Tip Store: Telephone/Internet: Internet
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Better Options than Telstra for Great Internet Deals
Internet - We were with Telstra ADSL+2 (100G data + includes phone line rental) for $70 a month (this includes a $10 discount). But Belong have the same data 100G for $55/m on a 12 month plan (if you already have a landline - not sure how much if you don't have a land line). And I also got $20 off my 1st bill, and I won't get a bill until the 1st of the month (so I've got 2 weeks free a swell).
Mobile - Now we don't actually use the land line, but Telechoice have BYO (Bring your own mobile) and for $20/month. I get $500 worth of calls, 2GB data + free txt + free calls to anyone who is with Telechoice.
We are on the net a lot at home, and haven't gone over (if you do it just gets slow) and get alerts when my mobile is at 50%, 85% so this seems to be a good price for this type of data allowance.
Contributed by Jacqui M., 14th December 2017
Mobile - Now we don't actually use the land line, but Telechoice have BYO (Bring your own mobile) and for $20/month. I get $500 worth of calls, 2GB data + free txt + free calls to anyone who is with Telechoice.
We are on the net a lot at home, and haven't gone over (if you do it just gets slow) and get alerts when my mobile is at 50%, 85% so this seems to be a good price for this type of data allowance.
Contributed by Jacqui M., 14th December 2017
Cheapest Internet Provider is Not Always the Most Reliable
If you want ADSL broadband you need to have a phone line.
If NBN is going past your door while you may be able to still have ADSL in some areas, but pretty soon that will not be an option. NBN suppliers and their reliability are very variable.
If you don't use internet much then probably the cheapest solution is to buy a years supply of prepaid mobile internet from Telstra or Optus for about $130. You can get a 30 day starter dongle from the supermarket for about $40.00 and then you can top it up online. It probably will be less than a year's supply but will expire in a year or more depending on who supplies it and how much you use.
You can also get mobile internet plans.
There are two problems with mobile internet. Depending on where you are it can get congested or be slow anyway. If you are thinking of downloading movies it is completely unviable due to the low download size provided and in many cases low speed as well.
However with 5GL (not here yet), things might change.
Contributed by Susan Czermak, 14th December 2017
If NBN is going past your door while you may be able to still have ADSL in some areas, but pretty soon that will not be an option. NBN suppliers and their reliability are very variable.
If you don't use internet much then probably the cheapest solution is to buy a years supply of prepaid mobile internet from Telstra or Optus for about $130. You can get a 30 day starter dongle from the supermarket for about $40.00 and then you can top it up online. It probably will be less than a year's supply but will expire in a year or more depending on who supplies it and how much you use.
You can also get mobile internet plans.
There are two problems with mobile internet. Depending on where you are it can get congested or be slow anyway. If you are thinking of downloading movies it is completely unviable due to the low download size provided and in many cases low speed as well.
However with 5GL (not here yet), things might change.
Contributed by Susan Czermak, 14th December 2017
Internet Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $40.00 a month
I am with Telstra for my internet. I have learnt to review my Internet plan online regularly as sometimes the pricing of the plan changes. They do not generally tell you this unless you ask. I reviewed my plan last month and saved $10.00 a month. I looked this month and saw that my plan had dropped $40.00 in price. That is a saving of $600! I have made a direct debit into my emergency account for this money! I have told numerous family and friends and they are also saving money. Contributed by Leanne Clarke, 30th July 2010
I am with Telstra for my internet. I have learnt to review my Internet plan online regularly as sometimes the pricing of the plan changes. They do not generally tell you this unless you ask. I reviewed my plan last month and saved $10.00 a month. I looked this month and saw that my plan had dropped $40.00 in price. That is a saving of $600! I have made a direct debit into my emergency account for this money! I have told numerous family and friends and they are also saving money. Contributed by Leanne Clarke, 30th July 2010
Ring and Ask for the Best Price
Approximate $ Savings: $240/year
I called Telstra because I wanted to reduce my phone/Internet bill. As a single parent with 4 kids I look to save money anywhere I can. Simply by calling them, they offered me the same service I have for $20 less a month! This is coming off my Internet bill. This is greatly appreciated, especially considering I am in a contract and they didn't have to do it. Apparently Telstra are changing, and starting to focus more on customer satisfaction. If you're not in a contract for your phone/Internet, perhaps shop around for a better deal.
