It's inevitable, NBN outages can happen, but there are a number of internet providers that offer NBN with 4G backup for peace of mind. Essentially, these plans come with an NBN modem that doesn't just connect to the NBN, it also connects to the same mobile networks that zap data to our phones.
In the event your main connection goes down, the 4G backup modem keeps you online using its wireless broadband connection. While the 4G backup speeds are slower than most NBN plans, you should be able to keep bingeing Netflix without interruption – though not necessarily in 4K.
Compare NBN plans with 4G backup
Currently, five Australian NBN providers offer consumer NBN plans with 4G backup. We'll take a closer look at each provider and their 4G backup modems below. But first, to give you a basic idea of pricing, here's how their NBN plans compare:
|
#1
|
iiNet
nbn25 Liimitless
$61.99/mth
Min. cost $61.99
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
Essential nbn®
$64/mth
Min. cost $64
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Basic nbn®
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Basic nbn®
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
Basic Plus nbn - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Basic
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
Essential+ nbn®
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Value nbn - Unlimited
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Essential
$105/mth
Min. cost $105
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer nbn®
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Vodafone
Home Fast nbn®
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
nbn Home Fast Liimitless
$79.99/mth
Min. cost $79.99
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Fast nbn - Unlimited
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Fast nbn®
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
Value Plus nbn - Unlimited
$92/mth
Min. cost $92
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Aussie Broadband
Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited
$95/mth
Min. cost $95
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Fast nbn®
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Vodafone
Home Superfast nbn®
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
nbn Home Superfast Liimitless
$84.99/mth
Min. cost $84.99
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Super-Fast nbn - Unlimited
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Superfast nbn®
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Aussie Broadband
Super-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$119/mth
Min. cost $119
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Superfast nbn®
$120/mth
Min. cost $120
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate
$130/mth
Min. cost $130
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Vodafone
Home Ultrafast nbn®
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless
$94.99/mth
Min. cost $94.99
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Ultra-Fast nbn - Unlimited
$109/mth
Min. cost $109
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Ultrafast nbn®
$109/mth
Min. cost $109
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Ultrafast nbn®
$130/mth
Min. cost $130
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Aussie Broadband
Hyper-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$149/mth
Min. cost $149
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast
$150/mth
Min. cost $150
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Aussie Broadband
Ultra-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited
$179/mth
Min. cost $179
Link not supplied
|
NBN 4G backup speeds compared
Not all 4G backup is created equal. Each telco offers different maximum download and upload speeds for its NBN 4G backup. Here's how they stack up against each other:
| NBN 4G backup provider | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Aussie Broadband | 25Mbps | 5Mbps |
| Telstra | 25Mbps | 5Mbps |
| Optus | 25Mbps | 2Mbps |
| Vodafone | 20Mbps | 2Mbps |
| iiNet | 12Mbps | 1Mbps |
Aussie Broadband plans with 4G backup
Aussie Broadband 4G backup is one of the fastest options available, but comes at price and a bit of extra effort on your part.
The effort really isn't much, but it's unusual. New and existing customers who want NBN with 4G backup need to call Aussie on 1300 880 905 to arrange adding it to their plan. You can't add it any other way.
The 4G backup modem is also mesh-capable, so you can get additional points to spread WiFi further around your house. The NL19Mesh modem router starter unit (the 4G backup modem) is $289, with extra costs if you buy one or two of the compatible NS01 mesh nodes to go along with it.
| Modem router | Mesh points | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| NL19Mesh | 0 |
$289 |
| NL19Mesh | 1 (NS-01) | $388 |
| NL19Mesh | 2 (NS-01) |
$477 |
The telco charges an extra $10 per month for 4G backup on NBN 50 plans, but it's free on NBN 100 plans and up. Aussie Broadband 4G backup is powered by the Optus 4G network, and there are no restrictions on data usage.
Here are Aussie Broadband's NBN plans with 4G backup:
|
Aussie Broadband
Basic nbn - Unlimited
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
Telstra plans with 4G backup
All Telstra NBN plans come with a third-generation Telstra Smart Modem with 4G backup. 4G connectivity can be called up before your NBN service is activated or whenever there's a problem with your NBN connection.
Telstra's 4G backup speeds are limited to 25Mbps for downloads and 5Mbps for uploads, which is equivalent to an NBN 25 plan. This is the equal-fastest maximum download speed of any NBN plan with 4G backup (alongside Aussie and Optus), and the equal-fastest upload (alongside Aussie Broadband 4G backup).
Telstra's NBN plans are contract-free. But if you leave within the first 24 months, you'll need to return your 4G backup modem in good working order or pay a $200 non-return fee.
