Man using laptop. ADSL concept

What is ADSL?

Fact Checked Fact Checked

Over the past decade the NBN has revolutionalised internet connectivity in Australia, providing households with more consistent internet connections. However, in areas where a fixed-line NBN connection isn’t available, some homes are still connected to legacy ADSL internet. In this article, Canstar Blue explores ADSL internet and if it is still an option for you.

What is ADSL?

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a type of internet connection that uses copper telephone wires to deliver data to devices. The phone system and ADSL internet can operate simultaneously, so you don’t need to use your phone line for internet access.

The term ‘asymmetric’ in ADSL’s name refers to the unbalanced nature of its upload and download speeds, as the download line requires more capacity than the upload line.

What are the ADSL connection types?

There are three levels of ADSL connections: ADSL1, ADSL2, and ADSL2+. ADSL2+ is the fastest and most reliable, while ADSL1 is the oldest version of the technology, and the slowest.

What is the speed of ADSL?

ADSL speeds are easy to check – you can run a quick and free internet speed test via Canstar Blue. Generally, ADSL speeds cap at around 24 megabits per second (Mbps), but they typically range between 8-10Mbps. The further your device is from the telephone exchange, the slower the speeds. If you’re experiencing issues with speed, this could be the reason.

Is ADSL cheaper than the NBN?

As ADSL plans are being phased out, they are becoming harder to find and are offered by fewer companies. While ADSL plans used to be cheaper, typically costing between $30 and $40 per month, the intense market competition in the NBN space has made ADSL plans more expensive.

Currently, ADSL plans range from $60 to $100 per month, while a comparable speed NBN plan (25Mbps) costs between $50 and $70 per month.

Compare NBN offers

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.

Unlimited Home Standard (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 (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 Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans

The table below shows a selection of published unlimited 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.

Is ADSL still available in Australia?

ADSL is still available in Australia, but it’s becoming increasingly rare. In areas where the NBN has been rolled out, ADSL services are being discontinued. 

Most Australians have already switched to an NBN plan for their home phone and internet. The exception to this is in some rural locations, where fixed-line NBN connections haven’t been built. 

Eventually, ADSL will be phased out completely, and customers still using it will need to look for an alternative, such as NBN satellite, fixed wireless, or home wireless broadband.

How do I get an ADSL connection?

Although ADSL has been largely phased out in Australia, some existing ADSL users may still be on legacy plans from providers such as Optus, iiNet, Vodafone or TPG. However, none of these telcos offer ADSL to new sign-ups.

If you are interested in an ADSL plan, you will need to contact a telco provider in your area, to see if it’s an option they still provide.

What is the alternative to ADSL?

Signing up for an NBN plan is the clear and most effective alternative to an ADSL internet plan. However, if NBN fibre isn’t an option at your address, other forms of internet that deliver fast, reliable data include home wireless, and satellite services, such as NBN satellite and Starlink.

Is ADSL worth it?

The NBN has made ADSL a redundant technology. Even where still available, ADSL offers slower speeds and less value than other internet options, such as home wireless and satellite services.

If you’re considering an ADSL plan, a telco provider will most likely direct you to home wireless broadband (i.e. 4G or 5G home internet) as an alternative.

Ultimately, the NBN – or other private fibre broadband networks where available – will deliver much better performance than ADSL.

Caitlin Bingham
Content Producer
Caitlin Bingham covers a range of content at Canstar from electric vehicles to home loans and internet, offering readers comprehensive insights into consumer-related topics. Caitlin has a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Journalism from Massey University, and has written for various websites across New Zealand and Australia. When she isn’t writing, you can find Caitlin training for (yet another) marathon, or binge-watching the Real Housewives.

Share this article