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Mobile broadband plans

Mobile broadband is your wireless solution for fast, affordable and portable internet. Compare and find the best mobile broadband plan for you.

1 - 10 of 75
Name Product Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Vodafone SIM Only Modem Plan Small Data 1 Month
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem
30GB
Data
30GB
4G
Speed
4G
$20
per month
Min total cost is $20 for first month
Price
$20 per month
Min total cost is $20 for first month
Vodafone 4G Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM Starter Pack 30GB 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
30 Days contract
OFFER: 60GB for the first 3 recharges, then 30GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.2.24
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO modem
60GB
Data
60GB
4G
Speed
4G
$30
per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Price
$30 per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Vodafone SIM Only Modem Plan Large Data 1 Month
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem
70GB
Data
70GB
4G
Speed
4G
$40
per month
Min total cost is $40 for first month
Price
$40 per month
Min total cost is $40 for first month
Vodafone 4G Prepaid Mobile Broadband Modem Starter Pack 60GB 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
30 Days contract
OFFER: $69/mth for the first month, then $99/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 5.2.24
  • 30 Days expiry
  • Modem cost $29. T&Cs apply
60GB
Data
60GB
4G
Speed
4G
$99
per 30 days
Min total cost is $69 over 30 days
Price
$99 per 30 days
Min total cost is $69 over 30 days
Vodafone 4G Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM Starter Pack 100GB 365 Days
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
365 Days contract
OFFER: 100GB for the first recharge, then 75GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • 365 Days expiry
  • BYO modem
100GB
Data
100GB
4G
Speed
4G
$150
per 365 days
Min total cost is $150 over 365 days
Price
$150 per 365 days
Min total cost is $150 over 365 days
Vodafone 4G Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM Starter Pack 250GB 365 Days
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
365 Days contract
OFFER: 250GB for the first recharge, then 200GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
  • 365 Days expiry
  • BYO modem
250GB
Data
250GB
4G
Speed
4G
$250
per 365 days
Min total cost is $250 over 365 days
Price
$250 per 365 days
Min total cost is $250 over 365 days
Reward Mobile 500MB Data Plan
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO device
500MB
Data
500GB
4G
Speed
4G
$9.90
per month
Min total cost is $9.90 for first month
Price
$9.90 per month
Min total cost is $9.90 for first month
Alphacall 2GB Mobile Broadband
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem
2GB
Data
2GB
4G / 3G
Speed
4G / 3G
$10
per month
Min total cost is $10 for first month
Price
$10 per month
Min total cost is $10 for first month
Yomojo Mobile Broadband 2GB
Mobile broadband
Optus network
30 Days contract
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO device
2GB
Data
2GB
4G
Speed
4G
$14.90
per 30 days
Min total cost is $14.90 over 30 days
Price
$14.90 per 30 days
Min total cost is $14.90 over 30 days
Bendigo Telco Mobile Broadband Value 7
Mobile broadband
Optus network
12 Month contract
  • 12 Month contract
  • BYO device
7GB
Data
7GB
4G / 3G
Speed
4G / 3G
$15
per month
Min total cost is $180 over 12 months
Price
$15 per month
Min total cost is $180 over 12 months
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Why compare internet plans with Finder?

  • We don't charge extra. Prices shown on Finder are the same as those you get directly from internet providers.

  • We compare almost every major internet provider in Australia, all in one place.

  • Our team is dedicated to monitoring internet plan prices and keeping deals updated daily.

Who offers the best mobile broadband plan?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the best mobile internet plan.

You'll want to consider things like which network provider offers the best coverage in your area and how much data you need.

It's often the case that the more data you purchase, the better value you get. The cost per GB tends to work out more favourably towards bigger data plans.

The providers we have on Finder that offer mobile internet are:

  • ALDImobile
  • amaysim
  • Aussie Broadband
  • Bendigo Telco
  • Belong
  • Escapenet
  • JB Hi-Fi
  • Lebara
  • More
  • Optus
  • Reward Mobile
  • Southern Phone
  • SpinTel
  • Tangerine
  • Telechoice
  • Telstra
  • Vodafone
  • Yomojo

Some providers such as TPG or iiNet offer home wireless internet, but they don't offer mobile broadband plans.

