Before the rollout of the NBN was even complete, a new major competitor entered the scene – the 5G network. 5G is now widely available to customers thanks to service providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. So, NBN vs 5G, what’s the difference?
What it means for you is more choice and maybe more confusion! If you are moving home and in the process of comparing internet plans, you want to make the right decision before you commit to a new NBN connection or 5G plan.
In this guide we will compare NBN vs 5G, looking at cost, speed, reliability and accessibility, so you can decide which is the best option for you.
What exactly is 5G?
5G is the latest development in the mobile wireless internet network, the successor of 4G. Short for “fifth generation”, this new technology takes broadband cellular networks to the next level.
5G is all about delivering faster internet speeds, more simultaneous connections (reducing the impact of network congestion during busy times) and processing a very high volume of data with minimal disruption.
With the quality and speed on offer, there are many 5G advocates who believe it will come to replace the NBN eventually. Watch this space!
What is the NBN?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a high-speed broadband network that has been rolled out across Australia to eventually replace traditional internet networks. The NBN uses copper wires, cable broadband and optical fibre to deliver faster speeds of up to 1000Mbps.
This new and improved internet makes high-speed internet activities accessible to Australians, including telehealth and remote medical procedures and online gaming.
The roll-out of the NBN aims to keep Australia’s internet on par with the best in the world.
The Cost – 5G vs NBN
When you are moving home, you have plenty of expenses to consider, so you want to make sure you are getting the best deal for your new internet connection.
Price is always important to consider and it will be one of the determining factors in the deal you choose, however, when it comes to 5G and the NBN, there isn’t a huge difference between the two. This could change of course with upgrades in technology and government infrastructure.
Depending on your service provider, some plans for NBN vs 5G can be cheaper if you choose a slower speed, so it’s important to do your research.
Take a look at the table below that compares our preferred suppliers of NBN vs 5G plans.
5G home broadband vs NBN plans | |||||
Provider | Plan | Inclusions | Cost per month* | Typical evening speed | Data |
Optus | Optus Plus Family Entertainer NBN | Netflix
Optus Ultra WiFi Modem and WiFi Booster WiFi Secure by McAfee 4G backup |
$99 ($89 for first 6 months) | 50Mbps | Unlimited |
Optus 5G Plus Entertainer Superfast | Netflix
Nokia 5G modem Uncapped speeds |
$99 ($89 for first 6 months) | 225Mbps | Unlimited | |
TPG | TPG NBN50 | Flexible contract | $74.99 | 50Mbps | Unlimited |
TPG 5G Home Internet Premium | Premium WiFi Modem
Flexible contract |
$64.99 ($54.99 for the first 6 months) | 100Mbps | Unlimited | |
Tangerine | Tangerine XL Speed Boost | BYO Modem option | $69.60 ($54.90 for the first 6 months) | 50Mbps | Unlimited |
More Telecom | XL Speed Boost NBN | BYO Modem option | $77 ($53.90 for CommBank customers) | 50Mbps | Unlimited |
Aussie Broadband | Family NBN | Pay as you go home phone | $99 | 97Mbps | Unlimited |
Foxtel | Foxtel Unlimited Broadband + Movies HD | iQ5 set top box
Foxtel WiFi Modem |
$139 | 50Mbps | Unlimited |
AGL | AGL Home Standard | Flexible contract
Carbon neutral |
$84 ($49 for the first 12 months when bundled with energy) | 50Mbps | Unlimited |
EnergyAustralia | EnergyAustralia Standard Plus | Flexible contract | $85 ($75 if bundled with energy) | 48Mbps | Unlimited |
*Prices are correct in November 2022.
These are just a sample of NBN vs 5G plans on offer, the best choice for you will be one that suits your specific needs. Call an expert at Move-In Connect to find the best 5G broadband vs NBN connection for your new home.
The Speed – 5G vs NBN
5G is the incontestable winner when it comes to speed, with super-fast average speeds of up to 225Mbps and an uncapped maximum speed. This is about 4 times faster than the average speed of the NBN.
The NBN offers average speeds of between 50Mbps and 100Mbps and a maximum speed of 1000Mbps, but keep in mind that with advancements in technology and government infrastructure, plus the different types of NBN connections available, NBN speeds could increase in the future.
It’s also important to remember that speeds for both NBN and 5G are heavily determined by a range of factors, such as network congestion and the strength of the signal.
So, is 5G better than NBN? Well, it’s not as simple as finding the fastest connection. When it comes to speed, remember that the comparatively ‘slow’ speed of the NBN is more than adequate for High Definition streaming, cloud storage, fast download speeds and online collaboration. In fact, for most homes and small businesses, ultra-fast internet speeds are unnecessary, so make sure you consider how you use your internet before you make a choice based on speed alone.
Reliability – 5G vs NBN
It’s a bit tricky to determine, at least for now, whether 5G home broadband vs NBN connections are the more reliable choice for consumers.
The reliability of your internet connection is dependent on a variety of factors, such as your service provider, the type of connection you have (for NBN this could be fibre-to-the-node fttn, fibre-to-the-curb fttc or fibre-to-the-premises fttp), network congestion, your modem and the strength of your signal.
When you compare 5G and NBN for reliability, it’s important to consider how these factors relate specifically to your home or business in order to make an informed decision.
Accessibility – 5G vs NBN
At the moment, the NBN is more accessible to Australians, given that it has been going since 2010 and the rollout is close to completion. In comparison, the 5G network is a newer technology and so remains limited, at least for now.
In Australia, there are currently six providers offering 5g home internet, vs NBN which is available through almost all retailers. Telstra, Optus, TPG, Vodafone, Internode, iiNet and Spintel currently have 5G home internet options, with additional providers offering 5G mobile broadband. 5G coverage is also limited to certain areas of major towns and cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, the Gold Coast, and Toowoomba.
Is NBN better than 5G?
If you’re considering 5G home internet vs NBN, you need to consider all of the factors discussed on this page and prioritize which are most important to you. If you are looking for superfast speeds then 5G vs NBN is a better option if it is available in your area. Whereas if cost is your top priority, then NBN vs 5G has a wider range of price points for different speed tiers.
It may be that 5G broadband vs NBN is a better choice for you but is not yet accessible where you live – keep checking back because, as with all new technology, it is becoming more widely available every day.
To thoroughly compare NBN vs 5G can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, the experts at Move-In Connect are waiting to help!
What’s next?
If you want to find out more about 5G home broadband vs the NBN network or compare the wide range of internet plans available for your new home, speak to our experts at Move-In Connect who are ready to answer all your internet questions. You can learn more about NBN connections when you move home here.
We can find out which services are available in your area, match your internet needs to the perfect plan to help you choose between 5G broadband vs NBN, transition your existing NBN plan or help you to switch internet plans and connect the premises so your new home internet will be ready and waiting on moving day.