The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a project funded by the Federal Government to provide homes and businesses across Australia with fast and reliable Internet service. As the country’s biggest infrastructure project to date, the NBN aims to “future-proof” homes and businesses in Australia by replacing old, outdated infrastructure with updated, high-speed Internet connections.
With Internet access becoming increasingly essential, a reliable, updated broadband network can help Australians avoid connectivity problems in their work and personal lives. If you’re still feeling confused, here’s an in-depth look at the project and how you’ll be able to connect to the NBN.
When Can I Get The NBN?
Depending on the location of your home or business, you may have already received notice that NBN connectivity is available at your premises. But if you haven’t received any notice yet, there’s a quick and easy way to find out when NBN connectivity will be available. Using the broadband search tool, enter your home or business address to receive an estimate of when NBN will be available in your area.
The search tool also provides comparable ADSL, cable, and wireless broadband plans that are available until you receive access to NBN. If NBN is already available in your area, the search tool will provide information about what services and providers are offering NBN plans in your neighborhood.
How Do I Connect To The NBN?
If NBN is available in your neighborhood, start by choosing a provider and an NBN plan. Although NBN Co builds and owns the National Broadcast Network, homeowners must purchase access from an Internet service provider like Aussie Broadband, TPG, or Telstra. Because you aren’t automatically moved onto an NBN plan, you may face being disconnected if you fail to arrange a plan before the cutoff date. To find an affordable plan in your area, compare NBN plans with iSelect.
After purchasing an NBN plan, your new provider will switch your current Internet service to the new plan. When your home is ready to connect to the NBN, you’ll receive a letter from NBN Co informing you of which type of technology you need to connect to. While you’ll need to pay for an NBN plan—as well as potential hardware fees for a new modem—the process of connecting to NBN is completely covered by the Government.
How Fast Is The NBN?
NBN plans are offered on four different speed tiers: basic, standard, standard plus, and premium. The actual speed of your plan depends on the plan and provider you choose and usage during peak hours.
It’s important to keep in mind that NBN speed is a shared resource. When homeowners subscribe to an NBN 25 plan, their 25MBps are shared between each person and device in the household. In other words, when more people are using the Internet, the Internet will be slower for everyone else using the connection at the same time. Faster NBN speeds allow households to share more capacity.
Do I Have To Connect To The NBN?
Even if you’re satisfied with your current Internet connection, the NBN will be available in your area sooner or later, and you’ll be prompted to choose an NBN plan. Soon, fixed-line NBN services will replace existing landline networks, and homeowners will need to change their plan to maintain Internet connectivity.
After the NBN becomes available in your neighborhood, you’ll have 18 months to choose an NBN plan. After 18 months, your landline and ADSL broadband services will be disconnected, so choosing a plan in advance is essential. Last-minute changeovers might leave you without an Internet connection while your new NBN plan is being activated.
Given the different NBN speed tiers available, choosing the right NBN plan for your business or household is imperative. If you’re not sure which plan is right for you, reach out to a representative at iSelect or call 13 19 20.
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