Advice for Beginner for Internet Plans and Service Providers

Chris119 on 22/06/2022 - 21:14
Last edited 27/06/2022 - 09:14 by 3 other users

Hello OzBargain,

I'm a student and I'm moving out to a studio in the city for university, I have zero knowledge about what internet provider I should get and how modem and router work. Because I'm living in a studio, so I don't need a premium plan or an expensive modem I suppose?

I do love to play online games such as CSGO and Valorant, I think 25mbps plan is enough? I want to have some advice on what providers, modem, router I should get. I'm an overseas student so I'm not familiar with how the internet plans in Australia work (I'm staying in Brisbane ATM). My budget is the cheapest the better but I can afford around $80 for internet plan and under $200 for a modem. I have 1 PC, 1 laptop, 1 iPad and 1 phone I need to connect to the Wi-Fi.

Internet Broadband FTTB nbn

Comments

  • freefall101 on 22/06/2022 - 21:28
    +1

    Double check that there's not an internet provider for the apartment building you'll be living in. Sometimes you won't have a choice on provider. If it's NBN then the providers are similar but not the same, NBN is national broadband network but there is a lot of nuances (which, to be honest, I don't understand). Don't go the cheapest, go someone reliable. This is a great starting point - https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/interne…

    Modem under $200 will be easy, especially if you're aiming at 25mbps, don't worry about wifi6. Maybe even look for someone upgrading and pick up a cheap one off gumtree locally (just make sure it works). If it's just you, a basic TP-link or Asus router will do the trick off Amazon or Officeworks. Or if you can get a discount one through whoever you sign up as your ISP maybe go for that (so long as you plan on staying in your apartment for whatever the minimum term is, probably 12 months)

    • jv on 22/06/2022 - 21:31

      Don't go the cheapest

      Why not?

      • freefall101 on 22/06/2022 - 21:40
        +1

        From my time with MyRepublic on a gigabit plan I regularly had speeds under 200mb, once under 50. Terrible support, which is important for OP being new to broadband tech, they had no support on Sundays so when the internet went down on a Sunday nothing could be done.

        The wholesale price is the same for everyone, providers pay for cvc and support. That’s what drives the price difference.

        • jv on 22/06/2022 - 21:46

          providers pay for cvc and support. That’s what drives the price difference.

          If performance is good, you do not need to overpay for support.

          I'd go for the cheapest, and if there are any problems, just switch to the next cheapest.

          Lots of the cheaper ones have great performance these days.

  • jv on 22/06/2022 - 21:31

    If you have a CBA credit card, go for the More Telecom offer. 30% off for 12 months. I doubt you can beat that price and their speeds are great.

    • Chris119 on 22/06/2022 - 21:47

      They actually had good deals !!! Have u used the Netcomm NF10WV before? is it good?

      • jv on 22/06/2022 - 21:49

        I've got Google Nest wifi. Before that, it was Fritzbox.

        • Chris119 on 22/06/2022 - 21:50

          Do I need to get both modem and a router ? or a Google nest wifi with a plan is enough?

          • jv on 22/06/2022 - 21:51
            +1

            @Chris119: No, just a router.

            Need to double check what type of internet access you have.
            I believe if you have FTTN or FTTP you might need a modem too.

            FTTC and HFC, you definitely don't need a modem.

            • Chris119 on 22/06/2022 - 22:08

              @jv: How do I check it ? is it from the nbn provider like more or the building owner where I live?

            • Twix on 22/06/2022 - 22:18

              @jv: FTTC uses a VDSL2 modem (nbn NCD) and HFC uses a DOCSIS 3.1 modem (nbn NTD) supplied by nbn.

              FTTP uses a NTD supplied by nbn.

              HFC = nbn NTD + router.
              FTTP = nbn NTD + router.
              FTTC = nbn NCD + router.
              FTTN/FTTB = supply your own VDSL2 modem/router.

              • Chris119 on 22/06/2022 - 22:23

                @Twix: mine is FTTB, when u said "supple ur own" you mean I have to buy it separately? I know I've been asking this again and agin but can modem and router be used interchangeably?

                • Twix on 22/06/2022 - 22:36

                  @Chris119: Some ISPs interchange the words modem and router when they shouldn't be. The simplest solution is to purchase a VDSL2 modem/router all in one device. Pickup a Telstra smart modem gen 2 from Facebook marketplace.

                  Check the internet deals from More, Aussie Broadband and Superloop.

              • jv on 22/06/2022 - 22:23

                @Twix:

                FTTC uses a VDSL2 modem

                I'm on FTTC and I'm using a Google Nest router… No modem other than the one from NBNCo.

                • Twix on 22/06/2022 - 22:24

                  @jv: That is right setup for FTTC. Are you going to upgrade to FTTP?

                  • jv on 22/06/2022 - 22:26
                    +1

                    @Twix:

                    Are you going to upgrade to FTTP?

                    I don't have that option.

                    It's probably years away.

                    • CrispyChrispy on 22/06/2022 - 22:31
                      +2

                      @jv: Is this the real @jv? No unnecessary bolding or sarcasm? 👏

                    • Twix on 22/06/2022 - 22:39

                      @jv: Maybe this year or in 2023 jv can OzBargain at the speed of light.

  • techtime on 23/06/2022 - 11:30

    Check for some second hand ADSL router on FB Marketplace like TP-Link VR1600 or Telstra Smart Modem. And companies who's offering good pricing for 6 months or so like superloop, tangerine etc, for broadband plans.

    Also, worth to check if you are getting 5G Home Broadband as it does cost anywhere between $69 to $89 with really good speed. But check their data usage policies as some offers 1TB and some more with speed shaped after data usage if it's enough for you.

  • kfp187 on 23/06/2022 - 14:25

    Really, don't make this bigger than it needs to be.
    With FTTB all you need is a modem with a telephone cable into the wall. I'd suggest going a Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 off marketplace for $20-$30, don't pay more (I have one i'm selling at the moment if you are in Sydney).

    The modem is also a router so it will provide wifi for you and ethernet ports etc….
    Look at Superloop, you won't need to worry about a username and password. They have 6 months internet 50/20 at $54.95 and then $69.95.

    Easy!

    If you get stuck send me a PM :) enjoy

  • the Unforgiven on 26/06/2022 - 00:43

    Ring Aussie Broadband (https://www.aussiebroadband.com.au/ - 1300 880 905) and have a talk to them
    They will set everything up the right way, and they won't rip you off

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