NBN has taken the internet landscape in Australia by storm. This next-gen, fibre-optic network has connected 8.61 million homes and businesses to the high-speed internet as of July 2024.
Although NBN offers different types of fixed connections, it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss for many households in Australia. It doesn’t cover all the areas, especially those in the remote outback. That’s where a fixed wireless connection comes in.
It allows you to connect to high-speed internet without the need for cables. But before you decide which is better, NBN vs fixed wireless, you should know what each type of connection means and how it can affect your internet usage and needs.
Let’s break this down for you.
What is NBN?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s main internet infrastructure. It is designed to provide high-speed internet across the country. NBN offers various types of connections, including:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
These connections use a mix of fibre-optic cables, existing copper lines, and coaxial cables to deliver internet to your home or business. You can choose a suitable NBN plan based on availability, ranging from basic to high-speed options.
What is Fixed Wireless?
Unlike an NBN, a fixed wireless connection connects your home or business to the internet using wireless signals. Instead of cables running underground, a signal is sent from a transmission tower to a fixed antenna installed on your property. That means you can get high-speed internet without the need for extensive infrastructure like fibre-optic cables.
Fixed wireless is the best option in areas where laying cables is not feasible or cost-effective. It offers a reliable alternative for those who may not have access to NBN services or want a different option.
Comparing NBN Vs Fixed Wireless
The decision of NBN vs fixed wireless isn’t going to be easy. You’ll have to consider various factors such as availability, speed, performance, data limits, installation, and cost when making this comparison.
1. Availability
Availability or eligibility is the first factor that will help you compare fixed wireless vs NBN. The rollout of NBN began in major cities and suburbs. In other words, it’s now available widely across the urban areas in South Australia. If you live in a major city like Adelaide or one of its suburbs, you can quickly get a fixed connection and choose a high-speed NBN plan.
On the other hand, a fixed wireless connection might be the right option if you live out in the sticks. NBN cables haven’t yet reached the remote areas in South Australia. And since this internet relies on wireless signals, your property must be within the range of one of the towers set up by your internet provider.
2. Speed
Speed is another critical consideration when comparing fixed wireless vs NBN. The average download speed of a broadband connection in Australia was 70.02 Mbps in 2024. Moreover, you can choose from different high-speed NBN plans, which start from 25 Mbps and go up to 1000 Mbps.
Fixed wireless plan speeds typically range from 25 to 100 Mbps. According to NBN data, its wireless connection had an average download performance of 102.7% of plan speeds during all hours, but it decreased to 87.7% during peak hours.
Several factors can affect the speed of your fixed wireless connection, including:
- The distance from the transmission tower.
- Weather conditions.
- Obstructions like buildings or trees.
That said, NBN broadband connections are also susceptible to breakdowns and network congestion during peak hours, which can significantly lower your internet speed.
3. Performance (Latency)
When it comes to the internet, latency is a crucial major of its performance. It refers to the delay before the data transfer begins. Lower latency means the data can transfer quickly and efficiently, which is necessary for online gaming, video calls, and real-time data processing.
NBN connections, particularly fibre-optic ones, tend to offer lower latency thanks to wired infrastructure. According to the latest report, the latency for fixed fixed-line NBN plans was around 10 milliseconds in March 2024, which often goes unnoticed, even when gaming or video calling.
However, the average latency for NBN fixed wireless services was 43.3 milliseconds for all hours and 44.6 milliseconds for busy hours. This means data travels faster and more directly if you have a fixed-line NBN plan compared to a fixed wireless connection. If you need a stable and quick connection for activities that require real-time data, you are better off with a high-speed fixed-line NBN plan.
4. Data Limits
Almost all NBN plans offer unlimited data plans. You can continue using your internet at the promised plan speed regardless of how much data you consume. These data plans are perfect for heavy internet users, including families with multiple devices and gamers.
Fixed wireless plans, however, often come with data limits due to bandwidth constraints. If you’re a heavy user or have multiple people in your home using the internet simultaneously, you may find yourself reaching these limits quickly.
At RBE Internet, we offer fixed wireless plans with unlimited data, offering you the freedom to stay online without worrying about additional costs.
5. Installation
A shorter turnaround means you can set up your connection quickly and efficiently. But, installing a fixed-line NBN connection may take longer depending on your location and the existing infrastructure. For instance, if your house requires new lines or copper line upgrades, it could be a few days until your connection is up and running.
On the contrary, a fixed wireless installation is typically quicker and less invasive. A technician will set up an antenna on your property and align it with the nearest transmission tower. In short, your connection can be ready to go in just a day or two.
6. Cost
Cost is often a major consideration when deciding fixed wireless vs NBN. NBN plans typically offer a wider range of price points. RBE Internet provides NBN home plans starting at just $62 per month. On the other hand, our fixed wireless plans start at $73 per month.
Whether fixed-line or wireless, the cost of your plan will vary depending on the speed and data allowance you choose. Some NBN providers may charge extra for additional data usage, equipment installation and maintenance. It’s best to speak with the provider to understand the costs before getting a new connection.
Conclusion
When comparing NBN vs fixed wireless, consider what matters most, which includes availability, speed, performance, data limits, installation, and cost. NBN generally offers faster speeds, lower latency, and more data flexibility, making it ideal for heavy users and those in urban areas. Fixed wireless can be a practical alternative for rural or remote areas but may come with trade-offs in speed and latency. At RBE Internet, we offer both fixed-line and wireless plans from NBN. We are a well-known, reliable NBN provider in South Australia with local support. Contact us now to know more!
