

    I'm tempted to move to Vodaphone - which is $5 less per month - or upgrade ($$$) to Telstra.

    • -3

      if he keeps the telstra modem it doesn't matter which nbn provider he uses, the mobile backup still works

      • Assuming the 4G network hasn't lost connection upstream, which depending on the fault may/may not be the case.

        • +1

          sure but he asked about providers that have the capability to switch to mobile backup.

          In reality i think there are plenty of modems that support this with third party dongles or sims, just at your own cost

          • @SgtBatten:

            he asked about providers that have the capability

            I know, my point was more that the 4G backup isn't a guarantee that you won't lose connection, which is what it is sorta advertised as. It is a good feature, but realistically how much will it get used and at what cost?

            As I said in another comment, I've had no downtime that I've noticed. Three outages that I can quickly find the notifications about - one unscheduled (in the afternoon which I wasn't home for), and two scheduled (both early morning which I was asleep for).

            As with everything, if this floats your boat then go for it. I personally don't find it worth the premium, especially when as you say you can easily (and cheaply) roll your own.

            • @Chandler: NBN not working today, neither is the 4G backup. Called Telstra and waited for an hour, only to be told there are also 4G issues in my area (despite my work phone's 4G working perfectly)… WTF

              • @Ghogger: Well there you go. Presume work phone is Telstra given your mentioning it?

                • @Chandler: Yep! Also on Telstra. No idea why it works fine on my mobile but an outage on the 4G NBN backup.. what a load

    • +1

      When your NBN internet goes down, does your modem switch to mobile internet ? I think Vodaphone is the only other telco to do this.

      Yes it does, takes a min or two but then fails over.

      Vodafone also do this and Optus just released a modem with 4g backup. So all big 3 do now.

      • +1

        I think Vodaphone is the only other telco to do this.

        Nope. Telstra has 4G backup as well

        • +1

          optus as well

          • @sajidmib:

            optus as well

            things I already said…..

        • Nope. Telstra has 4G backup as well

          Things we already know, the OP is currently on Telstra 4g

          • @JimmyF: I don't see this. It seems the OP is using NBN to me

            • @vinni9284: oh slow clap for you…. The can read, you know the OP has Telstra 4g backup today

    • This is a fair point, but luckily drop outs a quite infrequent and mobile data is abundant these days. The backup 4G from Telstra is too poor for work purposes anyway so I would probably be using hot spot..

    • Never understood the whole 4G failover thing. Wasn't the whole idea with NBN that it was a better system? i.e. more reliable? (yes I know it's been LNP'd, but hear me out…)

      Been with Superloop for 7-months - no dropouts that I've noticed.

      Haven't had a home phone for longer than that - the only people who knew the number were our parents, and most calls on it were telemarketers.

  • +2

    Give Telstra the boot!

    I was with Telstra for years and they would give me a paltry Telstra TV box to stay with them, with their massive 200GB per month plan for $75 PM lol!
    What pissed me off is my neighbour was paying $90 P.M for NBN 100 with them and they would not match.

    Please note I have NBN FTTP

    I called Tangerine and now pay $80 for the first 6 months for 100/40 and then $10 more after that. After 6 months I may switch to another provider as I am not loyal to any provider/utilities/banks anymore. I will also be an "new" customer to others and get their "special" 1 month free as well.

    Best thing I did.

    No more loyalty tax!

    • -1

      with their massive 200GB per month plan for $75 PM lol!

      So a decade ago as they haven't done 200gb plans in a long time

      What pissed me off is my neighbour was paying $90 P.M for NBN 100 with them and they would not match.

      You didn't ask nicely then, as maybe over in WP are getting this deal today. $90/m 100/40, unlimited with a smart modem. I think its just dropped to 100/20 for new signups.

      Best thing I did.

      How so? You went from paying $75/m to $80/m?

      No more loyalty tax!

      By paying more?

      • So a decade ago as they haven't done 200gb plans in a long time

        Lol, a starter plan these days are unlimited for $60 PM on 25/5

        You didn't ask nicely then

        Yes I did. How did you know my approach?

        How so? You went from paying $75/m to $80/m?

        Before; Telstra $75PM on 25/5 Mpbs in 2019 for 200GB (combined downloads/uploads with 3 paltry top ups PA)
        After: Tangerine $80PM on 100/40 Mbps in 2020 with unlimited downloads/uploads

        No more loyalty tax!

        Yep! $5 more PM for 1000% increase ROI. Haven't you spent a little more for something similar and got increased quality?
        You are only looking at the monetary factor, and not the overall service/product

        You do the math.

        Can I ask you, do you know much about ISP's or you are just bored in ISO and need to give an unnecessary comment that has no worth?

