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ADSL and ADSL2+ Plans

Compare ADSL plans while you're waiting to get connected to the NBN.

Alex Kidman
Alex Kidman

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Sam Baran
Sam Baran

Updated

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Compare Plans How does ADSL work?

If you're still waiting for the NBN to be available at your address, you'll most likely need an ADSL connection. Keep in mind that the NBN is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2020, which might influence whether you want to commit to a multi-month ADSL contract.

Not on the NBN yet? Compare ADSL plans below

What is ADSL/ADSL2+?

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is an Internet service that works by sending signals through existing copper telephone lines. It uses different frequencies to the telephone and can exist alongside or independent of a phone service.

ADSL2+ uses the same basic technology as ADSL but achieves faster data speeds, maxing out at about 24 Mbps. Not all telephone lines can support ADSL2+, but these types of plans are cheaper and more common than regular, slower ADSL connections.

The signals involved in ADSL connections degrade with their distance from a signal exchange, with a functional limit of about 5km.

learn how ADSL works and how it can benefit your business today

What's the difference between ADSL Internet and the NBN?

While NBN and ADSL both provide access to the Internet, they're completely different technologies. ADSL runs through the old copper lines that are already used to carry phone signals, while the NBN requires dedicated fibre optic cables to send large amounts of data at high speed.

The NBN is intended to replace these older copper connections, with the older cables removed as the NBN is established. In neighbourhoods where the NBN is fully installed, households will be unable to access ADSL since the cables it uses will no longer be present.

ADSL is expected to be fully supplanted by the NBN Australia-wide by the end of this year.

Where is ADSL Internet available?

ADSL2+ is available anywhere in Australia that is both within 5km of a signal exchange and doesn't have the NBN. As previously mentioned, the old copper lines get decommissioned when the NBN has been installed.

Do I need to buy a new modem to connect to ADSL?

It's highly likely that if you already own a modem, you won't have to buy a new one to get your ADSL connection working. Since ADSL has been around for quite a long time as far as Internet technology goes, your modem should be ADSL2+ compliant unless it's extremely old. Even then, a new ADSL2+ wireless router or modem won't cost you too much to buy.

What's the speed of ADSL Internet like?

An ADSL2+ connection has a maximum download speed of 24 Mbps and maximum upload speed of 3 Mbps. As with any Internet service, it's important to note that this 24 Mbps figure is a maximum, and the actual speeds you'll experience will likely be slower. Speeds will be very variable and depending on where you live or what time of day you're accessing the network, you might get something more like 8-20 Mbps.

To put this in perspective, the variable download speeds offered by ADSL can be comparable to ranging from the first and second of the four NBN speed tiers, NBN 12 and 25, which offers roughly the same. However, NBN has higher speed tiers which can offer almost 4 times this download rate, making ADSL2+ pretty middle of the pack compared to the NBN.

What should I look for when comparing ADSL plans?

Some factors are outside your provider's control, like the quality of the copper cables connecting to your house, but there are definitely things to watch out for, such as:

  • Speed. While this is largely outside of your provider's control, unlike NBN's speed tiers, you should always check whether your plan has a data limit. Check what speed your connection will be dropped to once you exceed the limit, as certain providers have harsher penalties than others.
  • Cost. As with any service you purchase, compare plans in terms of flat monthly cost. While NBN is being rolled out across the country, there are still many people on ADSL2+ plans and the market has retained fierce price competition.
  • Contract types. Some plans will offer incentives like reduced set-up fees if you sign up to an extended contract, while others can be bought month to month and ended at any time. Be careful about signing onto a lengthy contract, as you could face a steep exit fee if you want to leave early.
  • Bundles. There's very little consistency with bundles across the market, but you'll find providers offering anything from smartphones to bonus streaming services to gaming deals. Take a look to see if any incentives stick out to you with something you'd be interested in.

ADSL Internet plans:

  • Dodo ADSL Metro Unlimited 1 Month $30
  • TPG ADSL2+ Home Bundle Unlimited 1 Month $59.99
  • Optus ADSL Standalone Unlimited Data 1 Month $85
  • TPG ADSL2+ Standalone 150GB 12 Months $39.99
  • Telstra ADSL Unlimited $90.00
  • Exetel ADSL2+ Unlimited Bundle 1 Month $59.99
  • iiNet Naked DSL Internet 500GB 1 Month $59.99

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ADSL and the NBN?

There are quite a few differences between ADSL and the NBN, but the main difference is their speed. ADSL speed depends on how far you're located from your closest telephone exchange. Your ADSL connection is delivered through the same copper networks that handle your phone calls, which aren't really the best choice for transferring large amounts of information. The NBN uses some of these existing copper lines, but also uses fibre to get you connected, which is much better and faster at handling data transfers.

Does ADSL need a phone line?

Yes, ADSL needs an existing phone line in order to work. This may mean you need to pay line rental for ADSL, which isn't the same as paying for a home phone service. Luckily, most providers bundle the cost of line rental into their ADSL plans now, so the cost doesn't appear as high.

