I have constantly talked about how Telstra were always the more expensive option for NBN
There were many reasons for this but the main one was due to the fact that their plans were inclusive of a Landline service. ( even if you did NOT want a Home Phone!!
So it was welcome news to finally see that Telstra has added a cheaper set of “no frills” NBN plans to its internet portfolio.
They call these Plans “Internet Only”, and for the cheaper option, they strip away some of Telstra’s more premium inclusions like 4G backup, Purchase your own Modem and no Home Phone.
In exchange, customers save between $8 and $14 per month, depending on the speed tier.
Here’s how pricing compares between Telstra’s Internet Only plans and its mainline Upfront plans:
| Speed | Internet Only NBN Plan | Upfront NBN Plan | Saving |
| NBN 25 | $85 per month | $93 per month | $8 per month |
| NBN 50 | $95 per month | $109 per month | $14 per month |
| NBN 100 | $99 per month | $113 per month | $14 per month |
| NBN 500 | $99 per month | $113 per month | $14 per month |
| NBN 750 | $119 per month | $129 per month | $10 pre month |
| NBN 1000 | $129 per month | $139 per month | $10 per month |
Modem purchase is optional on Telstra’s Internet Only plans, while the Upfront plans come with a modem at no extra cost. Internet Only customers can add on the Smart Modem 4 as either an outright purchase for $240, but they’ll still miss out on advanced features like 4G backup. Alternatively, the Smart Modem 4 is available through Telstra’s accessories shop and can be paid off at $10 per month over two years.
Internet Only plans also don’t include a home phone line. As such, Telstra advises customers who need a landline for medical or security needs avoid the new plans.
The ability to earn Telstra Plus points is the only real perk on Telstra’s new Internet Only plans.
While Telstra’s Internet Only plans are cheaper, they’re not exactly cheap with all of their competitors still offering better deals but at least it may persuade some of the customers who really just want to stick with Telstra regardless of cost.