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

With the NBN, you should be seeing much faster download and upload speeds than ADSL. The maximum download speed for ADSL2+ is 24Mbps, whereas an NBN connection can theoretically exceed 1000Mbps. Another difference is that the NBN will stop working when the power goes out (unless you have an FTTP back-up battery). ADSL ran through copper phone lines which made it less reliant on electricity.

Can I keep my landline number on an NBN connection?

Yes. Most NBN providers offer the option to add a home phone line for an additional fee.

Everyone in my suburb can get the NBN 100, but not me. Why?

There are a few reasons this can happen, including mistakes in address databases and difficulties related to existing copper wires or cables on the street. Certain houses can be far harder to connect than the others around them for any number of reasons. Your best bet is to contact NBN Co to find out what's happening – there's not much else you can do if providers are saying they can't hook you up.

What does ADSL stand for?

ADSL stands for Aymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. The "asymmetric" part refers to the fact that download speeds are significantly faster than upload speeds. (NBN connections are also asymmetric, but they went with a catchier acronym.)