What upload speed do you need?

Anula Wiwatowska - Offsite Editorial Lead

Last updated 11 October 2023

Contents

In this guide:

What is an upload speed?
What is a good upload speed?
NBN upload speeds
Does upload speed matter?
Home wireless upload speeds
How to improve upload speeds

When you do a speed test, you’re probably looking closely at your download speed, but what about your upload speed? This neglected number is part of the bigger picture of your internet connection - so the real question is, how much is enough?

Before we go any further, here are the NBN 50 plans from the telcos NBN upload speeds tracked by the ACCC:

#1	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
#2	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
#3	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
#4	iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband 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 for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#6	Optus	Optus All Fixed Line nbn® Optus Everyday nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $82/mth for a year, then $97/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $388. Ends 6/10. $82/mth for first 12 months, then $97/mth or as notified Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth for first 12 months, then $97/mth or as notified Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#7	iPrimus	iPrimus All Fixed Line nbn® Standard Plus Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $90/mth Min. cost $90 Link not supplied	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Link not supplied
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone All Fixed Line nbn® Essential+ nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply. $94/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied

What is an upload speed?

While download speeds refer to how quickly you can get files from the internet, upload speeds determine how fast you can send files from one place to another online. When you’re downloading you are receiving data, and when you’re uploading you’re sending it.

So whenever you send an email, back up your Google Drive, post an Instagram or upload a TikTok - that’s using your upload speed.

Don't know what your upload speed is? Use our internet speed test tool below and see where your upload speed is at:

Internet Speed Test

Is your internet fast enough? Test internet speeds at your location with a single click.

What is a good upload speed?

If you want to host zoom calls, play video games online and more without worrying about too much fluctuation we recommend at least an NBN 50 plan, which has a good maximum upload speed of 20Mbps.

However, a good upload speed for you will be determined by what you use your connection for, just like your NBN downloads, your uploads are a shared commodity. So the more people who are sending files and making calls, the more substantial your upload allowance will need to be.

If you only need your internet plan for the basics (internet, streaming etc.) than an an upload speed of 5Mbps should work well enough.

Small business owners can also consider business NBN plans which tend to have higher upload speed capacities. If you have an ABN and your work requires you to send big files regularly, these are worth taking a look at.

What is a good internet speed?

There are heaps of different speed tiers out there, but which one is actually good? Or good enough for you?

Woman in a yellow top using her computer

NBN upload speeds

Like download speeds, NBN upload speeds vary depending on which speed tier you land on. Here are the maximum upload speeds on each speed tier:

NBN Speed Tier	Maximum Upload Speed	Est. time to upload 1GB
NBN 12	1Mbps	2 hours, 23 mins
NBN 25	5Mbps	28 mins, 37 secs
NBN 50	20Mbps	7 mins, 9 secs
NBN 100 / 20	20Mbps	7 mins, 9 secs
NBN 100 / 40	40Mbps	3 mins, 34 secs
NBN 250	25Mbps	5 mins, 43 secs
NBN 1000	50Mbps	2 mins, 52 secs

For most people, 20Mbps upload speeds are more than substantial, but if you’re a small business or one of the millions of Aussies that continue to work from home you may notice some lag when backing up to the cloud, attaching large files to emails, or uploading data to a site.

You can see the cheapest NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans here:

#1	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
#2	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
#3	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
#4	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
#5	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
#6	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
#7	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
#8	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
#9	iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#10	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

#1	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
#2	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
#3	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
#4	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
#5	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
#6	Flip	Flip FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Unlimited Turbo Boost nbn100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 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
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Gold Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 98/17 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
#8	iiNet	iiNet FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn Home Fast Liimitless FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 99/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#9	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
#10	Superloop	Superloop 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 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

