Mobile broadband is a wireless internet connection delivered via a mobile network. In contrast, a fixed internet connection is delivered by a landline or cable network, or the nbn™ access network.
Like a mobile hotspot on your smartphone, mobile broadband allows you to connect Wi-Fi enabled devices to the internet. And while mobile broadband devices can’t make phone calls, they generally provide a stronger, better quality internet connection than a smartphone, as they’re designed specifically for that job.
To use mobile broadband, you’ll need a data plan with a SIM card, and a compatible mobile device like a SIM-ready laptop, portable modem or a dongle (USB modem). You can bring your own device or add one to a data plan.
What you won’t need is a technician. Setting up your service is easy:
As work from home becomes the norm and our kids embrace eLearning, having the flexibility to connect on the go using multiple devices has never been more important. But before we dive into the world of data, let’s get to know the lingo.
That’s the housekeeping out of the way, now let's look at 8 great reasons to get on board with mobile broadband.
Enjoy the flexibility of working from home? Whether it’s making your 9am weekday Zoom stand-up or your weekend Zoom quiz with family interstate, you need a connection you can rely on.
With a data-only plan you can connect instantly to the internet. The data SIM is laptop compatible, so you simply open up, connect and enjoy mobile broadband whenever you’re in an area with our network coverage. You can also connect via a USB modem to your laptop or a portable hotspot if you have multiple devices, allowing you to video call, share files and collaborate online.
The other advantages of having a work-dedicated mobile broadband on a data plan are that you can change your plan according to how much you use, while keeping your home and work internet services separate. So while your family’s streaming movies or gaming, your own internet connection will stay on the job.
Good morning public transport, hello data plan. Use a data SIM in your tablet, so when you’re commuting, you can connect to streaming services and watch your favourite TV show while the stations whiz by without having to hotspot and use your mobile data. All aboard…
Just moved house? Maybe you’re in temporary accommodation or renting? Whichever it is, mobile broadband means you can jump online immediately just as long as you’re in an area with our network coverage. All you need is a data & SIM with a month-to-month Upfront Data ;Plan, and mobile broadband modem. Change up your data allowance each month to match your usage and take the mobile broadband with you when you move.
If your living circumstances change, you might decide a fixed internet connection is better. All good. Simply cancel your data plan anytime.
When everyone’s working from home on the same internet connection, things can get…. tense. If you’d rather have your own connection, without having to share it with the household, a portable modem or hotspot like the NightHawk M5 or the Telstra 5G Hotspot will reduce stress and give you independence.
A data plan could also help you maintain a consistent internet connection around the home if your fixed connection is patchy, or if there’s an outage.
Digital experiences form the backbone of school learning. Connectivity allows kids to collaborate with their peers and teachers while eLearning develops their digital literacy across a range of devices. A data plan with your child’s tablet keeps their learning uninterrupted with a reliable connection.
Travel’s on everyone's minds these days. And it’s now more important than ever to stay connected. The beauty of mobile broadband? You can take your Wi-Fi network on holidays too.
Let’s say you’re staying in a motel and want to stream content. Hook up your hotspot and connect via the TV. Bonus: these devices are so compact and lightweight, they’ll barely register in your carry-on luggage.
No more, “Are we there yet?” A data plan and a portable broadband device will make your kids’ journey a whole lot more entertaining, whether you’re at the beach, in a tent, or en route. As long as you're in an area with our network coverage, you’re laughing.
Choose a portable device like the Telstra 5G Hotspot or the NightHawk M6. They create Wi-Fi hotspots (just like your smartphone, only better) so you can connect up to 30 devices in one hit, including tablets, speakers and computers.
Nothing makes gamers happier than a blazing fast connection, right? That’s why a Telstra 5G Hotspot or NightHawk M6 with a 75GB or 400GB 5G-ready data plan could be for you.
Featuring dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi 6 technology, both 5G portable modems allow more Wi-Fi enabled devices to be connected and stream simultaneously, with minimal impact on speed or reliability. With increased capacity, you get faster speeds for high-end video streaming on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
5G is now rolling out in selected areas on selected plans
It’s a fact. Mobile broadband is more secure than public Wi-Fi. That’s because our mobile broadband devices use encrypted Wi-Fi to create a secure connection for your Wi-Fi enabled devices. Public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, making it way less secure. Data plan to the rescue! When you have our network coverage you can do your thing in public without the risk of your data being compromised.
Do you burn through your monthly data allowance on your mobile plan? Why not give yourself some extra data? With a Telstra 5G Hotspot on an Upfront Data Plan, you can connect up to 64 Wi-Fi enabled devices, to keep you streaming, gaming and doing whatever it is you like to do at uncapped speeds.
Yes, the SIM card that comes with our data plans will work in a mobile phone but will only provide an internet connection – as it would for a mobile broadband device. You won’t be able to make calls with your mobile phone.
If it can be connected to the internet, you can use it with an Upfront Data Plan. Use your data SIM to deliver mobile broadband to your SIM-compatible device, like a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Use a hotspot to connect several devices at once, including your smart TV.
To see if you can get mobile broadband at your address, check our coverage map.
Available in 5GB, 30GB, 75GB or 400GB, a month-to-month Upfront Data Plan puts you in control.
SIM only. Device & data. Pre-Paid. Choose the option that suits you best.
Explore Mobile Broadband
