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The 5 Best Internet Providers in Cairns – Compare the Top Internet Plans & nbn Plans

Choosing an internet provider can be challenging. You’ll find many providers, all offering a variety of packages and bundles to suit each user’s needs. Different options are available when it comes to price, speed, special features, and add-ons. So, your choice will depend on your internet usage and the number of connected devices. Several internet providers offer advanced services over fibre-optic networks or satellite connections. The user’s needs come first, so each package deal prioritizes user satisfaction. There are a few things that make each service provider unique: flexibility, choice, and adaptability. MovingWaldo has compiled a list of 5 providers to help you find the best internet provider in Cairns. Read on to find out what these providers have to offer in terms of services and products!

MovingWaldo's list of the 5 best Internet providers in Cairns

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How are Internet Service Providers selected?

All Internet services providers listed are selected carefully from the best companies on the market. We care to help you through the maze of information the web provides about this industry. You will certainly find the perfect match for your Internet need!

 

Are you a good, trustworthy internet provider?

TPG

Rated #1 nbn value
Internet providers

About

  •  

TPG is part of the TPG Telecom Limited group of companies, formed by merging two of Australia’s leading telecom companies, TPG and Vodafone Hutchison, in July 2020. TPG is one of the top Australia leading telecommunications companies offering fixed broadband solutions in Australia, including nbn plans. TPG provides a diverse range of communication services to residential users, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), government, large corporate enterprises, and wholesale customers. This company strives to be uniquely different from other telecommunication companies in Australia by offering a 100% customer experience. They are rated Number 1 nbn value, and their services are affordable and reliable.

Recommended Internet Plans

nbn 50

$ 74
99
/month
  • Download speed: 50 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn 100

$89.99
$ 79
99
/month
  • Download speed: 100 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn 210

$124.99
$ 94
99
/month
  • Download speed: 210 mbps
  • Upload speed: 25 mbps

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

What services are offered by TPG?

Internet: From award-winning nbn plans to the newest 5G Home Broadband plans, TPG offers a fantastic range of options to suit any home. You can move up or down your nbn plan anytime without any change fee. You can also keep your existing phone number or get a new one at sign up.

Mobile services: With TPG, whether you’re a heavy data user or just need to talk and text, there’s a perfect plan to suit your needs. All the SIM-only plans are month-to-month, and you can change plans without hassle. The mobile service conveniently auto-renews each month, and you can also choose to add a prepaid balance for complete control of your spending. Even better, you get a free SIM and delivery; just pay the first month of your mobile plan upfront.

Pros

• Rated #1 nbn value
• 2mil+ TPG group customers
• Awesome range of speeds
• Perfect for renters and homeowners
• Flexible no lock-in contract plan
• 50% off SIM plan fees for the first 6 months
• Support team is available 7 days a week

Cons

• Does not offer TV services

Why choose this Internet Provider in Cairns?

Join one of the world’s largest internet providers with over 2 million TPG group customers and 800K+ live nbn customers. With TPG’s Unlimited nbn plans, you can experience the Internet without worrying about download limits and slow connection. TPG has a culture of caring for the customer experience and its people. Hence, they work towards providing customers with communication services that are reliable, fast, and cost-effective. There is a high industry standard for innovation and value, supplying services loved by renters, homeowners, and businesses. Finally, their internet and nbn plans are flexible and perfect for both renters and homeowners, delivering exceptional performance across every platform.

Multi-award-winning Internet service provider
Internet providers

About

Originally founded in a suburban garage in 1993, iiNet is an industry-leading Australian internet provider providing services nationwide. Their services are flexible and well tailored to meet everyone’s needs. With a wide range of excellent nbn plans and FTTB & VDSL2 networks, iiNet makes it easy for customers to connect to great-value broadband. Due to their passion for outstanding customer service, the iiNet customer service team has won dozens of awards. With decades of experience and skill, iiNet is committed to helping Australians connect to better and faster broadband services.

Recommended Internet Plans

nbn 50

$ 79
99
/month
  • Download speed: 50 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn 100

$99.99
$ 89
99
/month
  • Download speed: 100 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn50 + Home Phone Line + Fetch Entertainment

$ 79
99
/month
  • Download speed: 50 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

What services are offered by iiNet?

Internet bundles: iiNet’s Internet Bundles give you flexible and affordable plans with a range of incredible extras. The nbn plans give you a range of speeds and perks to choose from, from 12 Mbps to 90 Mbps. You can also add modems and call packs. They also provide VDSL2, Cable, FTTB and Fibre to the home internet.

Television: Fetch makes it easy to access all the entertainment you love. It uses your iiNet internet connection and a set top box to combine your favourite streaming apps, Free-to-Air TV, the latest movies and shows, subscription channels and more with a straightforward menu. When added to selected broadband plans, you can get up to 30 films each month for as low as $5/m.

