Learning about the NBN can be daunting. The information is full of tricky terminology and awkward acronyms. We're here to help though, and the first thing you should know is this:
You can’t choose how your NBN is connected, it’s dependent on where you live and the infrastructure that is aa in your area.
Even though there are seven NBN connection types, your house can only connect in one way and we’re betting that you’re reading this because you've got (or will have) a Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connection.
What is Fibre to the Building?
Fibre to the Building or "Fibre to the Basement" is an NBN connection type specifically designed for apartment blocks and large office buildings. With a Fibre to the Building connection, an NBN fibre optic cable is laid directly to the bottom of your building, where it connects to the copper phone line that runs into your apartment or office.
Before we start, here are the cheapest NBN plans in our database on NBN 25, NBN 50, NBN 100/20, and NBN 100/40 speed tiers.
|
#1
|
MATE
Crikey nbn 25/10
$40/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Basic
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Moose NBN
nbn 25/10 Value
$46.80/mth
Min. cost $46.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Internet
Bronze Unlimited
$46.90/mth
Min. cost $46.90
|
|
#5
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Entry 25
$47/mth
Min. cost $47
|
|
#6
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value NBN
$47.90/mth
Min. cost $47.90
|
|
#7
|
amaysim
Unlimited nbn Quick As
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Exetel
Everyday nbn25
$50.99/mth
Min. cost $50.99
|
|
#9
|
Buddy Telco
Standard nbn - Unlimited
$53/mth
Min. cost $53
|
|
#10
|
Dodo
nbn25 Unlimited Plan
$53.90/mth
Min. cost $53.90
|
|
#1
|
Kogan Internet
Silver Unlimited
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value Plus NBN
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
MATE
Ripper nbn 50/20
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Exetel
Extra-value nbn50
$60.99/mth
Min. cost $60.99
|
|
#5
|
Buddy Telco
Value nbn - Unlimited
$63/mth
Min. cost $63
|
|
#6
|
Moose NBN
nbn 50/20 Premium
$63.80/mth
Min. cost $63.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Superloop
Extra-value nbn50/20
$67/mth
Min. cost $67
|
|
#8
|
Dodo
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$68.90/mth
Min. cost $68.90
|
|
#9
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Everyday
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#1
|
MATE
No Worries nbn 100/20
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Fast
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Premium 100
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#4
|
Moose NBN
nbn 100/20 Elite
$65.80/mth
Min. cost $65.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Internet
Gold Unlimited
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#6
|
Tangerine Telecom
Speedy NBN
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#7
|
Exetel
Family nbn100/20
$65.99/mth
Min. cost $65.99
|
|
#8
|
amaysim
Unlimited nbn Fast As
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Fast
$72/mth
Min. cost $72
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Buddy Telco
Speedy nbn - Unlimited
$73/mth
Min. cost $73
|
|
#1
|
MATE
You Beaut nbn 100/40
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Speedy Plus NBN
$74.90/mth
Min. cost $74.90
|
|
#3
|
Exetel
Power Home nbn100/40
$75.99/mth
Min. cost $75.99
|
|
#4
|
Superloop
Power home nbn100/40
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
|
|
#5
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Fast+
$82/mth
Min. cost $82
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Aussie Broadband
Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited
$95/mth
Min. cost $95
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
More
Fast Plus NBN
$100/mth
Min. cost $100
|
|
#8
|
Origin Broadband
Enthusiast+ nbn® 100
$110/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
How fast is FTTB NBN?
Fibre to the Building connections can achieve speeds of up to 100Mbps, or around 97Mbps during peak hours. If you have an FTTB connection, the fastest NBN speed tier you can get is NBN 100. NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans aren't available on this technology type.
| NBN speed tier | Best for | Good speed | Avg speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBN 12 (Basic I) | Lone, low internet users | 12Mbps | 10-12Mbps |
| NBN 25 (Basic II) | Budget pick for 1-2 people | 25Mbps | 19-25Mbps |
| NBN 50 (Standard) | A great all-rounder for 2-4 people | 50Mbps | 42-50Mbps |
| NBN 100 (Fast) | Internet lovers and big households | 100Mbps | 90-100Mbps |
| NBN 250 (Superfast) | Got the need for speed | 248Mbps | 200-230Mbps |
| NBN 1000 (Ultrafast) | Fastest you can get if you can get it | 800Mbps | 200-700Mbps |
The table above illustrates what a good speed is and what average speeds are for each NBN speed tier. However, the actual speeds you get at home will still be dependent on:
- The NBN plan and provider you subscribe with
- Congestion during peak hours (this is what is meant by 'typical evening speeds')
It's also important to note that your NBN speed is a shared resource. If you subscribe to an NBN 50 plan, your 50Mbps is shared between every person and device in your household.
For example, if you're streaming a movie on Netflix, the internet will be slower for everyone else using your connection at the same time. Faster NBN speeds mean there's more capacity to share: you can stream all the video you want and no one else will notice any slow-down.
Here are the fastest NBN 100 plans you can get at the moment.
|
#1
|
Southern Phone
nbn Fast
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Premium 100
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#3
|
Moose NBN
nbn 100/20 Elite
$65.80/mth
Min. cost $65.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Internet
Gold Unlimited
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#5
|
Tangerine Telecom
Speedy NBN
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#6
|
Exetel
Family nbn100/20
$65.99/mth
Min. cost $65.99
|
|
#7
|
amaysim
Unlimited nbn Fast As
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Fast
$72/mth
Min. cost $72
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Dodo
nbn100 Unlimited Plan
$73.90/mth
Min. cost $73.90
|
|
#10
|
Superloop
Family nbn100/20
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
|
What equipment do I need for a FTTB connection?
Since Fibre to the Building uses your existing copper wiring, you'll keep using the same phone line that was once used as part of an ADSL connection. The NBN does not need to install any new equipment in your home as part of the rollout.
For an FTTB connection, you will need a VDSL2-ready modem router. If your modem router doesn't support VDSL2 connections, it won't work with your new NBN internet connection.
To check the compatibility of your modem, look at the row of ports across the back of your modem to locate a phone jack labelled VDSL. If not, look under the modem for a label with a serial number. Most compatible modems will say 'ADSL2+/VDSL2' or something similar.
Most modems sold in the last couple of years would be VDSL2-ready. When you sign up for a new NBN plan you will almost always have the option of buying a VDSL2 compatible modem with your plan. If you've already got one you can bring your own.
A handful of providers including Telstra, Optus, and TPG will provide a VDSL2-ready modem at no additional cost as part of your plan when you remain connected for a certain period. Usually, this is either 24 or 36 months.
Once you have your modem, your NBN connection will be easy to set up. Once your service is active, you simply use an RJ11 phone cable to connect your modem router to the phone socket. Almost every single modem router includes one of these in the box. VDSL2 modem routers also require a dedicated power source, so you'll need a spare electrical outlet.
Your other devices will connect to your VDSL2 modem router using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection.
How much does FTTB NBN cost?
How much an FTTB plan costs depends on which provider, and speed you plan to go with. NBN plan prices are constantly changing, luckily for the most part this means better deals for the consumer.
While big name brands such as Telstra, TPG and Optus all have their own NBN plans the best deals come from smaller providers - some that you have probably never heard of.
The current in-market trend right now is for telcos to offer plans with discounts that last for six months, after which the plan returns to full price.
However, most providers have no lock-in contract and allow you to BYO modem. This means you're free to shop around for the best (or next best deal) every six months.
Dylan Crismale, Digital Content Editor
Generally speaking, the faster the speed tier the more you will pay per month. For most, we'd recommend going for an NBN 50, as they provide a good balance between price and speed. On average, you're looking at about $80 to $90 per month. But the cheapest NBN 50 plans go for around $60 a month with a promotional discount.
As a starting point, here's a look at the cheapest NBN 50 plans around:
|
#1
|
Kogan Internet
Silver Unlimited
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value Plus NBN
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
MATE
Ripper nbn 50/20
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Exetel
Extra-value nbn50
$60.99/mth
Min. cost $60.99
|
|
#5
|
Buddy Telco
Value nbn - Unlimited
$63/mth
Min. cost $63
|
|
#6
|
Moose NBN
nbn 50/20 Premium
$63.80/mth
Min. cost $63.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Superloop
Extra-value nbn50/20
$67/mth
Min. cost $67
|
|
#8
|
Dodo
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$68.90/mth
Min. cost $68.90
|
|
#9
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Everyday
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
How does FTTB NBN work?
The National Broadband Network is made up of fibre optic cables that run out across the country from major hubs and into your neighbourhood. These cables are capable of delivering incredibly fast and reliable internet.
In a Fibre to Building Connection, the NBN's fibre optic cables run directly to a Main Distribution Frame (MDF), usually located at the bottom of a building. Your apartment or office then connects to the MDF using the same copper wiring that was originally for a landline phone and ADSL broadband.
While NBN Co has received criticism for using Australia's old copper network, homes and businesses connecting over FTTB should see faster, more reliable connections. Using large lengths of copper to deliver internet access can result in speed degradation; the longer the copper, the slower the internet. But since only a small amount of copper is required to get you online using Fibre to the Building, you shouldn't lose any speed - provided your building's internal wiring is in good shape.
This essentially makes FTTB a better version of Fibre to the Node (FTTN), where up to a kilometre of copper can be required to connect your house or business to the NBN.
The small amount of copper used also means these connections could be upgraded for faster speeds in the future. In the past NBN Co has been able to achieve speeds of up to 600Mbps when trialling upgrades to FTTB technology.
Can I change NBN connection type?
If you're not a fan of your FTTB technology then you, can change your technology type, but it's going to cost you.
NBN Co offers free quotes to upgrade your technology type but beware that these come up in the tens of thousands of dollars. Whole building upgrades are currently unavailable but you can register your interest. A free quote may not be possible if NBN considers your premises to be "complex" enough that it requires manual assessment.
An NBN upgrade program is underway, but it's focused on fixing FTTN and FTTC connections rather than FTTB. This program will connect over five million FTTN and FTTC households directly to fibre for free by 2025.
At this stage, there is no upgrade program slatted for FTTB connections.
Non-NBN FTTB alternatives
FTTB internet is unique because you can get a few kinds of Fibre to the Building connections that have nothing to do with the NBN. The majority of private fibre - such as those owned by TPG or Opticomm - operates using the same or similar technology as FTTB NBN does.
The main difference however is that these connections tend to be faster due to less congestion or due to optimisation.
For example, there's TPG's private fibre. Thanks to extensive upgrades of its network TPG is able to offer download speeds up 500Mbps over an FTTB connection.
Here's a look at TPG and iiNet's private fibre plans:
|
#1
|
TPG
FTTB50
$35/mth
Min. cost $164.95
|
|
#2
|
TPG
FTTB50
$35/mth
Min. cost $240
|
|
#3
|
TPG
FTTB100
$37.50/mth
Min. cost $167.45
|
|
#4
|
TPG
FTTB100
$37.50/mth
Min. cost $255
|
|
#5
|
iiNet
Ultra Broadband FTTB Max
$39.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#6
|
iiNet
Ultra Broadband FTTB250
$39.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#7
|
iiNet
Ultra Broadband FTTB100
$39.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#8
|
iiNet
Ultra Broadband FTTB50
$39.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#9
|
TPG
FTTB250
$40/mth
Min. cost $169.95
|
|
#10
|
TPG
FTTB250
$40/mth
Min. cost $270
|
|
#1
|
TPG
FTTB50
$35/mth
Min. cost $240
|
|
#2
|
TPG
FTTB100
$37.50/mth
Min. cost $255
|
|
#3
|
TPG
FTTB250
$40/mth
Min. cost $270
|
|
#4
|
TPG
FTTB Max
$45/mth
Min. cost $300
|
Note: TPG and iiNet charge a $10 delivery fee for delivery of the modem. TPG also charges a $20 prepayment fee for any VoIP calls you might make and a $99.95 setup fee. You can dodge TPG's setup fee by signing up for a six-month contract.
The main downside is private fibre networks simply aren't as available as the national network. A TPG fibre connection for example is only available at around 400,000 premises.
Here are fibre plans from providers using Opticomm's network across different download speeds:
|
#1
|
Exetel
Everyday Fibre25
$53.99/mth
Min. cost $53.99
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
Everyday Fibre25
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
|
|
#3
|
Activ8me
OptiComm Unlimited Sonic
$69.95/mth
Min. cost $167.95
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Basic Plus - Unlimited
$79/mth
Min. cost $188
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Origin Broadband
Everyday Fibre 25
$83/mth
Min. cost $88
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Exetel
Extra Value Fibre50
$63.99/mth
Min. cost $63.99
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
Extra Value Fibre50
$67/mth
Min. cost $67
|
|
#3
|
Activ8me
OptiComm Unlimited SuperSonic
$79.95/mth
Min. cost $177.95
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Value OptiComm - Unlimited
$89/mth
Min. cost $198
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Origin Broadband
Experience Fibre 50
$95/mth
Min. cost $100
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Exetel
Family Fibre100/20
$68.99/mth
Min. cost $68.99
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
Family Fibre100/20
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Fast OptiComm - Unlimited
$85/mth
Min. cost $194
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Activ8me
OptiComm Unlimited Premium-100
$99.95/mth
Min. cost $197.95
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Origin Broadband
Enthusiast Fibre 100
$105/mth
Min. cost $110
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Exetel
Superfast Fibre250
$83.99/mth
Min. cost $83.99
|
|
#2
|
Superloop
Superfast Fibre250
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Super-Fast OptiComm - Unlimited
$99/mth
Min. cost $208
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Origin Broadband
Super fast Fibre 250
$120/mth
Min. cost $125
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Superloop
Lightspeed Fibre1000
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
|
|
#2
|
Aussie Broadband
Ultra-Fast OptiComm - Unlimited
$109/mth
Min. cost $218
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Origin Broadband
Ultra fast Fibre 1000
$130/mth
Min. cost $135
Link not supplied
|
If you want faster internet speeds on an FTTB connection, its worth checking if you have one of these options. NBN is proposing speed increases for its NBN 100 speed tier that would see up to 500Mbps download speeds but FTTB connected premises would miss out.
Wireless FTTB alternatives
So you want faster download speeds but don't have access to another kind of FTTB connection? There's still hope.
The easiest option is a a 5G home wireless internet plan. These connections use the same mobile network as your phone does in order to connect to the internet.
5G isn't universally available yet, so far a handful of telcos offer 5G home internet plans at different speed caps. Here's a selection of popular 5G home internet plans:
If you decide to choose a plan capped at 50Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of NBN 50, however, you may experience
slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option if you're either conscious of the price
or you know you won't use over 50Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 50Mbps:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit)
$49/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#3
|
TPG
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
5G Home Internet Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday 5G
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Yomojo
5G Internet 50
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
Link not supplied
|
If you choose a plan capped at 100Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan, however, you may
experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option for households with multiple
members who regularly connect to the internet at the same time.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 100Mbps:
|
#1
|
TPG
5G Home Broadband Premium
$54.99/mth
Min. cost $54.99
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (100Mbit)
$59/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
5G Home Broadband Premium
$59.99/mth
Min. cost $59.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
5G Home Internet Premium Plan
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Yomojo
5G Internet 100
$75.90/mth
Min. cost $75.90
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
|
Telstra, Optus, Yomojo and SpinTel currently offer uncapped plans. These can go as fast as network conditions allow but exact speeds will depend on your coverage and congestion. Generally, though we have found 200Mbps is a pretty safe average.
|
#1
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband
$79/mth
Min. cost $104
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
5G Home Internet - 1TB
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Yomojo
5G Internet Max
$95.90/mth
Min. cost $95.90
Link not supplied
|
If you can't get 5G home internet but still don't want NBN, you can consider 4G home internet, also known as home wireless broadband. These plans only offer download speeds of 20Mbps, however, so they'll be a downgrade for anyone with FTTB NBN.
|
#1
|
TPG
Home Wireless Broadband
$44.99/mth
Min. cost $44.99
|
|
#2
|
iiNet
Home Wireless Broadband
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
4G Home Internet Unlimited
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Yomojo
4G Internet 25
$55.90/mth
Min. cost $55.90
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
SpinTel
4G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (25Mbit)
$53.95/mth
Min. cost $69.95
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Kogan Internet
4G Home Internet Plan
$149.70
Link not supplied
|
NBN FTTB FAQs
Who is connected to FTTB NBN?
If you live in an existing apartment block that was connected to the internet with an ADSL connection, there's a good chance you've ended up with FTTB NBN. When it comes to new developments, the technology used to connect the building will depend on its size, and how much the developer is willing to pay. NBN Co will wire buildings with Fibre to the Building, and it is up to the developer as to whether individual units connect with fibre cabling or copper.
What happens in a power outage?
When you're connected to the NBN over FTTB, landline phone and internet services won't work if there is a power outage at your place or within the NBN network itself. Restoring power to your premises with an alternative power option won't do anything if the NBN network is also experiencing an outage.
What happens to my home phone?
NBN will eventually phase out the old copper phone services we use today, and replace them with similar services delivered by the internet. Home phones will connect to 'UNI-D' phone services, provided by your internet supplier.
You will plug your handset into the UNI-D port on a VoIP compatible modem router – which your provider will be able to send to you. You might also connect with a VoIP adapter connected to your existing telephone socket or an ATA (analogue telephone adapter) connected to your NBN Connection Box.
Be aware that UNI-D does not allow for emergency power backup in the case of a black-out. If the power in your home, building or neighbourhood goes down, so will your phone line. You will also lose landline connectivity if the NBN goes down. For this reason, if you don't already have a mobile phone, we recommend that you keep one charged in your home in case of an emergency.
Fortunately, these days there are plenty of affordable mobile handsets and plans around, offering options to get as much or as little calling credit as you think you might need. You can use your mobile plan as an alternative to VoIP. Or you can get a 365-day expiry prepaid mobile plan to use as an emergency backup in case of a power or internet outage.
What are NBN typical evening speeds?
While all NBN providers resell access to the same network, maximum speeds during peak hours can vary between providers. Providers are required to display the internet speeds you can expect during peak hours in marketing materials. These are known as 'typical evening speeds'.
How much data should I get on my plan?
You shouldn't need to consider how much data to get these days as most NBN plans come with unlimited data.
Do I have to sign a contract for FTTB NBN?
No, you shouldn't have to sign a contract as most providers now offer month-to-month plans with no lock-in contract However, signing up for a month-to-month plan often means paying for setup and/or hardware, which telcos tend to waive when you commit to a longer-term contract.
Find a better internet plan
Thousands of internet plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
