Australian mobile broadband providers
Mobile broadband has grown rapidly in Australia since around 2008 and now most mobile networks have a range of both contract ands prepaid plans available to suit most budgets and most types of user. The main mobile broadband providers in Australia are Bigpond (Telstra), Vodafone, 3, Dodo, Optus, Virgin, Spin and Westnet. Each provider has a range of plans with different data allowances to suit different occasional users or frequent users who download lots of data (such as online movies etc).
Vodafone
Vodafone are the largest mobile network in the word though in Australia the brand has been bought by 3. Vodafone mobile broadband plans offer good all-round performance with decent speeds and coverage, competitive prices and a wide range of plans to choose from. At the time of writing their $15GB per month plan is their most popular and represents good value for the occasional – medium mobile broadband user. It’s also worth checking out their Comb plans which offer a phone plus broadband plan with some decent mobiles to choose from including a range of Blackberry phones.
3 (Three)
3 offer, arguably, the best value for money plans available in terms of the amount of data allowance per dollar. The competitive pricing has led to 3 plans becoming some of the most popular available with their combo plans offering a phone and mobile broadband access under one plan being particularly popular. Speeds are a little slower than some of their rivals though they do claim to cover 99% of the population making them a good all-round option.
Optus
Optus is very competitive as a mobile broadband provider with no real weak points. Optus top our speed test tables and coverage appears to be good compared to rivals and prices are very competitive too with a good range of plans to choose from. At the time of writing the Optus 2GB plan is very popular and well priced with the 4GB plan amongst the top options available for those who need a higher download limit. Optus additionally offer a range of the so called zero dollar netbook plans which include a netbook as part of the monthly mobile broadband subscription cost
Bigpond
BigPond currently have the largest number of mobile broadband connections of all Australian mobile broadband providers although 3 are making inroads with their more competitive pricing. BigPond uses the Telstra next G networks which the provider claims is the biggest and fastest in the country. Our own speed test results do show the Telstra network to be vastly improved and in a respectable second place in terms of speed. We’ve seen some decent feedback on coverage from customers but don’t have any hard data to support this at present. There are a few deals that are fairly competitive for Optus customers though the deals for non Optus customers look overpriced compared to almost all other providers and in particular 3 and let down what otherwise looks like a great option.
Virgin
Virgin is one of the smaller mobile broadband providers and although they don’t have the widest range of plans they do have a few good value options such as their 3GB for $29 plan. As a provider they are reasonable on coverage and speeds without being exceptional. At present they don’t offer any laptop or netbook and broadband deals which are becoming increasingly popular with Australian consumers and at present they don’t offer any of the very popular combo plans which combine mobile phone and broadband in one plan.
Spin
Spin is another of the smaller providers though they do have some increasingly popular plans such as their $14.95 for 1GB plan which is one of the best plans for low-medium level users on the market at the time of writing. Spin claim to cover 96% of the Australian population and you can check which cities and states are covered on their website.
Westnet
Westnet are a small provider who pride themselves on customer service and generally receive good feedback in this respect compared to their competition. However this does come at a slight premium as prices are not as low as some of their competitors. Westnet mobile broadband is available in selected areas only so it’s worth giving them a call on 1300 796268 to see if your area is covered before committing to contract.
