NBN Home Phone Plans: Calls, Equipment and Switching Checks

NBN home phone plans need a different comparison from internet-only plans. You may care more about keeping a familiar number, reliable incoming calls or an alarm connection than about the fastest download speed. Start with those needs, then compare the complete cost and the equipment required to make the phone work.

Quick answer

Compare NBN home phone plans by the complete internet-and-voice cost, included call types, number-transfer support and compatible equipment. A phone socket on a router does not guarantee service with every provider. Check power-outage limitations and any medical alarm requirements before switching, because an NBN-connected phone may not work when local or network power fails.

NBN home phone plans: check that voice is actually supplied

An NBN internet connection does not automatically include a voice service. A provider may bundle it, sell it as an add-on or offer only internet on a particular plan. Confirm whether you receive a phone number, incoming calls and outgoing calls, and whether call charges are separate.

Many home-phone services use voice over internet protocol, usually shortened to VoIP. The connection and required powered equipment become part of the phone setup. Do not assume it behaves like an older copper phone service simply because you keep the same handset or number.

Ask the provider to describe the setup for your actual NBN technology. The appropriate ports, modem or router and any separate adaptor depend on the service. Follow its instructions rather than connecting a phone to whichever socket looks familiar.

Compare the whole monthly cost

Add internet, voice access, call packs, equipment payments and other recurring charges. If a provider advertises a cheap phone add-on attached to a more expensive broadband plan, compare the combined amount with the other complete option.

Keep promotional and standard prices separate. If a call pack is discounted for a limited period, calculate the cost after that period as well. A comparison should reflect the way you expect to use the service beyond the first bill.

Do you need a call pack?

Look at recent outgoing-call records, not just whether you like having a home phone. A household that mainly receives calls may have different needs from one making daily national and mobile calls. Ask whether pay-as-you-go calls are available and what each relevant type costs.

For an invented example, a $10 monthly call pack costs $120 annually. If the calls you actually make would cost $6 a month without it, the pack would add $48 over a year on those assumptions. If your call pattern changes, the result changes too.

Do not use that arithmetic without checking connection fees, timed charging, rounding and destinations. “Unlimited” usually refers to specified call types under stated conditions. Calls to excluded numbers can still produce a bill.

Equipment compatibility is a purchase decision

A phone socket on a router does not prove that the device will work with your chosen voice service. Ask whether the provider supplies a configured device, supports bring-your-own equipment or requires particular settings. Check who will help if internet works but voice does not.

Aussie Broadband’s VoIP settings page is an example of a provider publishing configuration requirements for compatible equipment. That does not establish that another provider will release the same details or support the same devices. Confirm before carrying an old router across.

If buying a new handset or adaptor, get the requirements in writing first. A modest monthly saving can disappear if the switch unexpectedly requires new equipment. Include delivery and any obligation to return the old provider’s modem.

Keep the number transfer separate from internet activation

ACMA explains that you can usually transfer an active local number, but the receiving telco needs to accept the port. Ask before signing, especially if moving to a different area or changing the type of voice service.

The broadband connection may start working before the phone number has transferred. Do not cancel the old phone service merely because a laptop can get online with the new provider. Aussie Broadband’s transfer guide specifically warns against cancelling the existing account before the port succeeds.

Use our landline transfer checklist for the sequence. Keep the account holder and number details accurate, then test incoming and outgoing calls once the provider confirms completion.

Understand power-outage limitations

NBN’s blackout guidance describes different power dependencies across connection technologies. Your router, connection equipment, handset base and parts of the network may require power. Keeping one device powered does not guarantee the full path remains available.

A cordless handset can also depend on a powered base even if the handset itself has a charged battery. Ask the provider what works with the exact equipment and service you have, including any battery-backup limitations. Do not assume a modem’s mobile backup automatically supports home-phone calling.

Consider a charged mobile phone and an appropriate contingency plan, but remember mobile networks can also be affected by coverage limitations and outages. If reliable access is medically important, discuss suitable services and support directly with the provider rather than relying on a general broadband comparison.

Medical alarms and other connected equipment

Contact the equipment provider before changing any service used by a medical alarm, monitored security system or other specialised device. Ask whether it is compatible, how it communicates and what happens during local or network power failure.

Do not assume that plugging it into a phone port and hearing a dial tone is an adequate test. Arrange any testing through the equipment provider’s procedure. If a household member relies on the device, agree on continuity before scheduling the broadband transfer.

Ask the telco about any relevant assistance arrangements and eligibility. A generic plan comparison cannot verify an individual medical requirement or promise uninterrupted service. Those needs should take priority over a small difference in monthly cost.

Consider support and accessibility

Think about who will use the phone and who will manage the account. Is the handset easy to hear and operate? Can the account holder reach support through a suitable channel? Will someone be available if a technician visit or equipment change is required?

If helping a relative, use the telco’s authorised-representative process instead of sharing passwords. Keep simple instructions for restarting equipment only as directed by the provider, locating account details and reporting a fault. Avoid unnecessary changes to a familiar setup without explaining them.

Check voicemail, caller identification, unlisted-number settings and any other features the household uses. A transferred number does not automatically mean every old feature or saved voicemail transfers with it.

Test the new service methodically

After the provider confirms activation and port completion, make an ordinary outgoing call and call the home number from another phone. Check that the correct number appears where caller identification is expected and that incoming calls reach the intended handset.

Test voicemail and other required features through the provider’s instructions. Arrange specialised alarm testing separately with its supplier. Never make a test call to an emergency number just to check the line.

Keep the old provider’s final invoice and the new service confirmation. If a feature is missing, report the specific symptom and time rather than repeatedly changing router settings. Clear fault information helps support distinguish number routing from local equipment problems.

Bring the comparison back to the household

You can compare internet plans once the voice requirements are clear. If you are also choosing a lower broadband tier, see our downgrade NBN guide and confirm that the provider’s voice service remains available on that option.

The suitable package is the one that meets the household’s calling, equipment and support needs at a reasonable total cost. A faster download figure or a cheap voice add-on alone does not answer those questions.

Sources and review

The CompareUs Editorial Team checked ACMA, NBN and Aussie Broadband material on 28 September 2026. No current plan prices are ranked here; the call-pack example is hypothetical. Confirm voice availability, compatibility and safety-related needs with the relevant providers.