fbpx

ADSL Broadband Plans

Find out more about ADSL broadband plans and compare internet offers through Savvy today.

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on February 13th, 2024       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

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

With the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), it can sometimes be easy to forget that ADSL connections still exist in Australia. Even though these connections will soon be entirely phased out, there are households and businesses across the country which rely on it. As such, there are still plans on offer to those who don't have NBN access. You can find out more about them, how they work and how to compare a range of broadband plans in one place with Savvy today.

What are ADSL broadband plans and how do they work?

ADSL stands for asymmetric digital subscriber line and was previously used as the most common fixed line broadband connection in Australian households and businesses. These connections were delivered via existing copper cables which also operated as phone lines. These cables run into your premises and ultimately connect you to the network of cables running along your street or in your area. Because these cables weren’t initially designed to transmit broadband data, ADSL connections are gradually being replaced to cope with the rigours of data transmission in the current day.

ADSL2+ was the most recent addition to ADSL internet plans and is comfortably the fastest, with maximum download speeds of 24Mbps (megabits per second). However, this only represents the speed that it’s capable of; you may find that some speeds delivered on ADSL2+ plans are closer to 10Mbps or less in some cases.

As mentioned, part of the ADSL connection is the use of an active phone line, which connects your home or business to other copper wiring. However, you don’t have to have a phone line in use to utilise this internet and can do so through a Naked DSL connection. This essentially means that you won’t have to pay the rental costs for maintaining this phone connection, but it doesn’t necessarily result in saving money. Your ISP then becomes responsible for covering that cost and will typically raise the price of your plan as a result.

How are ADSL broadband plans and NBN plans different?

There are a number of key differences between ADSL broadband plans and NBN plans, which you should be aware of when searching for the right internet plan. Bear the following factors in mind when comparing the best broadband plans:

How they operate

As previously mentioned, ADSL broadband plans transmit data through copper cables connected to phone lines. However, the NBN conducts information through special fibre optic cables. There are several different ways in which an NBN connection can be established, which can include installing these cables directly from your home or business to an NBN access point (Fibre to the Premises or FTTP) or make use of copper cables in building this connection in Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB).

Speed

While ADSL connections are restricted to 24Mbps as a maximum download speed, NBN plans can offer speeds far beyond this capability. This is because the copper cables that ADSL lines make use of hinder the transmission of data, while the fibre optic cables used by the NBN are designed to achieve fast and effective connections. ADSL2+’s maximum download speed of 24Mbps stand in comparison to the NBN’s six speed tiers, which are now theoretically capable of reaching up to 1Gbps on the NBN 1000 plan but can more readily reach 100Mbps (NBN 100) or even 250Mbps (NBN 250).

Price

As you may expect, ADSL plans are generally the cheaper option of the two. This is largely down to the performance of the internet: it makes sense that you'd pay less for a connection which is inferior in terms of speed compared to another, more expensive one. However, you may find that some unlimited ADSL2+ plans aren't substantially cheaper than some of the lower-performance NBN tiers such as NBN 12 or 25.

Accessibility

Very few providers still offer ADSL broadband plans. Telstra owns some of Australia’s major phone line infrastructure and still offer ADSL plans where available, while TPG and Dodo are among the few others to still offer these plans. In contrast, NBN plans of varying speed tiers have flooded the market, giving a wealth of options to choose from when looking for the best plan to suit your needs.

The pros and cons of ADSL broadband plans

PROS

Cheap

ADSL internet plans are likely to be among the cheapest options you’ll come across when shopping for internet.

Unlimited data

Unlimited ADSL2+ plans are not just available, but are the most common deals on offer for ADSL customers, saving on potential data worry.

Suitable for limited usage

If you’re only using your internet for light browsing and checking your emails and social media, an unlimited ADSL2+ plan may be able to deliver on speeds you’ll need.

CONS

Slower than NBN

At a capacity of just 24Mbps and a much lower average speed, your ADSL connection may not support the speeds you need

Limited options

A lack of options on the market means you won’t have as much choice of ADSL plans as you would for other connection types.

