Best of the Best 2023: Best-Value Mobile Broadband Plans
If you're regularly on the move for work, you'll need a broadband service as part of your phone plan that can keep you in touch with your clients.
Mobile broadband refers to an internet connection delivered over a mobile network - the same network your phone uses. On this basis, the Telstra Upfront Data Plan Small has repeated last year's win.
Australia's largest mobile network beat SpinTel Mobile Broadband and Belong 100GB Data SIM Only.
In ranking the category winners, our partner WhistleOut tallied the total cost of a plan over 12 months and set-up costs. Each plan must offer a minimum of 30GB of data.
According to Marty McGrath, Telstra's group owner for consumer and small business, its mobile broadband plans are suitable for customers looking for connected tablets to keep them entertained, working or learning on the go.
"They are also great for customers who want to connect multiple people through a mobile hotspot or mobile broadband device - this is a great option for renters or customers who travel around Australia.
"With Telstra Upfront Data Small Plan, customers will enjoy peace of mind on Australia's largest mobile network, with greater reliability and faster speeds in more places.
"Our Upfront Data Plans are flexible, with no lock-in contract and no excess data charges."
On the crucial matter of speeds, customers enjoying Telstra 4G coverage can expect speeds between 5-500Mbps. "We are making our Small Data Plan even better value. Since November 4, 5G network access [is] included in the Small Data Plan and [is] rolling out to existing services from January.
"This will include 4G and 5G network access at our ultimate speeds. Typical speeds in 5G coverage areas are 10-1000Mbps."
The Upfront Small Data plan is paid monthly. If a customer decides to leave, they must make up any remaining
device repayments.
Also, be mindful that the plan cost does not vary. However, a customer can choose to add a device and pay this off monthly over time - in this case, the cost of the device varies.
As a Telstra Upfront Data Small customer, you have access to Australia's best and largest mobile network and 24/7 network monitoring.
The company says its cybersecurity team is constantly monitoring its network to protect customer data from suspicious activity.
There are also some bells and whistles. Customers have access to Telstra Plus to earn points, access reward benefits and for local support.
"Call our local team or visit your local store. Plus, the My Telstra app makes it easier to manage your account with in-app messaging and in-store appointment booking."
Liam Bal, CEO of runner-up SpinTel, says that its SIM-only mobile plans, "allow our customers to enjoy month-to-month service with unlimited talk and text, all on a flexible plan that will save them money. We work hard to deliver innovative products and reliable customer support".
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