Australia National Broadband Network (NBN) is on its completion this 2020. Since 2009, it has been tasked to replace the out-dated copper network with fibre-optics technology. NBN was considered as Australia’s largest infrastructure project in history. Today, it provides internet services to 5.5 million subscribers. Let us learn more about NBN internet plans.
NBN Internet Plans Speed Tiers
From 14,000 subscribers in 2009, Australian NBN internet plans increased by 392%. Currently, they are offering seven NBN speed tiers to their subscribers. These are classified according to their bandwidth or internet speed. The unit used is megabits for seconds or Mbps.
- NBN 12 is the cheapest and lowest NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, subscribers can expect a 7 to 12 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed.
- NBN 25 is the 2nd NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, a subscriber can expect a 15 to 25 Mbps download speed and 5 Mbps upload speed.
- NBN 50 is the 3rd NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, a subscriber can expect a 30 to 50 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed.
- NBN 100/20 is the 4th NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, a subscriber can expect a 60 to 100 Mbps download speed and a 20 Mbps upload speed.
- NBN 100/40 is the 5th NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, a subscriber can expect a 60 to 100 Mbps download speed and a 40 Mbps upload speed.
- NBN 250 is the 6th NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, a subscriber can expect a 150 to 250 Mbps download speed and a 100 Mbps upload speed.
- NBN 1000 is the 7th NBN internet plan speed tier. Under this plan, a subscriber can expect a 250 to 1000 Mbps download speed and a 100 Mbps upload speed.
Types of NBN Internet Plans Technology
Besides the NBN internet plans speed tiers, subscribers need to consider the multi-technology mix used by service providers. Such an infrastructure affects the delivery of internet speed and reliability of internet connection in your household. Here are the five types of NBN internet plans technology:
- HFC or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial is a multi-technology mix of fibre to the node (FTTN) connected by a cable TV’s coaxial line within the premise. HFC offers higher bandwidth than copper technology. Compared to other NBN internet plans technology, it takes longer to connect because of congestion with cable TVs.
- FTTB or Fibre to the Building connects fibre-optic cables to a box located in a basement, building, or nearby street. The box allows a shared internet connection. Internet speed may fluctuate when the box capacity is in full use.
- FFTC or Fibre to the Curb is a multi-technology mix of fibre to the node (FTTN) connected to an existing copper cable through a curb or roadside box. NBN internet plans using this technology cost less. Since it uses copper wires, internet signals may fluctuate after prolonged
- FTTN or Fibre to the Node connects fibre-optic cables to HFC cables leading to the premise. This multi-technology mix provides a more efficient signal and speed. They are also easier to diagnose, repair, and restore.
- FTTP or Fibre to the Premises uses full fibre-optic connections from the NBN to your homes. Even though they cost higher, they provide the highest and most reliable internet connection.
If given a choice, the NBN subscriber should opt for FTTN and FTTP connections. Yet the availability of NBN internet plans technology differs according to location.
