Opticomm vs. NBN: Speed, availability, and cost

Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 21 August 2026

Contents

In this Opticomm guide:

How is Opticomm different to the NBN?
Opticomm vs. NBN: Plan cost
Opticomm vs. NBN: Speed
Opticomm vs. NBN: Getting connected
Verdict: should I pick Opticomm or the NBN?

Aside from 5G home internet, private fibre networks like Opticomm and a few others are generally the only viable alternatives to fixed-line NBN in Australia. These privately-owned networks operate similarly to the NBN, whereby the company running the network sells wholesale access to internet service providers, which then on-sell it to their customers as internet plans.

Unfortunately, private fibre isn't widespread and very few people have access to it. In some cases, such as with Opticomm, there's little-to-no overlap with the NBN at all. And when they do intersect, you usually can't change which network your premises connects to once either has been installed.

If you do find yourself choosing between the two, it's usually during the development phase of a property. Just be sure of your decision because there's likely no going back once it's made.

Before we start, here are the most popular Opticomm plans with WhistleOut users in the last seven days:

Superloop	Superloop Extra Value Fibre 50/20 Fibre 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths! $69/mth for the first 6 mths then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Experience Fibre 50 Fibre 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $84/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $84/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$84/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value OptiComm - Unlimited Fibre 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $70/mth + $109 Upfront for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $179 Link not supplied	$70/mth + $109 Upfront for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $179	Link not supplied
Activ8me	Activ8me OptiComm Unlimited Standard 50 Fibre 43/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: 2 months free! New residential customers only who sign up on an eligible plan with an RRP of under $85/mth. T&Cs apply $84.95/mth + $98 Upfront Min. cost $182.95 Link not supplied	$84.95/mth + $98 Upfront Min. cost $182.95	Link not supplied

How is Opticomm different to the NBN?

For the average household, Opticomm and the NBN are pretty similar. Both are a type of network infrastructure – NBN Co and Opticomm sell network access to internet service providers, which then resell it to their customers as internet plans.

Despite its reputation as a hodgepodge of technologies, the NBN is almost entirely fibre optic cable. In the grand scheme of the overall network and internet at large, the different NBN access technologies only handle a small section of internet traffic between your home and the rest of the network. But even this small distance, often called 'the last mile', can make a big difference in your experience.

This is because some NBN access technologies can act as a bottleneck for your connection. For example, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) has pretty much no bottleneck, and can potentially achieve download speeds up to 2000Mbps, depending on your internet provider. The same is technically true for Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), but your real-world experience might fall a bit short of that mark.

On the other side of the spectrum, Fibre to the Node (FTTN) can handle no more than 100Mbps, though often less. Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) are also currently limited to 100Mbps.

In contrast, Opticomm is a (mostly) full-fibre network, so you can (in theory) get a comparable experience to a vaunted FTTP NBN connection. In practice, this full-fibre network's reported Typical Evening Speeds match plans on the NBN's multi-technology mashup. But more on speed later.

Your only option

NBN Co isn't necessarily required to overlap its network with Opticomm. As such, Opticomm might be the only fixed-line internet in your area. If this is the case, the company is obligated to connect premises within these areas of operation, but it's not required to install multiple connections on the same property, such as to a house and granny flat.

It's rare that a premises can connect to both networks. If your home or business already has an NBN connection, it's unlikely you can get Opticomm – the same is true in reverse. The only time you might have a choice is while a property is being built. Just make sure you're confident in your decision, because there's probably no going back once either network has been installed.

NBN PRICE CHECK

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*nbn fixed line residential connections only.

Opticomm vs. NBN: Plan cost

For the most part, Opticomm plans cost the same as – or slightly more than – NBN plans from the same provider. But while signing up to an NBN plan typically carries no signup fees, you may have to pay an upfront activation fee each time you switch Opticomm providers. Providers slowly seem to be moving away from this so you may pay no-fee or a part fee. The fee can be as high as $109 based on providers in our database at the time of writing.

Another difference is a lack of introductory deals for Opticomm plans. Many NBN providers have discounts for the first six or so months after signup, after which you pay a higher 'ongoing' price. Opticomm plans don't usually have these intro offers. Their monthly fees are mostly the same as or a bit above the ongoing price of a comparable NBN plan from the same provider.

When you combine these two factors, you can save a lot of money on the NBN by jumping between providers for free while chasing introductory deals. But this just isn't an option on Opticomm.

We don't have as wide a range of Opticomm providers in our database as we do NBN providers, but you can still get a gist of plans, pricing and performance in our comparison tables below.

