5G home internet can provide an entirely wireless home internet solution with lightning-fast speeds using the same mobile towers that supply internet to our phones.
It's good enough to be a viable alternative to fixed-line NBN for many households, but it's not available everywhere and providers will often limit the number of available plans within a given area.
Best 5G home internet plan in Australia
Each month, our team of product experts selects the best internet deals in Australia. Here's this month's pick for the best 5G home internet plan:
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Telstra
Editor's Pick
$95/mth
Min. cost $47.50
Link not supplied
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This plan gets you 1TB data for $95 per month on the Telstra 5G network, including unlimited downloads. It's worth noting that most home internet plans have unlimited data, so particularly data-hungry households should check if this 1TB limit will meet their needs. But for most homes, 1TB might as well be unlimited data.
While you might expect this to be a step down from an NBN service, the typical evening speeds this plan are 300Mbps during busy hours, which puts many fixed-line connections to shame. It's not as fast as a modern NBN 500 plan, so households with an HFC or FTTP connection should take note. But then again, 300Mbps is still much faster than most homes need.
We look for the best price over 12 months; this factors in any discounts that might end after a honeymoon period.
We consider which plan 5G home internet plan has the fastest typical evening speeds. We only consider plans with uncapped speeds.
We look at the plan with the best coverage and also consider other things like the number of support channels.
In case this plan doesn't appeal to you, here's a look at other fast 5G home internet plans in our database, sorted by the average cost over the first 12 months:
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Telstra
Editor's Pick
$95/mth
Min. cost $47.50
Link not supplied
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Optus
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
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SpinTel
$89/mth
+ $25 Upfront
Min. cost $114
Link not supplied
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Yomojo
$105.90/mth
Min. cost $105.90
Link not supplied
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Can I get a 5G home internet plan?
To get 5G home broadband, you need to be within a telco's 5G footprint. Check the map below to view 5G coverage in your area.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Note that coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Most of Australia's major city centres already have access to the 5G network. Network operators are in the process of expanding the network into more areas, but it will take time.
5G availability doesn't guarantee access to 5G home internet. For example, it's Telstra's policy to only sell a certain number of plans per postcode in order to reduce the risk of congestion.
"The majority of 5G home internet providers won't charge you for the 5G home wireless modem. Instead, they'll require you to return it in 'good working condition' if you don't stay connected with them. This is usually over a period of 24 or 36 months.
"If you cancel the plan during that period and don't return the modem, or return it in a damaged condition you may need to pay a fee. This fee is usually the full cost of the modem."
Dylan Crismale, Digital Content Editor
How fast are 5G home internet plans?
5G network technology has achieved speeds of well over 1Gbps in lab tests but, in reality, it's at best less than a third of that. The average data transfer speeds you receive can depend on several factors, including:
- Your plan. Some 5G plans have speed caps of around 20Mbps to 25Mbps, 50Mbps, or 100Mbps, while others are uncapped. Uncapped plans generally report typical evening speeds between 230Mbps and 300Mbps. Most plans don't specifically state their speed cap, but all should list "typical evening speeds", reported by the provider
- Your coverage. How good is 5G coverage at your address?
- Your neighbourhood. Some providers limit the number of 5G home internet plans per postcode or per tower
- Your surroundings. Any obstacles between you and the nearest 5G tower
- Congestion. More traffic can slow the service down (including special events like sporting matches and concerts, etc.)
When you compare 5G to 4G, it does usually travel a shorter distance, especially at very high frequencies. In particular, 5G can have a hard time penetrating walls. This can make receiving a signal in an apartment difficult, especially if you're on the other side of your building from the closest tower. And it might take a bit of experimentation to find the best place in any home to place your modem – you want to find a good balance of 5G reception with a central location to make sure your WiFi network gets optimum coverage.
It also means homes surrounded by trees or other geographical hindrances might get worse reception than indicated on a map.
