NBN vs. Fixed Wireless: Choosing the Right Internet Connection
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is now available to most homes throughout Queensland. However, it’s not the only option available, and for some, it might not even be the best. Fixed Wireless internet offers a compelling alternative, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Understanding the differences between these two technologies can help you make an informed decision to your specific needs.
What is NBN?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a government initiative designed to provide high-speed internet across Australia. It employs a mix of technologies to deliver internet services:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): This is the gold standard, where fibre-optic cables run directly to your home, offering the fastest and most reliable connection.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre runs to a node in your area, and from there, copper wires connect to your home. The speed and reliability can vary, particularly if you’re far from the node.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Utilizes existing pay-TV cables, offering good speeds but potentially affected by network congestion.
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Fibre runs to a distribution point near your home, with the final connection via copper. This provides better speeds than FTTN but can still be less reliable than FTTP.
- Fixed Wireless and Satellite: Used in rural and remote areas where laying cables is impractical, these options typically offer slower speeds and are more susceptible to weather conditions.
The type of NBN connection you get is determined by your location, which can significantly affect your internet experience.
What is Fixed Wireless?
Fixed Wireless internet delivers broadband via radio signals from a local transmission tower to an antenna installed on your property. Unlike the NBN’s Fixed Wireless, often associated with rural and remote areas, Fixed Wireless services like those offered by Move Up Internet are increasingly available in urban and suburban settings.
Fixed Wireless is particularly useful in areas where laying fibre-optic cables is expensive or impractical, yet there is a demand for high-speed, reliable internet. This technology offers an alternative to traditional wired connections, often providing better speeds with fewer infrastructure requirements.
Availability and Eligibility
NBN: NBN availability is widespread across Australia, but the type of connection available to you depends on your location. Urban areas typically have access to faster connections like FTTP or HFC, while regional and rural areas might be limited to FTTN, Fixed Wireless, or Satellite. Checking your specific address on the NBN Co website can tell you what’s available.
Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless coverage depends on proximity to a transmission tower and requires a clear line of sight between your property and the tower. Urban and suburban areas are increasingly serviced by Fixed Wireless, providing a viable option for those who might be underserved by the NBN.
Speed and Performance
Speed is one of the most critical factors when selecting an internet connection. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and determines how quickly you can download and upload data.
NBN: Speeds on the NBN can vary widely depending on the technology used. FTTP can deliver speeds up to 1000 Mbps, but FTTN and HFC connections may experience slower speeds, especially during peak times. Factors such as the distance from the node, network congestion, and the quality of the copper wires can impact your experience.
Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless can provide high-speed internet superior to some NBN connections, particularly when there’s a direct line of sight to the tower. Speeds typically range from 25 to 1000 Mbps, with some services offering even higher speeds. One of the advantages of Fixed Wireless is its consistency, as it is less affected by network congestion compared to some NBN technologies.
Data Limits
Data limits are another important consideration when choosing an internet plan. These limits determine how much data you can use each month for activities like streaming, gaming, and working from home.
NBN: NBN plans vary significantly in terms of data limits. Some plans offer limited data, which can be a good option for light users, while others provide unlimited data, suitable for households with multiple users or high data demands. It’s important to choose a plan that matches your usage patterns to avoid restraint or extra charges.
Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless plans also come with varying data limits. Many providers offer generous data allowances or even unlimited data plans, making Fixed Wireless a practical choice for households that require a lot of bandwidth. Understanding your data usage is key to selecting the right plan.
Installation and Setup
The process of getting connected differs between NBN and Fixed Wireless, both in terms of time and complexity.
NBN: Setting up a new NBN connection can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the technology used. FTTP installations, for example, require more extensive work, including the laying of fibre-optic cables. For existing NBN connections, switching providers is usually straightforward, although you might need a new modem.
Fixed Wireless: Installing Fixed Wireless is generally quicker and less invasive. A technician installs a small antenna on your property, usually on the roof, which connects to the nearest transmission tower. This installation can often be completed within a few days, providing you with a fast and reliable internet connection without the need for extensive cabling.
Reliability and Latency
Reliability is crucial, especially if you rely on the Internet for work or essential services. Latency, or the delay in data transmission, is another factor to consider, particularly for activities like gaming or video conferencing.
NBN: The reliability of NBN services can vary. FTTP offers high reliability, while FTTN and HFC connections can be more prone to issues like network congestion and weather-related disruptions. Latency on NBN is generally low, but it can vary depending on the technology used.
Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless is known for its reliability, particularly when there’s a clear line of sight to the transmission tower. Latency is typically very low, often comparable to or better than NBN connections, making it a good choice for activities that require real-time data transmission.
Cost Comparison
Cost is a significant factor for most users when choosing an internet plan. Both NBN and Fixed Wireless offer a range of price points depending on speed, data limits, and the level of service.
NBN: NBN plans vary widely in price. Generally, faster speeds and higher data limits come with higher costs. FTTP connections are often the most expensive, while FTTN and HFC might be cheaper but offer less consistent performance.
Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless plans are often competitively priced, particularly when compared to equivalent NBN plans. Installation costs can also be lower or free since there’s no need for extensive cabling. For users in areas with good Fixed Wireless coverage, this can offer excellent value for money.
Environmental and Physical Considerations
The physical infrastructure required for different types of internet connections can have environmental impacts and practical limitations.
NBN: Laying fibre-optic cables or installing nodes involves significant physical infrastructure, which can be disruptive and environmentally impactful. The use of existing copper networks in FTTN and HFC connections can also lead to issues with durability and performance over time. All connections that use ground-based cables are vulnerable to floods, fires or even roadworks damaging the line and leaving you without internet.
Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless requires minimal physical infrastructure beyond the transmission towers and receiving antennas. This makes it a less invasive option, particularly in areas where preserving the natural environment is a priority. The reduced need for ground-based cabling also means fewer opportunities for physical damage, such as from roadworks or natural disasters. And in the rare event that something goes wrong, it doesn’t take very long to fix.
Support
When it comes to support, there’s a significant difference between providers, particularly in terms of where that support is located.
NBN: Many large NBN providers use overseas call centres to handle customer support. After the COVID-19 pandemic, this led to a dramatic increase in customer complaints as people struggled to reach their service providers when they most needed a reliable internet connection. According to the Telecommunications Ombudsman, complaints against telcos increased by 1500% from 2019 to 2020.
Fixed Wireless: Support for Fixed Wireless can vary, but some providers, like Move Up Internet, offer local, Queensland-based support. Having access to a local call centre and online chat can make a significant difference in the quality and responsiveness of the support you receive, particularly during peak periods or emergencies. There’s no substitute for being able to speak to someone who understands the local context and can offer prompt, effective assistance.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between NBN and Fixed Wireless comes down to understanding your specific needs, the options available at your location, and what you value most in an internet connection. For those in urban and suburban areas, where high-speed, reliable internet is essential, Fixed Wireless offers an alternative to NBN, particularly where NBN options might not deliver the speed, performance or reliability required.
While NBN remains a recognised and accessible option, Fixed Wireless is an increasingly viable choice for many Australians, especially those in areas served by providers like Move Up Internet. To be eligible for Move Up’s Unlimited Fixed Wireless, your home must be within the range of one of our exclusive towers with a direct line of sight. You can check your address here.
By carefully considering factors such as speed, data limits, installation, support, and cost, you can select the internet service that best meets your needs and keeps you connected, no matter what your demands are.