We've ordered the results by total cost over the first 12 months to help account for the intro discounts of NBN plans. We'll also compare NBN and Opticomm plans from the same list of providers, as well as include the 10 cheapest relevant NBN plans across all 34 internet providers in our database.

What about Activ8me?

For fixed-line NBN, Activ8me only offers internet plans for FTTP connections. As such, we don't have its NBN plans in our database because they're not available to the majority of Australians.

But you will see Activ8me's plans in our comparisons of Opticomm providers because all (or almost all) services on the Opticomm network are full fibre, making it a level playing field.

50Mbps Opticomm plans vs. NBN 50

Both Opticomm and NBN plan providers often incentivise customers to sign up with discounts. These are usually for the first six months, but every provider is different.

Compare Opticomm providers' 50Mbps plans to their NBN equivalent as well as the broader NBN 50 plan market.

Superloop	Superloop Extra Value Fibre 50/20 Fibre 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths! $69/mth for the first 6 mths then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Value OptiComm - Unlimited Fibre 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $70/mth + $109 Upfront for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $179 Link not supplied	$70/mth + $109 Upfront for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $179	Link not supplied
Activ8me	Activ8me OptiComm Unlimited Standard 50 Fibre 43/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: 2 months free! New residential customers only who sign up on an eligible plan with an RRP of under $85/mth. T&Cs apply $84.95/mth + $98 Upfront Min. cost $182.95 Link not supplied	$84.95/mth + $98 Upfront Min. cost $182.95	Link not supplied
Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Experience Fibre 50 Fibre 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $84/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $84/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$84/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied

All Fixed Line nbn®

Extra-value nbn50/20

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 50/17 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save

$69/mth

Min. cost $69

Go to Site

$69/mth

Min. cost $69

Go to Site

All Fixed Line nbn®

Value nbn - Unlimited

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 47/18 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26

$70/mth

Min. cost $70

Link not supplied

$70/mth

Min. cost $70

Link not supplied

All Fixed Line nbn®

Experience nbn® 50

All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn® 50/17 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $79/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $109/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More!

$79/mth

Min. cost $79

Link not supplied

$79/mth

Min. cost $79

Link not supplied

Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 50/20 Premium All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for first 6 months - $59.80/mth for 6mths, then $83.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80 Link not supplied	$59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80	Link not supplied
Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
Swoop	Swoop All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® Home Everyday All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied
MATE	MATE All Fixed Line nbn® Ripper nbn 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 49/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for first 6 mths, $70/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $90/mth (code RIPPER20) + Bundle & Save + more! $70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim All Fixed Line nbn® NBN50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Intro Offer - Includes $10/mth off for the first 6 months, $75/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $85/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth for first 6 mths, then $85/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site

100Mbps Opticomm plans vs. NBN 100

Here's a look at how Opticomm providers' 100Mbps plans compare to their equivalent NBN 100 plans, plus a broader look at all NBN 100 plan providers.

Power Home Fibre 100/40

Fibre 95/34 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths! $82/mth for the first 6 mths then $102/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths

$82/mth

Min. cost $82

Go to Site

$82/mth

Min. cost $82

Go to Site

Enthusiast Fibre 100

Fibre 95/17 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $88/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $118/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More!

$88/mth

+ $5 Upfront

Min. cost $93

Link not supplied

$88/mth

+ $5 Upfront

Min. cost $93

Link not supplied

Fast OptiComm - Unlimited

Fibre 94/18 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26

$79/mth

+ $109 Upfront

Min. cost $188

Link not supplied

$79/mth

+ $109 Upfront

Min. cost $188

Link not supplied

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

Family nbn100/20

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

nbn® 95/17 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Incl. $21/mth off 6 months! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Bundle & Save

$74/mth

Min. cost $74

Go to Site

$74/mth

Min. cost $74

Go to Site

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

Enthusiast nbn® 100

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

nbn® 95/17 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $84/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More!

