Do you need a phone line for broadband?

Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead

Last updated 08 February 2022

During the ADSL days every plan available came with home phone line rental whether you wanted it or not. Over the past two years we’ve seen searches for internet plans including phone lines decline by 90%, but do you still need a phone line in your house in order to connect to broadband?

The answer depends on what kind of broadband connection you are using, and whether it is actually a useful utility for you to have.

In this guide we look at whether you need a phone line for different broadband types, and your options when it comes to keeping (or more likely not keeping) a home phone active.

Do you need a phone line for the NBN?
How to keep your phone line connected on the NBN
Do you need a phone line for home wireless broadband?
VoIP vs. phone line
What are the alternatives to VoIP?

Do you need a phone line for the NBN?

Technically speaking, you don’t need a phone line for the NBN but if you’re in a dwelling built before the rollout commenced then your NBN is likely using your phone line.

The National Broadband Network utilises the old copper phone network, subsidised by sections of fibre. The fibre to copper ratio is different depending on the technology type. Fibre to the Node utilises the copper network from your local Node to your home, Fibre to the Curb runs fibre to the front of your home before utilising copper the rest of the way, while Fibre to the Premises is 100% fibre. Where there is a mixture of fibre and copper, you’ll still plug your modem/router into your old phone line socket, but you won’t be able to make phone calls in the traditional way anymore. Where it is full fibre, chances are you won't even be connected to the old copper network at all.

In saying that, if you don’t have a need for it, then you do not have to pay phone line rental on any NBN plan. It is not necessary to have a home phone number connected to your NBN plan in the same way it was with ADSL. Telstra, Optus, and some of the TPG group offer internet and home phone bundles.

#1	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
#3	Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 50/20 Premium All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for first 6 months - $59.80/mth for 6mths, then $83.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80 Link not supplied	$59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80	Link not supplied
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
#5	Flip	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Unlimited Family nbn50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68 Go to Site	$68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68	Go to Site
#6	Swoop	Swoop All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® Home Everyday All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#8	amaysim	amaysim All Fixed Line nbn® NBN50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Intro Offer - Includes $10/mth off for the first 6 months, $75/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $85/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth for first 6 mths, then $85/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
#9	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Experience nbn® 50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $79/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $109/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $79/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#10	Vodafone	Vodafone All Fixed Line nbn® Essential+ nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply. $94/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied

How to keep your phone line connected on the NBN

If you still want or need a home phone line when connecting to the NBN, then you’ll need to sign up for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP allows you to make phone calls over your internet connection rather than using the traditional copper network.

The downside to VoIP is that some devices such as medical alert systems, security alarms and EFTPOS machines won’t work anymore. Anything that once used the copper network to send data, no longer will be able to. You also won’t be able to make phone calls in the case of a power failure since your phone line will now be connected to your modem, and utilise the same electrical socket to make calls.

The exceptions to this rule are customers using Sky Muster and NBN Fixed Wireless. The copper network will not be shut off in these coverage areas, so if you’re using either of these technology types then you can continue to use your landline as normal.

#1	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#2	TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied
#3	iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#4	MATE	MATE All Fixed Line nbn® Ripper nbn 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 49/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 mths, $70/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $90/mth (code RIPPER20) + Bundle & Save + more! $70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Value nbn - Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 47/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#6	Optus	Optus All Fixed Line nbn® Optus Everyday nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $82/mth for a year, then $97/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $388. Ends 6/10. $82/mth for first 12 months, then $97/mth or as notified Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth for first 12 months, then $97/mth or as notified Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#7	iPrimus	iPrimus All Fixed Line nbn® Standard Plus Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $90/mth Min. cost $90 Link not supplied	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Link not supplied
#8	More	More All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $75/mth for 36 months, then $90/mth ongoing for CommBank customers who sign up using a CommBank credit or debit card $100/mth Min. cost $100 Link not supplied	$100/mth Min. cost $100	Link not supplied
#9	AGL	AGL All Fixed Line nbn® Home Standard nbn All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 47/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: AGL Bundle Offer - $88/mth when you BYO modem and have AGL energy. $103/mth Min. cost $103 Link not supplied	$103/mth Min. cost $103	Link not supplied

Do you need a phone line for home wireless broadband?

