Phone and internet services are part of everyday life, but buying them can be surprisingly confusing. Connection types with acronyms, speed tiers and evening speeds, prepaid versus postpaid, coverage maps, porting, contracts and a steady stream of scam texts: there's a lot to keep track of. Telecom Times is an independent guide that explains it all in plain language, using official Australian sources.
Home internet
Your NBN connection type is set by your address, and it shapes your equipment and the speeds you can get. When you compare plans, the number that matters most is the typical evening speed: the ACCC's guidance says providers should advertise the speed customers typically get between 7pm and 11pm, when networks are busiest. Our internet section covers connection types, speeds, choosing a plan and testing your speed.
Mobile phones
Start with coverage: a plan is only useful where it works, so check each provider's coverage information for every place you use your phone. Then choose between prepaid and postpaid, think carefully about phones on repayments and read the Critical Information Summary. Our mobile section covers choosing a plan, coverage, keeping your number and the 3G switch-off.
Your rights
Telcos must give you a Critical Information Summary and handle complaints properly, and you can usually take your number with you when you leave. If a provider doesn't fix a problem, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman offers free, independent help. Our rights section explains the Critical Information Summary, complaints and the TIO, phone and text scams and leaving a contract early.
Facts worth knowing
These come from official sources. Rules change, so check the latest details.
- Busy hours are 7pm to 11pm. That's the period the ACCC's guidance uses for advertised typical speeds.
- The ACCC's speed labels run from Basic Evening Speed (under 15 Mbps) to Premium Evening Speed (at least 60 Mbps).
- You can usually keep your number. The ACMA says your current telco must port it when asked, even if you owe it money.
- Mobile ports are fast. The ACMA says 90% must be completed within 3 hours.
- 3G is gone. Telstra and Optus switched off 3G from 28 October 2024. Text 3 to 3498 to check your phone.
- "Unverified" texts. From 1 July 2026, texts from unregistered business sender names are labelled "Unverified".
- Providers should respond to complaints quickly. The TIO says they should acknowledge written complaints within 2 working days.
Five mistakes to avoid
- Comparing internet plans on maximum speed instead of typical evening speed.
- Choosing a mobile plan without checking coverage where you live, work and travel.
- Cancelling your old service before porting your number, which can mean losing it.
- Ignoring exit costs, such as remaining phone repayments, when you switch.
- Trusting caller ID or links in texts. Contact the organisation yourself instead.
Popular guides
- NBN speeds explained
- How to test your internet speed properly
- How to choose a mobile plan
- Keeping your number when you switch
- Phone and text scams
- Phone and internet complaints and the TIO
About this site
This web address was once home to an Australian telco news site that later lapsed. Telecom Times is now a new, independent consumer guide with new content, and isn't connected with the previous operator. We're not a telco, comparison service, regulator or ombudsman. We write every guide in our own words, rely on official sources such as the ACMA, the ACCC, the TIO, Scamwatch and nbn co, and list sources on every page. We don't publish plan prices or rank providers. Read more about us and our editorial policy. Relevant local businesses, such as registered cablers and antenna installers, can enquire about a clearly labelled featured listing.
