Moving from nbn to 5G Mobile Broadband - Help/Advice

MrEphemera on 13/01/2022 - 09:22
Last edited 13/01/2022 - 09:27 by 1 other user

Firstly, apologies for the noob question (promise that I am not a Luddite!)

We currently have an NBN internet connection (unlimited data) at home with Exetel. Due to external factors (largely age of copper wires) the max speed our connection can get is 35 Mbs which is fine for what we need (streaming services like Disney, Amazon, etc, casual internet browsing, video calls for work as I am WFH for 10+ years).

We currently pay ~$65 per month but thought it was time to review current plan (incidentally, Exetel are currently offering a 12 month intro package for only $55 per month ((unlimited data, albeit limited to max speed 25Mbs) so may be some merit moving to that to save $120 a year if 25Mbs is fast enough.

However, I note that Telstra have started to offer 5G mobile broadband in our area (confirmed with their map coverage checker). While I would generally prefer not to give Telstra any money, it looks like they can offer 5G speeds for $55 per month (75Gb month which is likely to be enough for our use). Unfortunately, Optus and Vodaphone do not currently offer 5G mobile near us and I understand that Telstra have not started providing 5G services to their MVNO's (damn!).

After looking at Telstra's website, I am a bit confused about what I need (particularly in terms of hardware) to get their 5G service. I gather that our current modem (ZTE Hoe Gateway ZXHN H268A) is not suitable for 5G signal so will need to update it. Is it possible to purchase a cheap 5G mobile phone (such as the Oppo Reno4 listed here - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/677237) on Telstra plan and use that as a mobile hotspot for 5G internet service to all of our other devices?

Alternatively, would there be any significant benefit to purchasing a Telstra 5G WiFi Pro Modem (like the one that is currently on sale here - see https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/676957) and signing up for a 75Gb plan (@$55 per month) to get 5G speeds?

Anyway, I guess my options are:

(1) Stick with current plan (Exetel, unlimited data, ~35Mbs @ $65 per month)
(2) Swap to current Exetel offer (unlimited data, 25 Mbs @ $55 per month)
(3) Buy new 5G device and sign up to Telstra 5G mobile plan to use as WiFi hot spot (Telstra, 75Gb, 5G speeds @$55 month) plus phone cost
(4) Go "full Telstra" and buy WiFi Pro Modem nd sign up to Telstra 5G mobile plan (Telstra, 75Gb, 5G speeds @$55 month) plus Modem cost

Anyway, would appreciate any thoughts/opinions/advice/suggestions/warnings on the above…

MrE

Poll Options

  • 9
    (1) Stick with current plan
  • 0
    (2) Swap to current Exetel offer
  • 0
    (3) Buy new 5G device and sign up to Telstra 5G
  • 11
    (4) Go "full Telstra" and buy WiFi Pro Modem
Internet Broadband Mobile Broadband Plan nbn

Comments

  • branners on 13/01/2022 - 09:27
    +3

    Much would depend on what you use the internet for; gaming, streaming, or just emails and browsing?
    Telstra 5G's speed is impressive (and addictive) but in all honesty, I found it was not vastly better than the NBN and 4G I have used.

  • AndyC1 on 13/01/2022 - 09:34
    +3

    "However, I note that Telstra have started to offer 5G mobile broadband in our area (confirmed with their map coverage checker)" means nothing for 5G as you need to read up on how you need to be near the tower and in line of site with no obstacles in the way to get 5G and it degrades very quickly as the distance from the tower increases (max without an external type antenna seems to be 700 to 800 meters).

    Also be aware that 75GB is not allot.

    You need to factor in the modem cost and the potential issues when telstra are working on the tower due to upgrades or faults.
    You also need to factor in that you WILL in 99% of cases need to place the modem next to the window closest to the tower and as such it may be a PITA.

  • Martop on 13/01/2022 - 09:44

    Get someone in to rewire from the side of the house to the ncd.

    I originally had a few line sin the house and couldn't get any higher then 70. New wiring from the side of the house to the study and I'm syncing at over 100.