5G home internet plans by speed
Compare 5G home internet plans in WhistleOut's database by speed:
If you choose a plan with speeds up to 25Mbps, you'll get the equivalent of an NBN 25 plan. Speeds may be slower during peak hours. These plans may not be the best value in the long term as they're quite expensive for the speeds you get. It is worth noting Vodafone's plan has a maximum speed of 20Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans with speeds up to 25Mbps:
If you decide to choose a plan capped at 50Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of NBN 50, however, you may experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option if you're either conscious of the price or you know you won't use over 50Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 50Mbps:
If you choose a plan capped at 100Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan, however, you may experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option for households with multiple members who regularly connect to the internet at the same time.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 100Mbps:
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TPG
Editor's Pick
$34.99/mth
Min. cost $34.99
Link not supplied
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Optus
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
Link not supplied
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iiNet
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
Link not supplied
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Vodafone
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
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Yomojo
$84.90/mth
Min. cost $84.90
Link not supplied
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Few telcos currently offer uncapped plans. These can go as fast as network conditions allow but exact speeds will depend on your coverage and congestion. Generally, though we have found 200Mbps is a pretty safe average.
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SpinTel
$89/mth
+ $25 Upfront
Min. cost $114
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
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Telstra
Editor's Pick
$95/mth
Min. cost $47.50
Link not supplied
|
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Yomojo
$105.90/mth
Min. cost $105.90
Link not supplied
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Optus
Optus' typical evening speeds (between the times of 7pm and 11pm) are 50/11Mbps (Everyday Plan), 93/15Mbps (Everyday Fast Plan) and 230/20Mbps (Entertainer Superfast Plan).
Telstra
Telstra has three 5G home internet plans, all with 1TB download limits. Telstra is one of very few providers that still places download limits on its plans. For most households, 1TB should easily handle their needs. But homes with heavier needs should check their current monthly usage to make sure they won't blow past their data budget.
The Basic 5G Internet plan has reported typical evening speeds of 25Mbps downloads and 5Mbps uploads. The Essential 5G Internet plan lists 50Mbps for downloads and 15Mbps for uploads. And the Premium 5G Internet plan has reported typical evening speeds of 300Mbps downloads and 30Mbps uploads.
Vodafone
Vodafone has three 5G home internet plans. The 5G Home Internet Basic plan has reported typical evening speeds of 19Mbps for downloads and 2Mbps for uploads. The Home Internet Plus plan has 50Mbps downloads and 16Mbps uploads. And the 5G Home Internet Premium plan lists 100Mbps downloads and 18Mbps uploads.
TPG and iiNet
TPG and iiNet each have two plans, which are almost identical in terms of reported typical evening speeds. The slowest plans have 50Mbps downloads and 16Mbps uploads. The fastest plans for both telcos list 100Mbps for downloads, but have a small discrepancy for uploads – TPG reports 17Mbps, while iiNet reports 18Mbps. But at the end of the day, you won't notice the difference.
SpinTel
SpinTel has just two 5G home internet plans. The slowest quotes 50Mbps typical evening download speeds and the fastest 240Mbps. This telco doesn't list typical evening speeds for 5G home broadband uploads.
Spintel also offers a 14-day trial for coverage, but it's no guarantee of a full refund. If you contact SpinTel to cancel your service within 14 days or receiving your modem (in as-new condition, including the packaging and all cables), you should get out of paying that first month's modem rental and plan fees, which are usually charged at the end of the month. But you'll still be on the hook for the modem delivery and return shipping payments, as well as any other service charges you've already paid.
Yomojo
Yomojo has three plans, named based on their speed caps (but not their typical evening speeds). The 5G Internet 50 plan has typical evening download speeds of 42Mbps and uploads of 11Mbps. The 5G Internet 100 plan lists 75Mbps for downloads and 15Mbps for uploads. And the 5G Internet Max plan is uncapped for downloads, reporting 255Mbps typical evening download speeds and 20Mbps for uploads.
Which providers offer 5G home internet plans?
The number of providers selling 5G internet plans has remained steady over the last few years. There are far fewer options than there are NBN providers. At the time of writing, there are seven providers in WhistleOut's database offering 5G internet plans, including:
- iiNet
- Optus
- SpinTel
- Telstra
- TPG
- Vodafone
- Yomojo
SpinTel and Yomojo's 5G home internet plans are powered by Optus' 5G network, while iiNet and TPG's plans are powered by the Vodafone's 5G network. Telstra is the only Home Wireless provider on the Telstra network.
5G home internet plan prices start as low $60 per month (not counting introductory discounts) and can cost over $100 per month. The price you pay depends on your provider and your choice of speed.