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Speedy Plus NBN 100/40 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $73.90/month for first 6 months, then $98.90/month. $73.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $98.90/mth Min. cost $73.90 Go to Site	$73.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $98.90/mth Min. cost $73.90	Go to Site
#2	Swoop	Swoop FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® Home Fast+ FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months, $82/mth for first 6 mths then $104/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $82/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth for first 6 mths, then $104/mth Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#3	More	More FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Fast Plus NBN FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $85/mth for 36 months, then $100/mth ongoing for CommBank customers who sign up using a CommBank credit or debit card $110/mth Min. cost $110 Link not supplied	$110/mth Min. cost $110	Link not supplied
#4	MATE	MATE All Fixed Line nbn® You Beaut nbn 100/40 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 97/36 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for first 6 mths, $85/mth for first 6 mths, then reverts to $110/mth (code MATE25) + Bundle & Save + more! $85/mth for first 6 months, then $110/mth Min. cost $85 Link not supplied	$85/mth for first 6 months, then $110/mth Min. cost $85	Link not supplied
#5	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Power home nbn100/40 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 95/34 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 for first 6 mths, then $102/mth Min. cost $82 Go to Site	$82/mth for first 6 mths, then $102/mth Min. cost $82	Go to Site
#6	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 94/36 Mbps Unlimited Data $114/mth Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$114/mth Min. cost $114	Link not supplied

A couple of years ago telcos started to abandon traditional NBN 100/40 plans that had upload speeds up to 40Mbps. These were replaced by 100/20 plans which brought down the price but also cut your upload speed potential in half. You can still find NBN 100/40 plans from some providers like Superloop and Aussie Broadband. It will cost you a little extra - a further $10 to $20 per month or so.

Now if you want a higher upload speed you may want to opt for an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan. It means a big monthly plan fee for the luxury of faster uploads.

NBN 250
NBN 1000

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

#1	Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Ultrafast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 875/80 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $35 off for 6 months - $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Ultrafast 1000/100 FTTP, HFC nbn® 1000/100 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $28.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $76/mth for first 6 months, then $104.95/mth. $76/mth for first 6 mths, then $104.95/mth Min. cost $76 Go to Site	$76/mth for first 6 mths, then $104.95/mth Min. cost $76	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo FTTP, HFC nbn Home Ultrafast Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 800/92 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $109.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply $79.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $109.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Go to Site*	$79.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $109.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Go to Site
#4	TPG	TPG FTTP, HFC nbn Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 850/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $114.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $84.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $114.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Link not supplied	$84.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $114.99/mth Min. cost $84.99	Link not supplied
#5	iiNet	iiNet FTTP, HFC nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless FTTP, HFC nbn® 850/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths - $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $114.99/mth. Use code SAVE30FOR6 $84.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $114.99/mth Min. cost $94.99 Link not supplied	$84.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $114.99/mth Min. cost $94.99	Link not supplied
#6	Swoop	Swoop FTTP, HFC nbn® Home Ultrafast FTTP, HFC nbn® 890/50 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for 6 months, $85/mth for first 6 months then $109/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $85/mth for first 6 mths, then $109/mth Min. cost $85 Link not supplied	$85/mth for first 6 mths, then $109/mth Min. cost $85	Link not supplied
#7	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
#8	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTP, HFC Ultraspeedy NBN 1000/100 FTTP, HFC nbn® 700/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $89.90/month for first 6 months, then $114.90/month. $89.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $114.90/mth Min. cost $89.90 Go to Site	$89.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $114.90/mth Min. cost $89.90	Go to Site
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone FTTP, HFC Home Ultrafast nbn® FTTP, HFC nbn® 850/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth for 12 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone $94/mth for first 12 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth for first 12 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied
#10	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC nbn1000 Diamond Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 850/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 12mths. $94.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $108.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $94.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $108.90/mth Min. cost $94.90 Go to Site	$94.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $108.90/mth Min. cost $94.90	Go to Site

Note: NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans are only available on FTTP and HFC connection types.

Does upload speed matter?

Yes and no. A lot of the focus has been on download speeds and the fastest NBN providers. But, if you’ve ever been video chatting with someone and had an argument about whose internet is worse, then you would know by proxy, that upload speed kind of does matter.

You're uploading data any time you're sending signals from your connection. When you're making video calls, using Voice over IP, gaming. However, even seemingly data-hungry activities like the aforementioned aren’t overly data-intensive. For example, online gaming on a console should only require a download and upload speed of 3Mbps.

While you can perform these functions with a low upload speed, you do have to bank on the connection remaining stable. If your speeds are jumping back and forth - because more people are joining the network, for example - then you won’t be able to achieve a seamless experience.

