I am looking into changing my current Telstra ADSL plan from 2016 to an NBN-ready plan (currently don't have it installed in my area and with Covid-19, don't expect it for a few more months). As an existing customer with Telstra, I have to pay an extra $9 a month for their Modem, but if I was a new customer I would get it included with the plan.
I was wondering if there is an alternative modem that can be purchased to avoid paying an extra $9.
Have you tried asking Telstra if they'll send you a free modem, I switched from telstra cable to NBN a few months ago and they happily sent me a new modem for free.