NBN provider Exetel is the first Retail Service Provider (RSP) to offer plans that take advantage of new pricing structures offered by Australia’s main broadband infrastructure provider. The new 500/50 plan retails for $80 per month with no lock-in or sign-on discounts.
NBN pricing has long been seen as too complex. When the NBN was first turned on, there were three pricing tiers but since then things become more complex. Exeter’s has taken a drastically simpler approach. They offer just one plan at one price.
Exetel is amend by another major NBN retailer, Superloop. Until earlier today, when I first saw the new Exetel offer, I was a Superloop customer. But a quick trip to the Exetel website, enter a few details and I was transferred from my 250/25 plan costing $104.99 per month to Exetel’s 500/50 plan costing $80 per month.
While my initial speed test didn’t quite reach 500/50, it was much faster than what I had before at a lower cost.
The new plan is possible because NBNCo has, from today, upgraded its wholesale 100/20 product to 500/50 for the same wholesale price of $58.53/month from today. NBNCo was charging $73.93 per month for the 500/50Mbps product before today.
I understand that many people feel some trepidation switching providers but this was super easy and the service was switched from Superloop to Exetel in less than 10 minutes with no need to reboot anything.
We can expect other providers to start simplifying their plans and offers over the coming weeks.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.