Getting connected to the internet isn’t just about signing up for the cheapest deal. A bad internet provider can mean constant dropouts, slow speeds, poor customer support—and a lot of frustration.
If you’re shopping around for a new Internet Service Provider (ISP), here’s what to look for—and what to avoid—so you can get the speed and service your household actually needs.
✅ What to Look for in an ISP
1. Connection Type
Not all internet is created equal. These are the most common connection types in Australia:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): Fastest and most reliable, but not available everywhere.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Slower than FTTP, but common in many areas.
- HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial): Good performance, usually reliable.
- Fixed Wireless/Satellite: Used in rural areas; can be slower and affected by weather.
👉 Tip: Use the NBN address checker to find out what type is available at your home.
2. Speed Options
Check both download and upload speeds. Common NBN speed tiers include:
- NBN 25: Light use—browsing, email, streaming in SD.
- NBN 50: Average households—Netflix, Zoom calls, basic gaming.
- NBN 100+: Heavy use—multiple users, 4K streaming, online gaming, work-from-home.
⚠️ Watch out for “typical evening speed“—this tells you what speed you’ll really get during peak times (7–11pm).
3. Reliability
Look for:
- Providers with good uptime guarantees
- Consistent performance during peak hours
- Good reviews from local customers (not just big cities)
4. Support & Customer Service
When something goes wrong (and it eventually will), you want:
- Local support or at least fast response times
- Easy-to-reach phone/chat support
- A clear escalation process if issues aren’t resolved
5. Contract Flexibility
Check:
- Are you locked into a 12- or 24-month contract?
- Is there a no-contract month-to-month option?
- What are the early exit fees if you cancel?
Sometimes it’s better to pay a little more for the freedom to switch providers if needed.
6. Modem & Equipment
Ask:
- Is a modem/router included?
- Is it free, or do you pay upfront or in installments?
- Is it locked to that ISP?
You might save money by using your own modem if it’s compatible.
7. Extras and Bundles
Some ISPs offer:
- Free streaming service trials (like Netflix or Stan)
- Discounted mobile plans
- Security add-ons or parental controls
Nice to have—but don’t let this distract you from what matters most: speed and reliability.
❌ What to Avoid
- Too-good-to-be-true prices (often slow or unreliable)
- ISPs with no typical evening speed listed
- Poor online reviews and social media complaints
- Locked-in contracts without trial periods
- Hidden fees for setup, cancellation, or hardware
- Poor upload speeds if you do cloud backups, work from home, or video call frequently
📊 Compare Before You Commit
Take a few minutes to compare your top 2–3 providers:
| Feature | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Tier | NBN 50 | NBN 100 |
| Typical Evening Speed | 46 Mbps | 85 Mbps |
| Contract | 12 months | No contract |
| Setup Fee | $0 | $79 |
| Modem Included | Yes | No |
| Customer Support | 24/7, Australian | Business hours only |
👨💻 Need Help Choosing or Setting Up?
At Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Computing, we help local residents:
- Choose the best ISP based on your needs and area
- Set up modems and Wi-Fi networks
- Diagnose and fix slow or unreliable internet
Whether you’re in a new home or just fed up with slow speeds—we can help.
👉 Book a visit today or contact us for a personalised recommendation.