Here's a better breakdown of the 5G home internet plans on offer from each of the eight providers in our database.
| Provider | Approx. download speeds | Modem included? | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| iiNet | 50Mbps, 100Mbps | Yes | Vodafone |
| Optus | 50Mbps, 100Mbps, 250Mbps |
Yes | Optus |
| SpinTel | 50Mbps, 250Mbps | No, rental | Optus |
| Telstra | 25Mbps, 50Mbps, 300Mbps | Yes | Telstra |
| TPG | 50Mbps, 100Mbps |
Yes | Vodafone |
| Vodafone | 20Mbps, 50Mbps, 100Mbps |
Yes | Vodafone |
| Yomojo | 50Mbps, 75Mbps, Uncapped |
Yes | Optus |
5G home internet modem conditions
While most providers offer a "free" 5G home internet modem, it's never quite that simple. And, unlike with other types of home internet, the provider will insist you use theirs.
The catch? You'll need to stay with that provider for a period of time before it's actually yours. This is typically a period of two or three years, with the condition that if you leave before the time is up, you'll need to return the modem in "good working order" or pay out the remaining value prorated to the number of months remaining. Some providers will waive the fee entirely if you return the modem within a short period.
SpinTel is one provider that bucks the trend; it will offer you a modem to rent for $10 per month, plus postage. At the time of writing, here are the modem conditions for each 5G home internet provider in WhistleOut's database:
| Provider | Minimum term | Non-return fee after cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| iiNet | 36 months | $300 if modem not returned within 21 days |
| Optus | 36 months | Max. $468 ($13 per month remaining) |
| SpinTel | N/A | $530 if not returned within 21 days |
| Telstra | 24 months | $200 if modem not returned within 2 days |
| TPG | 36 months | $300 if modem not returned within 21 days |
| Vodafone | 36 months | Max. cost $396 ($11 per month remaining), fee waived if returned within 30 days |
| Yomojo | 24 months | Max. $456 ($19 per month remaining) |
Is 5G home internet a good NBN alternative?
When it comes to 5G vs the NBN, 5G home internet plans are designed as alternatives to the NBN or other fixed-line internet connections. That's probably why they tend to have similar download speed limits to the standard NBN speed tiers.
A 5G home internet connection can certainly replace individual NBN connections, but it doesn't outmode the NBN outright. Fixed-line networks like the NBN have a much larger capacity than wireless networks like 5G. As such, they're more resistant to some issues, such as congestion.
However, larger spectrum availability – especially in the higher frequencies used for mmWave 5G – will help make 5G a more viable alternative to NBN. The greater amount of spectrum a telco holds, the less chance of congestion, which is especially important when trying to replace a fixed line connection.
One other aspect to consider is price. NBN plans go up in price each year in July as part of NBN Co's pricing roadmap, which is proposed by NBN Co and approved by various government authorities years in advance.
Mobile networks cost operators lots in maintenance as well, but the end impact on the consumer is mostly carried by mobile phone customers, rather than 5G home internet users.
When it comes to cost, 5G home internet is often a cheaper (or faster for the same price) alternative to NBN 25, NBN 50, and NBN 100 plans.
At the same time, NBN plans now have maximum theoretical speeds of between 500Mbps and 2,000Mbps so they far exceed the capabilities of what a 5G plan can offer. You'll need to have a Hybrid-Fibre Coaxial (HFC) or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection type to get NBN plans with speeds greater than 100Mbps at your address.
Find your NBN Technology Type
Your address will be used to check against the nbn’s technology type database. It will not be stored by us.
If you have the option, it could be worth comparing 5G and NBN at your address.
FAQs
Do I need a modem for 5G home internet?
Yes, all of these plans require a 5G modem. You will need to use the modem supplied by your provider, as they use different technology than normal internet modems.
Do 5G home internet plans come with a phone line?
No, 5G home internet plans don't include a phone line. You'll need to use your mobile to make phone calls.
Is 5G home internet portable?
No, 5G home internet is not offered as a portable internet solution. In some cases, trying to use it as such may violate the terms of service. Most providers require you to only use your 5G home wireless service at your nominated home address. Some modems may even be geolocked.
If you are moving homes, reach out to your provider to see if 5G is available in the area you're moving to and if you're able to keep your plan.
For a portable internet service, consider a mobile broadband plan with an internet dongle.
Is 5G home internet unlimited?
Most 5G internet providers offer unlimited data plans. Telstra is the only exception, where you'll have a monthly allowance of 1TB.
Alex Choros
Thousands of internet plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
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