How to choose the right nbn internet speed plan
5-minute read
Not sure if you’re on the right internet plan for your needs? Or don’t know which plan to pick? Read on for tips to help you choose the right nbn speed plan.
When it comes to choosing an internet speed plan, it’s all about finding the plan that’s most suitable for you.
And, when you find it, you’ll know.
What the right plan looks like: a reliable1 experience for that important job interview, easily doing research for an assignment with a fast-looming deadline, satisfying a home full of streaming enthusiasts, quickly uploading a file the boss is waiting on…
And the not-so-good plan? Buffering at that pivotal moment in your favourite streamed show, slow speeds as multiple users and devices compete to use the internet at the same time, and waiting what seems like forever for that download to complete.
At nbn, we only want you to experience the good so here are our top tips to help you choose the right speed plan for your needs and circumstances.
1. Count your users and devices
Firstly, make a list of how many people and devices are competing to use the internet at your place at any one time.
Think about who’s home when, how they use the internet, and how those devices may be automatically using the internet.
This is because, the more devices and data-intensive applications being used at the same time, the higher nbn speed plan you’ll likely need.
With 22 connected devices now in the average household2 – and that number expected to keep growing – you may have more than you think!
- Mobile phones
- Smartwatches
- Computers
- Laptops
- Tablets
- TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Speakers
- Doorbell
- Security cameras
- Locks
- Lights
- Plugs
- Blinds, curtains and shades
- Fans
- Heaters
- Fridge and freezer
- Kettle
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Vacuum
- Thermostat
- Baby monitor
- Air purifiers
Next, consider how your householders and devices are using the internet.
Regularly uploading and downloading large files? Participating in data-intensive online games? Video calling for work, school or with loved ones? Monitoring home security footage? Streaming entertainment… the list goes on.
And are you trying to do many of these things at the same time?
Gathering this information will help you select or upgrade to the right nbn powered plan for you.
“… the more devices and data-intensive applications being used at the same time, the higher nbn speed plan you’ll likely need.”
2. Talk to your phone and internet provider
Now that you understand your needs, it’s time to chat with your preferred phone and internet provider.
With data usage skyrocketing in recent years, and two out of three Australians on the nbn® network not changing their internet plan in the past three years3, chances are, it’s time for a review.
Use your findings about the number of users and devices at your place to ask your provider for their plan recommendations.
If you’re already connected, ask them to check if your current plan still meets your usage needs or if there’s a better nbn powered plan and deal for you.
With around 120 phone and internet providers out there offering a range of nbn plans with various inclusions and at different prices, there’s sure to be a plan that’s right for you.
Independent sites like Canstar, Finder and WhistleOut can be a great source of advice. You might also like to ask family, friends and colleagues for their recommendations.
A list of phone and internet providers offering nbn services can be found here.
3. Review your plan regularly
Once you’re connected or after changing your plan, remember to review your plan regularly – don’t just ‘set and forget’.
That’s because your household’s needs, and the deals available through providers, can also change.
You may have more or fewer people using the internet at your place, and more connected devices joining the household as technology continues to advance and make our lives more convenient.
We recommend reviewing your nbn speed plan at least once a year – once every six months is even better.
Plans at a glance
With a wide range of wholesale plans on offer, there’s an nbn speed plan from your preferred phone and internet provider available to meet your needs and budget.1
The choice is yours and it all depends on what you want:
Speed plan | Home Basic I | Home Basic II | Home Standard | Home Fast | Home Superfast | Home Ultrafast |
| Streaming – definition and number of devices | Standard definition (SD) streaming or high definition (HD) streaming | Stream in 4K on one device, or high definition (HD) streaming | Stream in 4K resolution on 1-2 devices at the same time | Stream in 4K resolution on 2-4 devices at the same time | Smooth 4K streaming experience even when others are online, on up to 10 devices | Highly reliable1 4K streaming – cinema quality experience that’s unlikely to buffer or lag1, on 10 or more devices |
| Capability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Time to download 10 GB file | 3 hours or more | 1 hour and 10 minutes | Within 35 minutes | Within 17 minutes | Within 7 minutes | Within 2 minutes |
| Time to upload 1 GB file | Within 3 hours | Within 35 minutes | Within 9 minutes | Within 9 minutes | Within 7 minutes | Within 4 minutes |
As you can see from this handy table, smaller households who simply like to browse the web, make phone calls and stream entertainment will likely benefit from one of our basic plans.
And for those households who churn through data for education, entertainment and work, our higher plans will be more their speed.
Data-intensive homes might also like to consider our full fibre option – available to more than 3.5 million premises across the country, nbn’s full fibre provides access to our fastest residential speeds.
So, which plan will you choose to make sure you can do everything you need and love online?
Listen: How to find the best internet plan for your household needs
Listen to my chat with 4BC's Peter Gleeson about how to choose the best plan for your needs.
1 Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn network, depends on the nbn access technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside of nbn’s control (like your equipment quality, software, chosen broadband plan or how your provider designs its network). The activities supported by each nbn speed tier may also be impacted by a number of factors (and could be degraded depending on the number of people online at the same time, and your nbn access technology). Not all providers offer plans based on the full range of wholesale speed tiers. Talk to your preferred provider for more information about availability and the right retail solution for your needs.
2 Telsyte Australian IoT@Home Market Study (2022)
3 Survey commissioned by nbn through The Behavioural Architects. n=2,504 nationally representative.