Vodafone now has another home internet option - 5G home broadband. The widely accessible TPG - formerly Vodafone - 5G network isn't as far-reaching as Optus and Telstra but it still has the potential to be faster than the NBN. If you're intrigued by Vodafone 5G home internet, here's everything you need to know.
In this guide:
Vodafone 5G home internet: Speed
At this point in time Vodafone doesn't report typical evening speeds for its 5G home internet plans. Optus and Telstra both give some indication of the speeds you can expect on a 5G plan, but Vodafone uses the blanket term 'max speeds' instead. What these max speeds are will depend on what the coverage is like in your area.
In our 5G speed testing, the Vodafone 5G network achieved speeds up to 491Mbps down and 39Mbps up. On the other end of the spectrum, Vodafone has also achieved speeds as low as 18Mbps down and 1Mbps up. These are huge variations, but it does show that if you're in the right area Vodafone has the potential to get speeds greater than an NBN 250 plan.
Vodafone 5G home internet: Price
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#1
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Vodafone
5G Home Internet Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
Link not supplied
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#2
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Vodafone
5G Home Internet Premium Plan
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
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Vodafone has two 5G plans, one with speeds capped at 100Mbps and another uncapped version. The capped speed plan is ostensibly the same as an NBN 100 plan, but the speeds you get may be less consistent depending on location and time of day. Both offer unlimited data, and at the time of writing would give you your first month free.
Vodafone 5G home internet: Data
Vodafone's 5G home internet comes with unlimited data on both plans.
Vodafone 5G home internet: Contracts
Both of Vodafone's 5G home internet plans are entirely contract-free. The plans come with a 5G modem included in the plan which is free to keep if you stay connected for 36 months. Otherwise, when you cancel you'll either need to pay the prorated value of the modem ($17 x the number of months remaining) or return the modem within 30 days.
Vodafone 5G home internet: Modem
5G home internet with Vodafone uses the Nokia FastMile 5G Home Modem. This is the same modem that the TPG group, SpinTel, and Optus use for 5G home broadband plans.
As a home modem, the FastMile requires a constant power source and has WiFi 6, four ethernet ports and a USB port.
Vodafone 5G home internet: Coverage
Vodafone has two kinds of 5G coverage, the Standalone (SA) network and the Non-Standalone (NSA) network. TPG's SA network covers 85% of the population in ten of the nation's biggest cities, but only two device families currently support this network - The Samsung S21 and S22 range.
5G home internet operates on the NSA network which has a significantly smaller footprint.
WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G at your location. All you need to do is punch in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Vodafone 5G home internet: Extras
For the most part, Vodafone isn't a particularly perky provider. You'll get what you pay for and that's that.
The one big perk is that Vodafone does reward you for loyalty. Where some plans you can Bundle and Save up to a certain percentage from your total bill, 5G home internet isn't eligible.
However, current mobile customers can get a $5 discount on 5G home broadband plans through the telco.
Vodafone 5G home internet FAQ
How can I get 5G internet with Vodafone?
To get 5G home internet with Vodafone you'll need to make sure you live at an eligible address and sign up for a plan. A representative from the telco will call to confirm that you are in fact within a coverage area before your modem is sent.
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