Sometimes, it can be incredibly frustrating when the wi-fi cuts out. Especially when it’s while you’re on an important call, doing work, or finally being able to relax. There’s nothing worse than getting up to that juicy scene in your new Netflix show, and you get the dreaded error message
Thankfully, some plans come with 4G backup so you can have complete internet continuity. This article will cover some plans with this feature.
What is NBN
NBN stands for “National Broadband Network,” and it’s a network that allows Australians to quickly and efficiently connect to and use wi-fi internet. This network transfers data via fibre optic cables, which the government recently put in place because they decided that old copper wires were too slow.
The NBN comprises several parts that help make the internet experience more pleasant for all Australians. These include fibre optic cables, copper phone lines, internet towers, and satellites.
Considering how vital the internet is for many people’s work and social life, the importance of the NBN is challenging to overstate. When this network fails, millions of people are deeply affected.
What is 4G backup and how does it work?
Sometimes, there are issues with the NBN. Whether that’s problems with the wires, software issues, or transmission delays. The fact is that poor internet connection is sometimes part of life.
However, when a wi-fi plan comes with 4G backup, customers can continue their business even when the NBN encounters challenges. Because 4G uses a different part of the EM spectrum to wi-fi, if one goes down, that does not automatically mean the other will go down too.
However, because a third party will provide this 4G, the download speeds may be capped at around 12-25 MB per second. Thus, when 4G backup is turned on, people can continue working, streaming, or using social media, but they cannot download anything.
The big players
You might be familiar with three names: Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus. These are the big three telcos in Australia, each with its own set of MVNOs.
The other two players are internode and iiNet. Both of these are telcos but are not ‘big’ enough to have their own MVNOs.
Telstra
| Plan Name | Evening Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Internet Plan Basic | 25 mbps | $80 |
| Upfront Internet Plan Essential | 50 mbps | $85 |
| Upfront Internet Plan Premium | 100 mbps | $100 |
| Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate | 250 mbps | $120 |
| Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast | 700 mbps | $120 |
Vodafone
| Plan Name | Evening Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Essential NBN | 25 mbps | $75 |
| Essential+ NBN | 50 mbps | $80 |
| Home Fast NBN | 90 mbps | $95 |
| Home Superfast NBN | 210 mbps | $130 |
| Home Ultrafast NBN | 450 mbps | $150 |
Optus
| Plan Name | Evening Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Optus Plus Everyday NBN | 50 mbps | $69 |
| Optus Plus Everyday Basic NBN | 25 mbps | $69 |
| Optus Plus Everyday Fast NBN | 100 mbps | $79 |
| Optus Plus Family Entertainer NBN | 50 mbps | $79 |
| Optus Plus Everyday Superfast NBN | 240 mbps | $89 |
| Optus Plus Family Entertainer Fast NBN | 100 mbps | $99 |
| Optus Plus Family Entertainer Superfast NBN | 240 mbps | $109 |
| Optus Plus Family Entertainer Ultrafast NBN | 400 mbps | $119 |
| Optus Plus Family Entertainer Entertainer NBN | 400 mbps | $139 |
Internode
| Plan Name | Evening Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NBN 50 Unlimited | 50 mbps | $59.99 |
| NBN 12 Unlimited | 12 mbps | $64.99 |
| NBN 25 Unlimited | 25 mbps | $74.99 |
| NBN Home Fast Unlimited | 90 mbps | $89.99 |
| NBN Home Superfast Unlimited | 210 mbps | $99.99 |
| NBN Home Ultrafast Unlimited | 450 mbps | $119.99 |
iiNet
| Plan Name | Evening Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NBN 12 Limitless | 12 mbps | $64.99 |
| NBN 25 Limitless | 25 mbps | $74.99 |
| NBN 50 Limitless | 50 mbps | $79.99 |
| NBN Home Fast Limitless | 90 mbps | $89.99 |
| NBN Home Superfast Limitless | 210 mbps | $99.99 |
| NBN Home Ultrafast Unlimited Limitless | 450 mbps | $119.99 |
Conclusion
Having an NBN plan with 4G backup can be incredibly useful. When you need to do some important work, the last thing you want is the internet cutting out.
However, we recommend considering all options before deciding which will be best for you.