In December last year, Internode switched from a tiered plan structure to a single option for its naked broadband offering -- 1000GB for $69.99. While a massive shift from Internode's modus operandi, it syncs with quasi-owner iiNet's plans, so no real surprises there. However, current Internode users looking to change their plans, it does come with a caveat -- all content is metered.

Telstra is expanding the data allocations for its fixed line broadband customers, but it may take some time to affect you if you're a Telstra customer, and it's not entirely clear how much more quota you'll get.

Belong is the brand Telstra uses as a no-frills broadband provider -- think of it as the month-by-month Jetstar to Telstra's contract Qantas. The original plans Belong offered were thoroughly underwhelming. Now it has increased its data allowances, but there are still better value plans out there.

Dear Lifehacker, My home connection is meant to be ADSL2+, but I have never exceeded 5.0Mb/s for downloads. My ISP tells me that is all the speed I can expect living 3.6 km from exchange. Is that true? Am I right in thinking that going through a VPN my download speed would be much worse? And can I do anything other than wait for that very elusive NBN?

We're not keen on having to sign long-term contracts for broadband or phone plans. New broadband reseller Tomi offers a pay-as-you-go approach, an unlimited deal, and the option of pausing your account.

Hi Lifehacker, I've recently moved to a town in Queensland that has no available ports for ADSL in the nearest exchange. I'm paying too much for a Wi-Fi hotspot and am scared of using it as I'm charged for every MB over my miniscule data allowance. What other options are there? How long might I have to wait?

Dear Lifehacker, I'm a developer transitioning to working for myself from home, but my Internode ADSL is no longer up to scratch. I used to get 3.5Mpbs, now I'm below 1.5Mbps due to the declining quality of my line which Telstra refuses to fix.

Hey Lifehacker, I live in Adelaide and don't have access to ADSL in my area, but I want to back up my data online. What's the best way to upload 50 or 60GB of data to Google Drive or Dropbox?

There was a time when unlimited broadband plans proliferated, but these days your choices if you want a truly unlimited connection are relatively limited. Planhacker rounds up what's still on offer for NBN and ADSL2 customers.

Internode has launched a set of new Combo plans, which combine ADSL, Fetch TV Lite, a mobile SIM and a home phone line in a single package. What do they cost and are they worth it?

Dear Lifehacker, After 30 years, my parents are moving house. They live in northern NSW and have had access to ADSL2 services, but unfortunately are moving to an address that is five kilometres away from the exchange. No ADSL for them! What are their options for wireless broadband?

If you're a heavy internet user, getting shaped at the end of the month can be a major nuisance, and no-one wants to pay a fortune for excess data. The solution is an unlimited broadband plan, but what choices do you have? Planhacker rounds up all the unlimited ADSL2+ deals.

The integration of iiNet and Internode continues. The latest development? Internode is offering its Easy Broadband plans through another 242 iiNet-equipped DSLAMs, further reducing its dependence on reselling ADSL services sourced through Telstra.

The annual Communications Report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority offers a wealth of statistics about how we get online and what we do when we get there. Here are the seven which stuck out for us.

For early adopters like Lifehacker readers, average numbers make surprising and depressing reading. So just as people were astonished to learn that the average Aussie only downloads 6GB a month, I suspect a study suggesting that the average download speed in Australia is just 384Kbps will be greeted with hoots of astonishment.

Hey Lifehacker dudes! I have been looking at some new internet plans and I have come across some "off-net" plans (specifically with TPG). I was wondering: what exactly is "off-net", and why is it so much cheaper than normal? Thanks, Net Of Confusion

Residents of major cities are used to the idea that they will have a range of broadband options to choose from. However, Internode's newly-announced ADSL2+ service in Alice Springs is the first non-Telstra service option to be offered.

Having trimmed back its main range of broadband plans in February, Internode is now further tweaking its offerings. The big changes? $10 of bundled voice credit with all of its Easy Naked plans and a trimming back of the options on the Easy Reach plan (which essentially resells Telstra network access).

Most Australians only use 6GB of data a month, but if you're in the group who consume 100GB or more, then an "unlimited" broadband plan can be appealing. Here's what's available in the unlimited space on an ADSL2+ connection.