$84/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

$84/mth

Min. cost $84

Link not supplied

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

Fast nbn - Unlimited

FTTN, FTTB, FTTC

nbn® 94/18 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26

$79/mth

Min. cost $79

Link not supplied

$79/mth

Min. cost $79

Link not supplied

amaysim	amaysim FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
Belong	Belong FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN Premium – Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Editor's Pick nbn100 Unlimited Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
Moose NBN	Moose NBN FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn 100/20 Elite FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for first 6 months - $63.80/mth for 6mths, then $86.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Speedy NBN 100/20 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $67.90/mth for first 6 months, then $92.90/mth. $67.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $67.90 Go to Site	$67.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $67.90	Go to Site
Swoop	Swoop FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® Home Fast FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $72/mth for first 6 mths, then $94/mth Min. cost $72 Link not supplied	$72/mth for first 6 mths, then $94/mth Min. cost $72	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Optus Fast nbn® FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $84/mth for a year, then $99/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $390. Ends 6/10. $84/mth for first 12 months, then $99/mth or as notified Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth for first 12 months, then $99/mth or as notified Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Premium Internet Only Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $99/mth Min. cost $99 Link not supplied	$99/mth Min. cost $99	Link not supplied
iPrimus	iPrimus FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Premium Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $100/mth Min. cost $100 Link not supplied	$100/mth Min. cost $100	Link not supplied
More	More FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Fast NBN FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $80/mth for 36 months, then $95/mth ongoing for CommBank customers who sign up using a CommBank credit or debit card $105/mth Min. cost $105 Link not supplied	$105/mth Min. cost $105	Link not supplied

250Mbps Opticomm plans vs. NBN 250

Here's a look at how Opticomm providers' 250Mbps plans compare to their equivalent NBN 250 plans. At the time of writing, these are the only providers still offering plans at these speeds.

250 Mbps Opticomm plans
NBN 250 plans

Super-Fast OptiComm - Unlimited

Fibre 250/22 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$119/mth

+ $109 Upfront

Min. cost $228

Link not supplied

$119/mth

+ $109 Upfront

Min. cost $228

Link not supplied

FTTP, HFC

Creator nbn250/100

FTTP, HFC

nbn® 250/85 Mbps
Unlimited Data
Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 mths! $82/mth for 6 mths, then $102/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save

$82/mth

Min. cost $82

Go to Site

$82/mth

Min. cost $82

Go to Site

FTTP

Super-Fast Pro nbn - Unlimited

FTTP

nbn® 250/89 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$114/mth

Min. cost $114

Link not supplied

$114/mth

Min. cost $114

Link not supplied

500Mbps Opticomm plans vs. NBN 500 and up

As with NBN, these plans tend to be the most expensive available. Here's how Opticomm uncapped plans compare to their equivalent

Superloop	Superloop Family Max Fibre 500/50 Fibre 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $21/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for the first 6 mths then $95/mth + Bundle & Save $74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop Megaspeed Fibre 750/50 Fibre 750/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths! $79/mth for the first 6 mths then $104/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths $79/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $79 Go to Site	$79/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $79	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop Lightspeed Fibre 1000/100 Fibre 860/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths! $89/mth for the first 6 mths then $114/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths $89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89 Go to Site	$89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89	Go to Site
Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Extra Fast Fibre 500 Fibre 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $88/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $118/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $88/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $118/mth Min. cost $93 Link not supplied	$88/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $118/mth Min. cost $93	Link not supplied
Activ8me	Activ8me OptiComm Unlimited Home Fast 500 Fibre 370/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Offer! Includes $15/mth off for 6 months. $89.95/mth for first 6 months, then $104.95/mth ongoing. $89.95/mth + $98 Upfront for 6 mths, then $104.95/mth Min. cost $187.95 Link not supplied	$89.95/mth + $98 Upfront for 6 mths, then $104.95/mth Min. cost $187.95	Link not supplied
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Ultra-Fast OptiComm - Unlimited Fibre 875/42 Mbps Unlimited Data $129/mth + $109 Upfront Min. cost $238 Link not supplied	$129/mth + $109 Upfront Min. cost $238	Link not supplied

Superloop	Superloop Family Max Fibre 500/50 Fibre 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $21/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for the first 6 mths then $95/mth + Bundle & Save $74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop Megaspeed Fibre 750/50 Fibre 750/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths! $79/mth for the first 6 mths then $104/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths $79/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $79 Go to Site	$79/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $79	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop Lightspeed Fibre 1000/100 Fibre 860/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths! $89/mth for the first 6 mths then $114/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths $89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89 Go to Site	$89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89	Go to Site
Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Extra Fast Fibre 500 Fibre 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $88/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $118/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $88/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $118/mth Min. cost $93 Link not supplied	$88/mth + $5 Upfront for 6 mths, then $118/mth Min. cost $93	Link not supplied
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Ultra-Fast OptiComm - Unlimited Fibre 875/42 Mbps Unlimited Data $129/mth + $109 Upfront Min. cost $238 Link not supplied	$129/mth + $109 Upfront Min. cost $238	Link not supplied

