I'm looking for a reasonable wireless Internet plan that will not break the bank.

By Jeremy Roche on 09 March 2007

You've got quite a few options to get online wirelessly.

For home use you could get an ADSL or cable service and use a wireless router to allow you to connect wirelessly around the house. But to get your laptop online when you're out and about, you'll need a mobile broadband or wireless internet provider. The big players in Australia are Telstra, Optus, 3, Vodafone, Unwired and iBurst.

Ask yourself some questions first before signing up:

  • Where do I intend to connect to the Internet?
  • How much data, on average, will I use each month?
  • Is this intended to be my home Internet connection, too?
  • What connectivity does my laptop offer (eg. Bluetooth, USB, ExpressCard)?
  • What download speeds will I be comfortable with?
  • How much am I prepared to pay per month?

ISPs offer vastly different coverage areas, hardware packages, customer service, download speeds, download quotas and roaming charges -- doing your homework and shopping around will get you the best deal for your needs.

Our reviews of the latest wireless broadband services from 3, Telstra and Vodafone are a good place to start. Unwired and iBurst also offer wireless plans, but only in metro areas.

You can get monthly accounts or pay-as-you-go for wireless hotspots from companies like Starbucks and Azure resellers, but these aren't as flexible and you need to be in the vicinity of one.

You could also use a mobile phone to connect your laptop to the internet wherever you are, although check you're getting the best value by considering added cost of another device (and plan). The recent CNET.com.au Editors' Choice Award winning Palm Treo 750 is a good choice if you choose to go down this path.

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Topics: 3, 802.11g, broadband, iburst, optus, router, telstra, unwired, vodafone, wireless

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Comments (6)

  • lizzy commented on 09/09/2009 10:55 Report abuse

    sk76 you should not have to pay exit fees if they cannot provide you with 3 internet connection. i am with optus and they do not have coverage in our new area ,so they do not charge any exit fee.. i would look into that a bit further..

  • frustrated. commented on 21/08/2009 10:06 Report abuse

    I had no option but wireless and after checking their signal, signed for two years. Then found could not get the net on 3G and very slow with drop outs. How can I get out of the contract.

  • vadmagyar commented on 08/05/2009 22:38 Report abuse

    After the initial two months my internet connection just dried up like the Murray river, I had a Saturday afternoon when the connection broke down 57 times between 5PM & 12PM - so...I HAD Optus.

  • sk76 commented on 04/09/2008 13:59 Report abuse

    Im with 3 and so far so good but we have moved address and there is no 3g coverage there only roaming with telstra which cost $1.65 per mb, i know its terrible, so im stuck with $49 wireless internet contract that i have to pay every month that doesnt work, 3 have told me i need to pay $400 exit fees so im very angry, buttom line is DONT SIGN ANY CONTRACT WITH 3, coverage isnt every especially if your going to move.

  • chrisieminshaw commented on 01/07/2008 19:10 Report abuse

    I am going to Canada and ther USA for 6 weeks and would like to use wrieless internet. What plans are their for overseas travel and what is the cost

  • Praveen commented on 06/05/2008 02:58 Report abuse

    LOOKING FOR A BROADBAND
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    TIRED OF HEARING THE WORD
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