Last Tuesday, my neighbor, a senior accountant who should know better, complained his NBN bill hit $115 a month for a standard 50/20 plan. He’s been with the same provider for six years, loyalty rewarded with a "loyalty tax" while new customers get the same service for $69. That $46 difference isn't just "life"; it’s $552 a year thrown into the furnace of corporate inertia.
The Retention Game
The NBN resale market is a race to the bottom, but only if you actually run. Since the ACCC’s 2025 mandate forcing better disclosure of "typical evening speeds," providers have been scrambling to mask their congestion issues with aggressive sign-up bonuses. They want you on auto-pay, sleepwalking through price hikes.
If you are paying more than $75 for a 100/20 plan in 2026, you are the product, not the customer.
️ The Operational Nightmare: Why We Still Use Aussie Broadband
Every frugal veteran knows Aussie Broadband is the gold standard for latency and local support. Yet, their app interface remains a clunky disaster zone. Trying to change a billing cycle or update a credit card through their portal often results in a "Session Expired" loop that feels like it was coded in 2012.
Why do we stay? Because when the NBN drops out during a high-stakes trade, their local support desk actually picks up the phone. You pay the "Aussie Tax" for the one day a year you aren't stuck listening to hold music in a Bangalore call center.
Current Market Benchmarks (100/20 Mbps Plans)
| Provider | Standard Price | 2026 Intro Promo | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie Broadband | $99 | $79 (6 mo) | Best support, buggy portal |
| Superloop | $89 | $65 (6 mo) | Aggressive, decent network |
| Exetel | $85 | $60 (6 mo) | Solid value, hard to reach |
| Telstra | $110 | $80 (12 mo) | Overpriced, hardware locked |
"The NBN is a commodity, not a luxury good. Your router doesn't know who your ISP is, and neither does your Netflix stream. Stop treating your broadband provider like a utility monopoly; it’s a subscription service you can flip like a pancake."
The "Cancellation Bluff" Script
Call your provider. Do not email. Don't use the chat bot; that’s where they’ve programmed the AI to offer you a pathetic 5% discount. Speak to the Retentions Department.
- State your intent: "I’ve reviewed my bills and I'm seeing 100/20 plans for $65 elsewhere. I’m prepared to switch today."
- The friction point: They will tell you that their "network is premium." Remind them that the NBN infrastructure is physically identical regardless of the badge on the box.
- The Pivot: If they don't budge to within $5 of the market low, ask for your MAC (Migration Authorisation Code) or tell them you want to initiate a porting request.
- The Reality Check: Sometimes, they truly won't drop the price. If they say no, hang up and sign up for Superloop or Exetel immediately.
Complication note: When I switched last month to chase a lower rate, the handoff between my old NBN service and the new provider took six hours instead of the promised "instant activation." You will lose internet for an afternoon. Keep a mobile hotspot ready.
️ Pitfall Guide
| Action | The Trap | The Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Pay | Companies hike rates without notice. | Use a prepaid debit card for recurring bills. |
| Loyalty | "Loyalty" is code for "complacency." | Set a calendar alert to switch every 6 months. |
| Router Rental | $10/mo for a proprietary plastic brick. | Buy your own mesh system; it pays off in 6 months. |
⏱️ 30-Second Quick Read
- Audit your bill: If it's over $80 for a 100/20 plan, you are overpaying.
- The 6-Month Rule: Providers love 6-month intro rates. Switch as soon as the promo expires.
- Bypass the portal: Never use web portals for negotiation; always call Retentions.
- Own the hardware: Stop renting ISP routers; they are locked down and underpowered.
- Expect friction: Switching isn't seamless—there’s always a few hours of downtime or a billing overlap. Factor it in.