Superloop	Superloop FTTP, HFC Family Max nbn500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Bundle & Save $74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Fast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/44 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
Superloop	Superloop FTTP, HFC Megaspeed nbn750/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 750/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $104/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save $79/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $79 Go to Site	$79/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $79	Go to Site
Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband FTTP, HFC Extra Fast nbn® 500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $84/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $84/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
Superloop	Superloop FTTP, HFC Lightspeed nbn1000/100 FTTP, HFC nbn® 860/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $89/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save $89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89 Go to Site	$89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop HFC Hyperspeed nbn2000/100 HFC nbn® 1700/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 mths! $148/mth for 6 mths, then $168/mth + Bundle & Save $148/mth for first 6 mths, then $168/mth Min. cost $148 Go to Site	$148/mth for first 6 mths, then $168/mth Min. cost $148	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop FTTP Hyperspeed nbn2000/200 FTTP nbn® 1700/170 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 mths! $148/mth for 6 mths, then $168/mth + Bundle & Save $148/mth for first 6 mths, then $168/mth Min. cost $148 Go to Site	$148/mth for first 6 mths, then $168/mth Min. cost $148	Go to Site

Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC Gold Plus Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
amaysim	amaysim FTTP, HFC NBN500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
TPG	TPG FTTP, HFC nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $240 over 12mths! $74.99/mth for first 12 months, then $94.99/mth. Min cost $84.99 if modem returned. T&Cs apply $74.99/mth for first 12 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $74.99 Link not supplied	$74.99/mth for first 12 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $74.99	Link not supplied
Moose NBN	Moose NBN FTTP, HFC nbn 500/50 Turbo FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for first 6 months - $63.80/mth for 6mths, then $86.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTP, HFC Speedy Max NBN 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $33/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth. Ends 30.10.26 $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Fast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTP, HFC Editor's Pick nbn500 Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/48 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
Flip	Flip FTTP, HFC Unlimited Fast Speed nbn500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $19.90/mth off for 6 months - $69/mth for first 6mths then $88.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone FTTP, HFC Home Fast+ nbn® FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 12 mths, then reverts to $99/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone $79/mth for first 12 mths, then $99/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for first 12 mths, then $99/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Turbo 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $89.95/mth. $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.95/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.95/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site

Opticomm vs. NBN: Speed

Like the NBN, Opticomm separates its plans into speed tiers. These are typically:

50Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads (equal to NBN 50)
100Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads (equal to NBN 100/20)
250Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads (equal to NBN 250)
Generally between 300/40Mbps and 875Mbps (equal to NBN 500+)

What about real-world performance? It depends on a few factors, most notably your provider, plan type, and the type of NBN connection available in your area.

Reported performance

Each internet provider in Australia is required to regularly measure and report the Typical Evening Speeds of its home internet plans during peak usage hours (7pm to 11pm), then advertise those figures with each plan. This applies to both NBN and Opticomm plans. It's no guarantee of performance, but can provide a decent idea of what to expect from each provider.

When comparing Opticomm plans to NBN plans in our database, there's little to no difference between the two options.

Given Opticomm is a full-fibre network, you might expect Opticomm plans to have faster Typical Evening Speeds than the NBN's mix of technologies. But this isn't the case.

Provider

Internet providers purchase access to the NBN and Opticomm networks. If they purchase enough in your area, great. If they don't, you'll have a worse internet connection. For the most part, providers tend to provision their customers well, though not necessarily equally across the whole network.

The Opticomm providers in our database report the same Typical Evening Speeds for Opticomm and NBN plans, except for in the fastest speed tier where Origin reports slower download speeds.

Plan type

Most internet providers get close or equal to the maximum possible speeds for NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans, and the same is true for Opticomm plans with 50Mbps and 100Mbps speed caps.

NBN 250 and 250Mbps Opticomm plans don't always get quite so close, and NBN 1000 / top-tier Opticomm plans can vary wildly due to lack of adequate provisioning from a provider – but both speed tiers are similar or the same when looking at Opticomm and NBN plans from the same ISP.

NBN connection

While Typical Evening Speeds on Opticomm and the NBN are similar when averaged out, it doesn't mean your home fits this narrative.

If your area uses a twisted-pair copper technology for the NBN like FTTN, you might get faster or more stable performance from Opticomm. If the NBN has FTTP in your area, the cheaper plan pricing of the NBN is a winner. But also consider any new development fees charged by either company, which can depend on the type of development and other factors such as its location.

