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5G Home Internet Plans

Access fast download speeds without a fixed line connection through a 5G home internet plan.

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, updated on August 6th, 2024       

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Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of internet plans to help you compare them.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, seamless home connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This is where 5G home wireless internet plans step into the spotlight, offering another option to rival the high speeds achievable through traditional broadband.

It’s crucial to take the time to compare the available plans and understand how they work, which you can do right here through Savvy. You’ll be able to compare a range of internet offers in one place to help you determine which is the best possible plan for your needs, so get started with a quick online quote today!

What are 5G home internet plans and how do they work?

5G home wireless internet plans are a type of broadband plan which utilises 5G mobile technology to provide high-speed internet access to homes. Unlike traditional wired connections like the NBN or ADSL, 5G home internet relies on wireless signals transmitted by mobile towers. Here's how they work:

  • 5G network infrastructure: 5G home internet relies on the deployment of 5G cellular infrastructure, including small towers and base stations. These are strategically placed in urban and suburban areas to provide coverage.
  • Wireless connection: instead of using physical cables, 5G home internet utilises wireless signals to connect to your home. A small 5G receiver or modem is installed at your location to capture these signals.
  • High-speed data transfer: 5G technology offers incredibly high data transfer speeds, often exceeding those of traditional broadband connections. This makes it suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and video conferencing.
  • Low latency: 5G networks are designed for low latency, which means data travels with minimal delay. This is crucial for real-time applications, such as online gaming and virtual meetings.
  • Coverage area: the coverage area of 5G home internet depends on the density of 5G towers where you live or work. Urban areas typically have better coverage, while rural areas may have limited access.

How fast is 5G home internet?

5G home internet can offer incredibly fast speeds to households, significantly surpassing the performance of 4G internet. In optimal conditions, 5G home internet can theoretically provide download speeds of up to 1Gbps, but it'll more commonly reach a maximum of between 100Mbps and 300Mbps if uncapped.

However, the exact speed you can expect depends on several factors, including your proximity to 5G mobile towers, network congestion and the capabilities of your equipment. As a result of this, the connection you receive via a 5G home internet plan may not be quite as reliable and consistent as what you may be able to access through a fixed line connection (such as the NBN).

It’s also important to note that different plans may come with capped speeds. In most cases, you’ll be able to choose between deals which cap their speeds between 50Mbps (the equivalent of NBN 50), 100Mbps (NBN 100) and those which don’t cap speeds at all. In most cases, the lower the speed cap, the cheaper the plan is likely to be.

How do I compare 5G home internet plans?

Comparing 5G home internet plans is essential to find the one that best suits your needs. Here are the factors to consider when choosing your plan:

  • Check coverage: first and foremost, start by confirming that 5G internet is available and readily accessible in your area. Coverage can vary significantly, with better availability in urban and suburban regions.
  • Pricing: compare the monthly cost of plans, including any setup fees, equipment charges or promotional discounts. This also includes looking for further fees like early termination or additional charges that may affect the total cost.
  • Speed: assess your speed requirements based on your online activities. Determine whether you need a 50Mbps or 100Mbps plan or, if you’re looking for an uncapped speed plan, find out what their maximum speeds are.
  • Data limits: find out whether the plan has any data caps or offers unlimited data. For heavy users, unlimited data may be preferred, but others may opt for a data cap instead.
  • Equipment: consider the equipment provided with the plan, such as 5G modems or routers. If you already have a modem from a previous plan, determine whether using this is a viable option and whether you can save money by doing so.
  • Contract terms: review the contract terms, including the length of the agreement. Some plans offer flexibility with month-to-month options, while others may require longer-term commitments.
  • Bundling options: check if the provider offers bundle deals with mobile phone services, as these can provide much-needed savings to both plans in some cases.

By thoroughly comparing these factors, you can make a more informed decision and select the 5G home internet plan which aligns with your specific requirements and budget.

Can I get a 5G home internet plan where I’m living currently?

The availability of 5G home internet plans varies by location. 5G networks are being rolled out gradually, with an initial focus on urban and suburban areas. If you live in or near a major city, there's a higher likelihood of 5G coverage being available.

You can find out whether 5G is available in your area via the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks by checking the maps available on their websites. This will tell you whether you’re eligible for a 5G home internet plan which uses any of the available networks. For instance, if Telstra is the only network which provides coverage in your area, you’ll need to choose between providers offering plans which use Telstra’s 5G network.

What are the differences between 5G home wireless internet and 5G mobile broadband?

Although home wireless internet and mobile broadband can both be powered by 5G networks, there are many key differences between the two types of connection. These include:

Home wireless Mobile broadband

Primary use

Designed for residential and fixed-location use, providing high-speed internet access to homes.
Tailored for on-the-go connectivity, enabling users to access the internet while moving around, such as on smartphones, tablets and mobile hotspots.

Equipment

Typically includes a stationary 5G modem or router installed at your location which requires mains power from your home or office.
Can come in the form of a data-only SIM, pocket Wi-Fi modem or a dongle, which either utilise power from the connected device or via batteries.

Coverage and mobility

Provides consistent coverage for a fixed location, offering stable and reliable connections. It's not intended for mobility.
Offers mobility, allowing users to access 5G connectivity while moving within the coverage area of a 5G network.

Data

Typically offers larger data allowances or unlimited data for home use, catering to multiple devices and high data consumption.
Offers data plans tailored to individual or mobile device use, often with varying data caps (but rarely unlimited).

Common questions about 5G home internet answered

How is 5G home internet different from the NBN?

5G home internet and the NBN (National Broadband Network) differ in technology and infrastructure. 5G utilises wireless mobile networks, while the NBN uses a mix of technologies like fibre optic cables, copper cables, wireless radio signals and satellite connections (depending on the type of connection available in your area).

5G also offers more mobility, such as being able to take it with you if you need to move house, while the NBN is typically fixed line. Also, the NBN offers more flexibility when it comes to its speeds, with six different tiers potentially available. Overall, fixed line connections are generally considered more reliable and consistent, but you may prefer the other benefits of home wireless internet.

Is 5G home internet more expensive than traditional broadband?

While the cost of 5G home wireless plans ultimately depends on factors such as the provider you choose and the data and speed caps available, they’re typically on offer at a similar (or slightly cheaper) price than the NBN. It’s important to compare the options available in your area before you buy.

How can I switch to a 5G home internet plan?

To switch to a 5G home internet plan, follow these steps:

  1. Check 5G availability in your area.
  2. Choose a 5G provider and plan which suits your needs.
  3. Contact the chosen provider to initiate the switch.
  4. Install any required 5G equipment.
  5. Activate your new 5G home internet service.
  6. Cancel your existing internet service.
How does 5G home internet compare to 4G home internet?

5G is essentially the upgraded version of 4G. The main difference between 5G and 4G internet is that 5G is much more powerful, potentially capable of reaching speeds up to (or beyond) ten times faster than 4G internet. Many 4G plans today have their speeds capped at 20Mbps to 25Mbps, which is a fraction of the potential speed of uncapped 5G home wireless plans.

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

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