Australia's National Broadband Network (nbn) is the wholesale broadband infrastructure that underpins most home internet connections. Understanding how it works helps you make a smarter choice when comparing plans — and potentially save hundreds of dollars a year.
What is the nbn?
The nbn is a government-built wholesale network. You cannot buy a plan directly from nbn co — instead, you purchase internet service from a retail provider (ISP) such as Aussie Broadband, Optus, Telstra, TPG or dozens of others. These ISPs buy access to the nbn infrastructure and sell plans to consumers.
Good to know: Because all providers use the same nbn infrastructure at the physical layer, the speed you get depends on which speed tier you choose — not which provider you pick. Where providers differ is in network capacity, customer service and price.
nbn technology types
The nbn uses several different connection technologies depending on where you live. The technology at your address affects the maximum speeds you can achieve.
| Technology | How it works | Max download | Typical property type |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) | Fibre optic cable runs directly to your home | Up to 1,000Mbps | Newer homes, upgrade areas |
| FTTN (Fibre to the Node) | Fibre runs to a nearby street cabinet; copper to your home | Up to 100Mbps | Older suburban areas |
| FTTC (Fibre to the Curb) | Fibre runs to a pit at the street; short copper to your home | Up to 250Mbps | Many suburban homes |
| HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) | Fibre to a node; existing pay-TV/cable to your home | Up to 1,000Mbps | Former Foxtel cable areas |
| Fixed Wireless | Wireless signal from a tower to a rooftop antenna | Up to 75Mbps | Rural and regional areas |
You can check what technology type is at your address on the nbn website. This matters because FTTN connections share copper that can degrade over distance — so if you're far from the node, you may not achieve the advertised speed on higher tiers.
Speed tiers explained
nbn plans are sold in standardised speed tiers. The speeds shown are the maximum possible — actual speeds depend on your technology type, distance from the node (for FTTN), network congestion and your modem quality.
| Tier | Download | Upload | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| nbn 25 | 25Mbps | 5Mbps | Light users, 1–2 people |
| nbn 50 | 50Mbps | 20Mbps | Small households, 1–3 devices |
| nbn 100 | 100Mbps | 20Mbps | Families, multiple streams |
| nbn 250 | 250Mbps | 25Mbps | Heavy users, work from home |
| nbn 1000 | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | Power users, large households |
Tip: Look for the "typical evening speed" in your plan's critical information summary. This is the speed providers guarantee during peak hours (7–11pm) — it's more useful than the maximum speed.
How to choose the right nbn plan
Picking the right plan comes down to three things: how many people are in your household, what you use the internet for, and your budget.
Step 1: Count your simultaneous users
Each streaming service uses roughly 5Mbps for HD and 25Mbps for 4K. If three people are streaming 4K simultaneously while someone video calls, you need at least 100Mbps. A single person working from home typically only needs nbn 50.
Step 2: Consider upload speed
Most plans advertise download speed. Upload matters if you video conference regularly, upload large files or run a home office. nbn 100 and above offer meaningfully better upload than nbn 50.
Step 3: Decide on contract vs no contract
Month-to-month plans cost slightly more but give flexibility to switch. 12-month contracts often include a modem or discounted pricing. Avoid long lock-in periods on FTTN — if your speeds disappoint, you want the ability to move.
Top nbn providers compared
Australia has over 60 nbn retail providers. The largest are Telstra, Optus and TPG, but smaller providers like Aussie Broadband, Superloop and Leaptel consistently score higher in customer satisfaction surveys and often offer better value.
| Provider | Strength | Best plan |
|---|---|---|
| Aussie Broadband | Top-rated customer service, local support | Excellent across all tiers |
| Telstra | Widest coverage, best for bundles | Good for Telstra mobile customers |
| Optus | Bundle savings with mobile | Good for Optus mobile customers |
| Superloop | Strong typical evening speeds | Great for heavy users |
| TPG / iiNet | Competitive pricing | Budget-conscious households |
The best provider for you depends on your address, budget and whether you want to bundle with mobile. Pick A Deal's team can compare current live plans at your address and help you find the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best nbn speed tier for a family of four?
How long does it take to connect to the nbn?
Can I keep my existing phone number when switching nbn providers?
What is the difference between nbn 50 and nbn 100?
Do I need to buy my own modem for the nbn?
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