fbpx

NBN Plans Australian Capital Territory

Compare a range of NBN plans side by side for your home in the ACT through Savvy today.

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on August 5th, 2024       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of internet plans to help you compare them.

The rollout of the NBN has transformed internet connectivity for households across Australia, including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Whether you're located in Canberra, Queanbeyan or anywhere else in Australia’s smallest territory, finding the ideal NBN plan tailored to your needs is paramount. That’s where Savvy can help

Our user-friendly online process allows you to explore offerings from a diverse range of top Australian providers and filter your options based on factors like pricing, speed and more. Start comparing the best available NBN offers for your ACT residence by getting a free quote through us today!

What NBN plans can I choose from in the ACT?

In the ACT, you have a range of NBN plans, categorised by different speed tiers, to select from. Each tier is named after its maximum download speed capabilities in Mbps, with the following potentially being options to choose from:

nbn-12 NBN 12

NBN 12 (Basic I)

Download/upload: 12/1Mbps

The lowest available (and cheapest) speed tier on the NBN, NBN 12 plans offer connections suitable for light web browsing and email for individuals or smaller households with low to moderate usage.

nbn-25 NBN 25

NBN 25 (Basic II)

Download/upload: 25/5Mbps

The higher of the two basic speed tiers, NBN 25 offers more than double the download and upload speeds of NBN 12 plans and often comes at a similar price, despite the higher performance.

nbn-50 NBN 50

NBN 50 (Standard)

Download/upload: 50/20Mbps

NBN 50 is the most popular speed tier in Australia, given its versatility and competitive price point. It can be chosen for a family of moderate users or a smaller household of heavier users.

nbn-100 NBN 100

NBN 100 (Fast)

Download/upload: 100/20Mbps or 100/40Mbps

The fastest widely accessible NBN plan, NBN 100 plans are also popular among families who need fast internet and multiple simultaneous connections.

nbn-250 NBN 250

NBN 250 (Superfast)

Download/upload: 250/25Mbps

NBN 250 goes above and beyond with its speed capabilities. However, these plans are only available to homes with either a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or some Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections.

nbn-1000 NBN 1000

NBN 1000 (Ultrafast)

Download/upload: 1000/50Mbps

The fastest available NBN plan today, NBN 1000 can theoretically reach up to 1Gbps in downloads (though this is more often a maximum of 600Mbps to 700Mbps at peak times). It’s also limited to FTTP and HFC connections.

It’s important to take the time to choose an NBN plan which meets the needs of your home, which is why comparing deals is so important.

How do I compare NBN plans in the ACT?

There’s a wide variety of factors to consider when comparing NBN plans. These include:

  • Plan cost: compare the monthly fees of NBN plans across different providers. It may also be worth looking at taking advantage of promotions or discounts if available.
  • Contract terms: determine whether the plan comes with a contract. Many plans these days offer flexibility with month-to-month options, while others may have fixed-term contracts. Consider your preferences for flexibility and potential exit fees.
  • Data allowance: examine the data allowance included with each plan. Consider your monthly data usage and choose a plan that aligns with your needs. Most NBN plans today offer unlimited data, but it's still essential to confirm this.
  • Setup and other fees: look out for any setup, activation or installation fees. Some providers may waive these as part of a promotion or if you sign up for a longer-term contract.
  • Included equipment: check whether the plan includes a modem or router. Some providers offer free modems, while others may charge for them. Confirm if the equipment suits your needs and whether you can use your existing modem instead (should it be compatible).
  • Peak speeds: ensure that the plan can consistently deliver speeds at or near its advertised maximum during peak times, such as in the evening. Some providers offer satisfaction guarantees that speeds won’t dip below a certain level at any stage.
  • Coverage and availability: verify whether the NBN plans you're interested in are available in your specific area in the ACT. Some plans and technologies may not be accessible everywhere, such as in areas without FTTP or HFC connections.
  • Extra features: consider any extra features or services included with the plan. Some providers bundle entertainment options like streaming subscriptions, while others offer additional perks such as static IPs or priority customer support.

What NBN connection types are available in the ACT?

There are seven main NBN connection types available in the ACT. These are:

FTTP

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)

FTTP is considered the gold standard of NBN connections. It involves running fibre optic cables directly to your premises. This technology is capable of supporting high speeds and reliable performance and is available in some urban areas of the ACT.

FTTN

FTTN (Fibre to the Node)

FTTN connects fibre optic cables to a node in your neighbourhood and relies on connecting existing copper lines to link your premises. While it provides faster speeds than ADSL, the final connection quality may depend on the condition of the copper lines.

FTTC

FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)

FTTC brings the fibre optic cables closer to your home, usually to a telecom pit or distribution point on your street. This can provide better speeds and performance compared to FTTN, thanks to the copper line being shorter.

