Alternatives to the NBN

If you don’t have access to the NBN in your area or simply wish to choose another option, it’s important to know what internet plan types are available to select. These include:

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband is a wireless internet service which connects your home to the internet using a mobile network, typically either 4G or 5G. It works similarly to your smartphone's mobile data but on a larger scale and is the main alternative to the NBN.

You'll have a wireless modem or router that communicates with the nearest mobile tower to provide internet access to your devices. This technology is a viable alternative to the NBN, especially in areas with limited NBN coverage or when you need a quick and easy setup.

One of the advantages of home wireless broadband is its flexibility. You can easily move the modem/router within your home or take it with you when you travel, making it suitable for renters or those in temporary housing.

However, it may not offer the same consistent speeds and low latency as fixed line connections like the NBN, and it can be more susceptible to network congestion during peak usage times. Still, 5G home wireless broadband can deliver speeds of up to or beyond 500Mbps, though you’re more likely to consistently see experience between 100Mbps and 300Mbps.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is a versatile option which, like home wireless, uses mobile networks to provide internet access. It's accessible through devices like USB dongles, data-only SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi devices.

This flexibility allows you to get online wherever there's a mobile signal, making it a great choice for those who are frequently on the move for work or live in areas with good mobile network coverage but limited fixed line options.

However, its suitability depends on your location and the strength of the mobile network. In areas with poor coverage, you may experience slower speeds or dropped connections.

Additionally, mobile broadband plans can have data limits, meaning you’re likely to pay more for the data you use than on a home wireless plan, for example. Because of this, mobile broadband generally isn’t seen as a common alternative to an NBN plan.

Fibre internet

Fibre internet is the general name given to privately-owned fixed line networks which run in competition with the NBN. It also relies on fibre optic cables to transmit data at high speeds and is renowned for its exceptional reliability and low latency.

However, there are several key differences between fibre internet and the NBN which are important to consider. Firstly, while the NBN comes with a range of different connection types, fibre plans generally only come via Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology, limiting it to those who have this connection or are willing to fork out to have it installed.

Perhaps most important, though, is its availability. Fewer providers offer fibre internet connections than NBN plans, while they’re also available in far fewer areas across the country comparatively. Because of this, it’s only an alternative for those who tick all the boxes.

Cable internet

Cable internet utilises the existing cable television infrastructure to deliver a connection to your home. It operates on a coaxial cable network, enabling it to offer higher speeds than traditional ADSL plans at up to 100Mbps in some cases. While it shares some similarities with the NBN's HFC connection, it's distinct in that it doesn’t use any fibre optic cables for data transmission.

However, like HFC NBN connections, its availability is limited to areas where the cable network infrastructure is in place. Additionally, this connection type is also being phased out as the rollout of the NBN continues, meaning plans sold for this type of connection are only available to those who don’t have the NBN available yet. Once it becomes available, these connections will be overhauled.