Sydney - Post Report Question and Answers
Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, though the speeds aren't what you'd expect of a major metropolis in a wealthy country. Installation is about as inconvenient as a typical U.S. internet provider would be. - May 2023
High speed internet is surprisingly only just getting widespread here, on the NBN network. Avoid Telstra (bad customer service and less reliable service) and use Aussie Broadband or another provider. - Dec 2020
We had unlimited broadband plus cable for about USD 75-80/month. Australia is in the process of constructing a national broadband network, so your house or building may or may not have access; the internet providers can let you know if you have broadband capacity or not. No problems with speed or streaming. You have to have an Australian bank account to get internet, but the consulate will give you a letter to help set you up with a bank account. We had internet within 10 days of arriving in Sydney. Note that the company will send you the router for you to connect yourself; you can have it installed, but be prepared to shell out some $$. - May 2018
Yes, not great, around US$75/month. - Mar 2015
Yes, expensive. - Nov 2014
Shopping for internet can be an exercise in frustration, as the industry has the transparency of mattress companies in the U.S. There is no such thing as unlimited data, so most companies have plans with different speeds, data caps, and accessories thrown in. Telstra is the the biggest player, but they have binding two-year contracts, which can be difficult to negotiate for people on two-year assignments. Some of the smaller companies might be more flexible: Optus or iiNET, for example. - Sep 2012
Yes, easily available. High speed internet can be part of a phone/TV cable/internet package, which is a much better value. - Jun 2010
