Cheapest NBN plans for pensioners

For older Australians, choosing an NBN internet plan can be difficult. You want to make sure you get what you need, but aren’t paying for bells and whistles you’ll never use.

In today’s world, having at least a basic broadband internet connection is vital. Many services are now totally online and staying connected with family, friends and community is more important than ever.

Although everyone’s internet requirements are unique, many older Australians are looking for a cheap, uncomplicated – but quality – internet plan.

Broadband internet access in Australia is provided through the National Broadband Network (NBN), the nationwide data network operated by the government-owned NBN Co.

But you don’t buy your internet plan directly from NBN Co, rather access to the network is sold through telcos such as Telstra and Optus.

With literally hundreds of NBN plans on offer, it can be hard to find one to suit your needs without adding a bunch of unnecessary features.

The good news is many Australian telcos offer plans tailored specifically to seniors. Many of them even offer exclusive discounts and deals.

Consumer product reviewers Canstar have found the best NBN plans for older Australians available now.

Aussie Broadband Seniors plan

Aussie Broadband’s Seniors plan is a no-frills internet plan on the basic NBN speed for cheaper than you’ll find at the major telcos. It also comes with a landline telephone connection, meaning you can ditch your existing landline if you wish.

For $50 per month, you can get 100GB of data plus the phone connection, but for just $5 more per month you can get unlimited internet and never worry about data limits again.

While it’s intended for all types of senior internet users, the best value will be for people using a lot of data each month. For example, someone using high-definition streaming services such as Netflix each night.

Westnet Exclusive Seniors Card plan

This plan from Westnet is intended for seniors who just want a bare bones internet connection and who won’t be using much data. You must hold a valid Seniors Card for your state or territory to be eligible.

For $39.99 per month, you get 50GB of data plus a landline telephone connection. You can keep your existing number.

This plan comes with 24/7 customer service and includes a wifi modem.

Flip Senior Value/Senior Premium/Senior Family plans

Flip offers three plans specifically for seniors, differing based on the internet speed you’re after and how many people in your household will be online simultaneously.

For $39.90 per month, the Senior Value plan is the cheapest of the bunch and offers 12Mbps (basic NBN speed). For $52.90, the Senior Premium plan offers 25Mbps and the Senior Family plan 50Mbps speeds for $61.90 per month.

All three plans offer unlimited data and are exclusively for holders of a Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Department of Veteran’s Affairs Pensioner Concession Card.

10MATES $10 pensioner discount

This isn’t a specific seniors-only plan, but rather internet provider 10MATES offers a $10 discount on all its internet plans for pensioners.

To qualify for the discount, you need to hold one of the government pensioner cards. The state-based Seniors Card isn’t enough.

Do you know of any other NBN plans suitable for seniors? Are you with any of these providers? Let us know in the comments section below.

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