Staying connected and banking safely matters every day — not just when you travel. This guide walks over-60 Victorians through the real options for cheaper internet and mobile plans, sensible landline decisions, and practical steps to keep your money safer, including who to call and what settings to change today.
Why this matters more than you might think
For many over-60s in regional Victoria, reliable internet and a working phone are not luxuries — they are the connection to family, health appointments, banking, and the kind of practical travel planning that makes a solo or group trip actually work. Yet a surprising number of people in this age group are either overpaying for plans they chose years ago, or underusing concessions they are already entitled to.
The telecommunications and banking landscape has shifted considerably. NBN has replaced most fixed-line copper broadband. Many banks have closed regional branches. Scams targeting older Australians have grown more sophisticated. None of this is cause for alarm, but it does mean the setup that served you well in 2018 may need a quiet review in 2026.
This guide does not tell you which specific plan to choose — offers change frequently and what suits one household will not suit another. What it does is explain the categories to look for, the questions to ask, and the official places to go for current, accurate information. For anything involving significant financial decisions, always speak with a qualified financial counsellor or adviser.
Cheaper internet/phone plans for seniors — who offers what?
There is no single government-mandated 'seniors NBN rate' in Australia, but a number of telecommunications providers do offer lower-cost plans that are worth knowing about. These tend to fall into a few categories: discounted plans specifically marketed to pensioner or concession card holders, entry-level NBN speed tiers at reduced monthly rates, and bundled deals that combine home internet with a mobile service. The eligibility and pricing for all of these change regularly, so the approach is to know the categories and ask directly.
When contacting a provider, the useful questions are: 'Do you have a concession or pensioner plan?', 'What is your lowest NBN speed tier and what does it cost monthly?', and 'Is there a no-lock-in contract option?' NBN 12 (the entry-level speed) is adequate for email, video calls, streaming standard-definition video and general browsing for one or two people. If you are regularly streaming high-definition content or have several people on the connection, NBN 25 or NBN 50 may be more appropriate — but many older single-person households are paying for speeds they simply do not need.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) at accan.org.au publishes plain-English guides on comparing telco plans and your rights as a consumer. Independent comparison websites such as comparebroadband.com.au allow you to filter by NBN speed and price, though always confirm details directly with the provider before signing up. If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, mention this when enquiring — not every provider advertises concession pricing prominently, but some will apply it when asked.
Mobile plans: what to look for as an older traveller
For a 66-year-old based in regional Victoria who travels with friends, mobile coverage and simplicity often matter more than data volume. The three main network operators in Australia are Telstra, Optus and TPG (which includes Vodafone). Regional coverage in Victoria is strongest on Telstra's network, which is worth factoring in if you travel beyond major towns. Many smaller providers — sometimes called MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators — resell capacity on these networks at lower prices, often with no lock-in contracts.
Look for SIM-only, month-to-month plans if you already have a handset you are happy with. These are generally the most cost-effective option for people who do not need the latest phone. Indicative monthly costs for a basic plan with enough data for calls, texts and light internet use tend to start at around $10–$30 per month, but confirm current pricing with providers as these figures shift. Some providers offer 'basic' or 'essentials' plans with smaller data allowances at reduced prices — these can suit travellers who mainly use Wi-Fi at home and only need mobile data occasionally.
If you find yourself confused by plan comparisons, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) at tio.com.au is the independent body that handles complaints, and their website also has consumer information. ACCAN's website is another reliable starting point for unbiased guidance. It is worth ringing a provider's customer service line and simply explaining your usage: how many calls you make, whether you use data heavily, and whether you travel regionally. A straightforward conversation often surfaces options that do not appear on the website.
Keeping a landline: sensible questions to ask yourself
The question of whether to keep a home landline is a genuinely personal one, and there is no universal right answer for older Australians. For some, particularly those in regional areas or with family members who prefer calling a landline, it remains worthwhile. For others, it is a bill that has outlived its purpose. What has changed is that since the shift to NBN, a traditional copper landline is no longer automatically part of the service — you now need to actively choose a voice-over-internet (VoIP) option if you want a home phone number.
