Getting good and reliable NBN connection for your home is important for work, entertainment and staying connected with family and friends. With so many NBN plans and providers available, finding the right one can be confusing. This guide will you understand how to compare options and choose the best NBN connection for your home.
NBN Basics
Before you start looking for a plan, it’s important to know how the NBN work and the types of connections available.
What is NBN?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s high-speed internet network. It was established to replace older technologies like ADSL and provide better speeds for most homes.
Types of NBN Connections
NBN uses different technologies to connect NBN to your home these are:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): A fibre cable runs directly to your home offering high-speed and reliable internet.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre runs to a nearby node and existing copper cables connect the node to your home. The speed may vary.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Uses fibre and existing pay TV cables.
- Fixed Wireless and Satellite: These options are for homes in remote areas. The speeds may be slower compared to other fibre options.
Check Availability in Your Area
Not all NBN plans are available in every location. Start by checking the type of NBN connection available at your address.
How to Check Availability
- Visit the NBN Co Website.
- Enter your address in the availability checker tool
- Review the connection type and speed options for your home.
This step will help you narrow down your options and find providers that offer services in your area.
Decide What Speed You Need
NBN plans are offered in different tiers. Choosing the right speed depends on how many people are in your home and how you use the internet.
NBN Speed Tiers
- NBN 12 (Basic I): Good for light internet use like browsing and emails.
- NBN 25 (Basic II): Good for small households with standard internet use.
- NBN 50 (Standard): Good for streaming, video calls and online gaming in medium sized households.
- NBN 100 (Fast): Great for large households with heavy internet usage.
- NBN 250 and Above (Superfast/Ultrafast): Great for households with multiple users and high-speed needs like 4K streaming or large file uploads.
If you’re unsure, NBN 50 is a good starting point for most people and families. You can always upgrade later if you need it.
Compare NBN Providers
Once you know what speed you need and your connection type, compare NBN providers to get the best deal.
Major NBN Providers:
- Telstra
- Optus
- TPG
- Aussie Broadband
- iiNet
- Vodafone
- MyRepublic
Budget-Friendly NBN Providers
- Dodo
- Tangerine Telecom
- Spintel
- Belong
Regional and Smaller Providers
- Exetel
- Internode
- Southern Phone
- Activ8me
What to Look for in a Provider?
- Price: Check the monthly cost of plans and see if there are any upfront fees.
- Contract Terms: Some plans are month-to-month, while others require a 12-24 month contract.
- Data Allowance: Most NBN plans offer unlimited data but its good to confirm this if you have heavy internet usage.
- Customer Support: Look for providers with good reviews for customer service.
- Extras: Some providers offer perks like discounts, free modems or streaming service bundles.
Compare and Connect NBN Plans Online
Using online comparison tools is one of the easiest ways to find the right NBN plan. Websites like Cheap Bills and Moveinconnect help you compare and connect to many NBN providers.
Consider Bundles Plans
Some providers offer NBN plans bundled with other services like phone lines, mobile plans and streaming subscriptions.
Advantages of NBN Bundles
- Save Costs: Bundling services can sometimes be cheaper than paying for them separately.
- Convenience: You’ll only need to deal with one provider for multiple services.
Examples of Bundles Plans
- Optus offers NBN plans with mobile and entertainment add ons.
- Telstra provides NBN plans that include home phone services and streaming subscriptions like Foxtel.
Check for Discounts and Promotions
Many providers offer discounts or promotions for new customers. These might include:
- Discounted rates fo the first 6 to 12 months.
- Free or discounted modems.
- Waived connection or set up fees.
When comparing NBN plans make sure to note these offer and check the normal price to avoid surprises when the promotions end.
Understand Connection and Setup Fees
Some providers charge fees for connecting your NBN or setting up your equipment.
Common Fees
- Connection Fees: Charged if your home is being connected to the NBN for the first time.
- Modem Costs: Some providers include a modem for free while others charge upfront.
- Setup Fees: Fees for professional installation or activation.
Read More: How Do I Move My NBN to New Property? – Moveinconnect
Choose a Plan That Fits Your Budget
Once you’ve compared options, choose a plan that meets your needs without exceeding your budget.
Tips for Saving Money
- Stick to the speed tier you need, don’t pay extra for speeds you won’t use.
- Opt for unlimited data if you dream or work online regularly to avoid extra charges.
- Consider month-to-month plans if you want flexibility.
- Check Customer Reviews
- Before signing up, check reviews for the provider you are going for. This will you a better idea of their service and customer support. Look for feedback about connection, speed, downtime and how the providers deals with issues.
Sign Up and Arrange Installation
Once you’ve chosen a provider sign up online or over the phone. You will need to provide your:
- Address
- Preferred start date
- Payment details
Equipment and Installation
If your home already has NBN equipment installed, your provider will activate your service remotely. For new connections, a technician may need to visit your property to complete the installation.
Make sure someone is home during the scheduled installation time if a visit is needed.
Test Your Connection
After your NBN is connected, test the speed to make sure it meets your plan’s speeds that were advertised.
How to Test Your Speed?
Use online tools like the Ookla speed test or the Fast speed test.
Test at different times of the day to see if speeds vary during peak hours.
If your speeds are slower than expected, contact your provider to resolve the issue.
What to Do if You’re Moving Homes
Setting up an New NBN connection when moving to a new home involves additional steps. Whether you’re switching providers or transferring your existing plan, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid delays.
Steps for Moving Homes with NBN
- Check NBN availability at your new address:
- Even if you’re staying with the same provider, NBN availability and connection types may differ between locations. Use the NBN co address checker to confirm your connection type and speed options.
- Inform Your Current Provider
- Notify your provider about your move at least 2-3 weeks before. This allows them to arrange disconnection a your old address and activation at your new home.
- Decide Whether to Switch Providers:
- Moving homes is a good time to compare NBN providers if you find a better deal. Many providers offer discounts or waived setup fees for new customers.
- Schedule Your Connection:
- Arrange the connection date for your new home to match your move-in day. If it’s possible, schedule it for a day or two before moving to avoid downtime.
- Set Up Your Equipment
- If your new home already has NBN equipment installed, you can set up the connection yourself. Otherwise a technician may be needed to visit and install the required infrastructure.
Additional Tips for Moving Homes with NBN
- Plan for Delays: Some connection types such as the FTTP may take longer to activate. Factor in extra time if a technician visit is needed.
- Test Your Connection: After moving, test your internet speed to make sure it matches your plan. Contact your provider if speeds are slower than expected.
- Keep Your Modem or Router: If your current modem or router is compatible with NBN, you can save money by reusing it at your new home.
Alternatively, you can contact Moveinconnect to help handle your NBN connection at your new home.
Bottom Line
Finding the right NBN connection for your home doesn’t have to be hard. By understanding your needs, comparing providers and checking reviews you can pick a plan that meets your home needs and budget. Take the time to shop around find options and you can enjoy the best NBN connection for your home.
