4G home internet is an NBN alternative that can get you connected when there isn't a fixed-line NBN connection available. It's similar to 5G home internet, in the sense that it's wireless (compared to the wired nature of NBN) and relies on good coverage in your area to deliver the fastest possible speeds.
It's most likely going to be Australians living in remote or rural areas of the country that would consider a 4G home internet plan, although there are other options such as the aforementioned 5G home internet, along with fixed-wireless NBN plans.
Being completely honest, if you're able to connect via NBN fixed-wireless or 5G home internet, those would be our recommendations over 4G home internet. This is because 4G has a decidedly low maximum speed limit of around 25Mbps. This puts it on par with the second-slowest speed tier on the NBN, NBN 25.
Both 5G home internet and NBN fixed-wireless internet can theoretically offer faster download speeds.
However, there will be far greater coverage for 4G in Australia than 5G, and so you may find it's your only option to get online.
Most telcos offering 4G plans don’t require a set-up fee, and it’s usually as simple as powering up the modem router once you’ve received it. Note that many provider’s stipulate that if you leave their service within the first 24 months of connection, you’ll need to return the modem, or pay out the remaining cost.
If you think you’re one of the many Aussies that would benefit from a 4G home internet or mobile broadband connection, we’ve partnered with WhistleOut to compare 4G home internet plans and recommend the best on offer, while giving you some more insight into what this type of connection actually entails.
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4G home internet FAQ
What is 4G home internet?
Unlike the majority of the NBN, 4G home internet operates through air waves instead of fibre optic cables and copper wiring. In this sense, 4G home broadband is more similar to the way your phone operates when using mobile data.
The NBN is also government-owned infrastructure, while 4G home internet uses mobile towers operated by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone to deliver the connection. There’s minimal setup required, as all you need to do is plug in the router and your internet is ready to go.
What is 4G mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband is similar to 5G and 4G home wireless plans, but the main distinction between the two is that the modem router provided with mobile broadband plans are designed to be portable, while the modem that comes with 5G and 4G home internet plans need to be powered from a wall outlet.
There’s also plenty of mobile broadband plans on the market that don’t come with a modem at all. Instead, they come in the form of a SIM card that’s designed to be slotted into portable devices such as laptops and tablets.
Overall, mobile broadband plans tend to offer significantly less data for equivalent costs compared to home wireless plans, so it’s worth considering how important mobility is for your situation before signing up.
What are the pros and cons of 4G home internet?
Pros:
- Can be moved around the home
- Can be a faster option compared to the NBN (depending on the plan)
- A good option if you don’t have access to a fixed line NBN connection
Cons:
- More expensive than entry-level wired NBN plans
- Some plans carry maximum download speeds of 20Mbps
- 5G is a better choice, if you can get it
- May have to pay out cost of modem if you cancel
What are the downsides to 4G home internet?
More than anything else, the main issue with 4G home internet is its reliance on mobile data. While you can plug it in anywhere, it will need to work off 4G signals. That means if you live in rural or remote areas of Australia, or in a 4G blackspot, you will find yourself running into slow or non-existent internet.
To counter this, make sure you test the mobile speeds where you live first, with a service such as Speedtest. If you find that you’re getting next to no internet there, consider signing up to an NBN plan if it’s available to you.
If you want an even faster connection, 5G home internet plans are also available. However, you will then need to be in an area where a 5G mobile tower is available. Most home internet plans are both 4G and 5G compatible, and will simply work on what is in your area.
How much are 4G home internet installation fees?
Because there is no need to have anything installed or have any engineers come around, 4G home broadband is completely free to have set up. Wherever you get your 4G broadband from, the company will send you your router and you set it up yourself.
Does 4G home internet come with data caps?
The answer depends on which provider you sign up with, and what plan you choose. Most (if not all) 4G home internet plans come with unlimited data usage, but you are likely to get a maximum download speed data cap. This is similar to the NBN, which comes with various download speed tiers.
Does 4G home internet work as well as the NBN?
Neither package is necessarily better than the other, but there are a few pros and cons that 4G home internet faces compared to the NBN.
Firstly, the pros. 4G home internet offers more flexibility, in that you can place the modem almost anywhere around your home. In theory, you can also take it on the go, but it’ll still need access to a powerpoint. That could mean on trains, in hotels and so on.
However, there are negatives too. 4G home internet plans can be more expensive than entry-level wired NBN plans, and while it’s possible, they’re not guaranteed to be faster either. That means 4G home internet is less reliable, as download and upload speeds aren’t always going to be the same.