Contributed by Angela, Trinity Beach, 14th January 2010
I called Telstra because I wanted to reduce my phone/Internet bill. As a single parent with 4 kids I look to save money anywhere I can. Simply by calling them, they offered me the same service I have for $20 less a month! This is coming off my Internet bill. This is greatly appreciated, especially considering I am in a contract and they didn't have to do it. Apparently Telstra are changing, and starting to focus more on customer satisfaction. If you're not in a contract for your phone/Internet, perhaps shop around for a better deal.
Contributed by Angela, Trinity Beach, 14th January 2010
Bundle Deals Are Not Always the Best
Approximate $ Savings: $50- $70 per month
When looking at Internet providers, mobile and home phone deals it pays to research. Many people tend to bundle them all with one provider, but I am now saving at least $50 - $70 a month by having a separate provider for each, and using VOIP for all my landline calls. My husband and I even have different mobile phone providers to suit our different needs. It's really worth the effort of researching. Contributed by Rebecca, Huntly, 10th January 2010
When looking at Internet providers, mobile and home phone deals it pays to research. Many people tend to bundle them all with one provider, but I am now saving at least $50 - $70 a month by having a separate provider for each, and using VOIP for all my landline calls. My husband and I even have different mobile phone providers to suit our different needs. It's really worth the effort of researching. Contributed by Rebecca, Huntly, 10th January 2010
You Don't Ask, You Don't Get
Approximate $ Savings: $30 per month, for 3 months
While looking in to another, smaller Internet plan, I asked about how to decrease my bill. Well, they couldn't get me a mid-range plan to suit my needs and finances. The lady who served me was so nice, though, that she gave me a half-price plan discount for the next three months! It just goes to show, if you don't ask, you won't know. So enquire about your internet usage today and you might save some cash too!
Contributed by Kylie Traill, 31st December 2008
While looking in to another, smaller Internet plan, I asked about how to decrease my bill. Well, they couldn't get me a mid-range plan to suit my needs and finances. The lady who served me was so nice, though, that she gave me a half-price plan discount for the next three months! It just goes to show, if you don't ask, you won't know. So enquire about your internet usage today and you might save some cash too!
Contributed by Kylie Traill, 31st December 2008
Post & Telephone v Email
Approximate $ Savings: $285
I have been arranging a community service event, needing to contact, sponsors, audience, stallholders and members over a period of 6 months. If I had used postage I would have spent $190 on stamps alone, add the cost of envelopes, paper, ink to print etc. etc. this would have blown out to over $300 but for $15 using an unlimited broadband account estimated usage, have saved the organization at least $285. This money can be used for our community projects and no one complained about the contact method, in fact made it easier for them and me to keep records. PS I have not worked out the saving in phone calls, but could be in the region of $50 for local calls. Contributed by Betty, Banora Point, 6th April 2008
I have been arranging a community service event, needing to contact, sponsors, audience, stallholders and members over a period of 6 months. If I had used postage I would have spent $190 on stamps alone, add the cost of envelopes, paper, ink to print etc. etc. this would have blown out to over $300 but for $15 using an unlimited broadband account estimated usage, have saved the organization at least $285. This money can be used for our community projects and no one complained about the contact method, in fact made it easier for them and me to keep records. PS I have not worked out the saving in phone calls, but could be in the region of $50 for local calls. Contributed by Betty, Banora Point, 6th April 2008
Email Rather Than Call
Approximate $ Savings: $555.00
Email when ever possible. Almost everyone you know and every business you need to get in contact with has email these days. If you have a lot of phone calls to make, log on the net and email those people instead. If you have broadband or dial up it will only cost you the amount of a local call to email and get in contact with unlimited people. it is surprising how many times you pick up the phone a day. Say you have to call 10 different friends, relatives or businesses in a day, (and this is not even the cost of what a mobile or mobile diverted call can cost) on an aver age phone plan that would be lets say 19c local call... 19c x 10= 1.90 x 365 days year = 693.50 Just on local calls Using the net: 19c x 2 = .38 38c x 365 = 138.70 based on dial up even if it drops out once and you have to dial twice it is still a super saving!! $693.50 - $138.70 = Saving $554.80 pretty amazing. This is particularly good if you run a small business from home or are a sole trader, it can save you almost a whole weeks pay. When dealing with business it can often be more beneficial as both parties have a confirmation on what was spoken about and it can be referred back to.
