What is mobile broadband? Everything you need to know

By Anula Wiwatowska

Last updated 19 June 2023

Mobile broadband: Everything you need to know

Contents

In this guide:

What is mobile broadband?
What are the types of mobile broadband?
SIM-only mobile broadband
Pocket WiFi mobile broadband
USB Modem mobile broadband
Mobile broadband modems
How fast is mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband plans
Why should I get mobile broadband?
What are the downsides?
Mobile broadband FAQs

Don't want a wired internet connection or can't get one? Mobile broadband could be the best solution for you.

Pros and cons of mobile broadband

Get connected anywhere you get 4G (and 5G in some cases)
Quick set-up times
Heaps of no-contract options
Some options are portable

Smaller data allowances compared with fixed-line internet
4G mobile broadband speeds can be slower than fixed line
Usually have high data for dollar rates
Need a reliable mobile signal

What is mobile broadband?

Mobile broadband is a term that refers to an internet connection delivered over a mobile network – the same networks utilised by your smartphone.

You might already be familiar with the concept of mobile broadband – it's enabled by those little internet dongles (also known as a USB modem if you want to get technical) you can plug into your computer for instant internet. But mobile broadband has come a long way since ye olde internet stick. You can now get portable wireless hotspots and fixed home wireless modems with large data allowances to deliver your mobile broadband.

Hot tip

Getting connected via mobile broadband is much faster than a fixed-line connection which can require visits from a technician and wait times of several business days (if not weeks). You pull your mobile broadband modem out of the box, pop in the SIM card, connect your laptop to your new WiFi, and you're online.

5G mobile broadband

Just as mobile phone plans now have access to 5G networks you can also get 5G mobile broadband. In some cases 5G can provide speeds faster than what you'd get with NBN with speeds between 100Mbps and 1Gbps (though speeds around the 200Mbps mark are much more realistic).

5G availability is more limited than 4G while networks are still being extended and upgraded.

You can compare 5G coverage via the following map:

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Coverage information is collected from carriers and other third party sources. This is approximate coverage only and does not include indoor coverage. Actual speed and performance depends on your location and device. Local conditions and things like natural and artificial physical features of an area all affect your reception. Coverage © Mosaik

What are the types of mobile broadband?

Data SIM

Connect a tablet or laptop
Portable
Contract and no contract options

Pocket WiFi

Connect multiple devices
Portable
Battery-powered

USB Modem

Connects a single computer
Plugs directly into the device
Portable

Looking for home wireless internet?

If you're looking for a mobile network solution to use in place of an NBN fixed-line connection you should consider home wireless. Compare 4G and 5G home wireless internet plans.

SIM-only mobile broadband

SIM-only mobile broadband plans are versatile and as convenient as slipping a SIM card into your mobile device.

Long gone are the days when a SIM card meant data woes. Generous data inclusions of up to 400GB are available, but the costs stack up pretty quickly - especially when compared to cheap fixed-line connections (which come with unlimited data).

Very few data-only SIMs come with contracts these days which means you have the flexibility to move between providers if you wish. Just be sure to check the T&Cs when signing up.

We've pulled together our most popular SIM-only mobile broadband plans for you to check out.

#1	Belong	Belong 400GB Data SIM Only Mobile Broadband 400GB Data $70/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra Upfront Data Plan Medium Mobile Broadband 75GB Data Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security. $58/mth Min. cost $58 Link not supplied	$58/mth Min. cost $58	Link not supplied
#3	Tangerine Telecom Editor's Pick	Tangerine Telecom Editor's Pick 100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan Mobile Broadband 100GB Data $34.90/mth Min. cost $34.90 Link not supplied	$34.90/mth Min. cost $34.90	Link not supplied
#4	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Large Data Only 5G SIM Mobile Broadband 45GB Data $35/mth Min. cost $35 Link not supplied	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Link not supplied
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel Mobile Broadband 50GB Mobile Broadband 50GB Data $28/mth Min. cost $28 Link not supplied	$28/mth Min. cost $28	Link not supplied
#6	Vodafone Editor's Pick	Vodafone Editor's Pick Small Data SIM Only Plan Mobile Broadband 60GB Data Deal: Get 60GB of data each month (incl. 30GB bonus data) on the Small Data SIM Only plan. T&Cs apply. $20/mth Min. cost $20 Link not supplied	$20/mth Min. cost $20	Link not supplied
#7	Southern Phone	Southern Phone Medium Mobile Broadband Mobile Broadband 50GB Data Contract (12 mths) $40/mth Min. cost $480 Link not supplied	$40/mth Min. cost $480	Link not supplied

Pocket WiFi mobile broadband

Another great option in the mobile broadband sphere is pocket WiFi. With this, you can connect multiple devices at once to a private WiFi network.

