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What NBN Speed Do I Need?

It’s crucial to know which NBN speed tiers are available so you can determine which is the best for your needs.

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, updated on February 13th, 2024       

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Wondering what NBN speed suits your needs best? The National Broadband Network (NBN) offers various speed tiers to cater to different online activities and household sizes, so understanding these speeds is crucial to helping you ensure your internet service matches your requirements.

You can discover the details of different NBN plans and find out which one aligns with your online demands in Savvy’s helpful guide. We'll walk you through the available NBN speed tiers and break down who may be suited to each option. Explore the intricacies of NBN speed right here with us today!

What NBN speed tiers are available in Australia?

The NBN comes in six different speed tiers:

  1. NBN 12 (12Mbps download, 1Mbps upload)
  2. NBN 25 (25Mbps download, 5Mbps upload)
  3. NBN 50 (50Mbps download, 20Mbps upload)
  4. NBN 100 (100Mbps download 20Mbps or 40Mbps upload)
  5. NBN 250 (250Mbps download, 25Mbps upload)
  6. NBN 1000 (1000Mbps download, 50Mbps upload)

The first four speed tiers are widely available around Australia across all connection types, but NBN 250 and 1000 are both limited to homes and businesses with either a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection.

What NBN speed do I need?

The best speed tier for you will depend on your needs as an individual, family or business, with each coming with its own advantages for different people. Here’s a breakdown of each tier to help you determine which one you need:

NBN 12 (Basic I Speed)

NBN 12 is the lowest-power NBN speed tier available. It's primarily suitable for fundamental internet tasks like web browsing, checking emails and occasional standard definition (SD) video streaming.

This may make it a suitable choice for light users or one-person households with minimal online activity. If you primarily use your internet plan for basic communication and light online browsing, you may decide this speed tier can provide a cost-effective solution.

NBN 25 (Basic II Speed)

NBN 25 is designed to cater to light to moderate internet users and small households of one to two people. It can enable web browsing, email communication, SD video streaming and can support essential work-from-home needs.

Because of their similar price point, NBN 25 plans serve a similar function to NBN 12 and are more popular as a result. For individuals who engage in more frequent online activities like streaming or small families with light internet needs, NBN 25 may be the plan for you.

NBN 50 (Standard Speed)

By far the most popular NBN plan around the country, NBN 50 offers the clearest balance between performance and affordability. It can be useful for larger households with multiple users who engage in simultaneous online activities or smaller households with higher data demands.

This speed tier can enable HD video streaming, online gaming with lower latency and efficient file downloads and uploads, as well as accommodate more demanding work tasks. If your household has several members streaming, gaming and working remotely but still have an eye on your budget, an NBN 50 plan could be the right call.

NBN 100 (Fast Speed)

The fastest widely available NBN tier, NBN 100 is designed for heavier internet users and households with extensive online demands, as well as small businesses with multiple employees online at once. If you have a non-FTTP or HFC connection, this is the speediest fixed line internet on offer.

NBN 100 can support 4K video streaming, online gaming with low latency, large file transfers and multiple device connections. It's the go-to choice for those who require a robust and responsive internet connection, especially in households with multiple users engaging in data-intensive activities.

NBN 250 (Superfast Speed)

One of the two new additions to the original four NBN speed tiers, NBN 250 is tailored for power users, small to medium businesses and those who demand super-fast internet speeds. However, as mentioned, only FTTP and HFC connections support these speeds.

This speed tier can offer 4K streaming, large-scale data uploads and downloads and high-performance online gaming without interruptions. Users who rely on bandwidth-intensive applications or require swift data transfer can benefit from the exceptionally high speed of NBN 250.

NBN 1000 (Ultrafast Speed)

The highest possible speed available on the NBN, NBN 1000 is geared towards tech enthusiasts and medium to large businesses with the most demanding connectivity needs. It can provide lightning-fast speeds suitable for 8K video streaming, professional-grade online gaming and data-intensive tasks like video conferencing and large-scale file sharing.

If you need entirely optimised speed and reliability, NBN 1000 delivers unparalleled performance compared to any other speed tier on the Network, making it ideal for advanced users and enterprises.

Frequently asked questions about NBN speeds

How do I check my NBN speed?

You can check your NBN speed by running an internet speed test. There are many online speed tests available, such as through various internet provider websites. Simply start the test and it’ll measure your download and upload speeds, giving you an idea of the current NBN speed you’re receiving.

Why am I not receiving the speed advertised on my NBN plan?

Several factors can affect your NBN speed, including network congestion, the quality of your modem or router, Wi-Fi interference and the provider you choose. Additionally, on certain connections such as Fibre to the Node, the use of copper cables to link you to the NBN means that the more copper used in the connection, the more your speed may degrade. It's essential to ensure your equipment is up to date and that you're subscribed to a speed tier which meets your needs.

Why are NBN evening speeds important?

Evening speeds represent the internet's performance during peak usage hours, typically between 7pm and 11pm. These hours can affect streaming, gaming and other online activities. Because of this, when comparing NBN plans, look for the evening speed quoted by different providers, as this is likely to be the speed you’ll receive when using the internet at peak hours.

How do I compare NBN plans?

