Do I need NBN for internet?

Fact Checked

The NBN rollout is officially complete, with more than 12 million homes and businesses now able to connect to the network. If your home is NBN-ready, you may be wondering — do I actually need NBN for internet?

Canstar Blue looks at whether the NBN is compulsory, if you need NBN for internet, and what NBN alternatives are available.

Is NBN compulsory and do I need NBN for internet?

If you’re wondering ‘Do I need NBN for internet?’, the quick answer is no. The NBN is not compulsory and you are not required to connect to the network.

Even if NBN Co’s network is available in your area, you won’t be forced to sign up to an NBN for your home internet. However, opting out of the NBN may mean you could be left without a fixed-line internet system for your home.

This is because any pre-existing ADSL and telephone lines connected to your property prior to NBN installation will be turned off 18 months after installation, as this older technology is being phased out. So if you’re using an ADSL broadband plan, you’ll need to switch to another service (although not necessarily the NBN) to continue accessing the internet at home.

Reasons why you might not want the NBN

In the initial stages of the rollout, you might have heard some stories or complaints about NBN connections that leave you wondering ‘do I need NBN?’.

Disappointment in slow internet speeds was common during the earlier stages of the rollout; however, NBN Co has addressed this through its free NBN fibre upgrade program. This scheme allows addresses previously connected via slower fibre technology types to upgrade to Fibre to the Premises free of charge, giving millions of homes access to the fastest NBN speeds available.

However, there’s still other reasons for preferring to go with a different type of internet at home. Key reasons you may not want NBN include:

• Concerns about the NBN connection process.
• Being disappointed by the type of connection in available in your area, especially if you’re not eligible for a fibre upgrade.
• Already having an alternative solution available, such as 5G home internet.
• Not wanting an NBN connection box installed on your property.

Compare NBN plans

To connect to the NBN, you’ll need to sign up to an NBN plan. There are a range of speed tiers to choose from, with each tier catering for a different internet usage needs. Keep in mind that faster speeds also mean more expensive plans.

What happens if I don’t switch to the NBN?

If you don’t switch to the NBN after its installation and activation in your suburb, you’ll have 18 months before the area’s ADSL and phone line services are disconnected. This is because the technology is being phased out and replaced by the NBN’s fixed-line fibre network.

Services that have been/will be permanently shut off due to the NBN rollout include:

• All home and landline phone services delivered over Telstra’s copper phone lines
• All ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+ internet services
• Telstra BigPond cable internet
• Optus cable internet and cable home phone.

If you’re using any of the above, you’ll need to find an alternative internet service within 18 months of the NBN going live in your area. If you’re a landline phone user, you won’t have to give up your home phone: you can simply move to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) home line, either via your NBN connection or through another VoIP provider.

If you’re already using a phone or internet service that isn’t included above, you should be able to stick with your plan and provider after ADSL, cable and home phone lines are disconnected. Services that fall into this category include private or non-government fibre networks, or cable networks that aren’t owned by Optus or Telstra.

However, there is an exception to the ADSL and phone line switch-off. If your home is designated to be connected to the NBN via fixed wireless or SkyMuster satellite, rather than a fixed-line fibre connection, your existing home phone service won’t be disconnected (unless you’d prefer to move to a VoIP plan).

What else could be impacted by switching to the NBN?

Aside from your old internet connection, other services that may be impacted by a switch to the NBN include:

• Fire alarms and home security systems
• Medical alarms
• Elevator emergency phones
• EFTPOS and health claims terminals
• Fax machines and teletypewriter devices.

If any of these apply to you, speak with your service, alarm or device provider about your options before switching to the NBN.

Do you need NBN for WiFi?

A WiFi network allows you to connect multiple devices to your home internet at the same time wirelessly.  You don’t need the NBN specifically to access WiFi, and you can set up a home WiFi network from virtually any type of home broadband connection. However, compared to older broadband options, WiFi on the NBN is generally much faster, making your home internet quicker and more reliable.

