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Once the most common internet connection in Australia, much of the ADSL infrastructure has now been replaced by the NBN.
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Before the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) across Australia, ADSL internet was the prevailing fixed line connection around the country. Although times have changed and this connection type is no longer widely available in Australia, it’s still worth understanding how it works, especially if the NBN hasn’t reached your home or office yet. You can find out all about ADSL connections right here with Savvy in our handy guide today!
ADSL, or asymmetric digital subscriber line, is a type of internet connection which enables internet access over traditional copper telephone lines. It works by utilising different frequencies for voice and data transmission, allowing users to simultaneously make phone calls and access the internet. Here's how it works:
ADSL internet speeds can vary significantly based on factors like your distance from the telephone exchange, line quality and your internet service provider's (ISP) infrastructure. In Australia, ADSL typically offers speeds up to 24Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads. However, you’re unlikely to experience maximum download speeds, with most generally only seeing up to around 10Mbps.
This means it comes with much slower maximum speeds than other, more modern forms of internet connection. For example, the slowest NBN speed tier, NBN 12, is often able to consistently deliver speeds beyond what you might expect through ADSL (12Mbps), while higher tiers can outperform it significantly. Additionally, home wireless broadband connections come with speeds from 20Mbps to 25Mbps (4G plans) into the hundreds of Mbps (5G plans).
Yes – as of September 2023, ADSL internet plans are still available in Australia. However, their availability depends on your location and whether the NBN services have been rolled out in your area. In any area where it isn’t yet available, ADSL remains an option for internet connectivity.
It's important to note, though, that over time, as the NBN continues to expand its coverage, ADSL will eventually become entirely obsolete. Once the NBN becomes available in your area, you’ll be given a set timeframe to switch before your existing ADSL internet is disconnected.
If ADSL is no longer available, there are a few options for you to choose from for your internet:
To get the most up-to-date information on the availability of ADSL or the NBN in your specific location, it's worth checking with internet providers or visiting the NBN Co website to see if services have been rolled out in your area.
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Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.