Big internet shake-up promises lightning-fast speeds sooner than you think
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Boil the kettle, queue up your favourite show, and get comfy—because a huge internet speed boost is on its way to Aussie households.
This upgrade promises faster streaming of your favourite TV shows, a major shift in how we connect, play, and get things done.
Starting mid-September, the NBN Co is rolling out a significant upgrade to its broadband network, promising to supercharge download and upload speeds for eligible homes.
This is no small tweak—some households could see their download speeds increase by up to a whopping 500 per cent!
But before you start dreaming of lightning-fast Netflix binges and crystal-clear video calls with the grandkids, there are a few important things to know.
Let’s face it: Australia’s internet hasn’t exactly been winning gold medals. According to Speedtest’s latest global rankings, we’re sitting at 75th in the world for broadband speed—lagging behind countries like Egypt, Slovakia, and Argentina, and only just ahead of Ukraine.
Not exactly something to brag about at the next family BBQ!
But with the average Aussie home now juggling around 25 internet-connected devices (think smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, and even fridges!), It’s clear we need a serious boost.
Back in 2015, most homes had just two or three devices online. Times have changed, and so must our internet.
Here’s the catch: not everyone will benefit straight away. The upgrade is only available to households with either Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) NBN connections.
If you’re on satellite, fixed wireless, Fibre to the Node (FTTN), or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), you’ll have to wait a bit longer for your turn.
Not sure what type of connection you have? You can check your address on the NBN website or ask your internet provider.
Yes, in some cases. The new speeds will only be available to those on NBN plans of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher.
Most Aussies are currently on 50Mbps plans, so you might need to upgrade to the 'Home Fast' plan or above to take full advantage.
Here’s a quick look at what’s changing:
The upgrades will be rolled out automatically, so you won’t need to lift a finger (except maybe to reboot your modem).
Here’s where things can get a bit tricky. Even if your plan and connection are eligible, you might not see the full benefit unless your home equipment is up to the task.
Many older modems and Wi-Fi routers can’t handle these new, higher speeds. The biggest bottleneck in your home could soon be your own hardware, not the NBN itself!
TPG’s Andrew O’Connor warns that some modems—even relatively new ones—aren’t built for these speeds, and third-party Wi-Fi extenders can sometimes slow things down rather than help.
If you’re on FTTN, FTTC, satellite, or fixed wireless, don’t despair. The NBN is gradually upgrading more homes to fibre, and you may be eligible for a free fibre upgrade in the near future.
Keep an eye on announcements from NBN Co and your provider.
Faster internet isn’t just about streaming movies or downloading big files. It means smoother video calls with family, quicker access to telehealth services, and a more reliable connection for all your smart devices.
For those of us who remember the days of dial-up (and that unforgettable screeching sound!), this is a leap into the future.
Are you excited about the new internet speeds? Have you checked your plan and hardware yet? Or are you still waiting for fibre to reach your street? Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
Read more: The court has spoken! Why Telstra may owe thousands of customers compensation
This upgrade promises faster streaming of your favourite TV shows, a major shift in how we connect, play, and get things done.
Starting mid-September, the NBN Co is rolling out a significant upgrade to its broadband network, promising to supercharge download and upload speeds for eligible homes.
This is no small tweak—some households could see their download speeds increase by up to a whopping 500 per cent!
But before you start dreaming of lightning-fast Netflix binges and crystal-clear video calls with the grandkids, there are a few important things to know.
Households with fibre or HFC connections are set to enjoy a major internet speed boost, with upgrades kicking off from mid-September. Credit: Depositphotos
Let’s face it: Australia’s internet hasn’t exactly been winning gold medals. According to Speedtest’s latest global rankings, we’re sitting at 75th in the world for broadband speed—lagging behind countries like Egypt, Slovakia, and Argentina, and only just ahead of Ukraine.
Not exactly something to brag about at the next family BBQ!
But with the average Aussie home now juggling around 25 internet-connected devices (think smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, and even fridges!), It’s clear we need a serious boost.
Back in 2015, most homes had just two or three devices online. Times have changed, and so must our internet.
Here’s the catch: not everyone will benefit straight away. The upgrade is only available to households with either Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) NBN connections.
If you’re on satellite, fixed wireless, Fibre to the Node (FTTN), or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), you’ll have to wait a bit longer for your turn.
Not sure what type of connection you have? You can check your address on the NBN website or ask your internet provider.
Yes, in some cases. The new speeds will only be available to those on NBN plans of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher.
Most Aussies are currently on 50Mbps plans, so you might need to upgrade to the 'Home Fast' plan or above to take full advantage.
- Home Fast: Download speeds jump from 100Mbps to 500Mbps.
- Home Superfast: Up from 250Mbps to 750Mbps.
- Home Ultrafast: Upload speeds double from 50Mbps to 100Mbps.
- Home Hyperfast: A brand new plan, offering a mind-blowing 2000Mbps download speed!
The upgrades will be rolled out automatically, so you won’t need to lift a finger (except maybe to reboot your modem).
Here’s where things can get a bit tricky. Even if your plan and connection are eligible, you might not see the full benefit unless your home equipment is up to the task.
Many older modems and Wi-Fi routers can’t handle these new, higher speeds. The biggest bottleneck in your home could soon be your own hardware, not the NBN itself!
If you’re on FTTN, FTTC, satellite, or fixed wireless, don’t despair. The NBN is gradually upgrading more homes to fibre, and you may be eligible for a free fibre upgrade in the near future.
Keep an eye on announcements from NBN Co and your provider.
Faster internet isn’t just about streaming movies or downloading big files. It means smoother video calls with family, quicker access to telehealth services, and a more reliable connection for all your smart devices.
For those of us who remember the days of dial-up (and that unforgettable screeching sound!), this is a leap into the future.
Read more: The court has spoken! Why Telstra may owe thousands of customers compensation
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