How fast is ADSL?

Theoretically, ADSL has a maximum download speed of 24Mbps, however in reality, this speed is more along the lines of 8-20Mbps. This is the equivalent of the bottom two speed tiers offered by the NBN.

What will happen to ADSL after the NBN rollout?

It's expected that once the NBN has rolled out in Australia by the end of 2020, ADSL will no longer be an available service. It's important to take note of when ADSL connections will be switched off in your suburb - you'll get 18 months from the date when the NBN is activated in your area to switch to an NBN plan.

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10 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    GaiFebruary 19, 2019

    I recently tried to transfer to Belong for my ADSL connection. That was almost a month ago. Istill have no connection and cannot fet in touch with them. Do you have any suggestions on who i should try instead?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JohnFebruary 20, 2019Staff

      Hi Gai,

      Thank you for reaching out to Finder.

      If you wish to contact Belong to inquire about your existing plan with them, you may click this link to be routed to our review page for Belong and scroll to the bottom to see the contact details of the company. If you wish however to look into other providers, this page we are on offers a variety of providers that you may choose and what plans are most suitable to you. While we do not provide specific product recommendations, we can help guide you through the process of comparing options. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.

      Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. If you are still under contract with Belong, it is still best to contact them before switching to another provider as this may incur fees for early disconnection. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    EmilFebruary 3, 2018

    Dear friends.
    I beg you to answer me. Now I use my home phone with Telstra, and the internet ADSL2 + with Belong (and i am happy with ADSL 2+). I have been notified that Telstra will soon shut down my line and that I have to go to NBN (NBN is very expensive for my retirees monthly payments, and the providers do not give any guarantee that the speed of the Internet will be better for NBN than this current speed that I have with ADSL2 +). I’ve heard that if Telstra switches off my phone (because I do not want to have a home phone anymore), I can still use my home line and have Internet ADSL 2+ with my current Belong provider. I ask you to reply if possible to continue with my Internet provider (Belong), when Telstra switches off my home phone and tell me how to do it. In advance I thank you for your response and help. Thank you ! Emil

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchFebruary 14, 2018Staff

      Hi Emil,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Just to give you a little background about NBN, once it becomes available in your area, your existing telecommunications networks will be replaced and upgraded. The upgrade to the National Broadband Network is actually compulsory once it’s available and installed. This is the reason why Telstra have to shutdown your phone line. 

As for your internet connection with Belong, in time, it will still be switched to NBN. ADSL/2+ services delivered over the network will be switched off 18 months after the area goes live for NBN. Though you would receive warning from your provider and from nbn before the disconnection. I would suggest that you contact Belong if you still want to get services from them for your new NBN connection or discuss options available to you before your line and ADSL gets disconnected.

      Meanwhile, you may like to read this article about how to switch to NBN and find this useful.

      Best regards,
      Rench

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    kellieJanuary 2, 2018

    hi. im a little confused when it comes to this sort of stuff. iam currently living in a townhouse in a complex of 14. iam wanting to get home internet connection but am so confused on what to do and who to go with. i dont have a home phone line connection and never have since i have lived here, but there is a power point input in the kitchen wich has a phone line point, wich im gathering is where you would plug in a modem or phone connection right? so does that mean i can just plug a modem into that input and it will work or do i need to call up and pay for a phone line connection?? and then what is Naked adsl and would that be what i needed to go for?? arrrgh im so confused, can someone please help me or give me any sort of info and help on what my best options to go for would be? thankyou!!

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      ArnoldJanuary 4, 2018

      Hi Kellie,

      Thanks for your inquiry

      If you really don’t need a home phone, naked DSL offers a solution to this situation. Rather than charging you for a phone service you’re not going to use, a naked DSL service strips out the telephone component and dedicates your copper phone line to Internet traffic. While this won’t result in any increases in Internet speed since ADSL and phone data operate at different frequencies, it will save you money by not having to pay twice for a single copper line.

      You may compare your options for naked DSL on this page. If you have already chosen a provider, you may directly call them to apply or you may visit their website.

      Hope this information helps

      Cheers,
      Arnold

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    CarolJuly 4, 2017

    Do the companies accept our modem if we have one? I have a Sagemcom (no idea about the model, because there are so many numbers and codes at its bottom). I’m quoting ADSL for now. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      JonathanJuly 4, 2017

      Hi Carol!

      Usually, internet providers allow you to use your own modem as it is a self-installation process. Now, if it is not working, you may call your current provider (not the provider who previously owns your modem), to see if there is incompatibility and see if they can fix it or you need to buy a new one.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    MalcolmMay 16, 2016

    I live in Mernda. Have been waiting for 12months to recieve a port at the exchange so I can get a phone line at my house.
    Any idea how I can push this along or how far away NBN is from being installed in my area.
    Slowing beginning to boil with frustration.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      BrodieMay 23, 2016

      Hi Malcolm,

      Sounds frustrating. I would recommend entering your full address in our NBN tracker.

      Cheers,
      Brodie

      Reply
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