If you do want to keep a home phone number, ask your internet provider whether they include a VoIP home phone service in their plan, or whether it costs extra. Some providers bundle it at no additional charge; others charge a monthly add-on. If your mobile coverage at home is reliable, you may find a mobile-only setup works perfectly well and removes one bill entirely. The key practical consideration is: what happens during a power outage? VoIP phones and mobile phones both require power or charged batteries, whereas the old copper landline worked even when the power was out. For people who live alone in areas prone to outages, this is worth factoring in.
If you are unsure what you currently have or what it costs, your phone or internet bill will show this. Calling your provider and asking them to explain your current services and what alternatives exist is a completely reasonable thing to do — you do not need to be a technology expert to have that conversation.
What are safe banking and phone plans for seniors?
Safe banking for seniors is not a single product — it is a combination of account settings, habits and knowing who to contact when something feels wrong. Most major Australian banks have dedicated seniors or accessibility phone lines, and some offer in-branch assistance specifically for older customers navigating digital banking. If your bank has a local branch, it is worth visiting in person to ask what support services they provide for older customers. If branches have closed in your area, ask your bank whether they offer a 'bank@post' service through Australia Post — this allows basic transactions at many post offices, which are more likely to remain in regional towns.
On the account settings side, there are several practical steps worth taking regardless of which bank you use. Ask your bank about transaction limits — many accounts allow you to set a daily limit on transfers or card payments, which can limit the damage if a scammer gains access. Check whether your account has two-factor authentication enabled for online banking; this means a code is sent to your mobile before a login or transfer is approved. Ask about the option to receive SMS or email alerts for transactions above a certain amount. None of these are foolproof, but together they create meaningful friction for anyone attempting to misuse your account.
The Australian Banking Association at ausbanking.org.au publishes consumer guidance on banking safely, and the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) and Services Australia both have information relevant to older Australians managing finances. If you are ever uncertain whether a call, email or text from your 'bank' is genuine, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on their official website — never use a number provided in the suspicious message.
Protecting yourself from scams: practical steps
Scams targeting older Australians are well-documented and growing in sophistication. The ACCC's Scamwatch service at scamwatch.gov.au is the official place to report scams and to read about current methods being used. In 2025 and into 2026, common approaches include phone calls impersonating banks or government agencies (including the ATO and myGov), text messages with links to fake login pages, and increasingly convincing email phishing. Knowing the pattern matters: legitimate banks and government agencies will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time codes over the phone or by email.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) at cyber.gov.au offers plain-English guidance on protecting yourself online, including how to set up secure passwords and what to do if you think your details have been compromised. For older Australians who want hands-on help, the Be Connected program — a federal government initiative at beconnected.esafety.gov.au — offers free digital literacy support including in-person sessions at libraries and community centres across regional Victoria. This is a genuinely useful resource for anyone who feels their online confidence could use a refresh.
If something does go wrong — a suspicious transaction, an unexpected account change, or a call that felt off — act quickly. Call your bank directly using the official number, ask them to review recent activity, and if necessary ask them to temporarily freeze the account. Report the incident to Scamwatch. If you have lost money, contact IDCARE at idcare.org, which is Australia's national identity and cyber support service and provides free, confidential help. You do not need to feel embarrassed — these scams are sophisticated and affect people of all backgrounds and ages.
Concession cards and government support: where to check
Several government concessions relevant to communications and services are tied to concession card status — specifically the Pensioner Concession Card and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, both administered through Services Australia. The eligibility criteria and income thresholds for these cards are reviewed periodically, so rather than quoting figures that may have changed, the reliable approach is to visit servicesaustralia.gov.au or call Services Australia on 132 300 to ask about current eligibility for your situation.
In Victoria, the state government also administers a range of concessions for eligible card holders, including the Utility Relief Grant Scheme and concessions on some utility bills. The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing maintains a concessions information page at services.dffh.vic.gov.au where you can check what you may be entitled to. It is worth doing this check even if you think you already know — eligibility thresholds are adjusted and new concessions are added over time.