During high-usage activities like video streaming and online gaming, the experience is even better if you connect to one of the super-fast NBN speed tiers. Working from home and study should also be much more efficient on a fast NBN connection, especially for homes with multiple users.

What are the alternatives if I don’t want NBN?

If you’re certain you don’t want to connect to the NBN, here are your other options.

Private networks

If you want the benefits of a fixed-line broadband connection, but don’t want the NBN, you may be able to access the internet through a private fibre network. These are purpose-built and privately-owned networks that service specific states and postcodes. Examples of private fixed network providers are Spirit, Lightning Broadband and Opticomm, all of which operate in specific locations across Australia.

If you’re not won over by the NBN, an independently-operated fibre connection may be worth considering. However, keep in mind that these plans may be more expensive than plans on the NBN and speeds may also vary.

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband is one of the best and widely available alternatives to the NBN. It uses 4G and 5G mobile networks to connect to the internet (much like your smartphone) and provides your home with a broadband connection.

Home wireless broadband, sometimes called 4G home internet or 5G home internet, uses a plug-in modem/router, and isn’t designed to be portable. As these plans are offered as a home internet alternative to NBN, you’ll often find unlimited data is available on these plans.

• Full speed 5G internet
• Speed capped 5G internet

The following table shows selected published 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	5G Home Internet 5G speeds Speeds capped at 25Mbps after 1TB allowance exceeded Includes Telstra 5G Home Modem ($0 when you stay connected for 24 months) Special offer: first month free for new customers. Terms apply. min. cost $85 over one month	1TBMax Data**/billing period	$85Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G No speed cap 50Mbps satisfaction guarantee Includes the Optus supplied Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway Modem ($576 modem cost) Stay connected for 36 months and pay $0 for the modem Includes standard Netflix subscription via SubHub Special offer: $0 Start-up fee + 1 Month free Intro offer: $89/mth for first 6 mths, then $99/mth T&Cs Apply min. cost $675 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

The following table shows selected published 5G home internet plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	5G Home Broadband Plus Up to 50Mbps speeds $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months min. cost $44.99 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$44.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	5G Home Broadband Plus plan Up to 50Mbps speeds $0 set up fees and no lock-in contract $0 5G modem min. cost $44.99 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$44.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	5G Home Internet Plus $60 per month for existing Vodafone customers Up to 50Mbps speeds $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months min. cost $65 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$65Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	5G Home Broadband Premium Up to 100Mbps speeds $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months min. cost $49.99 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$49.99Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	5G Home Broadband Premium plan Up to 100Mbps speeds $0 set up fees and no lock-in contract $0 5G modem min. cost $54.99 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$54.99Advertised Data^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	5G Home Internet Premium $65 per month for existing Vodafone customers Up to 100Mbps speeds $0 setup fee with no lock-in contract $0 modem when you stay connected for 36 months min. cost $70 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G Speed capped at 100Mbps 50Mbps satisfaction guarantee Includes the Optus supplied Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway Modem ($576 modem cost) Stay connected for 36 months and pay $0 for the modem Special offer: $0 Start-up fee + 1 Month free min. cost $655 over first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$79Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Up to 250Mbps speeds Nokia 5G modem available min. cost $89 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$89Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Link to provider unavailable
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband uses Telstra, Optus and Vodafone’s 4G and 5G mobile networks to connect you to the internet. Mobile broadband plans usually come with a data-only SIM card that can be inserted into a tablet or device. These plans are often bundled with a USB dongle or portable modem.

The major benefit of mobile broadband is that it’s portable, flexible and can be accessed anywhere you have network coverage, so is typically used for internet on the go. That’s why these plans may have smaller data inclusions, as they’re not intentionally designed to be a home internet solution.

