All you need to know about Optus Wireless Broadband plans
Cable, ADSL and NBN internet involve routers and often elaborate set-ups, while wireless broadband removes these complications. Home wireless broadband is provided by connecting to a 4G mobile network, and is ideal for those who have no access to ADSL or NBN but require a reliable connection with fast speeds and lots of data.
Optus Wireless Broadband is the first and most effective NBN and ADSL internet alternative. Optus Wireless Broadband offers the first modem with an inbuilt SIM card. Unlike the NBN, which has restrictions that makes it unsuitable or expensive to replace fixed line connections, Optus wireless broadband is a cheaper option. Its 4G Plus WiFi Modem combines a decent modem and WiFi router with an affordable monthly bill, and provides sufficient internet data for most homes.
Optus wireless broadband plans
All wireless broadband plans offered by Optus make 4G available in all capital cities and most regional and holiday towns. The telco offers the following three types of wireless broadband plans:
At home
The 4G Plus WiFi Modem (Cat 6) B525 connects your devices to the internet in the office or at your home. You can access the Optus 4G Plus network on up to 64 WiFi enabled devices and four wired devices at one time. It also supports four Ethernet ports to connect wired devices and Dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi.
Huawei B525 4G WiFi router by Optus. Source
Optus’ 24-month wireless broadband plans for home are:
- $60 per month: 200GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
- $80 per month: 500GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
Optus’ month-to-month wireless broadband plans for home are:
- $252 for the first month ($60 Plan + $192 Modem): 200GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
- $272 for the first month ($80 Plan + $192 Modem): 500GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
On the go
Optus’ “On the Go” wireless broadband plans include a 4G Wi-Fi Modem (CAT 11) AC800S and plans starting from $60.
Optus’ 24-month “on the go” wireless broadband plans are:
- $60 per month: 200GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
- $80 per month: 500GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
Optus’ month-to-month “on the go” wireless broadband plans are:
- $300 for the first month ($60 Plan + $240 Modem): 200GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
- $320 for the first month ($80 Plan + $240 Modem): 500GB data + $10 per extra 10GB
Data SIM Only Plans
With Optus’ “data SIM only” plans, you get reliable network coverage and high-value data inclusions for your laptop, modem and tablet.
- $15 per month: 3GB data + $10 for extra 1GB
- $25 per month: 10GB data + $10 for extra 1GB
- $60 per month: 100GB data + $10 for extra 1GB
All these “data SIM only” plans include entertainment options – Optus Sport, National Geographic, and music streaming. You can get even more extra optional entertainment for $5 per month for mobile TV streaming.
Key alternatives to Optus’ wireless broadband
Yomojo’s wireless plan offers 250GB data per month for a competitive price of $44.90. It’s a contract-free plan, but customers have to pay $169 upfront for the Huawei 4G router.
Spintel also provides 250GB data on casual and 18-month contracts, with cost starting at $39.95 monthly. There in an upfront cost of $179 for the Huawei modem, but you can opt for a two-year plan to receive a $149 account credit to offset the modem’s price. Customers can choose an unlimited home phone to their wireless broadband plan, for an additional $10 per month.
Exetel’s $250GB home wireless broadband plan is available on both casual and 24-month contract basis. Both terms include purchasing a pre-configured Huawei 4G modem, but this is free on two-year plans. For a month-to-month plan, you need to pay $185 upfront.
Who should buy Optus Wireless Broadband?
Considering the features, price, and the inclusion of a wireless broadband plan, Optus wireless broadband is an ideal solution for those who have issues with NBN at office or home. The Huawei B525 modem is sufficient for most homes.
Because of the nature of mobile internet, people expect to experience extremes with wireless broadband. If you run regular speed tests, you notice a lot of fluctuation in the speed performance of the mobile internet network connection. However, Optus wireless broadband provides a viable alternative that should be more than enough to get most Australian families mobile.