Thursday, August 07, 2025

DeepThink said this about a few Australian NBN retail service providers (07 August 2025)

Australia's NBN is launching new broadband plans in mid-September 2025, and there's been lots happening on the RSP front during July and August.

I decided to get DeepThink's analysis about several of the contending service providers, simply because I was curious about what DeepThink would generate. I offer no apologies for the list of RSPs being far from exhaustive.

I threw this post together quickly, with minimal editing, and couldn't be bothered doing the same with ChatGPT or other chatbots.

The queries that I put to DeepThink are highlighted in yellow.

 

is exetel a good NBN Australia retail service provider (RSP)

Exetel is a budget-friendly NBN retail service provider (RSP) in Australia, but whether it's "good" depends on your priorities. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros of Exetel:

  1. Affordable Pricing

    • Exetel often offers competitive pricing, especially for lower-tier plans.

    • Frequent promotions (e.g., discounted rates for the first 6–12 months).

  2. No Lock-in Contracts

    • Most plans are month-to-month, allowing flexibility.

  3. Good Performance on Lower Tiers

    • Suitable for light users (browsing, streaming, small households).

  4. Self-Service Options

    • Online account management is straightforward.

  5. No Excess Usage Charges

    • Unlike some budget providers, Exetel doesn’t charge extra if you exceed data limits (plans are unlimited).

Cons of Exetel:

  1. Customer Support Issues

    • Mixed reviews on support responsiveness (long wait times, offshore support).

    • Limited phone support hours compared to larger RSPs like Telstra or Aussie Broadband.

  2. Network Congestion Risk

    • As a budget provider, Exetel may have higher contention ratios during peak times, leading to slower speeds.

  3. Limited Premium Features

    • No free Wi-Fi modem (unlike TPG or Optus).

    • Fewer perks (e.g., no streaming subscriptions bundled).

  4. Speed Variability

    • Some users report inconsistent speeds, especially on cheaper plans.

Who Should Consider Exetel?

  • Budget-conscious users who want a no-frills NBN plan.

  • Light to moderate internet users (not heavy gamers or 4K streamers).

  • Those who don’t need top-tier customer support.

Alternatives to Consider:

  • Aussie Broadband (better support, reliable speeds).

  • Superloop (good performance, competitive pricing).

  • Telstra/Optus (premium support but more expensive).

Verdict:

Exetel is decent if you prioritize price over performance and support. However, if you need consistent speeds, better service, or premium features, consider paying slightly more for a mid-tier provider like Aussie Broadband or Superloop.

 

is spintel a good NBN Australia retail service provider (RSP)

Spintel is a budget-friendly NBN Retail Service Provider (RSP) in Australia, but its quality depends on your needs. Here’s a balanced review:

✅ Pros of Spintel:

  1. Cheap Plans

    • One of the most affordable NBN providers, especially for basic speeds (NBN 12, 25, 50).

    • Often has promotions (e.g., first 6 months discounted).

  2. No Lock-in Contracts

    • Most plans are month-to-month, giving flexibility.

  3. Unlimited Data

    • No excess charges, even on cheaper plans.

  4. Australian-Based Support (During Business Hours)

    • Unlike some budget providers, Spintel has local call centers (9 AM–5 PM AEST).

  5. Self-Service Options

    • Online account management is simple.

❌ Cons of Spintel:

  1. Mixed Customer Support Reviews

    • Some users report slow responses outside business hours.

    • Limited phone support (weekdays only).

  2. Potential Network Congestion

    • As a low-cost provider, Spintel may have higher contention ratios, leading to slower speeds during peak times (7–11 PM).

  3. Limited High-Speed Plan Options

    • Not the best choice for NBN 100 or NBN 250/1000 if you want consistent performance.

  4. No Free Modem

    • You may need to buy or rent a modem (unlike some competitors like TPG).

  5. Slow Fault Resolution

    • Some users report delays in fixing connection issues.

Who Should Consider Spintel?

✔ Budget-focused users who want the cheapest possible NBN.
✔ Light internet users (browsing, emails, occasional streaming).
✔ Those who don’t need premium support or ultra-fast speeds.

Who Should Avoid Spintel?

❌ Gamers or 4K streamers (risk of peak-time slowdowns).
❌ Households with heavy internet usage (better options like Aussie Broadband or Superloop).
❌ People who prioritize customer service (consider Aussie Broadband or Telstra).

