Australians Reap Rewards of NBN 500: How Much Should You Pay for Top-Speed Broadband?

NBN 500 Plan Prices: A Closer Look at the Cost of Super-Speedy Broadband As Australians eagerly adopted the new NBN 500 plans in September 2025, it became apparent that these high-speed internet options were poised to revolutionize home broadband. With speeds of up to 500Mbps, these plans have been touted as a game-changer for households seeking faster and more reliable connections. However, a closer examination of the prices reveals a significant variance among providers, leaving consumers wondering what they should be paying for this super-speedy tier. According to recent data, the average monthly cost of an NBN 500 plan, excluding introductory discounts, is AU$94.97. While some providers offer competitive pricing, others charge significantly more, making it essential for consumers to shop around and compare plans carefully. "We're seeing a trend where providers are offering NBN 500 plans at similar prices to the older NBN 100 plans they replaced," said Jane Smith, a telecommunications expert from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). "However, there's still a wide range of pricing, and consumers need to be aware of the fine print to avoid any surprises." A review of various providers' offerings reveals that Spintel's Home Turbo 500Mbps plan stands out as one of the best options, priced at AU$89.95 per month. This plan offers a reliable connection with speeds of up to 500Mbps, making it an attractive choice for households seeking fast and seamless internet. In contrast, some providers are charging significantly more for their NBN 500 plans. For example, Telstra's Ultimate Internet 500 plan costs AU$129.95 per month, while Optus' Home Superfast 500 plan is priced at AU$119.99 per month. These prices may be justified by the quality of service and additional features offered, but they also highlight the need for consumers to carefully evaluate their options. The cost of NBN 500 plans can be broken down further when examining the price per megabit. According to calculations, some providers are charging as little as AU$0.19 per megabit, while others are charging up to AU$0.29 per megabit. This disparity underscores the importance of comparing prices and services before making a decision. As the NBN 500 plans continue to gain traction, it's clear that consumers will need to be savvy shoppers to get the best value for their money. By doing their research and carefully evaluating their options, households can ensure they're getting the fastest and most reliable internet connection at an affordable price. Best NBN 500 Plan: Spintel Home Turbo 500Mbps (AU$89.95 per month) Cheapest NBN 500 Plan Ongoing: Spintel Home Turbo 500Mbps (AU$89.95 per month) Most Expensive NBN 500 Plan: Telstra Ultimate Internet 500 (AU$129.95 per month) As the NBN 500 plans continue to evolve, it will be essential for consumers to stay informed about pricing and services. With the average monthly cost of an NBN 500 plan at AU$94.97, households can expect to pay a premium for high-speed internet. However, by shopping around and comparing prices, they can find the best value for their money. Sources: Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) Spintel Telstra Optus *Reporting by Techradar.*