In the process of phasing out

With the rollout of the NBN, very few parts of the country still have ADSL access and may not do for much longer.

Top tips for comparing ADSL broadband plans

Cost of plan

You don’t want to be paying more for your internet than you need to, especially when it isn't a high-performance connection like ADSL. It’s wise to operate within a budget for how much you expect to pay for your internet service, as this can help reduce options outside your financial limitations.

ISP

ISPs are different when it comes to how they conduct their services. For example, bigger ADSL providers can offer you extensive customer support services that a smaller ISP can’t. However, you may prefer to go with a smaller budget provider, as these can often provide you with some of the best internet deals.

Contract

Whether your ADSL plan comes with a contract is of particular importance if the NBN becomes available in your area. You don’t want to be locked into an ADSL plan as its lifespan runs down and be hindered in your ability to move to other plans before the connection cuts out.

Optional extras or bundles

You might like to bundle a landline phone in with your ADSL internet as part of your plan, or you might simply want the plan on its own. Ensure you know what you’re looking for when searching for ADSL broadband plans and compare between options that suit your needs in this area.

Common ADSL broadband plan questions

Can I switch from an NBN connection to an ADSL broadband plan?

No – after an NBN connection has been established at your home or business, you can’t switch back to an ADSL broadband plan. This is because the infrastructure used to power ADSL connections is removed and decommissioned once the NBN is rolled out in an area.

Which providers offer ADSL broadband plans?

There are still a few providers which offer ADSL broadband plans as of August 2023, including:

  • Telstra
  • Dodo
  • TPG
How long can I stay with ADSL broadband plans after the NBN becomes available in my area?

ADSL connections are cut off 18 months after the NBN becomes available in your area. You’ll be notified well in advance of this cut-off, which will give you the opportunity to move to an alternative source of internet.

What are shaping speeds and how do they affect ADSL broadband plans?

If you end up exceeding your data allowance for the month under an ADSL broadband plan, your internet speeds will be shaped down to a much slower speed (likely 256kbps). This won’t affect you if you’ve purchased an unlimited broadband plan. 

How far away from a signal exchange do I have to be to access ADSL broadband plans?

You’ll have to be within 5km of a signal exchange to access ADSL broadband. However, your speed will start to degrade if you’re beyond 1km away from the nearest signal exchange.

Helpful guides on internet plans

Internet Banner - Woman sitting on the couch next to her dog conducting an NBN check

NBN Check

Find out how to check the status of your NBN connection and its availability in your area. If you're keen...

Internet Banner - A woman sitting at a table with a laptop and mobile phone

What is an ISP?

ISPs are a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to connecting your home or business to the internet....

Internet Banner: A man in glasses sitting at a desk with a laptop

5G vs NBN

Find out the differences between 5G and NBN internet connections, including their availability, cost, reliability and more. With both 5G...

Internet Banner - Couple sitting on the couch looking at a tablet

What is the NBN?

The NBN is the newest fixed line internet infrastructure being rolled out by the Australian Government, transforming the online experience...

Internet Banner: Person sitting on a person's back while holding a tablet

HFC NBN Explained

Find out more about HFC connections on the NBN, how they work and their potential speeds. HFC is a unique...

Internet Banner - Senior couple looking at a tablet while sitting on the couch together

What NBN Speed Do I Need?

It’s crucial to know which NBN speed tiers are available so you can determine which is the best for your...

Internet Banner - An older couple smiling at a laptop at home

What is ADSL?

Once the most common internet connection in Australia, much of the ADSL infrastructure has now been replaced by the NBN....

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.

