Need the internet but want to stay mobile? Here are some of the best options for prepaid mobile broadband, whether you need a data SIM for your iPad, a portable USB or 4G WiFi modem, as well as how they compare to postpaid mobile broadband.
Prepaid mobile broadband plans
Mobile broadband is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get online on-the-go. Whether you want to stick a data-only SIM in an iPad or Android tablet, or grab a compact, lightweight WiFi modem, so you can use it at home in the evenings and then pack it in a bag before leaving in the morning, you can do so with mobile broadband.
Convenience isn’t the only benefit to a prepaid mobile broadband plan, either. They often have a longer expiry date before you need to recharge, sometimes up to 60 days depending on the plan, compared to shorter time frames of postpaid plans. Some suppliers will throw in added benefits too, like bonus data every time you auto-recharge, or the option to bank your data. Have a look at the prepaid mobile broadband plans available:
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#1
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Lebara Mobile
Data Plan Small
$22
Link not supplied
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#2
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Optus
$30 Prepaid Data Only SIM Starter Kit
$30
Link not supplied
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#3
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Vodafone
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Recharge $35
$35
Link not supplied
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#4
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amaysim
50GB Data Plan
$40
Link not supplied
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Postpaid mobile broadband plans
Prepaid mobile broadband plans are not your only option though. While they may have been the less desirable of the two once upon a time, these days most postpaid plans are contract-free, so there’s no real difference between prepaid and postpaid anymore. In many cases, a postpaid plan is better, as there are more options for data SIMs, and as well as for dongle and hotspot plans. However, there’s usually a shorter recharge period compared to prepaid plans.
Have a look at the postpaid mobile broadband plans below:
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#1
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Belong
20GB Data SIM Only
$15/mth
Min. cost $15
Link not supplied
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#2
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Vodafone
Small Data SIM Only Plan
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
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#3
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Optus
20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (M2M)
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
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#4
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Telstra
Upfront Data Plan Small
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
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#5
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Aussie Broadband
Regular Data Only 5G SIM
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
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#6
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SpinTel
Mobile Broadband 50GB
$28/mth
Min. cost $28
Link not supplied
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#7
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Tangerine Telecom
100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan
$34.90/mth
Min. cost $34.90
Link not supplied
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Telstra prepaid mobile broadband plans
Looking for a Telstra prepaid mobile broadband plan? You’ll get access to Telstra’s 5G network , and if you recharge before the data expires you’ll be able to roll over any unused data. Plus the below options give you access to data-free streaming of Apple Music. There’s options for 14 day and 28 day recharge, too.
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Telstra
$25 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go
$25
Link not supplied
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You can also nab a Telstra postpaid mobile broadband plan. There’s no contracts, and even better - you can data share with up to 10 eligible devices. You’ll have access to Telstra’s 4GX network, and there’s no excess data charges in Australia. Have a look below to compare:
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Telstra
Upfront Data Plan Small
$25/mth
Min. cost $25
Link not supplied
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Optus prepaid mobile broadband plans
Unfortunately Optus doesn’t offer prepaid mobile plans, but it does have a couple of postpaid mobile plans that you can data share across multiple eligible devices. Like with Telstra, there’s no lock in contracts to worry about, and you can opt in to get Optus Sport and OS Fitness at no extra charge.
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Optus
20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (M2M)
$20/mth
Min. cost $20
Link not supplied
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What's the difference between prepaid mobile broadband and postpaid mobile broadband?
As with prepaid phone plans, prepaid mobile broadband is a bit ad hoc. In most cases, you pay for each individual recharge on a month-to-month basis, with no contract, no overages, and no automatic billing.
If you run out of data, you're simply out. This has the advantage of not incurring any extra fees. But it also means you won't be able to use your service until you recharge.
Some telcos also offer longer expiry plans, which offer a larger amount of data to use over a longer period of time. Some providers even offer plans with a 365-day expiry, which could be ideal if you're looking at mobile broadband as a back-up to a fixed line connection, rather than a day-to-day tool.
How much mobile broadband data do you need?
This is the most important question to ask about an internet plan, regardless of whether you're looking at mobile internet, or fixed-line internet in the home.
