Hate the NBN? Here are the best alternatives
If you’ve been burnt by the NBN’s low connection speeds and high prices don’t stick with it, there are cheaper and faster ways to get online.
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Just like water and energy, home internet has become an absolute necessity. But when it comes to speed, reliability and connection, the National Broadband Network (NBN) might not be the best option.
While NBN promised to provide us with super-fast internet, the reality is that a combination of patchy and lacklustre network performance in certain areas have some considering alternatives.
Your phone already uses existing – and generally world-class – 4G and 5G networks. Is it worth switching to a mobile network if your NBN connection isn’t giving you what you need?
Is it really worth switching to NBN?
While an NBN connection to your home is essentially mandatory, you don’t actually have to use that connection to receive internet. You only have to switch to NBN if you want to keep using your existing landline and stick with fixed line broadband.
The fastest residential NBN plans available offer 100Mbps downloads. There are some faster connection options for those who get fibre-to-the-premises connections but for the majority, NBN speed won’t top 100Mbps.
Although that’s still a massive improvement on NBN’s predecessor, ADSL via copper wire, which has a top speed of 8Mbps, it’s not ideal if you have a more than few people in your household working from home or simultaneously streaming music, TV or movies.
Are there alternatives to NBN?
If you’re serious about finding an alternative to NBN, there are two options worth considering: home wireless broadband and mobile broadband.
Both are powered by mobile networks. Mobile broadband connections can sometimes be faster than home wireless but home wireless plans often come with more data.
How does home wireless broadband work?
Home wireless broadband works by connecting to 4G or 5G mobile networks in much the same way as a phone does. Like a new handset, wireless modems work straight out of the box – no technicians or set up needed and it’s portable so you can take it with you if you move house. Most of the time, all it takes is plugging in your modem and you’re connected to your wireless network.
However, unlike most traditional NBN, home wireless plans tend to come with data and speed caps, and they can be a bit pricier than wired connections.
Is mobile broadband a good alternative to NBN?
Mobile broadband uses 4G or 5G cellular networks to connect your devices to the internet, similar to home wireless broadband. However, it’s usually an option that works best for on-the-go broadband use, rather than as a total home internet solution.
If you’re a low-level user, move around a lot or just want backup in case of home broadband outages, it could be worth looking into. Keep in mind, however, that data inclusions are generally much lower than what you’ll find on home wireless plans.
NBN alternatives across Australia
Can’t imagine life outside of a fixed-line internet connection but really not a fan of NBN? Don’t worry, there are other providers that deliver broadband through a fixed wireless connection.
It’s more common to see state-specific telcos offering their own infrastructure and broadband plans, but a number of them do offer services in many areas of Australia. However, you’ll mostly find that coverage is not widespread, and while they have a presence in multiple states, only certain regions will actually be covered.
Can I improve my NBN experience?
If your NBN connection is less than stellar you might think your only option is to give up on the national network entirely. However, there are some things you can do to improve your speeds, such as:
– Buying the right router
– Buy the fastest plan you can afford
– Check your hardware and connection for faults
– Change providers – smaller operators can often provide better speeds
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