Contributed by Rebecca, Wagga Wagga, 11th February 2008
Email when ever possible. Almost everyone you know and every business you need to get in contact with has email these days. If you have a lot of phone calls to make, log on the net and email those people instead. If you have broadband or dial up it will only cost you the amount of a local call to email and get in contact with unlimited people. it is surprising how many times you pick up the phone a day. Say you have to call 10 different friends, relatives or businesses in a day, (and this is not even the cost of what a mobile or mobile diverted call can cost) on an aver age phone plan that would be lets say 19c local call... 19c x 10= 1.90 x 365 days year = 693.50 Just on local calls Using the net: 19c x 2 = .38 38c x 365 = 138.70 based on dial up even if it drops out once and you have to dial twice it is still a super saving!! $693.50 - $138.70 = Saving $554.80 pretty amazing. This is particularly good if you run a small business from home or are a sole trader, it can save you almost a whole weeks pay. When dealing with business it can often be more beneficial as both parties have a confirmation on what was spoken about and it can be referred back to.
Contributed by Rebecca, Wagga Wagga, 11th February 2008
Huge Savings on Broadband and Phone Calls
Approximate $ Savings: $720 per Year
If you want to SAVE money on line rental, calls and broadband, take a look at the latest Virgin offering on www.virginbroadband.com.au. This must be THE best value landline/broadband plan around. Available in most capital cities it is only $60/mth for free calls and broadband. Based on our spend with aapt on line rental, calls and internet for the past year, we would save 50% ($720)!! We don't use the phone and internet very much at all, so the savings would be much higher for a household making many calls per month. Unfortunately we live in Launceston and their service hasn't reached us yet...but I have emailed Virgin saying I will swap to them as soon as they do!
Contributed by Karen, Launceston, 2nd January 2008
If you want to SAVE money on line rental, calls and broadband, take a look at the latest Virgin offering on www.virginbroadband.com.au. This must be THE best value landline/broadband plan around. Available in most capital cities it is only $60/mth for free calls and broadband. Based on our spend with aapt on line rental, calls and internet for the past year, we would save 50% ($720)!! We don't use the phone and internet very much at all, so the savings would be much higher for a household making many calls per month. Unfortunately we live in Launceston and their service hasn't reached us yet...but I have emailed Virgin saying I will swap to them as soon as they do!
Contributed by Karen, Launceston, 2nd January 2008
Drought Assisted Satellite Broadband
Approximate Savings: $3 000+
Check out www.telinfo.gov.au to see if you qualify for free satellite broadband. Then go to www.clearnetworks.com.au for their special drought assistance offer of only $9.95/month for the first 6 months on an 18 month plan which then reverts to $32.95/month. "While we can't make it rain, we can offer dirt cheap broadband ..." Luckily, we have 2 properties that are eligible and prior to this offer, I hadn't bothered trying to get connected with anyone because it was just too expensive.
Contributed by Carol, Alice Springs, 6th January, 2007
Check out www.telinfo.gov.au to see if you qualify for free satellite broadband. Then go to www.clearnetworks.com.au for their special drought assistance offer of only $9.95/month for the first 6 months on an 18 month plan which then reverts to $32.95/month. "While we can't make it rain, we can offer dirt cheap broadband ..." Luckily, we have 2 properties that are eligible and prior to this offer, I hadn't bothered trying to get connected with anyone because it was just too expensive.
Contributed by Carol, Alice Springs, 6th January, 2007
Internet Choice
Approximate $ Savings: $20
For those people who are just as confused about the different broadband/internet plans there is a great website called www.internetchoice.com.au which compares over 600 different plans available and which offers the best value for money... Its well worth looking into when choosing your Internet provider.
