We all rely on the internet as part of our daily lives. Whether it’s logging on in the morning to check our e-mail or just to read the news online, the internet has become a crucial element to getting through each day. In the last year and a half, it’s only been further emphasized by its need in the work-from-home environment in the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where the National Broadband Network, or NBN, has become more important than ever.
What is the NBN?
More Australians are turning to NBN plans to provide their home or office with the best internet service. The National Broadband Network is one of the country’s largest telecommunications infrastructure projects to date. It’s replacing the existing fixed-line network, providing a multi-technology mix designed to future-proof internet access. The ultimate aim of the NBN is to provide fast, reliable internet to each and every Australian. This means easier streaming, banking, and communication across all platforms.
The majority of the NBN network will be constructed of fiber-optic cables with Australia’s more remote areas being connected with wireless or satellite services. The best NBN plan operates successfully based on connection speed and the number of people in your household. Between mobile phones, laptops, and more, it’s important to understand the capabilities of the modem in your household, to get the best WiFi from your NBN network. A new NBN plan is expected to deliver speeds of about 100 megabits a second to more than 90 percent of Australian homes.
What are the speed tiers of the NBN?
To find the right NBN plan for your home, you’ll need to keep connection speed in mind. Most NBN services include speed available as 50/20, 100/20 or 1000/50 Megabits per second. Those numbers refer to the peak download and upload speeds per second. Retailers like Telstra and Vodafone will offer an NBN plan based on speed tiers. The most basic of packages, Home Basic I, is designed for sending e-mails and making phone calls. New customers can expect busy period speeds are generally below 12 Mbps if usage is minimal.
The upgraded version of that is Home Basic II, allowing for minimal users to browse the internet simultaneously. The next NBN plan is Home Standard, designed for the 3-4 person Australian household with HD streaming and large file transfer capabilities. Home Fast services operate at a typical evening speed of 60 Mbps, keeping consistency in bandwidth even at peak usage hours. Home Superfast reaches 150 Mbps, allowing for quick upload speed for large files. Finally, there’s Home Ultrafast, with the greatest speeds possible at all hours, capable to handle almost all technologies.
Moving to the National Broadband Network
It’s important to consider how much internet usage is going on in your household to know which NBN plan is right for you. The ACCC recommends staying informed on the NBN in your area whether you’re a first-time customer, or just switching from your current NBN network. Once the NBN is in your area, you won’t be automatically moved onto a plan and may face being disconnected if you fail to arrange an NBN plan before the cutoff date. It’s important to have a plan and provider in mind before making the switch.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about NBN coverage. This is how you can learn about fees, equipment, and special services that may impact your ability to get on the NBN. If you’re already on the NBN, don’t be afraid to call for help if you’re having any issues with your provider that you can’t solve. To know which NBN plan is right for you, do some comparison shopping with retailers. Look into discounts and deals for bundles with phone service. Before you know, you’ll be surfing the NBN in no time.
