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While the NBN rollout may be complete across Australia, there are still a fair few people left unhappy with their connection. Fortunately, there are other choices if you don't think your NBN connection is doing the job.
What's the best NBN alternative?
The two easiest alternatives to a fixed-line NBN connection are home wireless and mobile broadband. Both of them use a modem to deliver an Internet connection via the same mobile networks a mobile phone uses.
Since they both use the same mobile network, there really isn't one alternative that's better than the other. Consider it this way:
If you're looking for an alternative to the NBN to use at home, home wireless offers a more stable connection and better-priced plans
If you're looking for an alternative to the NBN to use while you're moving around or out of the house, mobile broadband is a lot more portable
Home wireless
Connects via 4G or 5G mobile networks depending on the plan
High data caps available (up to 500GB+)
Plans start at around $70 and up
Larger modem offers stable connection in the home
Mobile broadband
Connects via 4G or 5G mobile networks depending on the plan
Low to medium data caps available (generally up to 200GB)
Variable plan prices, not as competitively priced as home wireless
Portable, small modem for easy use on the go
If you're looking for the best value, we'd recommend going for home wireless over mobile broadband as a home Internet connection. Not only do you get more data with home wireless, but the plans are also priced much more competitively.
Telstra's Large Upfront mobile broadband plan costs $75 a month for 200GB with access to 3G/4G/5G networks
Optus's Home Internet Everyday home wireless plan also costs $75 a month but has unlimited data with guaranteed speeds of at least 50Mbps
Compare plans for NBN alternatives
You'll find home wireless and mobile broadband plans in the tabs below.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
The NBN is not the only provider of fibre Internet in Australia. There are a number of private companies, such as OptiComm or LBN Co, that own separate fibre networks and sell plans on those either themselves or through various retailers.
Unlike the NBN, which is available to the vast majority of Australians, these private fibre networks are limited to specific areas and addresses (often housing estates). Your ability to access them will depend on where you live.
Plans on private fibre networks don't follow the same pricing structure as most NBN plans, so they can vary quite a bit.
Region-specific NBN alternatives
Besides home wireless and mobile broadband plans, which are available to use across the country, there are also NBN alternatives available in specific states.
While the list below doesn't name every fibre network available in your state, we've done our best to collect as much information as possible.
Remember to compare your options in order to find the best plan for your needs.
Victoria (Melbourne) NBN alternatives
Lightning Broadband. Residential fibre speeds up to 500Mbps. The cheapest plan is $75 a month for a download speed of 25Mbps.
OptiComm. Residential fibre speeds up to 1Gbps. The cheapest plan depends upon your chosen service provider.
Spirit Broadband. Residential fibre speeds up to 400Mbps. The cheapest plan is $55 a month for a download/upload speed of 50Mbps.
Uniti Wireless. Residential fixed wireless speeds up to 100Mbps. The cheapest plan is $69.95 a month plus a $99 set-up fee (no contract) for a download speed of 25Mbps.
South Australia (Adelaide) NBN alternatives
Kern Wi-Fi. Residential fixed wireless speeds up to 25Mbps. The cheapest plan is $40 a month plus a $298 set-up fee (no contract) for a download speed of 12Mbps and a 20GB data cap.
OptiComm. Residential fibre speeds up to 1Gbps. The cheapest plan depends upon your chosen service provider.
Uniti Wireless. Residential fixed wireless speeds up to 100Mbps. The cheapest plan is $69.95 a month plus a $99 set-up fee (no contract) for a download speed of 25Mbps.
Queensland (Brisbane) NBN alternatives
Open Cloud Broadband. Residential fibre speeds up to 1Gbps. The cheapest plan is $49 a month plus a $260 set-up fee (no contract) for a download/upload speed of 50Mbps.
OptiComm. Residential fibre speeds up to 1Gbps. The cheapest plan depends upon your chosen service provider.
Spirit Broadband. Residential fibre speeds up to 400Mbps. The cheapest plan is $55 a month for a download/upload speed of 50Mbps.
New South Wales (Sydney) NBN alternatives
OptiComm. Residential fibre speeds up to 1Gbps. The cheapest plan depends upon your chosen service provider.
Spirit Broadband. Residential fibre speeds up to 400Mbps. The cheapest plan is $55 a month for a download/upload speed of 50Mbps.
Western Australia (Perth) NBN alternatives
OptiComm. Residential fibre speeds up to 1Gbps. The cheapest plan depends upon your chosen service provider.
Pentanet. Residential fixed wireless speeds up to 120Mbps. The cheapest plan is $59 a month plus a $299 set-up fee (no contract) for a download speed of 30Mbps and a 100GB data cap.
Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney.
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