Interest rates going up? Here’s how to keep your internet bills down

By Christie Graham

Last updated 10 June 2022

While you can’t pick how much a lettuce costs, there are ways you can save on your internet bill, as well as other utilities. By researching other providers, exploring bundle options and discount offers, you can score real savings and put some dollars back in your pocket! Keep reading to learn more.

In this guide:

Things to note before switching internet plans
Budget NBN plans
Senior NBN plans
NBN Alternatives
Bundle your internet and energy bills
Save on TV with Telstra
Save on TV with Optus
Bundle your internet and home phone

Things to note before switching internet plans

There are a few crucial things to know before you can simply swap to a cheaper internet plan. Knowing these details will ensure you don’t accidentally sign up for the wrong plan, lock yourself in and cost yourself more money in the long run.

Firstly you need to answer “what type of internet connection do I have?”. Few people are aware that not all internet plans are created equal - some aren’t offered across all types of connections such as Fixed Wireless - which is available to certain rural and regional areas of Australia and so these only offer speed tiers of NBN 12, NBN 25 and NBN 50.

Secondly, you need to work out what internet speed you’re currently signed up to and if it works for you. Of course, you will find plenty of cheaper plans if you’re currently on NBN 1000, for example, because you’re downgrading your speed tier. But if you really need that faster NBN connection, this probably isn’t the smartest move. There are a couple of ways you can find out your current speed tier:

Look at your current billing information or contact your provider and ask
Run an internet speed test using our handy tool below

Internet Speed Test

Is your internet fast enough? Test internet speeds at your location with a single click.

Once you can confidently answer “what internet speed do you need?” and you know your connection type, you’re in a much better position to choose a cheaper internet plan and, possibly, NBN provider.

Budget NBN Plans

Perhaps you just learnt you’re on a plan that offers WAY more speed than you will ever use. Or maybe you’re really stretching the budget and are willing to compromise on speed for a cheaper plan. Either way, there are plenty of NBN plans under $50. However, remember you will get what you pay for. A $50 NBN plan won’t get you much in terms of speed but there are NBN 100 plans that offer great speeds and cost between $70-$85 a month.

If you are working from home, for example, and simply can’t afford to lose a reliable connection, we’ve found the best of the best Australian NBN plans across all speed tiers to ensure you always have the fastest connection available.

Senior NBN plans

If you’re an elderly NBN user, don’t fret, there are plenty of perks for you too! Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) specifically design NBN plans for seniors with pensioner discounts.

Each of these plans comes with at least 200GB of included data and is an NBN 25 plan or faster. Some plans include a timed discount of around $10 off for the first six months but even after the discount expires, every plan is below $70 per month. These plans do not include home phone and line rental.

These plans do not include home phone and line rental.

#1	MATE	MATE Crikey nbn 25/10 nbn® 25/10 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save $40/mth Min. cost $40 Link not supplied	$40/mth Min. cost $40	Link not supplied
#2	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet Bronze Unlimited nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $46.90/mth for first 6 months and revert back to $68.90/mth thereafter. Offer ends 30.05.25 $46.90/mth Min. cost $46.90 Go to Site	$46.90/mth Min. cost $46.90	Go to Site
#3	amaysim	amaysim Unlimited nbn Quick As nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months (Incl. Standard Intro Offer), $50/mth for first 6 months, then $70/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $50/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
#4	Dodo	Dodo nbn25 Unlimited Plan nbn® 25/4 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $68.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $53.90/mth Min. cost $53.90 Go to Site*	$53.90/mth Min. cost $53.90	Go to Site

These plans include home phone and line rental.

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Basic nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $14/mth off for 12 months! $45/mth for 12 months, then $59/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $45/mth Min. cost $45 Link not supplied	$45/mth Min. cost $45	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited Entry 25 nbn® 25/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $12.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $47/mth for first 6 months, then $59.95/mth $47/mth Min. cost $47 Go to Site	$47/mth Min. cost $47	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value NBN nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $47.90/month for first 6 months, then $67.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $47.90/mth Min. cost $47.90 Go to Site	$47.90/mth Min. cost $47.90	Go to Site
#4	MATE	MATE Crikey nbn 25/10 + home phone nbn® 25/10 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save! $49/mth Min. cost $49 Link not supplied	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Link not supplied
#5	Exetel	Exetel Everyday nbn25 nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $13/mth off for first 6 months - $50.99/mth for first 6 months, then $63.99/mth. $50.99/mth Min. cost $50.99 Go to Site	$50.99/mth Min. cost $50.99	Go to Site
#6	Superloop	Superloop Everyday nbn25/10 nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $59/mth for 6 mths, then $69/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $59/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site

NBN Alternatives

Is NBN still too expensive for you? That’s alright, there are other options. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with access, 5G could be an alternative worth exploring.

