What are the alternatives to the NBN in Western Australia?

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 Western Australia. 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.

In Western Australia, if the NBN isn't available or suitable for your needs, you can explore alternatives like home wireless broadband, which uses 4G or 5G networks. Mobile broadband is another option, suitable for on-the-go internet but less so for a home connection. ADSL may still be available in some areas, while cable internet might also be available depending on the existing infrastructure where you live. Alternatively, if you want a fixed line connection but aren’t sold on the NBN, you may be able to select another fibre internet plan.

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.

What should I do if there’s an NBN outage?

In case of an NBN outage , start by checking if the issue is widespread or localised to your area. Restart your modem or router to see if this fixes the issue. If not, contact your service provider for information and estimated repair times. While waiting, consider using mobile data or a backup connection.