What’s the difference between HFC and cable internet connections?

HFC and cable internet connections are similar in that they both use coaxial cables for the final connection to your home. However, there are key differences: Infrastructure ownership: HFC NBN is owned and maintained by the National Broadband Network in Australia, whereas cable internet is provided by private companies. Technology: HFC NBN uses a combination of fibre optic cables and coaxial cables, while traditional cable internet relies solely on coaxial cables. Speed and capacity: HFC NBN has the potential to offer higher speeds, especially during peak times, due to its upgraded infrastructure. Traditional cable internet speeds, while still much faster than ADSL plans, cap out at around 100Mbps. Availability: HFC NBN is more widely available in Australia as part of the NBN rollout, while cable internet is only available through one provider (as of September 2023) and in areas where the NBN is yet to be rolled out.

Can I install a HFC NBN connection if I don’t have a pay TV subscription?

Yes – you can install an HFC NBN connection even if you don't currently have a pay TV subscription. HFC NBN uses the existing coaxial cable infrastructure, which may have been previously used for pay TV services. However, this infrastructure will need to be present to establish a HFC connection, meaning you or a previous owner of your home or business will need to have had pay TV at some point.

What happens to my connection in an NBN outage?

During an NBN outage , your internet connection will be disrupted. The exact duration of the outage and the cause can vary. To address this: Check for outages in your area: use an online outage checker, look up your internet service provider's website and search their social media for outage information and updates. Restart your modem: to rule out the possibility of a modem issue, it’s worth resetting your modem and seeing if this restores your internet. Contact your provider: if the outage persists or if it's a widespread issue, contact your NBN service provider for assistance and updates on when service will be restored. Look for alternative connections: if you have a mobile data plan or a mobile hotspot, you can use your smartphone or mobile device to stay online. Alternatively, you may wish to move to a public Wi-Fi network.

Can I switch to a different NBN connection type?

Switching to a different NBN connection type and the cost of doing so depends on the availability of that type in your area. NBN Co has announced its intention to upgrade more homes around Australia to FTTP connections for free, but you can also elect to do so on a paid basis through its Technology Choice program. However, changing the underlying connection technology may cost a significant amount of money and, in the case of HFC, may not yield wildly improved speeds from what you’re already capable of receiving.