        • Yes I did. How did you know my approach?

          Because you didn't get it, and everyone else has been able to. Go see the WP thread, myself included.

          • @JimmyF: Sorry I am not sure what you're on about TBH.

            So you actually knew my approach over the phone with Telstra? I was angry with them right?

            • @vinni9284:

              So you actually knew my approach over the phone with Telstra

              I don't need to know your approach, but whatever it was, it wasn't the right one.

              There is a very clear outline on the WP that has a very good success rate after 1 or 2 tries in getting $90/m, 100/40 (now 100/20) unlimited NBN with a smart modem.

              Worked for me first time. So yeah. I'm happy with $90/m 100/40 on Telstra with a mobile backup.

              ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

              • @JimmyF: LOL and you were criticizing me for paying $80 ($10PM cheaper than you) on the same speed.

                Telstra would NEVER give you NBN 100/40 for $80PM

                Nope. I have tried "Three" (3) times (being nice) as now Telstra are becoming scummy/stingy with their NEW plans.

                I bet you that your "super deal" is over a year old. They told me that was an older plan they could have given me $90 PM but now it is not available anymore.
                These are NEW Gen plans from Telstra. . That is LESS for MORE $$.

                I was paying $70 PM on 25/5 for 450GB PM and then they jacked up their price on their NEXT GEN same speed plan to $75 for only 200GB LOL
                They said that, well … we've been slugging customers 30c per 1300 calls now but we'll give the first 500 calls free.
                Very SMART marketing … as we all know that MOST of us have mobile unlimited plans with 1300 numbers included. So they're waving the 1300 is useless marketing junk.

                Then they try to FLOG you off to Belong .. of course a subsidiary of Telstra

                I read all the forums too so I'm very well versed.

                Try it now and I'll bet you that you will cannot use your absolute charm like before; 2 tries as you say to win them over LOL

                • -2

                  @vinni9284:

                  Telstra would NEVER give you NBN 100/40 for $80PM

                  Really? For starters I never said $80, I said $90 and as you can see from comments here, they have and do.

                  I bet you that your "super deal" is over a year old.

                  s-l-o-w are you? I said its happening now, but the deal changed last month from 100/40 to 100/20.

                  I read all the forums too so I'm very well versed.

                  Clearly not as you haven't found the thread.

                  Try it now and I'll bet you that you will cannot use your absolute charm

                  why? I'm on it already.

                  • @JimmyF: Well good for you!!! We can rant back and forth however ultimately I'm paying $10 less than you for the same service.
                    Hence like I said, I'm not paying for loyalty tax

                    • @vinni9284:

                      Well good for you!!! I'm paying $10 less than you for the same service.

                      Then why are you so interested in when people have been getting the Telstra offer?

                      • @JimmyF: Mate, have you read the title?

                        Telstra NBN plan expires soon, should I switch provider

                        … and I said Yes

                        Due to saving money lol.
                        The offer with Telstra is still nore expensive … so you're paying loyalty tax

                        Is it OzBargain right?

                        • @vinni9284:

                          Telstra NBN plan expires soon, should I switch provider
                          … and I said Yes

                          Then why did you keep asking when people got the $90/m Telstra dealt?

                          How long ago did Telstra offer you the $90PM 100/40?

                          How long ago and what state?

                          Oh thats right,

                          Nope. I have tried "Three" (3) times (being nice) as now Telstra are becoming scummy/stingy with their NEW plans.

                          They wouldn't give it to you.

                          • @JimmyF:

                            Then why did you keep asking when people got the $90/m Telstra dealt?

                            Just curious to see if others got the deal honoured after 2019 as I didn't
                            I wanted to ascertain that they are picking and choosing who they honour this deal with.

                            It actually started when you bragged how much charm you've used to get the deal of the century.

                            They wouldn't give it to you.

                            Obviously.

                            Well, as I said i am happier with another telco as I save $10 PM.

                            The moral of the story is, just don't sit with a provider that doesn't look after you.
                            There are others that want your business and are willing to give you a good deal to move over.
                            Then you re-assess in 6 months or if there is an increase (which ever comes first) and do the same thing all over again.

                            Once again, as I perpetually state, you don't pay loyalty tax like many do.

                            … and that's the OP's intention to ask for advice in this forum. Should I get thrashed with Telstra or move on and take the risk, possibly save money with another provider where the most of the call centers are outsourced like Telstra … (Yes, Telstra outsources unless you escalate or disconnect)

                            • @vinni9284:

                              It actually started when you bragged how much charm you've used to get the deal of the century.

                              Show me where I bragged about using my charm to get the deal. I said you didn't ask nicely enough and from the way you reply here, I can see why you got knocked back.