The ACCC has started paying more attention to upload speeds and making sure NBN providers display them prominently in marketing materials. You can see the NBN plans with the best upload speeds of those the ACCC monitors for a better idea of what to expect.

Home wireless upload speeds

Historically home wireless broadband upload speeds weren't disclosed. But this is changing as the ACCC clamps down on these sorts of things. When looking at home wireless plan speeds you'll often see both a maximum speed (which is highest your upload speed will go) and a typical evening speed which is an indication of the actual speeds you'll see on your plan between the busiest time of the day (between 7pm and 11pm).

For example, Telstra advertises typical evening upload speeds of 44Mbps with a maximum upload speed of 90Mbps.

You can compare 5G home wireless plans here:

If you choose a plan with speeds up to 25Mbps, you'll get the equivalent of an NBN 25 plan. Speeds may be slower during peak hours. These plans may not be the best value in the long term as they're quite expensive for the speeds you get. It is worth noting Vodafone's plan has a maximum speed of 20Mbps.

Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans with speeds up to 25Mbps:

If you decide to choose a plan capped at 50Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of NBN 50, however, you may experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option if you're either conscious of the price or you know you won't use over 50Mbps.

Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 50Mbps:

If you choose a plan capped at 100Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan, however, you may experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option for households with multiple members who regularly connect to the internet at the same time.

Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 100Mbps:

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

Three telcos currently offer uncapped plans. These can go as fast as network conditions allow but exact speeds will depend on your coverage and congestion. Generally, though we have found 200Mbps is a pretty safe average.

Optus Editor's Pick	Optus Editor's Pick Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G 5G Home Internet 230/20 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 $552. 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
SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (240Mbit) 5G Home Internet 240 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra Premium 5G Home Internet - 1TB 5G Home Internet 300/30 Mbps 1000GB Data $95/mth Min. cost $95 Link not supplied	$95/mth Min. cost $95	Link not supplied
Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet Max 5G Home Internet 225/20 Mbps Unlimited Data $105.90/mth Min. cost $105.90 Link not supplied	$105.90/mth Min. cost $105.90	Link not supplied

Note: These are organised by download speed. The first point within each plan description denotes download speeds followed by upload speeds where available.

And for comparison, here are the most popular 4G home wireless plans, you'll find while these plans are cheaper the upload speeds are far lower - in most cases just 2Mbps:

#1	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G 4G Home Internet 14/4 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $44/mth for a year, then $59/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $260. Ends 6/10. $44/mth for first 12 months, then $59/mth or as notified Min. cost $44 Link not supplied	$44/mth for first 12 months, then $59/mth or as notified Min. cost $44	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet Home Wireless Broadband 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth + $10 off for existing iiNet customers. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#3	TPG	TPG Home Wireless Broadband 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $49.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo 4G Internet 25 4G Home Internet 16/5 Mbps Unlimited Data $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Link not supplied	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Link not supplied
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone 4G Home Internet Unlimited 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $5/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 $65/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth for 12 mths, then $65/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#6	SpinTel	SpinTel 4G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (25Mbit) 4G Home Internet 25/2 Mbps Unlimited Data $49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95 Link not supplied	$49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95	Link not supplied
#7	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet 4G Home Internet Plan 4G Home Internet 17/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Prepaid (90 Days) Deal: Free modem included on the Kogan 90-day 4G Internet Plan! Average cost $49.90/mth (based on total once-off cost $149.70) $149.70 $49.90/mth average cost Link not supplied	$149.70 $49.90/mth average cost	Link not supplied

How to improve upload speeds

The easiest way to improve your upload speed is to change to a faster plan. Fortunately, you’ll also get some better download speeds bundled into that.

If you’re experiencing slower-than-usual uploads then we recommend going through some basic modem troubleshooting. Chances are it may be your modem that needs a jump start.

To improve your upload speeds try:

Soft resetting your modem
Check that your modem’s firmware is up to date
Ensure you are within range of your modem, or move closer to it
Check the positioning of your modem in your house and ensure that it isn’t blocked by major electronic devices or too many walls and doors
Using a cabled internet connection rather than WiFi

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

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