There is no two ways about it, things are getting expensive lately. Once again inflation has reared its ugly head and we are all feeling the strain in all sorts of unexpected places. And while the higher cost of living in this sunburnt country generally leads to a better quality of life, there are some things we simply pay more for than we should.
In many ways, the concept of the “Australia Tax” is very real; the idea that we tend to have higher prices for goods and services in Australia than equivalent costs in comparative nations abroad. When you shop online and you’re at US-based online retailers in particular, that reality becomes stronger. But this problem affects much more than the price of goods shipped from abroad, it has an insidious effect on many of the services and bills we pay on a monthly basis.
A classic example of this: the Australian Internet. While we have made leaps and bounds over the past decade in providing high-speed internet access across the country, as of this writing, Australia’s internet speeds Rank 74 in the world(Opens in a new tab). But it’s not like we’re paying our ISPs an amount that reflects this statistic. For some reason Australians are paying top dollar for a service that is simply not up to the norm for such a developed nation as ours.
Before we resign ourselves to just settling and accepting the NBN connection we have (and for some of us recently acquired) for another year, it’s good to take a look at the alternatives available to you right now. Chances are, if you live or work in a metropolitan area, you could be paying less and getting a lot more. You may just have to get out of your comfort zone and try one of the new kids on the block: GigaComm(Opens in a new tab).
Who are GigaComm?
GigaComm is (in their own words) “an independent provider of managed network services.” Essentially, they are a new, locally owned ISP (Internet Service Provider) that is doing things a little differently. Unlike traditional service providers and telcos, GigaComm avoids relying on nbn and uses a rather unique network of technologies to deliver its ultra-high-speed services. This means they can deliver speeds of up to 1000/100Mbps on their own network and low latency connections with ping rates of less than 5ms within Australia, which is huge for online gaming. This is because they are not slowed down by throttling or congestion on overcrowded networks (as many other ISPs are).
On top of this, since they provide their own technology to deliver their services, they control their own prices and are not subject to nbn charges like other providers are (who then pass those costs on to you).
How much does it cost?
To get an idea of GigaComm’s current pricing model, take a look at the typical packages available to apartment dwellers within your service area below. To learn more about what this will look like for a home or office, check out their full list of plans and services. here(Opens in a new tab).
At this End-shutdown, GigaComm is currently offering $20 discount per month for the first 6 months(Opens in a new tab). This means that a basic plan from GigaComm (200/50 Mbps) would cost you just AU$59 per month. This is around $20 less than the most popular nbn plans and 4 times the speed (standard rates right now are around $75 per month for 50/20 Mbps).
Do you look pretty good? Here’s the downside: It’s not available everywhere yet, but its coverage area is constantly growing, and if you’re in Sydney or Melbourne, there’s a good chance you live or work in one of these areas.
Where is GigaComm available?
Gigacomm currently provides service only to specific metropolitan areas in Sydney and Melbourne, with plans to expand its coverage over End-shutdown. To see if GigaComm is available at your address, check their website for availability here(Opens in a new tab).
With all this in mind, and with costs rising in all facets of our lives, upgrading to faster internet is probably not at the top of your list of plans for 2023. This is where disruptive new technology is headed. like the one used by GigaComm. to play in your favor.
As the newest contender for your connectivity costs, GigaComm is eager to get a foot in the door. They’re offering incredibly competitive rates for their mixed-technology service plans, so if you’re within one of their service areas (as shown above), you could get drastically faster internet speeds for less than what you’re paying. at the moment.
All in all, GigaComm offers an impressive product, at a more than reasonable price. One drawback that might prevent you from making the switch, though: limited geographic availability. As an independently run ISP that relies on its own technology, the national rollout will take some End-shutdown. If you are not in very specific suburbs of Sydney or Melbourne, this service will not be available to you yet. However, if you live in one of these areas, GigaComm(Opens in a new tab) definitely worth checking out.
GigaComm services are subject to availability. Not available for all residences. Offer valid only for new customers on any of our FTTx plans on a 6-month contract. Separate setup cost for a no lock-in month-to-month plan or $0 setup cost on a 24-month plan. Not available with any other offer. Offer expires April 30, 2022. GigaComm router sold separately for $125.