Nowadays, there are so many ways to get connected, and NBN is but one home internet technology, with many Aussie households already enjoying the fast speeds provided by NBN connections. While the first round of the rollout technically concluded in 2020, upgrades are still being conducted across the country to give more Aussies access to the fastest and most reliable internet speeds possible.
This whole process can be very confusing, so we’ve put together this guide to outline the basics of installation and NBN connection costs. Read on to find out more.
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NBN plans you might like
Looking for a NBN provider or plan to get you started? Check out some of the providers and plans available in the table below.
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners.
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $74.99) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$74.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $99.99) Typical evening speed of 90Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$89.99 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
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1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $85) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps
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Unlimited Data/month |
$85.00 Cost/month |
Go to Site |
Unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50) plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) Plans
The table below shows a selection of published unlimited Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
What is NBN?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is an internet network, powered by copper wires, cable broadband and optical fibre to deliver internet speeds faster than ADSL and 4G connections. It has estimated possible download speeds of up to 1000Mbps, making activities such as online gaming, HD video streaming, social media scrolling and video-calling faster and more seamless.
Do I have to pay for NBN installation?
Generally speaking, standard NBN installation is free of charge. If additional wiring or cabling is required, or there is extra equipment needed to connect your premises to the NBN, then this may incur a fee.
Other instances when you may have to pay for NBN installation include if you move address, need additional equipment for your chosen plan speed, have something wrong with your connection or if the property is new.
If it is the case that your house is newly built, or under reconstruction, NBN Co may charge a $300 new development fee, so that the property can be connected to the network.
Once you’ve got your NBN connection, you’ll need an NBN plan from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is the only ongoing cost and can vary from about $30 to $150 a month, depending on inclusions, speed tier, data allowances, etc. But this cost is entirely up to you — which is why it is important to compare plans and prices before signing up to a plan.
Read More: Expert Picks – Best NBN Plans
NBN connection types
There are seven different types of NBN connections available. Each connection type allows you to connect to the NBN, however they are not all the same in regard to speed capabilities, with FTTP typically seen as the fastest and FTTN seen as the slowest.
You can check which connection type you have by typing your address into the NBN rollout map online. This will then tell you which type you have, or which type you’ll be getting, and when you’ll get NBN connected.
The seven different types of NBN connections are as follows:
- FTTP: Fibre-to-the-Premises
- HFC: Hybrid Fibre Coaxial
- FTTC: Fibre-to-the-Curb
- FTTB: Fibre-to-the-Basement/Building
- FTTN: Fibre-to-the-Node
- Fixed Wireless
- Sky Muster satellite
NBN plans
We’ve got some great plans in mind for you if you’re just getting the NBN now. NBN 25 is the standard speed for the NBN, and a great place to start for anyone getting on the network. Most NBN plans have unlimited data, but speed is throttled to the plan you buy. Regardless, any of these plans are great for casual browsing and emails and social media. If you’re looking for some cheap value plans, we’ve got what you want here. If you’re looking for a plan with a bit more kick, consider picking up an NBN 50 or an NBN 100 plan.
Unlimited NBN 100 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 50 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 25 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 25 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited NBN 12 Plans
The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 12 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Optional Upgrades
Due to the nature of NBN installation, which connection type your household receives entirely depends on your location. If you are unhappy with this connection type, you can apply through the Technology Choice Program to get your premises upgraded. The idea of this program is to offer Australians the fastest internet possible.
This can be done by going to the NBN website and requesting a quote. While the quote itself is now free, the work required to upgrade your premises will be done for a fee. Therefore, it may be better to see if you can optimise your existing connection before trying to upgrade.
Alternatively, it may be worth checking whether your home is eligible for a free upgrade as a part of the continuous NBN upgrade rollout.
Can I get the NBN?
If your area has received the NBN upgrade, there shouldn’t be anything holding you back from getting the NBN in your home. Most areas have NBN connections installed, so it is simply a matter of signing up to a NBN plan. Our NBN comparison tool is a great place to get started as you can see all of your options in one place!
If NBN doesn’t sound good to you, there are alternatives to the NBN to get your home connected to the internet!
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