The entertainment options in your new home could be different to your current set-up. Maybe your new house doesn’t have a satellite dish to access your favourite Foxtel shows, or maybe your new NBN connection won’t allow you to access your usual 8K content.
But don’t despair! Before you start spending money on upgrading your new house, read our guide to streaming services and subscription TV to find some useful tips and tricks to make the most of what you’ve got. You might find you don’t need to pay for those expensive changes after all.
On this page
- What is the difference between subscription TV and streaming services?
- How much data does Netflix use?
- How do I compare NBN plans for my home entertainment?
- What are the best internet plans for Pay TV?
What is the difference between subscription TV and streaming services?
The concept of subscription TV and streaming services is the same – to bring you additional or exclusive content that you cannot access on free-to-air television. Originally, the idea was to also provide ad-free content, although this has now changed on some services.
The key difference between the two options is the way that you access the content in your home.
- Subscription TV is accessed through cables and/or satellite services and uses a set-top box to allow you to view the content on your television. Television channels run on a schedule, in the same way as free-to-air channels.
Nowadays, most subscription TV providers also have a complementary streaming service to allow you to watch the same content on your smart device and on demand.
The biggest subscription TV provider in Australia is Foxtel.
- Streaming services are accessed through your internet connection and are entirely on demand, although some do now include live content such as sports coverage. You can watch them on your smart TV or through an app on your smartphone, iPad, tablet or computer.
The biggest streaming platforms in Australia are Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Apple TV and Paramount+, with more arriving every day!
How much data does Netflix use?
If you have decided on a streaming service like Netflix, you will need to connect a broadband plan with sufficient data limits to enjoy your viewing experience. Your streaming service will give you the option to choose the quality you want to view your content in – the higher the quality, the more data you need.
The table below is a guide to show you how much data you can expect to use.
| Streaming quality | Gb per hour |
| Standard definition | 1 |
| High definition | 3 |
| Ultra-high definition (4K or 8K) | 7 |
If you are using NBN or 5G internet, then you will find that most plans come with unlimited data. However, if you only watch a small amount of standard definition content, you can find the cheapest NBN plans come with capped data limits to save you money.
How do I compare NBN plans for my home entertainment?
When you look for the best internet plans for your entertainment needs, there are several things you should take into consideration to save you money and make sure you have the viewing experience you want.
- Choose the right speed – faster internet plans cost more money, so if you only have a standard definition Netflix account, don’t waste money paying for an ultra-fast NBN plan that you don’t need. Similarly, if you only watch shows on one TV or device, don’t pay more for a fast plan that is only necessary for connecting multiple devices to Pay TV Australia simultaneously.
- Choose the right payment terms – a 12 or 24-month contract often gives you access to a lower monthly cost, however, you will be subject to exit fees if you need to leave your plan early. This is a big consideration for renters. If you need more flexible options, a month-to-month plan is a safer option.
- Bundle your internet and entertainment – Foxtel, Optus and a number of big players offer plans with entertainment and internet bundled together, which can often work out a lot cheaper than paying for the services separately.
What are the best internet plans for Pay TV?
When you connect PayTV, finding the best internet plans can not only save you money but make your viewing experience more enjoyable as well.
We have chosen some of our favourite plans, including some affordable bundle options. Take a look at the table below to see what’s on the market for your home.
| Provider | Cost per month | Bundle | Contract type |
| Foxtel Unlimited Broadband + Platinum Plus (including Netflix) | $187 | Entertainment + internet | 12-month plan |
| Optus 5G Internet Entertainer Superfast (including Netflix) | $99 | Entertainment + internet | Month-to-month plan |
| iiNet NBN bundle with Fetch TV* | $74.99 | Entertainment + internet | Month-to-month plan |
| Belong 95Mbps NBN plan | $90 | Internet only | Month-to-month plan |
*Fetch TV is available as a bundle with several internet providers including iPrimus, Aussie Broadband, Westnet and Internode. Talk to a CheapBills expert about the best NBN plans for your home.
Next steps
If you are moving house, it’s never too early to start planning your internet and Pay TV plans. With so many options, it’s important to consider how your family consumes entertainment, to make sure you match with the perfect plan.
Some key things to think about are if you want a contract vs a month-to-month plan if you want to use your internet data or connect via cable/satellite TV, if you are happy with ads or would prefer an ad-free service and if you want to watch shows and movies on demand.
Don’t spend hours doing all the research yourself – talk to an expert at Move-In Connect and we will do the hard work for you! As well as finding you a Pay TV Australia option and the best internet plans, our experienced moving utilities services will compare electricity plans to save you even more on your energy bills.
To connect now call Move-In Connect on 1300 786 045 or enter your details online.