Mobile services: iiNet’s SIM-only mobile phone plans give you heaps of data and unlimited talk & text to Australian numbers on great-value month-to-month plans. You do not have to pay for the SIM or delivery. You also get a no-lock-in contract deal.

Pros

• Unlimited talk and text
• $0 SIM & delivery
• No lock-in contract
• 50% off mobile plan fees for the first 6 months
• No activation fees
• Plan flexibility
• Many nbn plans available

Cons

• Add-ons like modems will attract delivery fees

Why choose this Internet Provider in Cairns?

iiNet is a multi-award-winning internet service provider. Since 1993, they have provided fast, affordable internet, telephone and TV services with incredible customer support. Their bundles and plans come with a $0 activation fee while operating a 7-day customer service system. With iiNet flexible plans, whether gaming, working, streaming & more, you can easily change your nbn plans, upgrade or downgrade as you need with no fees attached. iiNet offers 50% off mobile plan fees for the first 6 months alongside unlimited talk and text bundles.

More than 16 years of industry experience
Internet providers

About

Established over 16 years ago, Aussie Broadband is an Australian-operated telecommunication company. Aussie provides mobile and internet services for residents in Australia. They have call centres based in regional and metro Victoria, supporting you with all-Australian technical expertise and assistance. Their services are straight to the point without confusing setups, and they focus on high-quality, great-value internet, phone, nbn plans and mobile services that suit the needs of Australians. Aussie’s personalised and friendly approach to customer service ensures you receive the best.

Recommended Internet Plans

nbn 50

$ 79 /month
  • Download speed: 50 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn 100

$ 99 /month
  • Download speed: 100 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn 250

$ 129 /month
  • Download speed: 250 mbps
  • Upload speed: 25 mbps

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

What services are offered by Aussie Broadband?

Internet: Reliable without confusing set-up or hoops to jump through; simply plug your SIM in any smart device, and you’re on your way. Bundles are also tailor-made and easy to suit customers’ needs. Aussie Broadband Internet is suitable for HD, 4K, and 8K streaming, gaming, downloading large files, and even working from home. Also, all the nbn plans come with the option of unlimited data so that you can stream, work or play to your heart’s content.

Mobile: Personalise and manage all your plans at your fingertips with the MyAussie app. Talk and text to your heart’s content with no limit on standard national talk and text. Simply select and purchase a mobile SIM plan, receive your SIM within 1-3 days with no postage fee and activate it, plug in your SIM, and you’re ready to go.

TV: Aussie Broadband works hand-in-hand with Fetch, an entertainment hub that gives you access to numerous hours of your favourite shows, all in one place with one remote. It’s easy to set up and simple to use. Just plug it in, connect it to your TV and Aussie Broadband internet and enjoy. You get to choose the Fetch Mini 4K or Fetch Mighty.

Pros

• Award-winning company
• No connection fees
• No lock-in contracts
• Flexible plans
• Discounts and promos on select services
• Mobile app for self service

Cons

• Extra charges may occur if you are in a new housing project or you opt for a new line

Why choose this Internet Provider in Cairns?

Aussie Broadband is an award-winning company that has prioritised customer satisfaction for more than 16 years. They will go above and beyond for their customers to ensure they are delighted. They achieve this with a friendly and professional team with a clear and transparent approach to outage communications. Aussie Broadband also works with the latest technologies, ensuring customers receive the same options without overselling. Their plans and nbn plans are fast, flexible and reliable, plus they come without contracts and connection fees. They even offer discounts and promos on select services and products.

Over 120,000 residential and business customers
Internet providers

About

Exetel internet service is a family-owned telecommunication company created in 2004 to provide internet solutions for homes and businesses in Australia. These solutions include internet, telephone, communications services and nbn plans at the lowest possible prices. Their internet service provides their customers with high uptime, speed, and service quality, and their service availability is no less than 99.95%. Exetel internet service has over 300 professional and experienced staff, qualified engineering staff, and a network operations centre dedicated to quality and service commitment. They also have flexible access technology options, which include: ADSL, Ethernet, Fibre, and Wireless through solid supplier partnerships with Telstra, Optus, AAPT, Cirrus, LinkOne, and OptiComm.

Recommended Internet Plans

nbn 25

$64.95
$ 53
95
/month
  • Download speed: 25 mbps
  • Upload speed: 10 mbps

nbn 50

$74.95
$ 53
95
/month
  • Download speed: 50 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

nbn 100

$84.95
$ 68
95
/month
  • Download speed: 100 mbps
  • Upload speed: 20 mbps

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

What services are offered by Exetel?

Internet: Their simple data plans, voice, and communication solutions allow you to enjoy fast, reliable, secure, and unlimited internet access. One of the great things about Exetel internet is that you get a no-lock-in contract that allows you to change your plan anytime for free. Although, you can only change once a month. You can get internet for your home and business. You can choose nbn or fibre: OptiComm, OPENetwork, LBN Co and other fast fibre internet services.

