What is fixed wireless NBN?
Fixed wireless NBN connects you to the internet using radio signals instead of fibre optic cables. A tower in your area will send signals to an antenna on your roof.
Households in certain rural or remote areas where fixed-line NBN isn't typically available will be able to sign up for a fixed wireless plan.
What speeds can you get on fixed wireless NBN?
There are four main speed tiers followed by the homefast and superfast plans, which are only available in select locations for now (more on that in a sec).
Speed tier | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Great for |
---|---|---|---|
NBN 12 | 12Mbps | 1Mbps | Light web surfers |
NBN 25 | 25Mbps | 5Mbps | Budget-savvy household of 1-2 people |
Fixed Wireless Plus | 100Mbps | 20Mbps | Sweet spot for the average household of 2-3 people with moderate internet use |
Fixed Wireless Homefast | 250Mbps | 20Mbps | Internet users with a need for speed or bigger families |
Fixed Wireless Superfast | 400Mbps | 20Mbps | So you can go zoom zoom on the web even with 4+ people online |
Previously, the Fixed Wireless Plus plan could only go up to 75Mbps but it has since been given a speed boost.
The NBN also introduced two new higher-speed plans in July 2024 as part of its upgrade program. These will only be accessible to households if the infrastructure around their area has been upgraded.
Not every provider is offering the faster speed tiers yet either. Out of 31 providers in our database that offer fixed wireless plans, only 12 offer speeds faster than 100Mbps such as Aussie Broadband, Swoop, More and Tangerine.
But what speeds will I actually get on fixed wireless?
We've just run you through the maximum download speeds available across each category but what you actually get might vary depending on:
- The distance of your premises to the fixed wireless tower
- Whether there is a clear line of sight from the premises to the tower
- Weather conditions such as extreme heat or heavy rain
- Network congestion (the number of households connected to the same tower and the amount of usage from these households)
Providers often display a typical evening speed on their advertised plans to show what you can expect during peak hours (7-11pm).
Some plans may not have this info if they're new to the market and haven't had enough data to support claims.
In its Measuring Broadband Performance report, the ACCC found that some customers on Fixed Wireless Plus plans experienced a significant improvement in their broadband speeds, clocking 96.7Mbps across all hours of the day in May 2024.
Which providers offer NBN fixed wireless plans?
Around 30+ internet providers in our database offer fixed wireless plans including:
Fibre NBN vs fixed wireless NBN?
There are several 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 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 400Mbps 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.
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.
Are there any alternatives to fixed wireless NBN?
If you can't get fixed wireless NBN or you're not happy with the connection, you could consider:
- Signing up for Elon Musk's Starlink satellite plan. It's more expensive, with prices starting at $139 a month for unlimited data and speeds ranging between 20-100Mbps. You will also need to pay an upfront cost for the equipment which costs $599. You could get refurbished hardware for $299 or rent the hardware for $19 a month.
- Comparing home wireless broadband or mobile broadband, which uses the 4G or 5G mobile network.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
What NBN speed tier do I really need?
Learn which NBN speed tier might be the right fit for your household.
-
Compare NBN alternatives and get online faster
Can’t connect to the NBN or dealing with poor speeds and dropouts? Check out NBN alternatives such as home wireless broadband instead.
-
Compare NBN 1000 plans so your internet can go zoom zoom
Get the fastest internet available in Australia from providers like Telstra, Optus, TPG and more.
-
Compare NBN 250 plans
NBN 250 is the second-fastest speed tier, ideal for large households with heavy internet users.
-
Best NBN plans in Australia
Our nerds (sorry, experts) go through hundreds of offers every month to bring you the best NBN plans around.
-
Compare NBN 50 plans
NBN 50 is the most speed tier in Australia, with discounted prices starting from under $65 a month.
-
Compare NBN 100 plans
NBN 100 plans are good large households, as well as enthusiastic gamers or streamers.
-
Compare NBN FTTP plans (Fibre to the Premises)
FTTP, or Fibre to the Premises, uses fibre optic cables to deliver the fastest NBN speeds available.
-
How to connect to the NBN in 4 simple steps
We’ll help you get your NBN connection up and running in no time.
Ask a question
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 nbnâ„¢ 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