Why NBN providers offer modems with NBN plans
When you sign up for an NBN plan, one of the key questions a provider will ask is whether you want to add on a pre-configured modem when you sign up. This can make the whole process of getting connected to an NBN plan much simpler, eliminating the need to compare, buy and set up your own modem.
The benefit for the provider — and by extension, the customer — is that the pre-configured modem will have the correct settings and WiFi networks in place. This way the provider can ensure that the device will be compatible with its service. This means that once you get your pre-configured modem, all you’ll need to do is plug your modem into a powerpoint, turn it on and wait for your service to connect.
The brands and modems offered will typically differ between providers and some providers may also offer multiple modem options to suit different household needs. Some NBN speeds, such as the NBN 500 speed tier and faster, have certain modem requirements, so you may find your modem options change depending on which speed tier you choose.
Which providers offer NBN plans with a modem included?
With close to 150 NBN providers out there, every provider tends to do things a bit differently. Some providers don’t offer the option to bundle a modem in with your plan, instead opting to offer only BYO modem plans.
Each provider also chooses how they want to offer the modem. Some plans might include a modem by default, others might offer one or more modems as an optional add on at checkout. Optional modems usually cost extra, which may be charged as an upfront cost or paid off monthly over a set period, such as 12 months.
You’ll find many popular NBN providers offering the option to add a modem on to your plan, including:
- AGL
- Aussie Broadband
- Belong
- Dodo
- iiNet
- iPrimus
- Mate
- Moose Mobile
- More
- Optus
- Origin
- Superloop
- Tangerine
- Telstra
- TPG
- Vodafone
What about NBN plans with a free modem?
Some providers offer NBN plans with a free modem, or $0 modem. But there is, of course, a catch. These ‘free’ modems are usually dependent on the customer staying connected to their plan for a set period of time, often 12, 24 or 36 months. A monthly modem fee may appear on your bill but with a credit or $0 amount applied.
Here are some providers on the Canstar database that offer a $0 or free modem with your NBN plan:
Provider | Length of ‘free modem’ period |
Tangerine | N/A |
iPrimus | 18 months |
iiNet | 24 months |
Optus | 24 months |
Origin | 24 months |
Superloop | 24 months |
Telstra | 24 months |
TPG | 24 months |
Vodafone | 24 months |
Source: Respective provider websites, July 2026.
Tangerine is the only provider listed above to technically offer a truly free modem with an NBN plan, without the catch of locking you in. It offers the choice of several modems that cost extra (either upfront or over a set payment period), however there’s a basic modem offered for $0. There is no minimum payment period for this modem and you should be free to cancel your plan without needing to return it. However, the Tangerine site notes that it supports basic internet usage, so heavier internet users or plans with faster speeds may be incompatible with this modem.
It’s also worth noting that some providers, such as Telstra, might also charge more for the NBN plans that include a ‘free’ modem, and offer a BYO modem plan as an alternative ‘cheaper’ option. You may also be required to pay delivery fees for the ‘free’ modem as an additional cost.
Do you have to stay locked in to NBN plans with a free modem?
The catch of the ‘free’ modem is that it ultimately keeps you locked in to your plan over that set time, even though these plans are typically month-to-month. If you cancel your plan before the set period, providers usually require you to:
- Pay off your remaining modem costs: This is usually calculated by the monthly modem cost (typically the modem price split over the ‘free’ modem period) and how many months you have left on the free modem period.
- Return your modem: Some providers may offer the option to return the modem in good working order, rather than buying it or paying it off. If you don’t return your modem (or fail to return it by a certain time), you may need to pay a modem non-return fee.
- Pay a fee: Some providers may charge a flat fee for cancelling if you choose to keep your modem.
In some cases, the free or included modem might simply be a rental modem with no option to buy it from the provider and a requirement to return it at cancellation.
It’s also worth noting that some modems may be network locked, so even if you buy or pay off your modem, it might not be compatible if you switch to another provider.
Before signing up to any plan, it’s always worth checking plan details, such as the Critical Information Summary (CIS) and terms and conditions about the plan, modem, costs, whether the modem is locked and any cancellation requirements.
Should I get a modem with my NBN plan?
This is entirely up to you. If you already have a modem that has been working for you, especially if it’s not too old, then keeping your current modem will save the cost of paying for a new modem — or avoid being stuck on the same plan for a ‘free’ modem.
However, if your modem is several years old, it might be a good idea to upgrade to a new modem, especially if you think your current internet service has been a bit too slow. Some modems/routers that are several years old might be incompatible with the new fast speed tiers.
The faster NBN speed tiers (NBN 500 and above) need a modem with either WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 capabilities in order to reach those faster speeds. If your modem is not compatible with a faster NBN plan, you might not be reaching the speeds you pay for.
If you choose to buy NBN plans with a modem added on, providers should ensure that the modems they’re offering are compatible with the NBN speed tier you’ve selected. You might find that some providers offer cheaper modems only with the slower speed tiers.
What about modems with 4G backup?
Some modems include 4G backup, which allows your modem to connect to the internet via a mobile network (the same way a mobile broadband or 4G/5G home wireless modem connects to the internet). This means that if your NBN isn’t connected or there’s an NBN outage, you’ll still be connected to the internet, but using a mobile data connection.
These modems are typically only offered by a small number of providers, such as Telstra and Optus, and that back-up service will be included with your NBN plan fees. You will typically need to purchase the 4G backup modem from the NBN provider directly.
Note that modems and routers are separate from NBN boxes, which are used for FTTP, FTTC and HFC connection types.