                              No need to charm the staff, all you have to do is ask nicely and most people get it without trouble like the commenters in this thread.

                              • @JimmyF:

                                You didn't ask nicely then, as maybe over in WP are getting this deal today. $90/m 100/40, unlimited with a smart modem. I think its just dropped to 100/20 for new signups

                                1 - Show me where I didn't ask nicely?

                                oh slow clap for you…. The can read, you know the OP has Telstra 4g backup today

                                2 - Show me where the OP stated they have Telstra 4g backup today?

                                • @vinni9284:

                                  1 - Show me where I didn't ask nicely?

                                  You didn't get it, simple as that. Still waiting for a answer to show me where I bragged about using my charm to get the deal.

                                  Show me where the OP stated they have Telstra 4g backup today?

                                  Front and center in the OP first post

                                  The current setup uses a Telstra smart modem (gen 2)

                                  The Smart Modem Gen 2 is drumroll has 4G backup by default or do you need that spelled out for you to know that? I'm guessing so, so here you go

                                  https://www.telstra.com.au/internet/extras/modem

                                  The Telstra Smart Modem™ Gen 2 has the power to use both our home internet and mobile networks, allowing you to:

                                  • Get online, and use your home phone if you’re on the nbn™ network, even before your home network has been activated. Using its inbuilt, pre-activated SIM, it connects to our mobile network right out of the box.
                                  • Keep using the internet, and your home phone if you’re on the nbn™ network, if there’s a problem with your home internet connection. Your modem will automatically switch to our mobile network if required, then switch back once the issue is resolved.
                                    frontier

                                  What you can do with the Telstra Smart Modem™ Gen 2:

                                  Access our 4G service on the Telstra Mobile Network using the inbuilt SIM card, as well as your home internet connection via ADSL2+ or VDSL2

                                • @vinni9284:

                                  Comment unpublished. (Requested by Commenter)

                                  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

                                  • @JimmyF: I thought I'll end our perpetual banter back and forth whilst typing a message … :P

              • +1

                @JimmyF:

                Worked for me first time. So yeah. I'm happy with $90/m 100/40 on Telstra with a mobile backup.

                Me too, I was set to go to Aussie but when Telstra offered that, I just stayed. The free 6/1 mobile backup is great.

                • @bdl: How long ago did Telstra offer you the $90PM 100/40?

                  • @vinni9284: i am on $90PM with 100/40 with a $10 credit, so its actually $80PM

                    after my 2 yr nbn contract was up i just asked for a free upgrade to 100/40 from 50/20 and $10 monthly credit

                    • @redfox1200: How long ago and what state?

                      • @vinni9284: Go find the WP thread, you'll see its been happening every day for the last 6 months. The only change is it recently become 100/20, those locked in at 100/40 kept that speed tier.

                      • @vinni9284: probably about 4-5 months ago, in SA

                  • @vinni9284: End of last year from memory.. I just rang them and said "my mate had that offer" and I wouldn't budge :)

                    It was before 100/20 was offered. 100/20 at $90pm is a good deal too, not everyone will notice the difference in 20mbit upstream

  • Your modem will work fine with most other ISPs. In fact it is highly customisable if you root the device. I use one with Aussie Broadband. Bought it foor $20 on ebay when my $150 tplink device broke

  • +1

    Just switch to Aussie BB or Superloop. No contract, BYO router. You should get 100/40 unlimited for the same $ that you are paying now.

    • I think most of the newbie ISP's now offer 100/20 rather than 100/40. That's if it will make a difference to you FYI.
      Cheers

      • I get my 40 up, OP said they are working from home so faster would be better. Why would you suggest the same, slower speed?

      • Aussie Broadband and Superloop offer both NBN 100/20 and 100/40 speed tiers.

        • I can't see ABB showing this. Can you please send me a link?
          Edit: I found it

          • @vinni9284: Link doesn't work. On the NBN plans page click on

            Build your own Create a custom plan that's perfect for you

            There is 100/40 and 250/25.

            • +1

              @Twix: Thanks. For some reason I missed it lol

              • +1

                @vinni9284: Yeah haha. The new NBN speed tiers and pricing officially get released at the end of May.

  • -2

    The NBN speed tier is 50/20.

  • +1

    Absolutely, do not reward Telstra with your money for fixed line services.

  • -2

    I cant believe the number of LAZY people here that can find the internet and no doubt, OzBargain and Google.

    But they cant be bothered checking one or more of the many "Comparison" sites that pop up in any Google search.

