Today, the internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a staple. With increasing remote work, online learning, and digital entertainment, everybody wants a reliable, high-speed internet connection. It’s no wonder the internet penetration stood at 96.2%, with 25.31 million internet users in Australia at the start of 2023.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) has been at the heart of this rapid internet penetration. Currently, more than 170 ISPs offer NBN plans for home internet users across the land down under. With so many players and home NBN plans, you might have a tough time deciding which plan is best for you.
Don’t fret though. We are here to make this decision easy for you. In this post, we are going to walk you through different factors that will help you make an informed choice.
Let’s get started.
Understand NBN Plan Bandwidth and Speed
First things first!
You need to understand what bandwidth and speed mean. Knowing these two factors can help you choose the best NBN plan.
Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer assigned to your NBN plan. Bandwidth is measured in megabits per second or Mbps. Typically, more bandwidth means more data transfer. Most NBN plans have numbers like 25/10 Mbps. The first number (25) is the download bandwidth, while the second (10) is the upload bandwidth.
On the other hand, speed refers to how fast the data travels. Think of bandwidth as a freeway. So, speed means how fast you can drive (download or upload data) on this freeway. The more lanes (bandwidth) it has, the faster the traffic (data) will move.
In other words, if you have more devices connected to the internet at once, you will be better off with a higher bandwidth. So, one of our higher bandwidth NBN plans, like the NBN250 or NBN1000, might align more with your internet use.
Check the Typical Evening (Peak Hours) Speed
Although your bandwidth may remain the same, the speed of your home NBN plan might change during the peak hours. It’s called typical evening speed. It’s the average speed your NBN plan can provide during the peak hours, usually between 7 PM and 11 PM.
Peak hours are when most people are home and online. With so many people streaming movies, playing online games, or downloading large files, your internet speed will take a hit. Knowing the typical evening speed of your home NBN plan helps you determine how well it can perform when most needed.
The best NBN plan would be the one that offers a frustration-free internet experience during peak hours. Usually, choosing a plan with higher bandwidth and speed can solve this problem.
For example, our cheapest home NBN plan, the NBN25, has a typical evening speed of 25/4 Mbps. However, if you upgrade to the next best NBN plan, the NBN50, the typical evening speed increases to 50/17. In short, the more the bandwidth and speed of your NBN plan, the less likely it is to slow down during peak hours.
Check Your Internet Requirements
Your ideal NBN plan depends on your internet usage.
Ask yourself a few questions, like:
How many devices do you have?
What are they used for?
Do you work from home?
Are there gamers in your house?
Do you stream movies and TV shows regularly?
Do you download large files?
If your internet usage is limited to browsing, email, social media, and occasional video streaming, a 10 or 15 Mbps NBN plan would be more than enough. On the other hand, if you have a large family with multiple streaming devices, online gaming, and a home office, you will need an NBN plan with a higher bandwidth and speed, ideally 50 Mbps or more.
Think About Your Budget
Budget is an equally important consideration. RBE Internet offers a wide range of NBN plans, starting at just $59/month. However, budgeting for your ideal NBN plan involves more than just the monthly fee.
First, you will need to consider the setup costs. Your ISP will provide a fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) or fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) connection. This setup may cost you a one-time installation fee, depending on your location.
Secondly, large households might need an extender or a mesh network. An extender or a mesh network boosts your Wi-Fi signal. However, setting it up can add to your overall initial costs. Think about all these factors before choosing an NBN plan for your home.
Check the Plans Available in Your Area
Although the government declared the NBN rollout complete in late 2020, it’s left a patchwork of technology. For one, the fibre network runs to 1.4 million homes but only part of the way to 5.5 million others. Almost half a million homes still rely on fixed wireless and satellite.
That means the availability of NBN plans might vary from region to region. Check with your local ISPs and see which NBN plans are available. You might have to choose a plan based on the local availability. It might not be the best NBN plan, especially if your area has access to only satellite or fixed wireless connections.
Read the Fine Print
Many ISPs will ask you to sign a contract. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions before signing it. Look out for setup fees or any additional costs. Check the length of your contract and see if you’ve to pay penalties for changing or cancelling your plan. Some ISPs might offer a trial period. It can be an excellent opportunity to test the NBN plan. If it meets your internet usage needs, you can think about a long-term commitment.
Conclusion
The best NBN plan strikes a balance between your internet needs and budget. To select such a plan, you need to understand bandwidth and speed, your internet usage, typical evening speed, and the overall setup cost. And yes, don’t forget to consult the local ISPs to see which plans are available and best suited for your needs. That should help you find the NBN plan of your dreams. Ready to upgrade? Check out our home NBN plans. RBE Internet can help your home stay connected. Contact us now to know more!