Contributed by Mary, Cheltenham, 10th April 2007
For those people who are just as confused about the different broadband/internet plans there is a great website called www.internetchoice.com.au which compares over 600 different plans available and which offers the best value for money... Its well worth looking into when choosing your Internet provider.
Contributed by Mary, Cheltenham, 10th April 2007
Cheap Portable Broadband
With portable broadband (a broadband connection you can pick up and move from computer to computer, city to city) really coming into force the cheapest place to find it is currently with OZemail www.ozemail.com.au. You get unlimited downloads for only $49.95 a month - which is as cheap as if not cheaper than many standard broadband packages. Also at the moment you don't pay anything for activation costs - an extra saving of $99! Portable Broadband is available in all major capital cities and is expected to be Australia wide by next year.
Contributed by Kerri, Randwick, March 2nd 2005
Contributed by Kerri, Randwick, March 2nd 2005
Get a Better Deal From Your ISP
If you think you're paying too much for your Internet connection, don't hesitate to ring your provider and negotiate a better deal. If you've been with the same provider for a couple of years or more, they'll be keen not to lose you, so see what they'll offer you if you tell them you're thinking of leaving them. For example – we've had both our phone and dial-up Internet with Optus for about 3 years, stuck on a plan that was good at the time we took it up, but other ISPs are now offering much cheaper prices. We were paying $21.45 a month for 120 hours. These days, www.beagle.com.au for instance, is offering unlimited dial-up hours for only $12.95 a month. So I rang Optusnet and asked them to cancel our Internet service. Of course they asked why, and when I told them we were going to move to Beagle, I was instantly offered unlimited hours for only $8.47 a month starting at the beginning of our next billing cycle, and an extra 25 free hours to see us through until then. So, for $12.98 a month LESS than we were paying, we're now getting MORE Internet hours, without the hassle of having to change our email address etc. And I didn't even have to haggle!
Contributed by Linda, Nairne, November 7th 2006
Contributed by Linda, Nairne, November 7th 2006
Internet Savings
To save money on Internet which can be costly I signed up to Soul. Soul only charges you $29.95 a month line rental and 16cents a call and you get free dial up. That's right you do not have to pay for Internet, isn't that a great saving on your phone and Internet bill.
Contributed by Roula, South Coogee, August 12th, 2006
Contributed by Roula, South Coogee, August 12th, 2006
Do Your Research to Find the Best Plan for Your Needs
Broadband service is not necessarily about "cheap" - there is a lot of factors you have to take into account to make sure you're getting the service you paid for. This is especially important if you are using the broadband service in connection with your work, and if this is the case it can be treated as a tax deduction. whirlpool.net.au are Australia's leading independent broadband comparison site, and it's worth checking out their broadband comparison page. Note that cheap so-called "unlimited" plans will slow your connection down to that of a dial-up connection when you reach certain limits, and most providers are re-selling Telstra broadband offerings and really only differentiate themselves on the quality of their customer support.
Contributed by Sheldon, Alstonville
Contributed by Sheldon, Alstonville
Google Plan Choices
Use the Internet and do a Google search using the words BROADBAND CHOICE PLAN SEARCH. It will take you through to a page of Web Sites. The first one on the list should be WHIRLPOOL NEWS. It will ask you where you are located, what sort of cost you want (I put in under $30) and broadband speed you want (at least 256 k up) and the minimum amount of megabytes you want per month. (1 gb up is plenty for the average person). It will give you a list of the cheapest deals available and the respective companies. You will get deals from approx. $20 up.
Contributed by Trisha, Davistown
Contributed by Trisha, Davistown
Ring Your ISP for a Better Deal
I am with Pacific Internet and only have 56K dialup and was paying $24.95 a month. Then NRMA teamed up with Pacific and now I only pay $4.99 a month. It is worth ringing them up and finding out .
Contributed by Karmen, Warilla
Broadband Choice
I have the perfect thing for your broadband solution. Login to www.broadbandchoice.com.au and from there on it's easy. You choose your speed, how much you download, how much you want to pay MAX per month, and it will come up with a list of companies that supply to your area, and the costs. Then it's just a matter of giving them a call :-) Hope that helps you.
Contributed by Renzo, Lara
Contributed by Renzo, Lara