Mobile Phone: Exetel is Australia’s trusted mobile network. They use parts of the Telstra 3G, 4G and 5G networks to deliver ExeSim mobile coverage to more than 23 million Australians. Their plans come with unlimited calls and texts within Australia, and with just $6, you can purchase 300 call minutes and unlimited standard SMS to 30 countries with a 30-day validity period. You’ll also get your new SIM delivered to your door within 2-3 days free of charge with zero upfront cost.

Pros

• Multi-award-winning telecoms provider
• Over 300 professional and experienced staff
• Over 120,000 residential and business customers
• Guaranteed uptime
• No lock-in contracts
• Big data allowances
• Unlimited national calls & texts
• eSIM available
• Full data usage and spending control
• Many nbn plans available

Cons

• Some of their broadband internet services are age-restricted
• You can only change your internet plan once a month

Why choose this Internet Provider in Cairns?

Exetel is now Australia’s 5th largest internet provider, with over 120,000 residential and business customers. Their simple data plans, voice, and communication solutions have the power to deliver real value to any home and medium-sized enterprise. Exetel also offers a multitude of nbn plans available to all customers. Their prices vary so customers can choose the level of coverage that is right for their business depending on their operational reliance on the internet. Home security is automatically activated when you subscribe to Exetel broadband service to help protect every device connected to your home internet or Wi-Fi. This provides you access to the following services; Parental control, focus-time, web security, anti-phishing, anti-bot, safe search, and many more.

Best for rural and remote Australians
Internet providers

About

SkyMesh is an Australian-owned telecommunication company. They started by rolling out their fixed wireless network in the Gympie and Sunshine Coast regions; they provided 2 Mbps services to residents not covered by Telstra’s ADSL footprint. Currently, their satellite capacity and usage are carefully managed by both nbn and SkyMesh to ensure consistent, reliable, fast speeds for our customers. SkyMesh designs their service to provide rural and remote Australians with satellite access, including Cocos Islands, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island. SkyMesh has a team of dedicated internet specialists that help regional Australians located in some of the most remote parts of the country connect to a fast and reliable internet service and ensures they stay connected to friends, family, and work.

What services are offered by SkyMesh?

nbn plans: They provide reliable, fast internet at your home. And their installations are free with no setup or activation fees. Your first service bill is your monthly plan fee, starting at $34.95. SkyMesh also provides access to the right level of support and assurances for business, with the right price tag to suit, and can help companies to save up to $9,000 in hardware and professional standard installation costs depending on location and contract term.

VoIP: Add a SkyMesh Voice plan (VoIP) to any nbn service, so you can ditch your old phone line and start saving on your phone bill. You get cheap local & international calls, free calls from one SkyMesh voice service to another, A local area number based on your premises location where available, and no long-term contracts.

Pros

• Open 7 days a week, including public holidays
​​• 1,000 + nbn addressing issues solved
​​• Trusted by 45,000+ rural & regional homes
• Free standard installations
• Free school holiday data
• Unlimited internet services
• 15 years of professional experience
• Hassle-free internet service

Cons

• Video streaming is metered between 4 pm and midnight

Why choose this Internet Provider in Cairns?

SkyMesh has helped connect thousands of remote and regional Australian families to better broadband services, trusted by 45,000+ rural & regional homes. They are 100% dedicated to helping regional Australians access better internet at home or office, and they work round the clock, including public holidays, to resolve any issues. Currently, they have 1,000 + nbn addressing issues solved. SkyMesh gives customers access to fast, reliable internet at their regional home from just $34.95/m with free setup, free standard installation, and renders support to Australians.

What is nbn?

nbn is Australia’s national broadband network. Set up by the Australian Government and regulated by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), nbn plans replace copper wires and cable broadband with optical fibre and other technologies to provide faster, more reliable fixed-line broadband to Australians. nbn is intended to offer enhanced online connectivity while improving productivity to all users. 

To connect to any of the nbn plans, all you need to do is pick a nbn provider available in your area and choose a plan. You can place your nbn order either online, by phone, or in a retail store, and your new provider will switch your current internet service over to your new nbn plan.

Below is a table with all nbn plans and their maximum speed:

nbn plans

Maximum Speed 

nbn 12 (Basic I)

12Mbps 

nbn 25 (Basic II)

25Mbps 

nbn 50 (Standard)

50Mbps

nbn 100 (Fast)

100Mbps

nbn 250 (Superfast)

250Mbps

nbn 1000 (Ultrafast)

1000Mbps

However, speeds and nbn plans vary from provider to provider. 