The vast majority of providers offer pocket WiFi on a contract-free basis, but you'll need to pay for your modem. This might be an outright fee, or one that's paid monthly over 24, or 36 months.

Data allowances vary by provider but you can get up to 200GB or as little as 7GB. So while you have more freedom to connect devices, check your current usage to suss out your best option.

These are the 5G pocket WiFi plans our users are loving:

Upfront Data Plan Small

Mobile Broadband
30GB Data
Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security.

$46.83/mth

Min. cost $548.92

Link not supplied

$46.83/mth

(plan + modem)

Min. cost $548.92

Link not supplied

20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (ZTE 5G Modem)

Mobile Broadband
20GB Data

$38.12/mth

Min. cost $454.88

Link not supplied

$38.12/mth

(plan + modem)

Min. cost $454.88

Link not supplied

And these are the 4G pocket WiFi plans most popular with our users:

Pocket WiFi 4 4G Starter Pack

Mobile Broadband
60GB Data
Prepaid (30 Days)

$99

Link not supplied

$99

Link not supplied

Mobile Broadband 50GB

Mobile Broadband
50GB Data

$38/mth

Min. cost $48

Link not supplied

$38/mth

(plan + modem)

Min. cost $48

Link not supplied

Upfront Data Plan Small

Mobile Broadband
30GB Data
Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security.

$31/mth

Min. cost $169

Link not supplied

$31/mth

(plan + modem)

Min. cost $169

Link not supplied

USB modem mobile broadband

If you're planning on using your connection for your laptop or computer then a USB modem might be the option for you. These have largely been phased out in favour of the pocket WiFi plans we discussed earlier (some of which can also connect via USB).

Plans are no-contract with a repayment period for the USB modem itself over 12, 24, and 36 months.

Compare Telstra's data SIM plans which can be used with its USB modems here:

Upfront Data Plan Small

Mobile Broadband
30GB Data
Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security.

$31/mth

Min. cost $169

Link not supplied

$31/mth

(plan + modem)

Min. cost $169

Link not supplied

Mobile broadband modems

The kind of home broadband modem you have will help determine your maximum speeds. For example, a 5G compatible modem will theoretically achieve higher speeds than a 4G capable one. However, your modem's maximum speed is dictated by the mobile network coverage in your area, interference, and a range of other factors. If your area doesn't yet have 5G coverage, then splashing out on a 5G broadband modem won't do you any good.

Choosing the right modem, and provider boils down to knowing the network coverage available in your area. Take a look at our coverage maps for Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra to see which mobile broadband modem is likely to give you the best outcome.

How fast is mobile broadband?

The speed of your mobile broadband connection will depend on your provider, your physical location, and your hardware.

For example, if you're connected to Telstra and using their 4GX capable modem in a capital city CBD, you could theoretically get speeds of 1,000Mbps (which is ten times as fast as a top-tier Fibre-to-the-Node NBN connection).

In most cities, you should be able to comfortably achieve download speeds of 20Mbps to 100Mbps on a 4G mobile broadband connection, depending on where you live. On a 5G connection, you could be looking at closer to 200Mbps.

Mobile broadband plans

See the cheapest data-only SIM plans with no contract in our database:

#1	Belong	Belong 20GB Data SIM Only Mobile Broadband 20GB Data $15/mth Min. cost $15 Link not supplied	$15/mth Min. cost $15	Link not supplied
#2	amaysim	amaysim 7GB Data Plan Mobile Broadband 7GB Data Prepaid (28 Days) $15 Link not supplied	$15	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone Editor's Pick	Vodafone Editor's Pick Small Data SIM Only Plan Mobile Broadband 60GB Data Deal: Get 60GB of data each month (incl. 30GB bonus data) on the Small Data SIM Only plan. T&Cs apply. $20/mth Min. cost $20 Link not supplied	$20/mth Min. cost $20	Link not supplied
#4	Optus	Optus 20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (M2M) Mobile Broadband 20GB Data $20/mth Min. cost $20 Link not supplied	$20/mth Min. cost $20	Link not supplied
#5	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile Data Plan Small Mobile Broadband 40GB Data Prepaid (30 Days) Deal: Includes 10GB bonus data for first 3 recharges on Small Data Plan until 11.08.25 $22 Link not supplied	$22	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra Upfront Data Plan Small Mobile Broadband 30GB Data Deal: Get 3 months Telstra Device Security. $25/mth Min. cost $25 Link not supplied	$25/mth Min. cost $25	Link not supplied
#7	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Regular Data Only 5G SIM Mobile Broadband 25GB Data $25/mth Min. cost $25 Link not supplied	$25/mth Min. cost $25	Link not supplied
#8	SpinTel	SpinTel Mobile Broadband 50GB Mobile Broadband 50GB Data $28/mth Min. cost $28 Link not supplied	$28/mth Min. cost $28	Link not supplied
#9	Tangerine Telecom Editor's Pick	Tangerine Telecom Editor's Pick 100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan Mobile Broadband 100GB Data $34.90/mth Min. cost $34.90 Link not supplied	$34.90/mth Min. cost $34.90	Link not supplied
#10	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Large Data Only 5G SIM Mobile Broadband 45GB Data $35/mth Min. cost $35 Link not supplied	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Link not supplied

Why would you get mobile broadband?

There are a few reasons why you'd consider signing up for a mobile broadband connection:

You don't have a fixed address or are changing addresses regularly
You can't get a fixed-line connection where you live
You're looking for an NBN alternative
You want a backup in case your fixed-line connection goes down
You're travelling and need portable WiFi

Mobile broadband doesn't use Australia's copper network or the National Broadband Network, so there's no need for a fixed physical connection between your place and the internet. This makes it great for people who are moving regularly, travelling or are just unhappy with the quality of their fixed-line connection.

If you can't get the NBN yet or are experiencing sub-par speeds, mobile broadband could potentially be a solution. It can be more expensive, but you won't have to wait for your area to be connected, and if you're in an area with good reception, you can get NBN-esque speeds on mobile broadband (depending on speed caps).

Mobile broadband is also great if you just don't want to deal with the hassle of an extended set-up period. And because many mobile broadband modems are powered by battery, they'll keep on kicking even if there's a power outage.

Are there any downsides to mobile broadband?

If you're considering mobile broadband, keep in mind that plans:

Have smaller data allowances compared with fixed-line internet
Home wireless speeds can be slower than fixed-line internet
Usually have higher data for dollar rates than fixed-line internet
Need a mobile signal (not great if mobile's not reliable at your home)

Mobile broadband options often have smaller data allowances compared with fixed-line internet. 400GB tends to be the largest widely available download allowance, and you'll typically pay at least $65 to $70 per month that that kind of plan.

Meanwhile, while the starting price of an unlimited fixed-line connection such as an NBN 25 plan is as little as $45. That means you'll end up spending more money for less data on mobile broadband.

If you have trouble getting a mobile signal at home, mobile broadband isn't a great option either. Its speed and reliability depend on the strength of your mobile signal.

In some cases, it could be a better option to take out a plan with more data for your smartphone and use your smartphone as a hotspot. However, this isn't ideal if more than one person is relying on your mobile broadband connection, and it can burn through your phone's battery pretty quickly - in many cases, it's also not allowed as per the T&Cs set out by your provider which may limit using your hotspot for personal use.

Mobile broadband FAQs

What is the difference between mobile broadband and fixed wireless NBN?

Mobile broadband and fixed wireless NBN both use 4G technology, but the NBN has its own cellular towers exclusively used to deliver internet to premises where deploying a fixed connection would not be practical. NBN fixed wireless connections are also tied to a home or business, whereas many mobile broadband solutions are portable.

Is mobile broadband the same as WiFi?

Mobile broadband is not the same as WiFi, but they share similar concepts. Mobile broadband is a type of internet connection that uses mobile frequencies (3G, 4G and 5G) to connect you to the internet. WiFi on the other hand is the technology that wirelessly connects your devices to your existing internet connection. Both are wireless technologies that connect to the internet, except only one creates an internet connection, while the other facilitates it.