The National Broadband Network, or NBN for short, is a program that aims to provide Australians with faster internet connections. Although it was launched way back in 2009, many people are still clueless about this program.
If you’re one of these people, this guide (and its tips on getting quality NBN business service) can surely help you out.
Contents
What is the NBN?
This aims to replace Australia’s copper wire networks with faster, fibre-based connections. Although useful, the former is not intended for massive data transfer since it is not made for internet connections.
Simply put, the NBN can help you reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps, compared to usual off-peak speeds of 8 to 24 Mbps.
Why Do You Need the NBN?
ADSL and ADSL2+ connections vary according to location. Generally speaking, the farther you are from a local telephone exchange, the slower your connection would be. That’s because distance affects the speed of data exchange in copper wires.
Fibre internet, however, is not affected by distance. Since it transmits information through light pulses, it can assure fast internet speeds even in the most rural areas.
Fibre cables, which are placed underground, are also immune to power outages and signal degradation. While heavy rain can affect copper wire internet, it won’t slow down the fibre internet speed.
That said, several NBN setups would continue to use these existing copper wires. However, they will be connected to nearer modes. This eliminates the factor of distance, which is why NBN can provide faster internet speeds, even if it’s using copper wires.
What are the Different Types of NBN Connections?
Depending on where you live, you may get any of these NBN connection types:
Fibre to the Premise
Also known as FTTP, this makes use of fibre cables directly linked to the NBN. This makes FTTP one of the most reliable connections for your home or office.
Fibre to the Node
FTTN involves the installation of a neighborhood box or cabinet at the end of the street. Fibre cables from this cabinet are then connected to your home for NBN coverage.
Fibre to the Curb
FTTC connects the user to the Distribution Point Unit (DPU) via the existing copper wires. This DPU is usually located in your street’s telecom pits.
Fibre to the Building
FTTB also stands for Fibre to the Basement, the NBN connection used for buildings and apartments. This involves the placement of fibre cables underneath the structure. They are then linked to existing lines that deliver internet service to each room or unit.
What are the Different Types of NBN Plans?
There are four NBN speed packs available:
Basic
NBN 12, with its typical evening speeds of 7 to 12 Mbps, is ideal for households of 1 to 2 people. It’s best for users who like browsing websites and social media and sending emails.
Standard
Apart from general browsing, NBN 25 is also suitable for basic streaming. Its speeds range from 15 to 25 Mbps.
Standard Plus
NBN 50 has a speed of 30 to 50 Mbps. As such, it’s ideal for gaming, HD streaming, video calling, and downloading music and videos.
Premium
NBN 100 is recommended for large households and small businesses because of its 60-100 Mbps speeds. It allows for HD streaming, intensive gaming (Xbox Live, PSN, or Steam), and uploading and downloading large files.
The speeds above refer to the typical evening speeds, which occur during the peak hours of 7 to 11 pm. Due to the sheer number of internet users, this is when the connections are slowest.
How to Have NBN Installed
First, you need to know if NBN has already been installed in your area. Once you receive a notification for this, you only have 18 months to make the switch.
It’s important to sign up for NBN services as soon as you receive this notice. That’s because your old landline or broadband service would be disconnected once this 18-month period is through.
Having the NBN installed is relatively easy, as all you need to do is visit the provider’s website and sign up for a plan. Once this pushes through, you will receive a notification of the installation date and time.
It’s important to have someone who’s 18 years old and above to receive this service, as that person will have to sign a couple of documents after the installation.
How to Get Quality NBN Business Service
Make sure to browse through the services of the providers in your area. While all of them provide the four speed packs, they might differ in plans and data options.
If you use the internet frequently, you might consider a company that offers unlimited data services. As many offers provide month-by-month options, it’s best to take the company for a test run before completely committing. That way, you won’t be bogged down by a contract prohibiting you from switching to a better provider.
The NBN program, which is slated to finish this 2020, aims to deliver faster internet speeds for every Australian. As long as you know how to get quality NBN business service, you can get the best plan for your needs and budget.