You can get mobile broadband from these providers in a variety of ways:

  • SIM only data plans: BYO SIM-ready device to access the internet on the mobile network, usually paid month to month.
  • Prepaid mobile internet: This allows you to buy some data upfront that lasts for a certain period. Once the data runs out or expires, you need to buy more.
  • Portable modems/devices with a plan: Purchase a device such as a tablet or a portable modem alongside a data plan.

Can I get an unlimited mobile broadband plan?

If you're going to be doing things online, having unlimited data is no doubt a handy feature. SpinTel is the only provider on Finder that offers an unlimited data mobile broadband plan.

It costs $49.95 a month for unlimited data on the Optus 4G network. You will also need to pay $6 a month for a portable modem, as well as a $20 one-off delivery fee.

SpinTel may be the provider that specifically offers an unlimited data plan, but there are a couple other alternatives you could consider if you're looking for wireless unlimited internet:

  • Get a mobile broadband plan with no excess data charges. Some providers that offer this are Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Belong. You won't get hit with fees if you go over your data limit, but the catch is your download speeds will be slowed down.
  • Consider home wireless broadband instead if you're looking to stay in the same location. If you need a wireless solution that doesn't need to be easily transportable, you could look into a home wireless broadband plan instead. It works the same way using mobile networks to get you online, but you'll need to use it at the one location rather than taking it out and about with you.
  • Hotspot off an unlimited data mobile plan. If you don't need a lot of data, you could always consider hotspotting off your mobile phone. Getting an unlimited data mobile plan or a high data mobile plan could cover you with enough internet if you're in a tight spot.

How fast is mobile broadband?

As you're connecting to the internet via a mobile network, there are a bunch of factors that can affect your connections.

Speeds may vary due to your distance from a mobile tower and network congestion when most people are online at the same time.

According to Opensignal's October 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report, the typical everyday speeds a user experiences across an operator's mobile data networks are:

  • Telstra: 60.1Mbps
  • Optus: 57.5Mbps
  • Vodafone: 50.5Mbps

4G mobile broadband

Telstra's 4GX network claims download speeds of up to 300Mbps, while Optus's 4G Plus network delivers speeds of up to 100Mbps.

But realistically you're unlikely to reach those speeds, especially as some providers cap the speeds of their mobile internet, usually between 100Mbps and 150Mbps.

5G mobile broadband

5G mobile internet offers faster speeds than 4G. Opensignal's October 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report stated that the average download speed experienced by users across an operator's 5G network were:

  • Optus: 226.5Mbps
  • Telstra: 201.9Mbps
  • Vodafone: 102.5Mbps

Some providers cap your download speeds, depending on whether you're on the 4G or 5G network, or what size data plan you have. This could be capped at anywhere between 100Mbps and 250Mbps.

If you're looking for 5G internet at home, you can check out our guide to 5G home internet plans to see if this is an option that might work better for you.

Is mobile internet as good as home Wi-Fi?

Whether mobile broadband is as good as home Wi-Fi depends on a few factors. For one, you're relying on the strength of the provider's network coverage and stability. Mobile networks are also more prone to being compromised by external factors such as congestion and weather conditions.

A lot of mobile internet plans also come with data limits though so you'll want to assess your online activities to see if these work for you.

If you're looking for unlimited data, you'll have more options with other types of internet plans such as home wireless or NBN.

Adelaide Moore

For several months I didn't have a fixed address so I needed flexibility on my home Wi-Fi. I bought a Vodafone pocket Wi-Fi and data SIM plan. Vodafone had a promo going at the time so I got double the data. Because I also had a phone plan with Vodafone, I was able to merge the data and share it across devices. This gave me more than enough data and the ability to use it as I moved around. The connection was great and allowed me to work from home with no issues.
— Adelaide Moore, producer at Finder

Is mobile broadband right for me?

Mobile broadband is a great way to connect to the internet while you're out and about, though it does cost more than other types of broadband connections.

We've broken down the pros and cons of mobile broadband below.

Pros

  • Portability. Mobile broadband modems can easily fit in your bag and can be used anywhere you get phone signal.
  • Speed. A strong 4G or 5G connection can match or exceed speeds available on an NBN connection.
  • Multiple connections. A single modem can provide a connection for multiple people. Great for a small group of people to work offsite together or for families.

Cons

  • Reliability. Similar to a phone, poor weather conditions or poor reception can affect how reliable your connection is.
  • Price. Depending on how much data you need, a mobile broadband plan could be a more expensive option. If you intend for more than a few people to use it, it may be better to look at alternatives as your main internet connection.