You’ll want to be cautious with mobile broadband, as data is more expensive than it is with ADSL or the NBN. Mobile broadband plans tend to be similar to mobile phone plans, but if you’re using your mobile broadband connection with a laptop, you will be using data a lot faster.
Below is a table to help you gauge how much data you may need. The plan suggestions are made based on the assumption that you'll be using your service of choice for about one hour a day everyday for an entire month. If you're using more than one of these services regularly, consider opting for a larger allowance. Please note, these figures can vary depending on your own personal usage habits, as well as the phone you use.
| Data Per Hour | Risk | Suggested Plan | |
| Online gaming | From 3MB | At least 1GB | |
| Podcasts | Approx. 60MB | At least 2GB | |
| Web Browsing | Approx. 60MB | At least 2GB | |
| FaceTime | Approx. 85MB | At least 3GB | |
| Approx. 80MB | At least 3GB | ||
| Music Streaming | Up to 150MB | At least 5GB | |
| Snapchat | Approx. 160MB | At least 5GB | |
| Facebook Video | Approx. 160MB | At least 5GB | |
| YouTube | Approx. 300MB | At least 10GB | |
| Netflix | From 250MB | At least 10GB | |
| Foxtel Now | From 320MB | At least 12GB | |
| Stan | From 570MB | At least 15GB | |
| Lossless Music Streaming (Tidal) | Approx. 640MB | At least 20GB | |
| Approx. 720MB | At least 20GB |
If you want more information, read our guide to mobile data .
Why would I get mobile broadband?
There are three main reasons why you'd consider signing up for a mobile broadband connection.
- You don't have a fixed address, are regularly changing addresses, or can't get a fixed line connection where you live. Mobile broadband doesn't use Australia's copper network or the National Broadband Network, so there's no need for a fixed physical connection between your place and the internet. Mobile broadband is also great if you just don't want to deal with the hassle of an extended setup period or are sick of waiting for the NBN to come to your area.
- Mobile broadband can also be useful as a backup solution in case your fixed line connection goes down, or in the event of a power outage. Many mobile broadband modems are powered by a battery, so they'll keep on kicking even when the lights are out.
- A portable mobile broadband modem and connection are also a good option when travelling, especially if you don't want to burn through your smartphone's battery while tethering.
Are there any downsides to mobile broadband?
Mobile broadband options often have smaller data allowances compared with fixed-line internet.
In most cases, you'll end up spending more for less when it comes to mobile broadband. While the starting price of an unlimited fixed line connection can be as low as $60, you're looking at around $70 per month for 100GB on a no contract mobile broadband connection.
If you have trouble getting a mobile signal at home, mobile broadband isn't a great option either. Its speed and reliability depend on the strength of your mobile signal.
In some cases, it can be a better option to take out a plan with more data for your smartphone, and to then use your smartphone as a hotspot for home devices. However, note that hotspotting will burn through your mobile battery pretty quickly, especially if multiple people want to access the connection at once.
What kind of modem do you need for mobile broadband?
The most popular type of mobile broadband modem is what we call a 4G WiFi hotspot. These are small, battery-powered devices that allow you to share the internet with several devices at once.
If you already own a SIM-enabled tablet, like an iPad, you can forgo buying a 4G WiFi hotspot, and put the SIM card directly into the tablet. Or, if you have an old smartphone in a drawer at home, you might be able to set it up as a WiFi hotspot, just like a modem. You can view plans for each type of modem type on our Mobile Broadband plans page.
You can also opt for WiFi dongle plan. Dongles, if you don’t know, are a USB stick that delivers internet straight to your device and work by connecting to the same networks as your mobile phone.
Dongles are light weight and don’t need to be recharged, but the downside is that you can’t use it for multiple devices at the same time. They’re not as popular as they used to be, but Telstra and Spintel still offer WiFi dongle plans.
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#1
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Telstra
Upfront Data Plan Small
$31/mth
Min. cost $169
Link not supplied
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#2
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SpinTel
Mobile Broadband 50GB
$38/mth
Min. cost $48
Link not supplied
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What is mobile broadband coverage like in your area?
Mobile broadband services use exactly the same networks as smartphones, so you will find that where you get a signal on your phone, you should get a signal with a mobile broadband modem as well.
If you're looking to use a new service provider and have no experience with that network, use our coverage map tool to see whether there is service in your area.
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