Shopping for mobile broadband can be an arduous task — with so many plans, pricing and data offers, it can quickly become a confusing task. We've compared some of the leading post-paid mobile broadband providers to find the best bang for your buck and take the confusion out of your shopping.
For post-paid plans, we've selected a range of mid-range plans which provide at least 2GB of data per month. This is an ideal option for people who have their own small business, who may need to regularly check their e-mails, update their Facebook status, browse Web sites and watch the occasional online video.
It is important to note that each mobile network has different coverage and speed. Due to factors, including coverage, network congestion and signal strength, the speed you will attain with any of these offerings will vary.
Telstra
Provided you've got an ABN, Telstra's business wireless broadband is a reasonable deal. For $0 up front over 24 months, $39 will get you a Telstra Turbo USB modem 3GB of data per month. Excess usage is charged at 15 cents per MB if you exceed your monthly limit. Telstra's Turbo USB modem is capable of speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second (Mbps), so it's faster than the devices shipped with basic prepaid plans.
Optus
As with Telstra, you'll need an ABN to sign up to any Optus business plans. For $0 up front on a 24-month contract, Optus will give you an E160 USB modem and 2GB of data for $29.99 per month, with excess usage charges billed at 15 cents per MB if you exceed your quota.
Vodafone
Vodafone's post-paid mobile broadband plans represent the best value of the lot, at least on paper. For $0 over 12 months, just $29 per month buys you a USB modem and 3GB of data per month, and has an excess usage change of 2 cents per MB — cheaper than both Telstra and Optus.
3 Mobile
3's post-paid mobile broadband offer is identical to Vodafone's — no surprise when you consider they are now part of the same company, Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA). For an outlay of $29 per month over a 12-month contract you get a USB modem and 3GB of data, with excess usage again charged at 2 cents per MB. It's a much better deal than both Telstra and Optus in terms of value for your dollar.
Post-paid mobile broadband comparison overview
| Provider | Initial cost | Monthly cost (included data) | Contract length | Excess usages charges (per MB) |
| Telstra | $0 | $39 (2GB) | 24 months | $0.15 |
| Optus | $0 | $29.99 (2GB) | 24 months | $0.15 |
| Vodafone | $0 | $29 (3GB) | 12months | $0.02 |
| 3 Mobile | $0 | $29 (3GB) | 12months | $0.02 |
Additional reporting by Ross Catanzariti.
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