{"menuItems":[{"label":"What is OptiComm?","anchorName":"#what-is-opticomm"},{"label":"OptiComm providers","anchorName":"#opticomm-providers"},{"label":"OptiComm vs NBN: What's the difference?","anchorName":"#opticomm-vs-nbn-what-s-the-difference"},{"label":"What are OptiComm speeds like?","anchorName":"#what-are-opticomm-speeds-like"},{"label":"Where is OptiComm available?","anchorName":"#where-is-opticomm-available"}]}
Have you just moved into a housing estate or a new development? If so, you might realise you don't have access to the NBN and instead have to get an internet plan with OptiComm.
What is OptiComm?
OptiComm is Australia's largest privately owned provider of, what is essentially the same as, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) networks.
It is one of the few private alternatives to the government-owned NBN (National Broadband Network) fibre cable network that most people are familiar with.
Back in 2009, OptiComm was one of several companies that started laying down high-speed fibre broadband infrastructure. Today it rents out those cables to other telecommunications providers like Aussie Broadband, Exetel and iiNet.
Since the OptiComm network offers the equivalent of the fastest NBN technology – FTTP – OptiComm should perform as well as or better than any NBN connection.
The catch is that it's only available to a small number of communities, so it's not at all surprising that you may not have heard of it before.
OptiComm providers
Although you're more limited in your choice of providers than you would be with the NBN, there are still plenty of providers out there that will cater to your needs. All OptiComm providers we've shown below have plans that are identical in price and speed to the provider's NBN plans.
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.
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.
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.
In most ways, an OptiComm internet connection is identical to an NBN FTTP connection. It uses the same core of high-speed fibre-optic cables to transfer signals rapidly.
The only real difference is in who maintains the network and the technology that's employed.
OptiComm is superior to around 80% of NBN connections because it doesn't include any older technology in its wiring. Most of the NBN uses decades-old copper wires and coaxial cables as part of its connections, which can't transmit signals as fast as fibre-optic can. This limits the maximum speed of some Australian NBN connections.
On the other hand, the NBN is available to almost all Australians, while OptiComm is only an option for a select few. If you have access to OptiComm, there's very little chance of it being replaced by the NBN in future.
One potential downside of OptiComm is that you may or may not have access to free-to-air TV in your housing estate. This will depend on exactly how your building has been wired. On the plus side, if free-to-air TV is available, Foxtel and other cable TV options will be, too.
Like the NBN, if you're not keen on a fixed-line home internet connection, you could look into other wireless alternatives such as mobile broadband and home wireless broadband.
Keep in mind that the quality of your internet connection may vary on these connections since it's heavily dependent on your location and network availability. Chances are that if you've got a decent signal on your mobile plan at your location, mobile broadband and home wireless should work just as well as your phone's internet service.
What are OptiComm speeds like?
The OptiComm network is entirely composed of high-speed fibre cables, giving you access to lightning fast broadband.
Plans for the OptiComm network are divided into speed tiers in the same way that the NBN is. Here are the speed tiers available, along with their maximum download and upload speeds:
Because all OptiComm connections are the same, anyone on the network can purchase whichever speed tier they're after. This is different to the NBN, where some connection types don't support faster speeds.
Where is OptiComm available?
OptiComm is heavily restricted and is largely only available in new or recently developed housing estates. Here's a map showing all of the places that you can currently get an OptiComm plan.
Keep in mind that if you're outside of an OptiComm zone, you can't purchase an OptiComm plan. Instead, you'll be serviced by the NBN.
Why you can trust Finder's broadband experts
We've done the work
We've researched and reviewed hundreds of internet plans to make our guides as helpful as possible. Our expertise is highlighted across numerous TV, print and digital media appearances.
We're reliable
We keep our product database of 65 internet providers updated regularly with the latest broadband deals. Our guides are carefully reviewed and fact-checked.
We're here to help
Since 2015, we've helped over 1 million Australians find the right broadband plan for their household. We explain plan features and prices simply to help you make your decision.
SPONSORED: Upgrade your internet before the end of 2023 and get ahead on your life admin! We take a look at some of the benefits of a faster internet connection.
Michelle Kwong is the publisher for utilities, specialising in mobile and internet plans. Michelle has a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and Media (PR and Advertising) from the University of New South Wales.
NBN wholesaler nbnco offers four NBN speed tiers to ISPs, which dictates how fast your Internet connection will be, and here's how to choose the best plan.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
