By James John
Switching over to an NBN connection is not automatic, such that if you don’t take action to do so now, you will still eventually need to do so. This is because, in the future, the old phone and internet copper network will already be shut down. For this reason, it is best to venture out into different plans as soon as you get notified that NBN is already available in your area. In line with this, below are some of the important things that you should know in comparing different plans.
The speed you are willing to pay for
One of the primary things that you need to know when you are comparing various NBN plans is the speed that you are willing to pay for. Keep in mind that with the least expensive NBN internet plans, you will most likely need to sacrifice speed. On the other hand, you may be getting the fastest speed for a hefty price, but you may not get the value of your money because you fail to maximize the usage of your connection.
In this case, it is good to have an insight into the different NBN tier speeds and what they are good for. For instance, an NBN 12 which is under the Basic 1 speed tier is only good for basic web surfing while the NBN 25 under the Basic 2 speed tier can already be sufficient for a small household with no more than two people accessing the internet at the same time.
There is also the NBN 50 that falls under the Standard speed tier which is perfect for a household of three or more people. Still, there is also the NBN 100, falling under the Fast speed tier, which is suitable for heavy internet users. They are usually online gamers, or those constantly downloading or uploading large files or even those streaming videos. However, remember that you may not always reach the maximum speed promised by your plan, typically during peak hours where several people are accessing the internet at the same time.
The data that you need
Another factor that you need to know in comparing different plans is the data allowance that you require. Some plans boast of unlimited data, while others impose a data cap for a cheaper subscription fee. Generally, if you only intend to surf the web with your connection, then a 2.5MB of data per minute will already be enough for you. On the contrary, watching a video on YouTube for about five minutes will already cost you 20MB of data, depending on the quality of the video you are watching. The amount of data that you need is even more if you opt to download games and movies, which can take up to 16GB, depending on the length and quality.
The length of the contract that you are comfortable with
Aside from the cost, speed, and data, you also need to consider the length of the contract that you are comfortable with when it comes to comparing different NBN plans. With plans that don’t impose a lock-in period, you are free to switch providers anytime that you feel like you already need to. While you may think that this is a better deal, you need to remember that these types of plans usually require a huge amount of upfront payment.
On the other hand, there are NBN plans that impose a lock-in period or anywhere from 6 to 36 months. If you go for these types of plans, then it is most likely that the setup fees are already waived. However, should you wish to quit your plan earlier than what is specified in your contract, then you may be required to pay a certain fee, which depends on how much time left you have in your contract.
The other devices you need
In switching over to the NBN network, you may need to upgrade certain devices such as your router and modem. An 11N router still can support a speed of 300Mbps, but you may want to upgrade to an 11AC router that is capable of supporting speeds of 1300Mbps. Aside from the router, some plans also offer phone and VoIP services.
In conclusion, make sure to think about the speed you need and are willing to pay for in comparing different NBN plans. This will have a significant impact on the plan that you will eventually go for. Aside from this, also consider your data usage, as well as the length of contract that you are comfortable with. Also, think about the other devices that you need such as a phone or even a new modem because there are instances wherein you can get these bundled in your plan. All these are geared towards ensuring that you get the plan that is perfect for your needs.