Here's a look at Telstra's NBN plans with 4G backup:
|
#1
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Basic
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Essential
$105/mth
Min. cost $105
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate
$130/mth
Min. cost $130
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast
$150/mth
Min. cost $150
Link not supplied
|
Optus plans with 4G backup
Most Optus NBN plans offer 4G backup, as long as you grab the "Optus Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2" 4G backup modem – the 4G backup doesn't work on other modems.
Optus 4G backup has unlimited data usage, but your speeds are limited to 25Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads. These are the equal-fastest maximum download speeds for 4G backup from any NBN provider, and the second-fastest upload speeds. It's similar to an NBN 25 plan, albeit with slower uploads. It can definitely get you by in a pinch, but don't plan on streaming 4K movies, unless it's the only thing your connection is doing.
The 4G backup modem is included at no upfront cost with your NBN plan, but does come with a catch. While Optus' NBN plans are technically contract free, leaving within 36 months of receiving your 4G backup modem will incur a prorated hardware fee based on how many months left in your three years. There's no option to return the modem and avoid the charge.
If you choose an Optus Plus Family Entertainer NBN plan, you'll also get an Ultra WiFi Booster. If you leave your plan early, you'll have to pay out the Booster in addition to the modem.
- The Ultra WiFi Modem 2 will cost $8.50 per month remaining – a maximum of $306 if you leave immediately.
- The modem plus the booster will cost $14.50 per month remaining – a maximum of $522.
Here's a look at Optus' NBN plans with 4G backup:
|
#1
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Basic nbn®
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Fast nbn®
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday nbn®
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Superfast nbn®
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Ultrafast nbn®
$109/mth
Min. cost $109
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Fast nbn®
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer nbn®
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Superfast nbn®
$120/mth
Min. cost $120
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Optus
Optus Plus Family Entertainer Ultrafast nbn®
$130/mth
Min. cost $130
Link not supplied
|
Vodafone plans with 4G backup
Vodafone's WiFi Hub 3.0 is a 4G backup modem for the NBN that will activate if there's a fault in your line. If you experience an NBN outage, you'll get unlimited 4G backup data until the issue is resolved and your service is restored.
Vodafone 4G backup speeds are limited to 20Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads, which aren't the fastest available but can still get you by in the short term. You can still stream HD video content at 20Mbps, though 4K will be pushing it. As long as everyone in your home agrees to keep high-demand usage limited, you should get through your time on 4G backup without any lifelong grudges.
There aren't any upfront costs for the WiFi Hub, but you'll pay a hardware fee if you leave within your first 24 months. This is equivalent to $7.50 for each month left in your 24-month term.
Here's a look at Vodafone's NBN plans with 4G backup:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
Essential nbn®
$64/mth
Min. cost $64
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
Essential+ nbn®
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
Home Fast nbn®
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
Home Superfast nbn®
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Vodafone
Home Ultrafast nbn®
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied
|
iiNet plans with 4G backup
iiNet 4G backup is an optional extra on its NBN plans. To get NBN with 4G backup from iiNet, you need to add its 4G backup modem when you sign up to a plan, which has the catchy name: 'High-Speed NBN Modem with 4G Connection Backup'. If you already have an NBN plan through iiNet, but don't have 4G backup, you have to cancel your current plan and sign up to a new one to receive the 4G backup modem.
The modem is $0 upfront with $10 shipping. If you leave within your first 24 months, you can return it for free or pay a hardware fee of $8 for each month left in your two-year term, for a maximum of $192.
iiNet's 4G backup is powered by the Vodafone 4G network. Data is unlimited, but speeds are capped at 12Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads. This is a pretty harsh 4G backup speed limit compared to the NBN speeds you might be used to, and even to the other 4G backup options.
For lengthy NBN outages, make sure everyone in your home is aware of what's going on. You might also find it difficult to work from home if you make a lot of video calls or your workplace uses cloud storage.
Here are iiNet's NBN plans with 4G backup:
|
#1
|
iiNet
nbn12 Liimitless
$59.99/mth
Min. cost $59.99
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
nbn25 Liimitless
$61.99/mth
Min. cost $61.99
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#4
|
iiNet
nbn Home Fast Liimitless
$79.99/mth
Min. cost $79.99
|
|
#5
|
iiNet
nbn Home Superfast Liimitless
$84.99/mth
Min. cost $84.99
|
|
#6
|
iiNet
nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless
$94.99/mth
Min. cost $94.99
|
What about NBN with 5G backup plans?
Sadly, NBN plans with 5G backup aren't on offer from any providers yet. Given the existing 4G backup services are limited to 25Mbps downloads at most, that's probably not surprising.
NBN plans with 4G backup are only intended for occasional use during NBN outages, so you should only need to be on slower speeds temporarily. But if you're keen on going fully wireless for your home internet, you can ditch the NBN entirely and go for 5G as your sole internet connection.