    Now OP Please go to GOOGLE and type in "NBN Comparison" and your question will be answered (yet again)

    • +2

      Well forgive me o spiteful one for trusting in the Ozbargain community for some honest and useful information.
      Cheapest isn’t always the best, some providers have horrific service or are oversubscribed - surely this is something that a comparison website wouldn’t be able to show me?
      Maybe there’s a great deal (like a sign up bonus) floating out there that I’ve missed and doesn’t show up on a comparison website?

      It’s easy to call someone lazy for asking a question, but that’s exactly what forums are for. No-one is being forced to respond.

  • +1

    Yes, Telstra has totally dropped their service standards. At the moment they have pretty much closed their customer support down. The NBN comparison sites probably won’t show you which companies are still operating at normal levels and how many staff they have stood down. Telstra seem to be using the coronavirus Pandemic as a way push hundreds of staff into government payments and use the virus as an excuse to reduce their costs. I’ve been without home internet for three weeks and Telstra fails to return my emails (they don’t answer the phone any more) and now I’m waiting for the Telecommunications Ombudsman to act on my behalf to get the internet reconnected. It could take 2 months. I can’t honestly think of a valid logical reason why this is so. It’s not like all their technicians have Covid-19 and can’t work as normal. Avoid Telstra if you can. Their management is hopeless and greedy. They obviously have had no proper disaster plan they could enact during this time. Instead of allowing their support staff to work from they just stood them down. I read they stood down 5000 workers. Why? They are still charging people the full price per month but don’t offer any support or service. They deserve to go broke in my opinion right now.

    • At the moment they have pretty much closed their customer support down

      Yes. Agree. In my view that's why many Telco's have this 4G backup.
      1 - To reduce you contacting them for customer support.
      2 - Avoid compensating you for lost time/internet drop-outs
      3 - Reduce staff members.
      4 - Relying on an alternative, less reliable 4G internet until they get a chance to "fix" dropouts.

      Has anyone been on the 4G backup due to a dropout as IMO 4G is still patchy and not reliable for home use?

      I'm sure their efficient business acumen does not trickle of reducing their plans charges to the end user. They are still a ripoff.
      Soon you'll become a DIY customer service and do their job for them; becoming an NBN expert so they can save like the automated supermarket checkouts

      • In my case 4G is too weak to use for internet backup. I’ve had to go back to working at my office because I can’t get the Internet fixed at home. Both my partner and I have now exhausted the data available on our mobile plans. I’m not in an NBN area yet so I’m out of luck.

      • +1

        Has anyone been on the 4G backup due to a dropout as IMO 4G is still patchy and not reliable for home use?

        Literally switched from 4G (Optus / Vivid Wireless) to NBN (Fibre-to-the-Curb) when it became available at my place.

        Was getting ~8 Mbps on the 4G, currently on a 50/20 plan for (I think) less $.

  • +2

    Check with Aussie Broadband. We've been extremely happy with them. Times we've called, you can have them call you back. Got things sorted right away. No contract and GREAT service. an AU company with AU support.

    :)

    • Thanks for the recommendation, I might give them a try!

  • i would recommend you definitely change. I have been with iinet for many years. Previously with ADSL2 and now nbn. There was a time when they were taken over by TPG that their customer service dropped off terribly but that seems to be back to where it was. Currently pay $80 for unlimiited internet (50 spped) all landline calls within Australia. Their international call rates are pretty good.

  • Just get tpg, $20 cheaper and if you live in the right area it's not crap nbn it's fttn but still gives 100/40 where I am
    Yes all the customer service gets waived but I can honestly say having them across multiple houses now I have never had an issue that wasn't immediately fixed, even initial installvwas quoted 20 days but then done in 5.
    Maybe in lucky but they have actually had good customer service, under promise but actually deliver.

  • Superloop or Aussie Broadband. Both good, cheaper than your Telstra and often have good offers (check on here). I've used both for FTTN and they will work with your Gen2 modern (for FTTN).

  • I will keep with Telstra. They the biggest with the best infrastructure, you cannot go wrong.

    • +1

      They the biggest with the best infrastructure, you cannot go wrong.

      Not really the truth anymore. With NBN owning the last mile, all you need from your ISP are connections within Australia (between NBN POIs) and out of Australia (generally undersea cable).

      I'm not sure if/how many outbound cables Telstra has (vs leases). I do know some other ISPs do have their own interconnections and undersea cables. Even then, as long as their arrangements are good (no way to know apart from experience), there's not a lot of difference to the end user of own vs leasing interconnections.

      I'm not saying Telstra's network is bad (it is still industry-leading), but the gap between Telstra and other's is much less or non-existent these days.

      I am saying to do your own research, and don't let Telstra's name for their network continue to fool you into paying too much. If you can get a good deal with Telstra, good - as I said, their network is still good. Just don't pay too much.

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