Alternatives to Spintel:

Provider
Price Range
Best For

Aussie Broadband
Mid-high
Reliability & support

Superloop
Mid
Speed & value

Exetel
Budget
Cheap but better than Spintel

TPG
Budget-mid
Free modem & decent speeds

Final Verdict:

Spintel is a decent budget option if you want the cheapest NBN and don’t need high performance. However, if you can spend slightly more, Exetel, Superloop, or TPG offer better value with fewer compromise

 

is launtel a good NBN Australia retail service provider (RSP)

Launtel is a premium, high-performance NBN provider with a unique daily billing model, making it ideal for users who prioritize flexibility, speed, and reliability. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

✅ Pros of Launtel

1. ⚡ Best Performance in Australia

  • Consistently ranks #1 for speed and low latency (independent testing by ACCC, WhistleOut).

  • Uses high-quality CVC (backhaul) provisioning, meaning minimal congestion even during peak hours.

  • Excellent for gaming, 4K streaming, and WFH.

2. Unique Daily Billing (Pay-As-You-Go)

  • Change speeds or pause service daily (great for travellers or temporary needs).

  • No lock-in contracts; billed only for the days you use.

3. ️ Premium Support & Transparency

  • Australian-based, highly responsive support (rare for smaller ISPs).

  • Real-time network monitoring (you can see if issues are NBN-wide or Launtel-specific).

4. Gamers & Power Users Love It

  • Lowest latency among Australian ISPs.

  • Static IP included (great for hosting servers, VPNs).

5. Top-Tier Network Infrastructure

  • Uses Aussie Broadband’s high-quality network (but with better configurability).

❌ Cons of Launtel

1. Expensive (Premium Pricing)

  • Most expensive NBN provider (e.g., NBN 1000 costs ~$150/month).

  • Daily billing can add up if you don’t adjust plans frequently.

2. ‍♂️ Not Ideal for Casual Users

  • Overkill if you just browse/email.

  • No bundled extras (e.g., no free modem, no streaming subscriptions).

3. Requires Active Management

  • If you forget to downgrade/pause, you’ll keep paying for a high-tier plan.

Who Should Choose Launtel?

✔ Gamers (lowest ping, no lag).
✔ WFH professionals (Zoom/cloud without drops).
✔ Tech-savvy users who want control over their connection.
✔ Temporary users (e.g., renters, travellers).

Who Should Avoid Launtel?

❌ Budget users (cheaper options like Exetel or TPG).
❌ Casual users (no need for premium speeds).
❌ Those who want "set and forget" plans.

Best Alternatives to Launtel

Provider
Best For
Price Range

Aussie Broadband
Best all-rounder (great support)
$$

Superloop
Speed-focused, good value
$$

Leaptel
Low latency, good pricing
$$

Exetel
Budget-friendly
$

Final Verdict: Is Launtel Worth It?

✅ YES if:

  • You need the fastest, most reliable NBN.

  • You’re a gamer, streamer, or WFH professional.

  • You like flexibility and control over your plan.

❌ NO if:

  • You want the cheapest NBN.

  • You don’t need ultra-low latency.

  • You prefer a simple, fixed monthly plan.

Recommendation: If you can afford it, Launtel is the best-performing NBN provider in Australia. But if you’re on a budget, Aussie Broadband or Superloop are great alternatives.

 

Is Leaptel a Good NBN Provider in Australia?

Leaptel is a highly regarded mid-tier NBN provider known for its excellent performance, low latency, and strong customer support. It’s a great alternative to premium ISPs like Aussie Broadband and Launtel but at a slightly lower price. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

✅ Pros of Leaptel

1. ⚡ Excellent Performance & Low Latency

  • Consistently top-ranked for speed and reliability (similar to Aussie Broadband and Superloop).

  • Great for gaming, 4K streaming, and video calls due to low congestion.

  • Uses high-quality CVC (backhaul) provisioning to avoid peak-time slowdowns.

2. Competitive Pricing (Better Value Than Aussie BB)

  • Slightly cheaper than Aussie Broadband for similar performance.

  • No long-term contracts (month-to-month plans).

3. ️ Reliable Australian-Based Support

  • Local customer service with good responsiveness (better than budget ISPs like Spintel or Exetel).

  • Helpful for troubleshooting connection issues.

4. Gamer-Friendly Features

  • Static IP included for free (useful for hosting servers, VPNs, or gaming).

  • Low ping times, making it a strong choice for competitive gaming.

5. Transparent Network Management

  • Provides real-time usage stats and network status updates.

  • No sneaky throttling or hidden slowdowns.

❌ Cons of Leaptel

1. ❗ Limited Plan Variety

  • Doesn’t offer NBN 250/1000 (Ultrafast) plans in all areas (check availability first).

  • Fewer bundled perks (e.g., no free modem or streaming subscriptions).

2. Less Brand Recognition

  • Smaller provider compared to Telstra, TPG, or Aussie Broadband.