Telstra mobile broadband plans

Telstra offers 4 ways for you to get mobile internet.

You can purchase a portable modem, or a device, and add on a data plan to get online. Telstra also gives you the option to pay off these in monthly instalments. It also has month-to-month SIM only data plans and prepaid mobile internet.

Telstra's mobile network reaches 99.5% of the Australian population. Features of Telstra's mobile broadband plans include:

  • Carbon-neutral plans.
  • The ability to share data with up to 10 eligible plans on the same account on its SIM only data plan.
  • No excess data charges on SIM only plans, but your speed will be capped at 1.5Mbps and slowed further during busy periods.
1 - 3 of 6
Name Product Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Telstra Upfront Data Plan Small
Mobile broadband
Full Telstra network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO device
30GB
Data
30GB
5G / 4G
Speed
5G / 4G
$25
per month
Min total cost is $25 for first month
Price
$25 per month
Min total cost is $25 for first month
Telstra Prepaid Mobile Broadband 25GB
Mobile broadband
Full Telstra network
28 Days contract
  • 28 Days expiry
  • BYO device
25GB
Data
25GB
5G / 4G
Speed
5G / 4G
$35
per 28 days
Min total cost is $35 over 28 days
Price
$35 per 28 days
Min total cost is $35 over 28 days
Telstra Upfront Data Plan Medium
Mobile broadband
Full Telstra network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO device
75GB
Data
75GB
5G / 4G
Speed
5G / 4G
$58
per month
Min total cost is $58 for first month
Price
$58 per month
Min total cost is $58 for first month
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Optus mobile broadband plans

Optus gives you 3 choices to get mobile broadband – buy a tablet or portable modem with a data plan, prepaid mobile internet or SIM only data plans.

The Optus network reaches 98.5% of the Australian population. With your Optus mobile broadband plan, you can also get:

  • No excess data charges if you hit your limit on the SIM only data plans, but your download speed will be capped at 1.5Mbps.
  • Data rollover of up to 200GB on prepaid mobile broadband internet.
  • 5G access if you have a compatible device and if you're in a 5G coverage area.
1 - 3 of 7
Name Product Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Optus Choice Plus Data Plan 20GB
Mobile broadband
Optus network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem or purchase one from $434.88
20GB
Data
20GB
5G / 4G / 3G
Speed
5G / 4G / 3G
$20
per month
Min total cost is $20 for first month
Price
$20 per month
Min total cost is $20 for first month
Optus Prepaid Data Only 25GB $30 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Optus network
30 Days contract
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO modem or purchase one from $39
25GB
Data
25GB
4G
Speed
4G
$30
per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Price
$30 per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Optus Prepaid Data Only 25GB $30 Recharge 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Optus network
30 Days contract
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO modem or purchase one from $39
25GB
Data
25GB
4G / 3G
Speed
4G / 3G
$30
per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Price
$30 per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
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Vodafone mobile broadband plans

Vodafone serves up 3 types of mobile broadband plans: month-to-month SIM only plans, prepaid mobile internet or modems with a plan.

The Vodafone mobile network covers 96% of the Australian population. With Vodafone's mobile internet plans, you also get:

  • Data sharing with up to 10 other eligible Vodafone services on the SIM only plan.
  • If you use all your included monthly data on your SIM only plan, you won't be charged extra, but your download speed will be capped at 2Mbps.
  • Up to 50GB of data rollover on prepaid mobile internet plans.
1 - 3 of 6
Name Product Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Vodafone SIM Only Modem Plan Small Data 1 Month
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem
30GB
Data
30GB
4G
Speed
4G
$20
per month
Min total cost is $20 for first month
Price
$20 per month
Min total cost is $20 for first month
Vodafone 4G Prepaid Mobile Broadband SIM Starter Pack 30GB 30 Days
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
30 Days contract
OFFER: 60GB for the first 3 recharges, then 30GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.2.24
  • 30 Days expiry
  • BYO modem
60GB
Data
60GB
4G
Speed
4G
$30
per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Price
$30 per 30 days
Min total cost is $30 over 30 days
Vodafone SIM Only Modem Plan Large Data 1 Month
Mobile broadband
Vodafone network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO modem
70GB
Data
70GB
4G
Speed
4G
$40
per month
Min total cost is $40 for first month
Price
$40 per month
Min total cost is $40 for first month
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Belong mobile broadband plans

Belong just offers SIM only mobile broadband plans. Its 3 plans range from $15 a month for 20GB of data to $70 a month for 400GB of data.