Since The Big Three Australian telcos have released 5G home broadband plans, the prices are settling around the same as NBN 100 plans for uncapped services. Uncapped 5G speeds can get up to 1Gbps, but realistically telcos are promising around 250Mbps. Still more than double an NBN 100 plan for a similar price is great value for money.

It’s also important to remember speed will be a defining factor when choosing between 5G and NBN. From our testing, we found you should safely expect speeds between 200Mbps and 400Mbps on an uncapped 5G home internet plan. If you pick a capped 5G home internet plan, your speeds will be limited to a maximum of 100Mbps but 5G home internet speeds will depend on factors like coverage and congestion and are more prone to fluctuation than NBN speeds.

Here are the cheapest 5G home broadband plans we have active onsite:

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit) Wireless 50 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $49/mth for the first 6 mths, then $59/mth. $25 upfront postage for rental modem also apply $49/mth Min. cost $74 Link not supplied	$49/mth Min. cost $74	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Plus Wireless 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Go to Site	$49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Go to Site
#3	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Plus Wireless 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Go to Site	$49.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Basic Plan Wireless 20/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $50/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
#5	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday 5G Wireless 45/11 Mbps Unlimited Data $69/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra 5G Home Internet - 1TB Wireless 300/30 Mbps 1000GB Data $85/mth Min. cost $85 Link not supplied	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Link not supplied

Bundle your internet and energy bills

Bundling as many services together as you can is a great way to lower your bills and avoid missing a payment. Many providers offer perks and discounts for customers who consolidate their billing through internet and energy bundles and it’s a tidy way to pay your bills. Currently, Dodo and Origin are leading the way with energy and NBN bundle discounts.

Customers using Dodo for electricity, gas and NBN can get a $10 per month discount on their NBN plan, however, there may be some specifics that could affect your eligibility. Here are Dodo’s eligible unlimited NBN plans:

#1	Dodo	Dodo nbn25 Unlimited Plan nbn® 25/4 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $68.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $53.90/mth Min. cost $53.90 Go to Site*	$53.90/mth Min. cost $53.90	Go to Site
#2	Dodo	Dodo nbn15 Unlimited Plan nbn® 15/4 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save up to $10/mth when you get nbn with electricity and gas at the same address + $20 off on Essential Modem until 29.04.25 $58.90/mth Min. cost $58.90 Go to Site	$58.90/mth Min. cost $58.90	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90 Go to Site*	$68.90/mth Min. cost $68.90	Go to Site
#4	Dodo	Dodo nbn100 Unlimited Plan nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $88.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $73.90/mth Min. cost $73.90 Go to Site*	$73.90/mth Min. cost $73.90	Go to Site
#5	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick nbn Home Superfast Plan nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $98.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply $83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90 Go to Site*	$83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90	Go to Site

Generally, the pricing is middle-of-the-pack, but including the $10 discount, these plans bring Dodo much further ahead. Not banking on promotional discounts, NBN 25 plans tend to run at around the $60-$65 mark so paying $55 per month for the foreseeable future is good value.

As for Origin, customers with one energy service can score a $10 per month discount on their internet, but there are no longer multiple discounts for adding another service (like gas).

#1	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Everyday nbn® 25 nbn® 25/8.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $83/mth Min. cost $83 Link not supplied	$83/mth Min. cost $83	Link not supplied
#2	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Experience nbn® 50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $95/mth Min. cost $95 Link not supplied	$95/mth Min. cost $95	Link not supplied
#3	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Enthusiast nbn® 100 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $105/mth Min. cost $105 Link not supplied	$105/mth Min. cost $105	Link not supplied
#4	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Enthusiast+ nbn® 100 nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $110/mth Min. cost $110 Link not supplied	$110/mth Min. cost $110	Link not supplied
#5	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Super fast nbn® 250 nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $120/mth Min. cost $120 Link not supplied	$120/mth Min. cost $120	Link not supplied
#6	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Ultra fast nbn® 1000 nbn® 860/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $130/mth Min. cost $130 Link not supplied	$130/mth Min. cost $130	Link not supplied

Save on TV with Telstra

You shouldn’t have to forgo the little luxuries in life, like TV packages and streaming services, just to save some money. With a little research, you may find some providers could be offering bonus subscriptions to streaming services or can even tie them into one bill at a discounted rate.

