Summary: Fast, reliable home internet access is a immensely valuable in modern life but the technical complexities involved mean that most people pay far more for hardware, services and support than necessary.

Common mistakes include: buying hardware that doesn't work, is superfluous, or becomes too quickly outdated; bundling internet with other services that often aren't essential or worthwhile; paying for speeds and data limits you never utilise; and failing to switch to the best market offers.

In this post, I provide brief guidance on most of the key things you need to know and do to save money on home internet.

Our Situation: We bought a new NBN-compatible modem/router - Netgear D6220 (AC1200) - from Warehouse1 for $153 which will perform well for at least 5 years. The cheapest price was found using Shopbot. We chose Aussie Broadband as our NBN provider. 25/5Mbps speed with 100GB data for $55/month (first month free, 6 months double data, and started first month on 50/20Mbps speed to see if there was much difference). We don't bundle a landline or mobile plan with internet. We don't need a paid VoIP service. My Kogan Mobile "medium" plan has unlimited calls and 5GB data for $205/year.

We extend internet coverage at home using a $120 TP-Link TL-PA8010P  Powerline ethernet range extender (uses the electricity cabling).

Details:

1. What is the NBN? What is FTTN versus FTTP? What do I need to know about home internet access?

See:

> WhistleOut - NBN: Everything You Need to Know
> WhistleOut - NBN FTTN: Everything you need to know
> Home networking: Everything you need to know


2. How does the NBN speed compare to ADSL2+, Cable broadband and 4G Wireless broadband?

Basically, it is faster than all of them at equivalent cost, but the degree of improvement at any price point depends on your circumstances.

See:
> WhistleOut - How the NBN Differs from ADSL2+, Cable and Wireless


3. Do I have to switch to the NBN?

Yes as once NBN has announced your area is ready for service you will have 18 months to move your landline phone and internet services to the new NBN network by placing an order with your preferred service provider.

See:
> ACCC - Moving to the NBN for consumers


4. When will the NBN be available at my address? Which NBN providers can I choose from?

The easiest way to check this is via the nbnco.com.au website:
> nbnco.com.au - Check your address


5. How do I maximise my NBN speed?

Get a modem/router that:
- supports at least 100Mbps connection. 1000Mbps (1Gbps) if necessary.
- uses 802.11ac WiFi ideally with beamforming
- if relying on ethernet cables use Cat5e not older Cat5
- has dual band 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands (5GHz usually has less interference from other nearby routers and devices which will often be on the 2.4GHz band)
- is specified to AC1200 or AC1750 (getting lower is limiting and higher is needlessly expensive)
- has external aerials especially if you need the range
- supports HFC (see section #4 above)

See:
> iinet - Maximising your fibre NBN speeds


6. Should I get a combined modem/router or separate?

For most circumstances a combined modem/router is always preferable as it's simpler and cheaper. However, if you have a recent, high-quality router you may be able to just get a NBN-compatible modem (VDSL port). The router is the more expensive component.

Note that FTTP doesn't require a modem only a router. However, you may move premises to one that only uses FTTN and the modem inclusion doesn't cost much more so I recommend only getting combined modem/routers anyway.

When shortlisting models make sure you choose the combined modem/router and not the standalone router as these are often very similar except that if you buy a standalone router you'll then need to get a separate NBN-compatible modem (VDSL port).

You can understand the difference in capability and cost of the various modem/router models by reviewing the offerings from a single brand, filtering for the required specifications, and then looking up their retail prices.

For example, on the Netgear website I recommend:
- WiFi Range = "Large Home"
- WiFi Technology = "802.11ac"
- WiFi Speed = "AC750 to AC1200"


See:
> Netgear - WiFi Modem Routers


7. Do I need a VoIP modem/router?

For those without mobile plans with sufficient included calltime and can't rely on free VoIP (FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, Viber, Facebook Messenger) or callbacks, then a paid VoIP service is a much better alternative to paying for a landline.

However, most people can get by with free VoIP services, callbacks for long phone calls to service providers (e.g. banks etc), and value-for-money mobile phone plans with unlimited or sufficient calltime (e..g Kogan Mobile).

If you don't need a home internet paid VoIP service where a VoIP phone is connected to your modem/router then you don't need a modem/router that supports VoIP and can save around $20-40 by getting the non-VoIP model.

If you decide you need VoIP later you can always buy a VoIP handset.

See:
> Canstar Blue - A review of VoIP phone services in Australia


8. Should I choose the free, subsidised or default modem/router that comes with my NBN provider or choose my own?

For initial sign-up or on a contract an NBN-ready modem/router will be offered at a subsidised rate or even free. You can save money but it's best to check the modem/router offered is the most suitable for your needs. The default option tends to be the most basic but you can usually pay more to get a more advanced model. This is worthwhile to get the features noted in section #4 above.

One advantage of choosing a modem/router from your provider is that it will receive full technical support. However, all quality, compatible modem/routers should work on most services. You can research this in advance.

There are also BYO lists of modem/routers which while not comprehensive often provide sufficient options to choose your own that is most suitable and value-for-money.

See:
> Tangerine Telecom - List of BYO-compatible NBN modem/routers


9. How do I find the best value-for-money NBN plan?

Typically, you use the best plan comparison website which in this case is WhistleOut.

However, WhistleOut doesn't list all NBN providers, such as Aussie Broadband. So in addition to shortlisting using WhistleOut you may need to manually compare with some of the best value-for-money providers not covered.

For the WhistleOut filter settings, I recommend:

- No bundle (Just broadband)
- Minimum data of 50GB (you don't really save getting less data)
- Speed of 25/5Mbps (can try 1 month of 50/20Mbps to see if actual speed difference is worthwhile)
- Maximum spend of $60/month (can increase if going to 50/20Mbps or very large data needs)


WhistleOut listed Teleron, Exetel, Southern Phone and Belong as the only providers meeting these criteria. I chose Aussie Broadband as it was superior to these.


10. Are WiFi hotspot networks like Telstra Air worthwhile?

Generally not for most people in Australian cities, as there is plenty of free WiFi you can find for extensive data needs and for low-data access more broadly you can simply get a low-cost mobile plan which includes ample monthly data. See:

See:
> WhistleOut - What is Telstra Air?



Further Info:

CNET
> Home networking: Everything you need to know

ACCC
> NBN

Canstar Blue
> Internet

Whirlpool
> Compliant nbn™ FTTN/FTTB VDSL2 Modem/Routers