Home wireless broadband does not require a home phone line, as it utilises mobile networks in order to connect you to the internet.

Home wireless broadband plans only require you to have the appropriate mobile coverage, and electricity to work. For example if you’re looking at getting a Telstra 5G home wireless broadband plan, then you’ll need to make sure that you have Telstra 5G coverage at your home.

If you live in an area that has access to the NBN (other than Sky Muster and Fixed Wireless), you still won’t be able to use your old copper network to make phone calls. 18 months after the NBN is introduced to an area the copper phone lines are entirely switched off, so whether you’re using the NBN or not you will still need to opt for VoIP if you want a home phone.

Currently no telco offers VoIP alongside home wireless broadband plans. If you want a landline then you’ll need to set it up separately.

#1	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Plus 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special offer - Includes $30/mth off for 6 months! $29.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. $29.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $29.99 Link not supplied	$29.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $29.99	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Plus 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Offer - Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $39.99 Link not supplied	$39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $39.99	Link not supplied
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday 5G 5G Home Internet 50/11 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $54/mth for a year, then $69/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $522. Ends 6/10. $54/mth for first 12 months, then $69/mth or as notified Min. cost $54 Link not supplied	$54/mth for first 12 months, then $69/mth or as notified Min. cost $54	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Plus Plan 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $55/mth for 12 mths, then $70/mth Min. cost $55 Link not supplied	$55/mth for 12 mths, then $70/mth Min. cost $55	Link not supplied
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit) 5G Home Internet 50 Mbps Unlimited Data $55/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $80 Link not supplied	$55/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $80	Link not supplied
#6	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 50 5G Home Internet 42/11 Mbps Unlimited Data $75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90 Link not supplied	$75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90	Link not supplied

VoIP vs. phone line

The main difference between VoIP and a phone line, is that VoIP uses the internet where a phone line uses the traditional copper phone network.

Essentially VoIP allows you to make phone calls over the internet via your NBN connection. While it isn’t mandatory to have a landline on the NBN, all NBN customers can make calls over the internet if their plan includes it. However, since VoIP uses the internet, if the power or the internet goes down, then your landline will too.

There are two possibilities for getting landline calls via the NBN: UNI-D VoIP is the most common service and is available to all NBN connection types. UNI-V VoIP, also known as Fibre Phone, is a superior VoIP connection type that is only available with Fibre to the Premises connections.

Unlike UNI-D, UNI-V allows dedicated bandwidth for voice traffic, which means calls do not have to compete with internet traffic and can be more reliable as a result. UNI-V also offers the option of battery back-up in case of a power outage.

What are the alternatives to VoIP?

The simple answer is a mobile phone. Since most of us have already abandoned our home phones, perhaps its time you made the switch as well. These days, many cheap mobile phone plans come with unlimited talk and text for as little as $10 per month. Most even include at least 1GB of data too.

Here are the cheapest mobile phone plans with at least 5GB of data included per month.

#1	Pivotel	Pivotel 25GB Mobile Swift Plan 25GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $11.45/mth for first 6 months, then $22.90/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45 Go to Site	$11.45/mth Min. cost $11.45	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#3	OnePass mobile	OnePass mobile 28 Day Plan - 22GB 22GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Save $12.50 - Get 22GB for only $12.50 for the first 6 recharges! Recharges $25/22GB. New customers only. T&Cs apply $12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$12.50 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 23 SIM Only 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 30GB for $14 – Includes $9 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $23. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Link not supplied	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Link not supplied
#5	Swoop	Swoop 30GB SIM Only 5G 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $11 off for first 6 months - $14/mth for first 6 months then $25/mth after that. Offer ends 30.06.27 $14.00/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14.00/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#6	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick Unlimited Plan S 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $15 for first 6 renewals when you activate this plan. Offer ends 31.12.26. T&Cs apply $15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	iiNet	iiNet 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#8	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Pivotel	Pivotel 50GB Mobile Swift Plan 50GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $17.50/mth Min. cost $17.50 Go to Site	$17.50/mth Min. cost $17.50	Go to Site
#10	Pivotel	Pivotel 80GB Mobile Swift Plan 80GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Incl. 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Offer ends 31.10.2026. T&Cs apply. $22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50 Go to Site	$22.50/mth Min. cost $22.50	Go to Site

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

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