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Fixed wireless NBN is an internet connection that provides connection through radio signals in the air, rather than fibre optic cables. These signals are transmitted from a tower in your area to an antenna installed on your roof.
While fixed-line NBN comes with 6 speed tiers to choose from, there are only 3 available for fixed wireless NBN.
Besides the 2 basic, entry level speed tiers, there is also a unique speed tier for this connection type called Fixed Wireless Plus. This speed tier offers up to 75Mbps download speeds.
The most commonly available speed tiers for NBN fixed wireless plans are:
The quality and maximum speed of fixed wireless NBN is often more variable than fixed-line connections. The typical evening speed of your fixed wireless connection may be affected by:
In particular, fixed wireless connections are affected by network congestion when you have lots of people online at the same time.
In its April 2023 Measuring Broadband Performance report, the ACCC found fixed wireless connections would only achieve 84.7% of advertised download plan speeds during peak hours (usually 7pm-11pm).
This was compared to NBN fixed-line services which averaged 99.7% of plan speed during the same hours.
There is currently an NBN fixed wireless upgrade program taking place, likely to be finished by the end of 2024. It's expected there will be new speed tiers available, with users being able to access download speeds of 100-130Mbps or even 200-325Mbps.
On Finder, we compare NBN fixed wireless plans from over 20 internet providers in Australia. Always check your address on the provider's website to see if its plans are available in your area.
There are a number of differences between fibre or fixed-line NBN and fixed wireless NBN:
| Fibre/fixed-line | Fixed wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Physical fibre optic cable runs through the premises to connect to the NBN network | Uses data transmitted over radio signals to connect a premises to the NBN network |
| Reliability | Mostly reliable as there is a direct, physical connection | Susceptible to outages due to factors such as network congestion or line of sight to the fixed wireless tower |
| Speed | Up to 1000Mbps if you have an FTTP or HFC connection | Up to 75Mbps with selected providers |
It depends on what you're comparing it to. As far as internet connections go, the most reliable NBN connection you can get is a fibre-optic connection, otherwise known as a fixed-line NBN connection.
In terms of a wireless internet connection, NBN fixed wireless is more reliable than mobile wireless.
This is because your antenna is installed to optimise signal exchange between itself and the tower, which is unlike a mobile wireless service where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving into and out of the area.
Fixed wireless NBN plans may not be as fast as their fixed-line counterparts but you might find it a more reliable option for your household compared to home wireless broadband or mobile broadband. Just make sure to pick a plan that meets your budget and speed requirements.
Mariam Gabaji
Utilities editor
Your address will determine which NBN connection type you're eligible for. For some households, fixed wireless might be the only option for connecting to the NBN.
If you're unhappy with the prospect of signing up to a fixed wireless plan, there are other broadband alternatives to consider:
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Hi I am in an nbn coverage but apparently my address is not on that nbn data base and needs to be added what does that mean
Hi Nezza,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you check your address and the nbn™ network is not available at your premises, follow the prompts to register your email address with us. You will then receive email updates on when the service is available in your area.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold18