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In recent years, internet connectivity in Australia has changed a lot. This is because of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and the rollout of 5G networks. Both promise faster and more reliable internet, but they have their own advantages and challenges. In this article, we explain the difference between NBN and 5G in detail, comparing them across different areas to help you decide which one is better for your needs.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a national project to bring high speed internet to Australia. It uses a mix of technologies including fibre, copper, coaxial cables, fixed wireless and satellite to deliver internet to homes and businesses. NBN plans come in different speed tiers from NBN 12 (12 Mbps) to NBN 1000 (1 Gbps) to suit different usage needs and budgets.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology after 4G. It promises much faster speeds, lower latency and the ability to connect multiple devices at the same time. 5G uses a combination of high frequency bands and advanced antenna technology to deliver these improvements. While 5G can reach up to 20 Gbps, practical speeds are often lower due to current infrastructure limitations.
NBN speeds vary depending on the type of connection and plan. There are six speed tiers:
NBN plans performance can also be affected by the type of NBN technology (FTTP, FTTN, HFC, etc) and network congestion during peak times.
5G has faster maximum speeds than NBN. While theoretical speeds can reach up to 20 Gbps, practical speeds are around 250 Mbps to 1 Gbps depending on coverage, network congestion and interference. Some 5G plans are capped at specific speeds, such as 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps to suit different user needs.
The NBN has been rolled out to most Australian households and businesses so it’s widely available across the country, including many regional and remote areas. This means more Australians have access to high speed internet no matter where they live.
5G is mainly available in major cities and urban areas with ongoing rollout into regional centres. As of early 2024, 5G is available to around 87% of the Australian population. Rural and remote areas still mostly use 4G and NBN fixed wireless and satellite as 5G rollout in these areas is limited.
NBN reliability varies by technology. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is the most reliable, while Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and fixed wireless can drop out and be slower. Overall, NBN is a stable and reliable internet experience, especially if you have FTTP or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC).
5G is more prone to speed and coverage fluctuations due to weather, physical obstacles and network congestion. While 5G is fast, it’s not always consistent, especially during peak times. 5G signals are also shorter than 4G and 3G, so can be unreliable in areas with lots of buildings or obstructions.
NBN plan prices vary by speed tier and provider. NBN plans range from basic to high speed. For example an NBN 50 plan might be $70-$80 per month, an NBN 100 plan $90-$100 per month. Some plans have introductory discounts or bundled offers.
5G home internet plans are competitive with NBN plans, often faster at the same or lower price. A 5G 50 Mbps cap plan might be $60 per month, and uncapped 5G plans $70-$80 per month. These plans usually include a modem, and some providers offer introductory discounts for new customers.
NBN setup may require a technician visit for new installs or upgrades to higher speed tiers. This can take days to weeks depending on technician availability and complexity of install. Existing NBN users can usually switch providers or plans in a day.
5G home internet setup is simpler and faster than NBN. It’s just a matter of plugging in a 5G compatible modem or router and making sure there’s 5G coverage in your area. This plug-and-play approach means you can get online without the need for technician visits or extensive setup.
NBN in Regional and Remote Areas
The NBN was meant to make sure all Australians, including those in regional and remote areas, have high speed internet. Fixed wireless and satellite NBN are for these areas where fibre and copper can’t reach. This has improved the internet in rural Australia, but these connections are slower and more latency than urban areas.
5G in Regional and Remote Areas
5G coverage in regional and remote areas is limited and is currently focused on urban centres and major regional towns. The higher frequency of 5G signals means they don’t travel as far as 4G signals, so more infrastructure is needed to get the same coverage. Rural Iareas are unlikely to get 5G in the short term but ongoing expansion may improve this over time.
NBN: The NBN will continue to evolve with ongoing upgrades to speed and reliability. New technologies and replacing old copper with fibre will improve the network. Government initiatives and investments will focus on expanding coverage and improving service in underserved areas.
5G: 5G is still in its infancy, lots of room for growth. As the network expands and infrastructure improves 5G speeds and reliability will get better. mmWave(Millimetre Wave) technology will increase capacity and performance of 5G making it a more viable alternative to fixed line broadband. But getting widespread coverage especially in rural areas will take investment and time.
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It all comes down to your situation. If you have good 5G coverage in your area and need high speed internet with minimal setup hassle, 5G is a good option. It’s competitively priced and faster so it’s a good alternative to NBN.
However, if you want consistent and reliable performance, especially in regional or remote areas, NBN might be the better choice. With its wide coverage and multiple speed tiers, NBN can cater to all sorts of internet usage and provide a stable connection for most people.
In summary, both NBN and 5G have their strengths and weaknesses. Assess your internet usage requirements, budget, and location to determine which option is the best fit for you.