To compare NBN plans effectively, consider the following factors:

  • Speeds and evening speeds
  • Cost
  • Contract terms
  • Data allowance (although most NBN plans have unlimited data)
  • Related fees
  • Additional features
  • Bundling options
Can I switch to a different NBN speed tier whenever I like?

Yes – if you have an NBN plan with no contract, you can generally switch to a different NBN speed tier at any time, but it might depend on your service provider's policies. If you’ve signed up for a plan on a lock-in contract, you may be charged break fees for switching to a new plan before the end of your term. Even if you have a month-to-month flexible contract, you may be required to pay the full price of your free modem if you cancel within a set period, such as 24 months.

What speed do I need for streaming platforms like Netflix?

Netflix recommends download speeds of 25Mbps for streaming 4K content, but you can use as little as 3Mbps to stream SD movies and TV. If streaming is a priority, you could also look for plans which come with a free Netflix subscription.

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Compare internet plans with Savvy

Regardless of whether you're looking for an internet plan for a one-person household or for your medium to large business, you can compare a range of offers from leading Australian providers side by side with Savvy. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!

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.

$50 Woolworths eGift card terms and conditions
  • The Promoter is CIMET Sales Pty Ltd ABN 72 620 395 726. Level 18/570 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000. Econnex Comparison is powered by CIMET.
  • Promotion available on qualifying Broadband Plan purchases between 1st February 2024 to 31st July 2024 (“Promotional Period”) and may be withdrawn at any time by Econnex Econnex Comparison retains the right to change or alter the terms of this offer.
  • You (“Customer”) will receive $50 worth of Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Econnex Comparison, subject to these Terms and Conditions.
  • Information on how to qualify to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card forms part of these Terms and Conditions. Participation in this promotion is considered acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility requirements
  • To be eligible to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards, you must purchase the Broadband Plan via the following link: https://app.econnex.com.au/broadband?rcCode=90709
  • You must switch to a new Broadband retailer. Customers who change plans via Econnex but remain with the same retailer will not be eligible.
  • Your Broadband Plan must be connected within 30 days from the date of purchase.
  • Eligible Recipients will receive the applicable Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards by email up to 120 days after purchasing the Broadband Plan.
  • Econnex Comparison is not liable if any Customer details supplied are incorrect.
  • Econnex Comparison is providing this offer in conjunction with the retail services offered on its platform.
  • Details of Econnex Comparison retailers can be found at the following link: https://www.econnex.com.au/approved-providers-list
  • You must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over. Econnex Comparison may request you to provide a copy of your valid ID for identification purposes.
  • The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards and Customer’s information (including the Customer’s identity, age and place of residence) and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, tampered with the claim process, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise fair and proper conduct of the promotion.
  • Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter's discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
  • When the request for a connection cannot be completed, is unsuccessful, or a request is made for the cancellation of your Broadband Plan within the first 30 days from the date of connection, you will not be eligible to receive any gift card.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card is subject to any issuer Terms and Conditions.
  • Any ancillary costs with redeeming the gift cards are not included.
  • No responsibility is taken for any lost or stolen Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Cards.
  • If the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are unavailable, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards to a card with equivalent value, subject to directions from a regulatory authority.
  • If the offer is not able to be conducted as reasonably anticipated, due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to: technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the extent permitted by law: a. to disqualify any individual; or b. to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
  • This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from Econnex
Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions.
  • Econnex Comparison will transfer your Broadband Plan request and details to the selected retailer.
  • Econnex Comparison may contact you to clarify any details or discrepancies in the information you provided for your Broadband Plan purchase.
  • To cancel your request, you will need to contact the Broadband Plan retailer and inform them of your decision.
  • Please note that we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands.
  • If you have any inquiries regarding your Broadband Plan purchase, you can contact us directly at 1800 013 000 or email us at [email protected]
  • Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions: https://www.econnex.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
  • By participating in this promotion, the individual authorises the Promoter to collect, hold, use and disclose their personal information in accordance with Econnex’s privacy policy, including providing such information to third parties such as contractors, service providers, suppliers and where required or authorised by law. Econnex’s Privacy policy can be found at https://www.econnex.com.au/privacy-policy
  • Econnex may, unless the individual tells us not to, use the information to communicate with them by mail or electronically by, for example, email, phone, SMS to issue direct marketing and commercial communications telemarketing calls.
  • To opt out of direct marketing access, update, or correct personal information you may contact us at [email protected]
Other Information
  • Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card but is not the Promoter of the offer nor responsible for fulfillment of the offer terms.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards have a fixed term expiry as displayed on the front of the gift card and are redeemable in-store and online at Woolworths Supermarket stores only.
  • Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are valid for 3 months from the issue date and Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are not reloadable or redeemable for cash.
  • Econnex Comparison and Woolworths will not replace, expired, lost, stolen, or deleted Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards.
  • Check your Spam/junk email if you have not received a Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card in your inbox within 120 days after activation of your Energy, Electricity or Gas Plan.
  • Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Card is sent via email from [email protected] or [email protected]
  • For enquiries related to the application, gift cards, or adding or removing any details on the application, please contact the Econnex Comparison at 1800 013 000 or e-mail us at [email protected]
  • For the balance and transactions history on this Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card and Woolworths Terms and Conditions visit https://woolworths.com.au/giftcards or call 1300 101 234.
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