  • sicaboy on 13/01/2022 - 09:55
    +3

    How about this? 1TB, 5G, no device fee https://www.telstra.com.au/internet/5g-broadband-plans

    • SnowDragon on 13/01/2022 - 10:02
      +2

      I was just checking this out. I didn't know 5G broadband even existed. Up to 600Mb down is great for $85 a month.

      • sicaboy on 13/01/2022 - 10:47
        +2

        It’s really good and after 1TB you have unlimited data at 25Mbps.

    • tolchok on 14/01/2022 - 10:35

      I’ve been trying to jump on this deal for about a week, but the website indicates “ We've run out of 5G modems, but more are on the way.” I’m going to go into a store and find out whether I can sign up without a modem. I’m getting 500 Mbps with <20 ms ping at new apartment using iPhone 12 mini, whereas NBN is only FTTB (which will be <100 Mbps and possibly better ping, but also possibly worse).

      • ESEMCE on 14/01/2022 - 10:45

        It's been that way since before Christmas

  • ESEMCE on 13/01/2022 - 10:07
    +1

    I use about 150Gb/month just WFH, around 7GB/weekday
    Maybe you do use a whole lot less, but 75GB is only a little over 3GB/weekday leaving little to nothing for personal use.

    Including the cost of the modem in the $55/day service cost brings you close to $65/month anyway across the lifespan of the modem, even if you use a Phone (which is not really recommended).

    It doesn't feel like you need additional speed for your use case. I see no benefit to moving off NBN. Personally I'd stick with the 50/20 plan you appear to be on.
    As suggested above, if you have not had your internal line replaced, doing so may see a speed improvement (almost guaranteed if your house has more than 1 phone socket)

  • fullmetal on 13/01/2022 - 10:41

    I tried 5G transition with Telstra it was horrible. The tower was down for 3 mths and I only get 3G/4G speed. I lived in a major city. I don't think Australia has adopted the technology widely enough. Have you tried ADSL2? Some ADSL2 are cheaper and faster than NBN.

    • freefall101 on 13/01/2022 - 12:20
      +1

      ADSL2 is not faster than the 35mbps they're getting now.

    • Twix on 13/01/2022 - 12:37
      +2

      You can't order a new ADSL2 connection when nbn is there.

  • USER DC on 13/01/2022 - 10:48

    Go with Vodafone 5G, you'll pay less $$/month but get around slightly higher speeds around 110-250 Mbps Down, (I heard they offering in store half price @ some OzB post, not sure if that deal is still on), But I suggest for with 100 Mbps capped plan for $37.5/ month (@ half price for 12 months)

    • MrEphemera on 13/01/2022 - 12:51

      Thanks…unfortunately it seems that we are currently unable to access Vodaphone 5G at our location in suburban Melbourne.

      MrE

  • GordonD on 13/01/2022 - 15:14

    Vodafone includes 5G in its plans where there is coverage.

    Telstra offer 5G in some of its pre-paid plans. You can sign up and try to see whether you get it at your address, with your phone, by paying for one month on the $60 pre-paid plan (which cost $48 for the first month) then sign up on a post-paid plan if you're happy.

    I'm trying to get 5G. Optus is blocking it to the part of the local tower's coverage area that my house is in. Vodafone says I might be able to get it at my address, but only if I buy the right new 5G phone of them. And 17 Telstra support people, so far, have been unable to tell me why if I put a Telstra 5G SIM in my 5G phone (which works with the Optus SIM in it) just gets me an error message saying "Emergency calls only".

    • ESEMCE on 13/01/2022 - 15:22

      if I put a Telstra 5G SIM in my 5G phone (which works with the Optus SIM in it) just gets me an error message saying "Emergency calls only".

      Phone locked to Optus seems likely

  • lgacb08 on 14/01/2022 - 13:56

    There's no way you can survive with 75gb even with slight amount streaming however you sugar coat it. Upload and download both counted. I was on 200gb a few years ago on Telstra and ran over it sometimes, back then probably less than an hour youtubing daily. And remember most websites and streaming services customise content quality based on your speed so the higher your speed the more data your download.

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