The nbn plan of your choice will be installed at your home for free as it is taken care of by the Government. nbn plans cost between $60 and $100 per month. Some providers also offer TV and phone bundles with their nbn packages.

nbn plans are the future of existing networks where most people with a fixed phone line or internet service will eventually need to move to the nbn. To make the switch happen once a nbn is accessible in your region, NBN Co will turn off your current network. You may have up to 18 months, and on rare occasions as short as 90 days, to pick a nbn telco and package after NBN Co notifies you that you are eligible to switch to the nbn in your area. To find if the nbn network is available in your region, home or business, you may click here

To relocate your nbn connection to a new address, it is important to prepare beforehand to reduce internet disruption. Using the link above, it is recommended to begin by researching your new address in order to find out if nbn plans are available near you. 

Note: It is vital to remember three elements about nbn plans: Leave the nbn equipment at your old address, review your nbn speed plan and be sure to make your provider aware of your move to ensure connection and productivity at your new location. If you’re moving it is recommended to speak with your phone and internet provider to find out if any fees apply to you as part of your move.

The time to install nbn plans can depend on the technology and prior set up at your old address. 

(*nbn co, WhistleOut & Australian Communications and Media Authority)

 

 

Conclusion

Choosing between Cairns’s 5 best internet providers is not that easy. We analyzed these 5 internet providers to help you find great deals and cheap internet plans. Despite some standard features, they present a variety of offers, so it is in your best interest to know all their details. You might also want to find out about the best nbn plans, which are available for most providers in Cairns. Ideally, your next internet provider should offer high-speed internet, a decent monthly price, and unlimited internet plans. Have you made a decision yet?

Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Providers

SpinTel, Tangerine and Dodo have one of the cheapest internet plans in Australia. Dodo offers the nbn15 Unlimited Plan for $55/month, with no contract term.

In Australia, the average internet bill is around $60 per month. Internet plans cost between $44 and $90 per month. While most providers offer unlimited internet plans already, it is common for cheap internet plans to come with less data included. As little as 100GB is available with some cheap nbn plans, enough for browsing, but not much more.

(*Compare Broadband)

In 2019, cellular phone companies began deploying 5G internet, a technology standard for broadband cellular networks. With 5G internet, all devices are connected to the internet and telephone network by radio waves through local antennas, providing higher download speeds (up to 10 gigabits per second).

You might have access to 5G home internet if you are a subscriber to Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG, iiNet, Internode and SpinTel. Australia’s largest 5G home internet provider, Telstra, reaches 75% of its population. Contact your provider or check these maps to find out if your area has 5G internet service. 

Bundling is convenient when looking at cheap internet plans. It consists in combining numerous services from a single provider, generally at a reduced price. With some providers, you can combine your internet connection, cable TV, mobile phone, and home phone in the same package, also called ‘bundle’.

Mbps means megabits per second. It measures the speed of your internet connection. The higher your Mbps are, the faster your internet speed will be!

A good internet speed is relative to what you need. Here are internet speeds needed by lifestyle:

Speed

Good for what

Good for who

5 – 1 Mbps

  • Checking emails
  • Browsing
  • Listening to music
  • Minimal internet users
  • People living alone

10 – 40 Mbps 

  • Online assignments
  • Social media 
  • Netflix
  • YouTube
  • Students
  • Casual internet users
  • Children and teens

40 – 100 Mbps

  • Video calls 
  • Netflix
  • Working from home
  • Online classes
  • People working from home 
  • Students
  • Families

100 – 500 Mbps

  • Video calls 
  • Gaming 
  • Streaming
  • Gamers
  • Streamers
  • Big families

500 – 1000 Mbps

  • Heavy gaming 
  • Streaming 
  • Commercial internet
  • Heavy gamers
  • Heavy streamers
  • Businesses

When wanting to use Wi-Fi or connect multiple devices, you will need both a modem and a router. Indeed, a modem brings internet service into the home. So, you absolutely need a modem to have an internet connection at your home. The router, on the other hand, delivers the internet to the devices in your home via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.

The router may look similar to a modem, but it’s a very different device. You’ll need a router to take that internet connection provided by the modem and split it into several lines of service for all the tablets, laptops, streaming video devices, smart TVs, and smartphones in your home. You cannot have wireless without one.

(*HP)

Exploring a new internet provider when moving is convenient whether you are required to change it or not. You might be able to find a much better internet connection for a lower price. It is important, however, to understand your internet needs first and then choose the right provider.

Consider these factors when choosing an internet service provider:

  • Speed
  • Data (limited or unlimited internet plans)
  • Availability
  • Upfront and monthly costs
  • Bundle offers
  • Reliability of your new internet service provider

If you’re in a contract and want to change plans, it is recommended to contact your existing provider to determine the terms. There might be exit fees or disconnection charges, which range from $130 to $300. Depending on your plan and how many months are left in your contract, it may be more profitable to change plans and pay these fees. 

(*Compare Broadband)

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