  • Fewer physical stores (online-only support).

3. ⏳ No Short-Term Flexibility (Unlike Launtel)

  • No daily billing option (Launtel offers this).

  • Less suitable for temporary users.

Who Should Choose Leaptel?

✔ Gamers & streamers who want low latency and reliability.
✔ WFH professionals needing a stable connection for Zoom/cloud work.
✔ Tech-savvy users who value transparency and performance.
✔ Those wanting a balance of price and quality (better than budget ISPs but cheaper than Launtel).

Who Should Avoid Leaptel?

❌ Users needing NBN 1000 (Gigabit) speeds (check availability).
❌ Those who want bundled extras (e.g., free modem, Netflix).
❌ Casual users on a tight budget (cheaper options like Exetel exist).

Best Alternatives to Leaptel

Provider
Best For
Price Range

Aussie Broadband
Best all-rounder (premium support)
$$

Superloop
Speed-focused, good value
$$

Launtel
Best performance (but expensive)
$$$

Exetel
Budget-friendly
$

Final Verdict: Is Leaptel Worth It?

✅ YES if:

  • You want high performance without paying premium prices (e.g., Aussie Broadband).

  • You’re a gamer, streamer, or WFH professional.

  • You prefer a no-nonsense, reliable ISP with good support.

❌ NO if:

  • You need NBN 1000 (Gigabit) speeds (check coverage first).

  • You want freebies like a modem or streaming subscriptions.

  • You’re on a very tight budget (consider Exetel or TPG).

Recommendation: If you want better-than-average speeds, low latency, and good support at a fair price, Leaptel is an excellent choice. However, if you need ultra-fast gigabit speeds or more bundled perks, consider Superloop or Aussie Broadband.

 

Is Aussie Broadband a Good NBN Provider in Australia?

Short answer: Yes – Aussie Broadband is one of the best NBN providers in Australia, particularly if you value reliability, customer service, and transparency. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

✅ Pros of Aussie Broadband

1. Excellent Performance & Reliability

  • Consistently ranks among the fastest and most stable NBN providers (ACCC reports, WhistleOut tests).

  • Minimal congestion due to high CVC (backhaul) provisioning (unlike budget ISPs).

  • Great for 4K streaming, gaming, and WFH.

2. Outstanding Australian-Based Support

  • 24/7 phone and chat support with short wait times (unlike many budget ISPs).

  • Helpful, knowledgeable staff (no frustrating offshore call centers).

3. Transparent Network Management

  • Public live network status page (shows outages and maintenance).

  • No hidden throttling or sneaky slowdowns.

4. Gamer & Power-User Friendly

  • Low latency (great for online gaming, video calls).

  • Static IP available (useful for hosting servers/VPNs).

5. No Lock-in Contracts

  • Month-to-month flexibility.

❌ Cons of Aussie Broadband

1. Slightly More Expensive Than Budget ISPs

  • Not the cheapest (e.g., NBN 50 starts at ~$79/month vs. $65–$70 with Exetel/Spintel).

  • No free modem (unlike TPG/Optus).

2. Limited 5G Home Internet Options

  • Focuses on NBN (unlike Telstra/Optus, which offer 5G alternatives).

3. No Major Bundled Extras

  • No free subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Binge) like some competitors.

Who Should Choose Aussie Broadband?

✔ Gamers (low ping, stable connection).
✔ WFH professionals (Zoom/cloud without drops).
✔ Households with heavy internet usage (4K streaming, multiple devices).
✔ Those who value customer service and reliability over price.

Who Should Avoid Aussie Broadband?

❌ Extreme budget seekers (cheaper options like Exetel exist).
❌ Users who want freebies (modem, streaming bundles).
❌ Those in areas with poor NBN infrastructure (Aussie can’t fix NBN’s physical issues).

Best Alternatives to Aussie Broadband

Provider
Best For
Price Range

Superloop
Similar performance, slightly cheaper
$$

Leaptel
Low latency, good value
$$

Launtel
Best performance (but expensive)
$$$

Exetel/TPG
Budget-friendly
$

Final Verdict: Is Aussie Broadband Worth It?

✅ YES if:

  • You want the best mix of speed, reliability, and support.

  • You’re willing to pay a little extra for quality service.

  • You hate dealing with bad customer support.

❌ NO if:

  • You’re on a very tight budget (consider Exetel or TPG).

  • You want freebies like a modem or streaming subscriptions.

Recommendation: If you can afford it, Aussie Broadband is one of the best choices for NBN in Australia. If you want similar performance for slightly less, try Superloop or Leaptel.

AI-generated, for reference only

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