FTTB

FTTB (Fibre to the Building)

FTTB brings fibre to a building's communications room, typically in the basement, like an apartment block. It relies on the building's internal copper or coaxial wiring to connect individual premises to the NBN from there.

HFC

HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)

HFC uses a combination of fibre optic and coaxial cable infrastructure from prior or existing pay TV subscriptions. It's available in some parts of the ACT and, like FTTP, can support NBN 250 and 1000 plans (although not all HFC connections may be able to do so).

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless

In rural and regional areas, fixed wireless technology is commonly used. It involves installing an antenna on your premises to receive signals from nearby transmission towers. Fixed Wireless is an alternative for areas where traditional fixed line connections aren’t feasible.

Satellite

Satellite

For very remote areas throughout Australia, satellite technology can be used. It can provide coverage in areas where other options aren’t available. Although Satellite connections can have latency issues due to the distance signals must travel, they present an option for rural homes.

The availability of these NBN connection types may vary depending on your specific location in the ACT. When choosing an NBN plan, consider both the connection type available to you and the NBN speed tier that best suits your needs.

Top tips for saving on your NBN plan

Assess your needs

Before signing up for an NBN plan, evaluate your internet usage habits. Determine the required speed and any specific features you need. Choosing a plan that aligns with your needs can prevent overspending on unnecessary features.

Bundle services

Many providers offer bundle deals that combine internet and mobile plans (with some even offering home phone bundles). Bundling services can often come with discounts, so you may wish to explore the possibilities of bundling to reduce costs.

Watch for promotions and discounts

Internet providers frequently run promotions and offer discounts to entice new customers. Keep an eye out for these deals, which might include reduced monthly fees for a set period, waived setup costs or free modems. However, make sure they’re worth it.

Compare plans regularly

Internet plans and pricing can change frequently. To ensure you're getting the best deal, make it a habit to compare plans regularly. You can use an online comparison tool like Savvy’s to help you find the cheapest available deals which suit your internet needs.

Common NBN questions in the ACT

How do I work out which NBN plan is best for me?

To find the best internet plan in the ACT, consider your internet usage habits, such as browsing, streaming, online gaming or working from home. Compare plans based on speed, data allowance, contract terms and extra features. It also may be worth assessing the reliability and customer service of providers.

Why am I not experiencing the speeds advertised on my NBN plan?

Several factors can affect NBN speed, including network congestion, Wi-Fi interference or using older equipment which doesn’t support your speed tier. To address this, ensure your modem and router are up to date and your Wi-Fi setup is optimised. Contact your provider if the issue persists to discuss possible solutions or plan adjustments.

How do I test the speed of my NBN connection?

You can test your NBN connection speed using various online speed testing tools. Make sure to run the test on a device you’re most likely to be using on the network, as this will provide an indication of the speeds you’re likely to receive.

Do I have to switch to the NBN when it becomes available at my home or workplace?

While NBN availability often results in the disconnection of existing copper or cable services, you aren’t obligated to switch immediately. However, if you’re relying on an ADSL2+ connection, this will eventually be phased out, so you may need to switch to the NBN before then (unless you decide to go with a home wireless or alternative fibre connection).

Helpful guides on internet plans

Internet Banner - Young couple sitting on the couch comparing internet plans on their tablet

How Much Does Internet Cost?

Find out the average cost of NBN plans and other factors which can impact your internet bills right here. Wondering...

Internet Banner - A woman typing on a laptop in a kitchen

NBN Battery Replacement

An NBN battery can serve as a backup connection for your home, but it’s important to know when to replace...

Internet Banner: Person sitting on a person's back while holding a tablet

HFC NBN Explained

Find out more about HFC connections on the NBN, how they work and their potential speeds. HFC is a unique...

Internet Banner - Worried young man looking at his phone

Why is My Internet So Slow?

Having a slow internet connection can be painful, so it’s important to understand why that might be and how to...

Internet Banner - Woman sitting on the couch next to her dog conducting an NBN check

NBN Check

Find out how to check the status of your NBN connection and its availability in your area. If you're keen...

Internet Banner - A young woman using a tablet computer in a cafe

What is 5G?

5G is the latest in mobile technology available in Australia, providing better reception and faster internet. 5G is becoming more...

Internet Banner: A man in glasses sitting at a desk with a laptop

5G vs NBN

Find out the differences between 5G and NBN internet connections, including their availability, cost, reliability and more. With both 5G...

Internet Banner - Man sitting at a table on his laptop

How Fast is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband is essential for those who want internet on the go, but how fast is your connection? Mobile broadband...

Internet Banner - Couple sitting on the couch looking at a tablet

What is the NBN?

The NBN is the newest fixed line internet infrastructure being rolled out by the Australian Government, transforming the online experience...

Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

Internet - Compare Broadband & NBN Plans

We'd love to chat, how can we help?

By clicking "Submit", you agree to be contacted by a Savvy Agency Owner and to receive communications from Savvy which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.