Opticomm vs. NBN: Getting connected

Opticomm has a much smaller area of operation than the NBN, so most premises aren't covered by it. In areas that are serviced by Opticomm, there's a good chance there's no NBN.

But if you do find yourself making the choice, it almost always happens during the development and construction phase of a premises. Speak to your developer about your options, and any potential fees or other concerns for each option.

And remember – once either is installed, it's very unlikely you'll be able to switch to the other.

Opticomm installation

Opticomm can charge between $300 and $500 for connecting a premises to the Opticomm network. But this fee is typically for new constructions. You might be charged more to connect your home if it's already built (if you're one of the very few who have this option).

Opticomm also charges a fee for each 'activation', which is jargon for signing up to a new internet plan. Internet service providers pass this cost on to the customer, so you can expect to pay an additional $100 or more when you sign up to a plan, including every time you switch providers.

If you're hoping to get multiple Opticomm connections at the same address, you might be out of luck. You'll need to contact Opticomm directly to see what your options are, if any, or speak to your developer.

NBN installation

The NBN can be connected to new and existing premises.

If your home is already built, chances are it's already connected to the NBN, even if you don't have an NBN plan. If not, you'll need to organise connection by contacting an internet provider, and they'll get in touch with NBN Co on your behalf to arrange an installation.

Given you're probably outside the free installation cut-off date for your area, NBN Co may charge you a fee. Just how much depends on the technology type and your specific premises (some are much harder to connect than others).

When connecting a new build, talk to your developer early on in the process about an NBN connection.

If you'd like to connect a granny flat to the NBN at an already-connected address, you might need to hire a registered cabler to install an additional service. Your internet provider might also be able to assist with this, but it's unlikely NBN Co will get involved.

If you have an FTTN or FTTC connection, check to see if you're eligible for a free FTTP NBN upgrade. Like Opticomm, this will be a full-fibre connection that should offer significantly better speed and sometimes improved stability compared to FTTN and FTTC.

You can also pay for an FTTP upgrade, but this can cost in the thousands – just how much can vary considerably, depending on your property and location. This is done via NBN Co's 'Technology Choice Program' and it can take months to go from initial application to installation.

Verdict: Should I pick Opticomm or the NBN?

If your premises is already connected to the NBN, you probably can't get Opticomm. If it's connected to Opticomm, you probably can't get the NBN. There are some outlier cases where you might be able to double dip, but they're rare.

Some new developments can choose between Opticomm and NBN connections during the construction and planning phase. If this is the case, you're usually stuck with your choice once either Opticomm or the NBN has been installed. Speak with your developer about your options and associated costs.

In terms of performance, Opticomm is (on paper) usually a better option. It should be faster than FTTN, FTTB, and FTTC connections. As for HFC, Opticomm's full-fibre technology is technically more capable, but real-world performance might be similar for some locations.

For Opticomm vs. FTTP, the latter is likely the better bet. NBN plans are often a bit cheaper, and both are full-fibre solutions.

Speaking of price, NBN plans are typically as expensive or slightly cheaper than Opticomm plans from the same provider. On top of this, you don't pay an activation fee on the NBN each time you switch from one provider to another. This means you can jump between NBN providers to endlessly surf those six-month introductory discounts.

But you might not even have a choice between the two. Most Australians can't sign up to Opticomm. Those that can usually can't sign up to the NBN. If you're in this situation, you can always see if 5G home internet will work as an alternative at your home.

Want an NBN alternative?

5G home internet can be a fast and often cheaper alternative to the NBN. Check out these 5G home internet plans with maximum download speeds of 100Mbps (the same as an NBN 100 plan):

TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 5G Home Broadband Premium 5G Home Internet 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special offer - Includes $30/mth off for 6 months! $39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. $34.99/mth for 6 mths, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $34.99 Link not supplied	$34.99/mth for 6 mths, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $34.99	Link not supplied
iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Premium 5G Home Internet 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special Offer - Includes $20/mth off for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Premium Plan 5G Home Internet 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $60/mth for 12 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth for 12 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G 5G Home Internet 87/15 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $64/mth for a year, then $79/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $532. Ends 6/10. $64/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth or as notified Min. cost $64 Link not supplied	$64/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth or as notified Min. cost $64	Link not supplied
Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 100 5G Home Internet 75/15 Mbps Unlimited Data $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Link not supplied	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Link not supplied

Alex Angove-Plumb

Digital Content Editor

Alex Angove-Plumb is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut and an award-winning journalist. He's been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him a few short years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home.

Read full bio