$50 Woolworths eGift card terms and conditions
  • The Promoter is CIMET Sales Pty Ltd ABN 72 620 395 726. Level 18/570 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000. Econnex Comparison is powered by CIMET.
  • Promotion available on qualifying Broadband Plan purchases between 1st February 2024 to 31st July 2024 (“Promotional Period”) and may be withdrawn at any time by Econnex Econnex Comparison retains the right to change or alter the terms of this offer.
  • You (“Customer”) will receive $50 worth of Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Econnex Comparison, subject to these Terms and Conditions.
  • Information on how to qualify to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card forms part of these Terms and Conditions. Participation in this promotion is considered acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility requirements
  • To be eligible to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards, you must purchase the Broadband Plan via the following link: https://app.econnex.com.au/broadband?rcCode=90709
  • You must switch to a new Broadband retailer. Customers who change plans via Econnex but remain with the same retailer will not be eligible.
  • Your Broadband Plan must be connected within 30 days from the date of purchase.
  • Eligible Recipients will receive the applicable Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards by email up to 120 days after purchasing the Broadband Plan.
  • Econnex Comparison is not liable if any Customer details supplied are incorrect.
  • Econnex Comparison is providing this offer in conjunction with the retail services offered on its platform.
  • Details of Econnex Comparison retailers can be found at the following link: https://www.econnex.com.au/approved-providers-list
  • You must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over. Econnex Comparison may request you to provide a copy of your valid ID for identification purposes.
  • The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards and Customer’s information (including the Customer’s identity, age and place of residence) and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, tampered with the claim process, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise fair and proper conduct of the promotion.
  • Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter's discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
  • When the request for a connection cannot be completed, is unsuccessful, or a request is made for the cancellation of your Broadband Plan within the first 30 days from the date of connection, you will not be eligible to receive any gift card.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card is subject to any issuer Terms and Conditions.
  • Any ancillary costs with redeeming the gift cards are not included.
  • No responsibility is taken for any lost or stolen Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Cards.
  • If the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are unavailable, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards to a card with equivalent value, subject to directions from a regulatory authority.
  • If the offer is not able to be conducted as reasonably anticipated, due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to: technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the extent permitted by law: a. to disqualify any individual; or b. to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
  • This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from Econnex
Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions.
  • Econnex Comparison will transfer your Broadband Plan request and details to the selected retailer.
  • Econnex Comparison may contact you to clarify any details or discrepancies in the information you provided for your Broadband Plan purchase.
  • To cancel your request, you will need to contact the Broadband Plan retailer and inform them of your decision.
  • Please note that we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands.
  • If you have any inquiries regarding your Broadband Plan purchase, you can contact us directly at 1800 013 000 or email us at [email protected]
  • Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions: https://www.econnex.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
  • By participating in this promotion, the individual authorises the Promoter to collect, hold, use and disclose their personal information in accordance with Econnex’s privacy policy, including providing such information to third parties such as contractors, service providers, suppliers and where required or authorised by law. Econnex’s Privacy policy can be found at https://www.econnex.com.au/privacy-policy
  • Econnex may, unless the individual tells us not to, use the information to communicate with them by mail or electronically by, for example, email, phone, SMS to issue direct marketing and commercial communications telemarketing calls.
  • To opt out of direct marketing access, update, or correct personal information you may contact us at [email protected]
Other Information
  • Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card but is not the Promoter of the offer nor responsible for fulfillment of the offer terms.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards have a fixed term expiry as displayed on the front of the gift card and are redeemable in-store and online at Woolworths Supermarket stores only.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are valid for 3 months from the issue date and Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are not reloadable or redeemable for cash.
  • Econnex Comparison and Woolworths will not replace, expired, lost, stolen, or deleted Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards.
  • Check your Spam/junk email if you have not received a Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card in your inbox within 120 days after activation of your Energy, Electricity or Gas Plan.
  • Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Card is sent via email from [email protected] or [email protected]
  • For enquiries related to the application, gift cards, or adding or removing any details on the application, please contact the Econnex Comparison at 1800 013 000 or e-mail us at [email protected]
  • For the balance and transactions history on this Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card and Woolworths Terms and Conditions visit https://woolworths.com.au/giftcards or call 1300 101 234.