Belong's mobile broadband plans also feature:

  • Access to Telstra's 4G and 5G wholesale network, covering 98.8% of the population.
  • Download speeds capped at 150Mbps, or up to 250Mbps on 5G.
  • No excess data charges, but your speed will be capped at 1Mbps if you exceed your data allowance.
1 - 3 of 3
Name Product Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
Belong Mobile Broadband 20GB
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO device
20GB
Data
20GB
5G / 4G / 3G
Speed
5G / 4G / 3G
$15
per month
Min total cost is $15 for first month
Price
$15 per month
Min total cost is $15 for first month
Belong Mobile Broadband 100GB
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO device
100GB
Data
100GB
5G / 4G / 3G
Speed
5G / 4G / 3G
$35
per month
Min total cost is $35 for first month
Price
$35 per month
Min total cost is $35 for first month
Belong Mobile Broadband 400GB
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
Month-to-month
  • Month-to-month
  • BYO device
400GB
Data
400GB
5G / 4G / 3G
Speed
5G / 4G / 3G
$70
per month
Min total cost is $70 for first month
Price
$70 per month
Min total cost is $70 for first month
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ALDImobile data plans

ALDImobile offers 3 SIM only data plans that all come with a 365-day expiry. Other features of ALDImobile's portable internet plans include:

  • 4G coverage on the Telstra's wholesale mobile network, which covers 98.7% of the Australian population.
  • Unused data rollover of up to 100GB depending on your plan.
  • Download speed capped at 100Mbps.
1 - 3 of 3
Name Product Data allowance Typical download speed Price Hid Compare Box!
ALDImobile 30GB Data Plan
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
365 Days contract
  • 365 Days expiry
  • BYO device
30GB
Data
30GB
5G / 4G
Speed
5G / 4G
$95
per 365 days
Min total cost is $95 over 365 days
Price
$95 per 365 days
Min total cost is $95 over 365 days
ALDImobile 185GB Data Plan
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
365 Days contract
  • 365 Days expiry
  • BYO device
185GB
Data
185GB
5G / 4G
Speed
5G / 4G
$240
per 365 days
Min total cost is $240 over 365 days
Price
$240 per 365 days
Min total cost is $240 over 365 days
ALDImobile 365GB Data Plan
Mobile broadband
Wholesale Telstra network
365 Days contract
  • 365 Days expiry
  • BYO device
365GB
Data
365GB
5G / 4G
Speed
5G / 4G
$365
per 365 days
Min total cost is $365 over 365 days
Price
$365 per 365 days
Min total cost is $365 over 365 days
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Why you can trust Finder's broadband experts

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We've researched and reviewed hundreds of internet plans to make our guides as helpful as possible. Our expertise is highlighted across numerous TV, print and digital media appearances.
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Since 2015, we've helped over 1 million Australians find the right broadband plan for their household. We explain plan features and prices simply to help you make your decision.

Frequently asked questions

More guides on Finder

  • Wi-Fi Dongle and Pocket Wi-Fi Plans

    Wi-Fi dongles and pocket Wi-Fi are an easy way for you to get connected to the Internet while you're out and about.

  • Data only SIM plans

    Data only SIM plans can be easily inserted into your iPad or tablet for wireless Internet on the go.

  • NBN vs wireless broadband

    Mobile broadband has the potential to reach faster speeds than the NBN, but can be less reliable.

Get the best deal on your Internet plan

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4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    SteffApril 18, 2018

    Still end of the day its way to high..the day we get 500gs at 60 a month then we might actually be interested

      AvatarFinder
      MayApril 18, 2018Finder

      Hi Steff,

      Thank you for getting in touch.

      Prices indeed vary depending on the plan you get and the provider. If you’re looking at your options for SIM-only data mobile plan, you might like to check out our comparison table and use our search filters to help narrow down your search.

      Best to contact the provider directly to discuss your options. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application.

      I hope this can help.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    damianJuly 23, 2017

    how to get amaysim mobile internet

      Default Gravatar
      DanielleJuly 24, 2017

      Hi Damian,

      Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.

      Please check Amaysim mobile internet to find the right plan for you. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by selecting the “Go to Site” button.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Danielle

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