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 include an NBN modem that connects to the NBN and 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 providers and plans with 4G backup
Currently, just three of the NBN providers in our database offer NBN plans with 4G backup to residential households. 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:
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#1
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Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Basic nbn®
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
All Fixed Line nbn®
Upfront Internet Plan Basic
$97/mth
Min. cost $97
Link not supplied
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Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Everyday nbn®
$82/mth
Min. cost $82
Link not supplied
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#1
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Optus
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Optus Fast nbn®
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$113/mth
Min. cost $113
Link not supplied
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#1
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Optus
FTTP, HFC
Optus Fast nbn®
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$113/mth
Min. cost $113
Link not supplied
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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 optionally included at no upfront cost with an NBN plan, but does come with a catch. While Optus' NBN plans are technically contract-free, leaving within 24 months of receiving a 4G backup modem will incur a $12.50 hardware fee based on how many months left in your two years, up to a maximum of $306 if you leave immediately. There's no option to return the modem and avoid the charge.
Here's a look at Optus' NBN plans with 4G backup:
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#1
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Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Basic nbn®
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
Link not supplied
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#2
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Optus
All Fixed Line nbn®
Optus Everyday nbn®
$82/mth
Min. cost $82
Link not supplied
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#3
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Optus
FTTP, HFC
Optus Fast nbn®
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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#4
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Optus
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Optus Fast nbn®
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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#5
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Optus
FTTP, HFC
Optus Ultrafast nbn®
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
Link not supplied
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Telstra plans with 4G backup
Telstra's "Upfront" NBN plans come with the telco's fourth-generation Smart Modem with 4G and 5G backup. 4G or 5G 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 fastest maximum download speed of any NBN plan with 4G backup (alongside Optus).
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.
Note that Telstra also has "Internet Only" plans that don't include the Smart Modem 4. Even if you purchase the Smart Modem 4 outright to go with these plans, you won't get 4G backup. 4G backup is only included on Telstra's Upfront NBN plans.
Here's a look at Telstra's NBN plans with 4G backup:
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#1
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Telstra
All Fixed Line nbn®
Upfront Internet Plan Basic
$97/mth
Min. cost $97
Link not supplied
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#2
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Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$113/mth
Min. cost $113
Link not supplied
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#3
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Telstra
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Upfront Internet Plan Premium
$113/mth
Min. cost $113
Link not supplied
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#4
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Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate
$129/mth
Min. cost $129
Link not supplied
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#5
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Telstra
FTTP, HFC
Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast
$139/mth
Min. cost $139
Link not supplied
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Aussie Broadband plans with 4G backup
Aussie Broadband offers NBN plans with 4G backup for business customers. Customers who take an NBN 100/40, NBN 250/100, NBN 500/20, NBN 1000/400, or NBN 2000/500 plan get 4G backup at no extra cost. Customers on other fixed-line NBN plans need to pay $10 per month.
Fixed Wireless business customers who opt for an NBN 250/20 or NBN 400/40 plan also 4G backup at no cost, but others will pay $10 per month.
In addition to needing a business plan, customers also need to purchase a Netcomm NL19MESH modem through Aussie Broadband. Pricing starts at $240 for a single unit, with $15 in shipping.
Aussie Broadband's 4G backup is powered by the Optus network. Download speeds are capped to 25Mbps, and upload speeds to 5Mbps.
Here's a look at Aussie Broadband's fixed-line business NBN plans with 4G backup:
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#1
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Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Business Value 50/20
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
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#2
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Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Business Fast Fibre 500/50
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
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#3
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Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Business Fast 100/20
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
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#4
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Aussie Broadband
FTTP, HFC
Business Superfast Plus 250/100 with Bronze eSLA
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
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#5
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Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Business Fast Plus 100/40
$114/mth
Min. cost $114
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#6
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Aussie Broadband
FTTP
Business Turbofast Plus 500/200
$136/mth
Min. cost $136
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#7
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Aussie Broadband
FTTP
Business Ultrafast Plus 1000/400
$160/mth
Min. cost $160
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#8
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Aussie Broadband
FTTP
Business Hyperfast Plus 2000/500
$220/mth
Min. cost $220
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Vodafone and iiNet both updated their offered modem in 2025. While it features the latest-and-greatest WiFi 7, but 4G backup is no longer integrated. This means, in the event of an NBN outage, you can only access 4G backup (or even 5G backup) by connecting your phone to it. The modem will then use your phone’s connection and mobile plan – much like many other modem routers on the market.
What about NBN with 5G backup?
Telstra offers customers signing up to an Upfront NBN plan its Smart Modem 4 with 5G backup, where coverage is available. 5G backup speeds are limited to 25Mbps, which is the same as 4G backup speeds. The difference here is that 5G should offer lower latency.
Currently, NBN plans with either 4G or 5G backup are only intended for occasional use during NBN outages, so you should only need to be on slower speeds temporarily. 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 increasing 5G footprint.
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 15Mbps downloads, though it can be faster or slower, depending on your connection and.
- 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 around 200 to 250Mbps downloads, but can be faster or slower.
Here's a look at all the 5G home internet plans the Australian market right now:
If you choose a plan with speeds up to 25Mbps, you'll get the equivalent of an NBN 25 plan. Speeds may be slower during peak hours. These plans may not be the best value in the long term as they're quite expensive for the speeds you get. It is worth noting Vodafone's plan has a maximum speed of 20Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans with speeds up to 25Mbps:
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:
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:
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TPG
Editor's Pick
5G Home Broadband Premium
$34.99/mth
Min. cost $34.99
Link not supplied
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iiNet
5G Home Broadband Premium
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
Link not supplied
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Vodafone
5G Home Internet Premium Plan
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
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Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
$64/mth
Min. cost $64
Link not supplied
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Yomojo
5G Internet 100
$84.90/mth
Min. cost $84.90
Link not supplied
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Three telcos 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.
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Optus
Editor's Pick
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
$84/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (240Mbit)
$89/mth
+ $25 Upfront
Min. cost $114
Link not supplied
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Telstra
Premium 5G Home Internet - 1TB
$95/mth
Min. cost $95
Link not supplied
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Yomojo
5G Internet Max
$105.90/mth
Min. cost $105.90
Link not supplied
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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 – though there currently aren't any NBN providers that offer 4G backup via Vodafone's.
In the coverage map checker below, you can toggle between the three networks across 4G and 5G coverage to get a better idea of if 4G backup is available at your location.
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 offers 4G connectivity when your primary internet connection cuts out. These modems connect both to the NBN and a mobile network, though not at the same time.
For your NBN 4G backup to work, you need to have the specific 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 it's not essential for most people. It's a good safety net in the event of an outage, but you can also tether from your phone in such situations by creating a mobile hotspot. All iPhones and Androids can do this.
Don't expect 4G backup to perform the same as a standard NBN plan. Telstra and Optus limit their 4G backup for the NBN to between 25Mbps for downloads. Telstra caps uploads at 5Mbps, while Optus caps it at just 2Mbps. In contrast, tethering from your phone should offer the full speed of your mobile plan at your address.
Is 4G backup free?
Telstra and Optus don't charge extra for 4G backup, but you do need one of their 4G backup modems. Telstra lets you return the modem if you decide to leave your plan within the modem's payment term, but Optus will charge you a hardware fee if you leave within the first 24 months.
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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