
Get exclusive tech offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
The National Broadband Network is a massive engineering project with the lofty goal of bringing high-speed broadband to every Australian. That will mean the end of the ADSL copper network once the build is completed, and a whole new satellite system to deliver broadband to remote locations. But what about areas that are already served by fibre networks not owned by the NBN?
Back in 2012 as the NBN was still in its infancy and was still planned as a full FTTP network, it was decided that the NBN would avoid unnecessary (and expensive) duplication and not roll out NBN fibre to areas that were deemed to be "adequately served" by an existing fibre network.
Since then, the NBN has shifted to a multi-technology mix roll out, including a number of other technologies to deliver high-speed broadband. But the decision to avoid network duplication in areas already served by fibre networks has continued.
Put simply, "Adequately Served" means that certain locations around Australia that have access to high-speed fibre networks will not be getting the NBN. Instead, those addresses will be classified as Adequately Served Areas and the companies that built those fibre networks will be required to offer wholesale access to their network to other companies.
As part of the original NBN rollout strategy, there were 45 networks in residential areas that the government had given Adequately Served status to, with networks supplied by four different providers.
These four networks provide a broadband network capable of matching the NBN's specifications and have agreed to offer a wholesale service price to their network so that customers living in these areas can choose to get a broadband connection from a range of retail service providers.
Since the change to a multi-technology mix rollout, the definition of Adequately Served has expanded to include any network offering more than 25Mbps download speeds, except the HFC networks from Telstra and Optus. Those HFC networks are being integrated into the NBN rollout, though not without some teething issues.
Q: I'm in an Adequately Served Area. Can I still get the NBN?
A: Technically, no. However, you can access high-speed broadband which is what you're really after anyway, right? Pricing may be a little bit different to traditional NBN plan prices and have different inclusions. Talk to your provider of choice to find out more.
Q: I'm currently served by TPG's FTTB network. Is that part of an Adequately Served Area?
A: You would think so, but NBN Co has opted to build out its network on top of the TPG FTTB footprint. The good news is that having the choice of two networks means a better result for you.
Q: What networks are considered Adequately Served?
A: Prior to the change in delivery strategy, the government only included networks from Opticomm, Pivet, Places Victoria and NT Technology Services as able to be classified as Adequately Served Areas. These days, parts of Telstra's Velocity network, Frontier networks and OPENetworks are also considered to be Adequately Served Areas.
Thousands of Australians still don’t have access to the NBN, but there are fast speed Internet alternatives available.
Read more…Follow our four steps to figure out what makes a good Internet speed for you and your household.
Read more…Happy with your current NBN plan? Find out what NBN relocation services are available for keeping your NBN provider when you’re moving.
Read more…Bringing your own modem across when you sign up to a new NBN plan could save you a couple hundred dollars.
Read more…Find the best Internet plans for renters with no contracts and low prices.
Read more…Find out where to buy a new NBN battery and easily install it yourself.
Read more…Easily bundle your NBN plan and home phone with the same company. Compare NBN bundles here.
NBN 250 and NBN 1000 are the newest NBN speeds available for households to purchase.
How will customer options and pricing be affected?
Internet access is now guaranteed for all Australians, with new minimum NBN speeds put into place.
With everyone working from home, the stress on the NBN might cause issues for some. With 5G rolling out steadily, it might be worth switching to mobile Internet for your household.
Is the NBN on track for completion in mid-2020? Technology journalist Adam Turner investigates.
With the COVID-19 coronavirus forcing many into working remotely, here's what you need to consider around your home or work broadband connection.
The Federal Court has given the green light for the TPG/Vodafone merger, but what will this mean for Australian Internet and mobile consumers?
NBN Co has released its long-awaited corporate plan, but what picture of the Australian broadband landscape does it paint?
NBN Co is patting itself on the back for reaching more than 10 million premises with less than a year’s worth of the formal build process remaining.
Who's the best electricity provider in Australia?
Find out how much solar installation costs and how much you'll save.
Tips to save on your energy bill all year round.
Get a better understanding of your energy use.
Currently, I have Telstra velocity broadband in which I spend $100/month. I don’t want to continue this Telstra velocity. How can I get NBN?
Hi John!
Thanks for your inquiry.
You can start by visiting this page to do a serviceability check. Then, you may use our customization tool to choose your desired bandwidth, price and contract. Afterwards, you can click “Go To Site” green button of your chosen brand to redirect you to their page.
Hope this clarifies.
Cheers,
Jonathan