How to change NBN plans

January 22nd, 2025

Switching your NBN plan is simple and can save you money or improve your internet speed. Here’s a quick guide to help you through the process:

  • Step 1: Review your current plan. Check your speed, data limits, contract terms, and any exit fees.
  • Step 2: Compare new plans. Use tools like RateCity or WhistleOut to find plans that match your needs and budget. Look for speed tiers (NBN 25, 50, 100), data allowances, and setup costs.
  • Step 3: Make the switch. Sign up for a new plan, cancel your old one, and schedule the transition to avoid downtime.
  • Step 4: Test and review. After activation, test your connection, transfer services, and review your first bill for accuracy.

Quick Tip: Always check your NBN connection type (FTTP, FTTN, etc.) and coverage before switching to ensure the best performance. Follow these steps to find a plan that fits your household’s needs.

Step 1: Review Your Current Plan and Needs

Check Your Plan and Contract Details

Start by reaching out to your provider or logging into your account portal to gather the key details of your current plan. Look at factors like contract length, early termination fees, speed, data limits, and monthly costs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Contract Element Key Details
Contract Duration How many months remain in your agreement
Early Exit Fees Fees based on the months left in your contract
Current Features Speed tier, data cap, included services
Monthly Costs Base price, equipment fees, and add-ons

If you’re on a month-to-month plan, switching is usually free of penalties. However, fixed-term contracts might come with exit fees, so it’s worth checking [4].

Once you’ve reviewed the contract, the next step is understanding whether your current plan meets your household’s internet needs.

Understand Your Internet Usage

Take a closer look at how your household uses the internet over a few weeks. This will help you figure out your peak usage times and the activities that require the most bandwidth. Many households juggle multiple activities at once, which can impact the type of plan you need.

Here’s a guide to common activities and their speed and data needs:

Activity Type Recommended Speed Typical Data Usage
HD Video Streaming 25 Mbps 3 GB/hour
Video Conferencing 10-20 Mbps 1-2.5 GB/hour
Online Gaming 50 Mbps 100-200 MB/hour
Remote Work 50-100 Mbps Varies by task

Use online speed test tools at different times of the day to check your connection’s performance. If your actual speeds are consistently lower than what your plan promises or if you experience frequent dropouts, it’s a clear sign that your current plan might not be cutting it [3].

This analysis will help you see whether your plan is falling short and guide you toward choosing an NBN plan that better fits your needs.

Step 2: Compare New NBN Plans

Use Online Comparison Tools

Platforms like RateCity, Canstar Blue, and WhistleOut can help you compare NBN plans based on speed, data limits, contract terms, and overall costs. Be sure to review the critical information summaries to spot any hidden fees or conditions [2][5].

Feature What to Look For
Speed Tiers Options like NBN 25, 50, 100
Data Allowance Limited vs. unlimited plans
Contract Terms Month-to-month vs. fixed-term
Bundle Options Internet + phone or streaming deals
Setup Costs Modem fees, installation charges

Check Coverage in Your Area

Coverage plays a big role in choosing your provider and speeds. Before committing to a plan, check availability in your area. Use the NBN Co address checker to find out your connection type (like FTTP or FTTN), provider options, and expected peak speed performance.

Key factors to keep in mind:

  • Type of connection and available speeds
  • Which providers service your area
  • Reports on peak hour performance

Focus on Speed, Data, and Cost

Pick a plan that matches your internet needs and budget. For general browsing, NBN 25 plans typically cost $60–75/month. Families streaming or gaming may prefer NBN 50 at $75–90/month, while heavy users might need NBN 100+ at $90 or more. Bundles can save money, but make sure the plan still meets your requirements.

Important factors to weigh:

  • Your speed needs
  • Monthly data usage
  • Budget limitations
  • Contract flexibility

Once you’ve found the right plan, you’re ready to move forward with switching.

Step 3: Make the Switch

Sign Up for Your New Plan

After deciding on the plan that fits your needs, it’s time to make the switch. You can sign up online or over the phone with your chosen provider. Have your identification ready, confirm whether you need a specific modem, and carefully review the plan details, including any fees or commitments.

"Users should carefully review their current contract for any early termination fees and understand the costs associated with their new plan, including any modem charges" [1][4].

Cancel Your Current Plan

Contact your existing provider to cancel your plan – most require a 30-day notice. Be sure to check for any early termination fees, return all equipment on time, and review your final bill for remaining charges. To make the transition smoother, ask your new provider if they can handle the transfer process for you [4].

Schedule Installation and Minimize Downtime

Plan your installation to avoid losing internet access. Depending on your NBN connection type, most providers can complete the switch within a few hours or a couple of days [1]. While many setups allow for remote activation, some may require a technician visit. To prepare, back up important data and consider using a mobile hotspot as a temporary solution.

For peace of mind, schedule your new service to start about a week before your current plan ends. This buffer ensures you won’t be left without internet if there are any delays [4]. Once your new plan is up and running, double-check that everything works as expected.

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How to switch to the NBN in a few easy steps

Step 4: Final Checks After Switching

After activating your new plan, follow these steps to make sure everything is running as expected.

Test Your Internet Connection

Give your connection about 24 hours to settle, then check its performance using tools like Speedtest.net. Test it at different times of the day and during common activities – like streaming 4K videos, video calls, or using multiple devices at once.

"Users should carefully test their internet connection after switching plans to ensure it meets the advertised specifications and their usage requirements" [1][5].

Transfer Email and Phone Services

Make sure your email and phone services are successfully transferred to the new provider. Keep your old email account active for a while to catch any missed messages. Many providers offer support for transferring these services, so don’t hesitate to ask about migration assistance.

Review Your First Bill

Take a close look at your first bill to confirm everything matches your agreement. Pay attention to these details:

Billing Element What to Check
Plan Details Speed tier and data allowance
Setup Costs Installation and equipment charges
Promotional Discounts Applied offers and discounts
Additional Services Bundled services or add-ons

If you spot any errors or unexpected charges, contact your provider right away to get them resolved.

Steps to a Smooth NBN Plan Change

Switching your NBN plan doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a clear process, you can easily move to a plan that fits your needs.

"Users should carefully assess their internet usage and requirements before making a switch. This includes considering the number of users, types of online activities, and specific needs like online gaming, 4K streaming, or remote work" [3].

Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

Phase Key Actions and Considerations
Planning and Selection Review contract terms, compare available plans, and confirm area coverage
Implementation and Review Schedule the switch, test the connection, and check your first bill

Pay close attention to timing and details during the switch. If any problems arise, your provider’s support team is there to help.

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