Telstra offers their customers discounts on Kayo or if you prefer traditional Foxtel (delivered via cable or satellite rather than online) you can also bundle your TV with internet through a Telstra fixed-line NBN, cable or ADSL plan. Or, you could pick up Foxtel packages directly through Telstra at a substantial discount for the first 12 months.

Speaking of Foxtel, not only does it offer entertainment, but Foxtel also has ADSL and NBN services. Foxtel ADSL and Foxtel NBN are available for new and existing customers. You can bundle your Foxtel, internet and home phone for $69 per month, plus add in your chosen Foxtel channel pack prices.

Typical evening speeds for Foxtel NBN are 52.4 Mbps for Plus customers. Customers can also upgrade to Premium speeds of 78.5 Mbps for $20 extra per month. Note that all Foxtel NBN and internet bundles are contracted for 12 or 24 months and early termination fees apply to a maximum of $600.

Save on TV with Optus

Alternatively, Optus customers who opt into their Internet Family Entertainer plan will receive a standard Netflix subscription included. Also with Optus SubHub, you can bundle your other eligible paid subscription services to save up to 10%.

Here are some Optus NBN plans to choose from:

Optus Plus Everyday Basic nbn®

nbn® 25/8 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Link not supplied

Bundle your internet and home phone

Did you know there are plans still available to bundle your internet and home phone? Again, these do depend on your connection type but if you have a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or Fixed Wireless connection, you’re in luck.

Here are some NBN VoIP plans to choose from:

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#2	Exetel	Exetel Extra-value nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. $60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99 Go to Site	$60.99/mth Min. cost $60.99	Go to Site
#3	Superloop	Superloop Extra-value nbn50/20 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $67/mth Min. cost $67 Go to Site	$67/mth Min. cost $67	Go to Site
#4	MATE	MATE Ripper nbn 50/20 + home phone nbn® 49/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code RIPPER20) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save! $69/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#5	iiNet	iiNet nbn50 Liimitless nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#6	TPG	TPG nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Go to Site
#7	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Standard nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data $79/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#8	iPrimus	iPrimus Standard Plus nbn50 Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $84/mth Min. cost $84 Go to Site	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Go to Site
#9	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$89/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied
#10	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value nbn - Unlimited nbn® 49/16 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$89/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied

And here are some NBN plans for Fixed Wireless connections:

#1	MATE	MATE No Dramas Wireless plus + home phone nbn® Wireless 48/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code RIPPER20) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save! $69/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
#2	iPrimus	iPrimus Unlimited Fixed Wireless Standard nbn® Wireless 16/3 Mbps Unlimited Data $74/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site
#3	iiNet	iiNet nbn12 Liimitless nbn® Wireless 9.3/0.9 Mbps Unlimited Data $74.99/mth Min. cost $74.99 Go to Site	$74.99/mth Min. cost $74.99	Go to Site
#4	Superloop	Superloop nbn Fixed Wireless Home Fast (250/20) nbn® Wireless 90/8 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $15/mth off 6 months! $75/mth for 6 mths, then $90/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $75/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband nbn® Fixed Wireless Plus Unlimited nbn® Wireless 47/5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10 off for the first 6 months. Promo code BIG10. $89/mth after promo ends 30.04.25 $79/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra Upfront Internet Plan Basic (Fixed Wireless) nbn® Wireless 23/3 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$89/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied
#7	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Fixed Wireless nbn® 75 nbn® Wireless 48/4 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $95/mth Min. cost $95 Link not supplied	$95/mth Min. cost $95	Link not supplied

The best mobile phone and internet bundles

Bundling multiple bills into one not only makes paying for services convenient, but it can also be a cheaper option if you know where to look. In this guide, we look at cheap mobile and broadband bundles, and the benefits of having your services together.

Can I bundle my mobile and broadband plans?

With a little knowledge, research and comparison, you can score some unbelievable discounts and perks just by seeing what other providers are offering, bundling your bills or downgrading excessive plans to something more suitable.