For those who find navigating government websites difficult, the Seniors Rights Victoria service at seniorsrights.org.au provides free information and support for older Victorians, including help understanding entitlements. Financial counsellors — who are free to access through the National Debt Helpline at ndh.org.au on 1800 007 007 — can also help you work through your overall financial picture and identify concessions or supports you may not be using. This guide provides general information only; for decisions specific to your circumstances, professional advice is always the right call.
Key takeaways
- There is no single government-mandated seniors NBN rate, but many providers offer concession or low-cost plans — ask directly and mention your concession card.
- NBN 12, the entry-level speed tier, is adequate for most single-person households doing email, video calls and standard streaming.
- Keeping a landline now requires an active choice — ask your internet provider about VoIP options and weigh up the power-outage consideration if you live alone.
- Ask your bank about daily transaction limits, two-factor authentication and transaction alerts — these three settings together reduce your exposure to account fraud.
- If you receive a suspicious call or message from your 'bank', hang up and call the bank directly using the number on the back of your card.
- The Be Connected program offers free, in-person digital literacy support at libraries and community centres across regional Victoria — worth knowing about.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheaper internet/phone plans for seniors — who offers what?
No single government-mandated seniors internet rate exists in Australia, but a number of providers offer discounted plans for concession card holders or low-cost entry-level NBN speed tiers. The categories to ask about are: pensioner or concession card plans, NBN 12 (the lowest speed tier), SIM-only month-to-month mobile plans, and bundled home-and-mobile deals. Eligibility and pricing change regularly, so contact providers directly, mention your concession card status, and use independent comparison sites such as comparebroadband.com.au alongside guidance from ACCAN at accan.org.au to compare options before committing.
What are safe banking and phone plans for seniors?
Safe banking for seniors is a combination of account settings and habits rather than a single product. Key steps include setting a daily transaction limit on your account, enabling two-factor authentication for online banking, and turning on SMS or email alerts for transactions above a threshold — ask your bank how to do each of these. Most major Australian banks have dedicated seniors or accessibility phone lines, and many regional customers can use Australia Post's bank@post service for basic transactions. For phone plans, a simple SIM-only month-to-month plan with enough data for your actual usage is generally the most cost-effective approach; ACCAN at accan.org.au provides unbiased comparison guidance.
Do I need to keep a home landline if I have a mobile?
Not necessarily, but the decision depends on your situation. If your mobile coverage at home is reliable and your family and contacts are comfortable calling your mobile, many people find they no longer need a home phone. If you do want to keep a home number, you will need to choose a VoIP (voice-over-internet) option through your internet provider, as the old copper landline has been phased out in most areas with the NBN rollout. One practical consideration: VoIP and mobile phones both need power, so if you live alone in an area prone to power outages, discuss backup options with your provider.
What should I do if I think I have been scammed or my bank account has been accessed?
Act quickly: call your bank directly using the number printed on the back of your card or on their official website — not any number provided in a suspicious message. Ask them to review recent transactions and, if necessary, temporarily freeze the account. Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. If you have lost money or personal information, contact IDCARE at idcare.org, which is Australia's free national identity and cyber support service. You do not need to feel embarrassed — these scams are highly sophisticated and affect people across all age groups.
How do I find out what government concessions I am currently entitled to?
The most reliable approach is to check directly with Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 300, as eligibility thresholds and available concessions are updated periodically and quoting specific figures risks being out of date. In Victoria, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing maintains a concessions information page at services.dffh.vic.gov.au. Free financial counsellors are available through the National Debt Helpline at ndh.org.au on 1800 007 007 and can help you identify entitlements relevant to your circumstances. Seniors Rights Victoria at seniorsrights.org.au also provides free support for older Victorians navigating entitlements.
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- ACCAN — Australian Communications Consumer Action Network
- Scamwatch — Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
- Services Australia — Concessions and cards
- Be Connected — eSafety Commissioner digital literacy program
- Australian Cyber Security Centre
- IDCARE — National Identity and Cyber Support Service
- Seniors Rights Victoria
- National Debt Helpline — Free financial counselling
- Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
- Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing — Concessions
- Australian Banking Association — Consumer guidance