Using wireless broadband instead of the NBN
If your NBN is so unreliable you need 4G backup regularly, you might want to consider an alternative internet connection. Home wireless internet plans are becoming a popular option for households thanks to cheaper prices, unlimited data allowances, and the emergence of 5G.
There are two types of home wireless internet: 4G and 5G.
- 4G home internet plans have speeds similar to, or the same as, NBN 4G backup – around 20Mbps to 25Mbps downloads at most (though real-world speeds are often slower).
- 5G home internet plans are must faster. They're a cheap, speedy and viable alternative to the NBN, depending on 5G coverage in your area.
5G home internet plans are available with maximum download speeds of:
- 50Mbps – similar to an NBN 50 plan
- 100 Mbps – similar to an NBN 100 plan
- Uncapped speeds – generally comparable to an NBN 250 plan
Here's a look at all the 5G home internet plans the Australian market right now:
If you decide to choose a plan capped at 50Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of NBN 50, however, you may experience
slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option if you're either conscious of the price
or you know you won't use over 50Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 50Mbps:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit)
$49/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#3
|
TPG
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
5G Home Internet Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday 5G
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Yomojo
5G Internet 50
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
Link not supplied
|
If you choose a plan capped at 100Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan, however, you may
experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option for households with multiple
members who regularly connect to the internet at the same time.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 100Mbps:
|
#1
|
TPG
Editor's Pick
5G Home Broadband Premium
$54.99/mth
Min. cost $54.99
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (100Mbit)
$59/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
5G Home Broadband Premium
$59.99/mth
Min. cost $59.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
5G Home Internet Premium Plan
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Yomojo
5G Internet 100
$75.90/mth
Min. cost $75.90
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
Telstra, Optus, Yomojo and SpinTel currently offer uncapped plans. These can go as fast as network conditions allow but exact speeds will depend on your coverage and congestion. Generally, though we have found 200Mbps is a pretty safe average.
|
#1
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband
$79/mth
Min. cost $104
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
5G Home Internet - 1TB
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Editor's Pick
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Yomojo
5G Internet Max
$95.90/mth
Min. cost $95.90
Link not supplied
|
Check your 4G backup coverage
Before signing up to an NBN plan with 4G backup, it's a good idea to check your provider's 4G coverage in your area. Just because it sells NBN services, doesn't necessarily mean it has the mobile towers to match.
The three major mobile networks in Australia are run by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Other providers purchase access to these networks. Aussie Broadband 4G backup is via the Telstra network, and iiNet's is via the Vodafone network.
| Network | 4G coverage |
|---|---|
| Telstra network | 99.8% |
| Optus network | 98.5% |
| Vodafone network | 98.4% |
Numbers shown are a percentage of the Australian population.
In the coverage map checker below, you can can toggle between the three networks across 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage to get a better idea of if NBN 4G backup is available at your location. But keep in mind that Vodafone has shut down its 3G network, with Telstra and Optus soon to follow.
NBN 4G backup FAQs
How do I get 4G backup?
There are two very important steps to be eligible for 4G backup. Firstly you need to sign up to an NBN plan with a provider that specifically offers 4G backup as a service. And secondly, you need to add one of their modems to your order. Using just any old modem won't work or be compatible with their network offering.
What is 4G backup?
4G backup is when a secondary connection via mobile broadband is enabled in the event your usual connection to the internet isn't working, typically in the event of an NBN outage. But it's not as fast as the 4G on a standard mobile phone plan and is only intended for temporary use.
What is a 4G backup modem?
A 4G backup modem is a modem that offers 4G connectivity when your primary internet connection cuts out. These modems connect both to the NBN and a mobile network.
For your NBN 4G backup to work, you need to have the 4G backup modem offered by your internet provider. If you buy a different 4G backup modem, it won't work.
Do I need NBN with 4G backup?
4G backup can be nice to have, but not essential. It's a good safety net in the event of an outage, but you can also tether from your phone in such situations.
That said, don't expect it to perform the same as your standard NBN plan. 4G backup for the NBN is limited to between 12Mbps and 25Mbps for downloads, depending on your provider. And between 1Mbps and 5MBps for uploads.
Is 4G backup free?
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and iiNet don't charge extra for 4G backup, but you do need one of their 4G backup modems. All four providers supply this modem for free (iiNet charges $10 delivery), as long as you stick around for a given timeframe – 36 or 24 months, depending on the provider.
Telstra lets you return the modem if you decide to leave your plan within the modem's payment term, the others don't have this option.
Aussie Broadband 4G backup is free if you're on an NBN 100 plan or above, but costs extra on NBN 50 or below. You also need to pay for your 4G backup modem upfront (more details about pricing in the Aussie Broadband section above).
Is there an option for TPG 4G backup?
No. At this stage, TPG does not offer NBN plans with 4G backup to residential homes but it does for business NBN plans. But iiNet, which is owned by TPG and generally reports similar performance with similar prices, does offer 4G backup.
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