Mobile broadband plans

• Over 100GB
• Over 50GB
• Under 50GB

Mobile broadband plans compared: 100GB+

The following table shows a selection of published 100GB and over mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	100GB Plan Data-only SIM plan Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage Optional modems available Download speeds capped at 100Mbps min. cost $34.90 over first month	100GBMax Data**/billing period	$34.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	Medium 100GB SIM only 5G network access Data gifting available Download speeds capped at 150Mbps min. cost $35 over one month billing period	100GBMax Data**/billing period	$35Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	200GB Plan Data-only SIM plan Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage Optional modems available Download speeds capped at 250Mbps min. cost $49.90 over first month	200GBMax Data**/billing period	$49.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	120GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM only 4G + 5G network access Data pooling min. cost $60 over one month billing period	120GBMax Data**/billing period	$60Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	400GB Plan Data-only SIM plan Telstra 4G and 5G network coverage Optional modems available Download speeds capped at 250Mbps min. cost $64.90 over first month	400GBMax Data**/billing period	$64.90Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	Large SIM only min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period	100GBMax Data**/billing period	$65Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	Large 400GB SIM only 4G network access Data gifting available Download speeds capped at 250Mbps min. cost $70 over one month billing period	400GBMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	220GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM only 4G + 5G network access Data pooling min. cost $70 over one month billing period	220GBMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Mobile broadband plans compared: Over 50GB

The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with 50GB – 100GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Large Data SIM Only Plan SIM only plan No excess data charges for use in Australia min. cost $40 over first month	70GBMax Data**/billing period	$40Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	Medium SIM only min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period	50GBMax Data**/billing period	$40Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	SIM only 50GB SIM only Download speeds capped at 100Mbps min. cost $40 over 28 day billing period	50GBMax Data**/billing period	$40Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Medium SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $58 over one month	75GBMax Data**/billing period	$58Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	SIM only 90GB SIM only Download speeds capped at 150Mbps min. cost $60 over 28 day billing period	90GBMax Data**/billing period	$60Advertised Cost^^/billing period
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Mobile broadband plans compared: Under 50GB

The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with less than 50GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.

Brand	Features	Max Data**/billing period	Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Small 20GB SIM only 5G network access Data gifting available Download speeds capped at 150Mbps min. cost $15 over one month billing period	20GBMax Data**/billing period	$15Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Extra Small SIM only min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period	7GBMax Data**/billing period	$15Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	SIM Only 7GB SIM only Download speeds capped at 100Mbps min. cost $15 over 28 day billing period	7GBMax Data**/billing period	$15Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Small Data SIM Only Plan SIM only plan No excess data charges for use in Australia min. cost $20 over first month	30GBMax Data**/billing period	$20Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
	Small SIM only plan – pay upfront via AutoPay No excess data charges in Australia Share your data with up to 10 plans across your account min. cost $25 over one month	30GBMax Data**/billing period	$25Advertised Cost^^/billing period
	Small SIM only min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period	15GBMax Data**/billing period	$25Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go To Site
	45GB Mobile Broadband Plan SIM only 4G network access Data pooling min. cost $35 over one month billing period	45GBMax Data**/billing period	$35Advertised Cost^^/billing period	Go to Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Starlink satellite

Owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink connects homes to the internet via a network of low-earth orbiting satellites. Originally launched in regional Australia, it’s now available nation-wide, although wait lists may apply.

The service is known for offering low latency and fast speeds, but is considerable expensive when compared to NBN: expect to pay $500+ for setup costs, plus another $139 per month for your plan.

The final word on if you need NBN for internet

Some Australians might not want to switch to the NBN for a variety of reasons. The good news is that the NBN is not compulsory — just because it’s available at your address doesn’t mean you have to connect. However, if you want to use the internet at home, you’ll need to source a viable alternative, such as home wireless, other fibre networks or even satellite.

If you’re still unsure about the NBN, keep in mind that the network’s performance and reach has greatly improved in the last few years. NBN plans are also customisable, so you’ll have a choice of provider, speed tier, and other inclusions such as modems or entertainment extras.