Aussie Broadband
Belong
Dodo
iiNet
iPrimus
Exetel
Optus
SpinTel
Superloop
Tangerine
Telstra
TPG
How do I compare NBN plans?
When comparing NBN plans, you should consider these key factors when finding one that's right for you.
Speed tier
There are six core NBN speeds to pick from when buying a plan, although the fastest plans aren't available to everyone. Your speed tier determines how much your NBN plan costs each month. Slower NBN 12 plans will always be cheaper than faster NBN 25, NBN 50, or NBN 100 plans. Unless you really want to save money, NBN 50 plans or NBN 100 plans are the sweet spot in terms of value. NBN 100 plans can be as little as $5 more per month when compared to NBN 50 plans, while doubling speeds. The fastest NBN plans - NBN 250 and NBN 1000 - are only available to households with FTTP or HFC connections.
Typical evening speeds
While NBN plans are based on set speed tiers, performance varies from provider to provider - especially during peak hours. NBN providers must disclose what kind of download speeds you can expect from your connection during busy hours. These are known as typical evening speeds. The faster your plan's typical evening speeds, the more reliable it will be during the busiest hours of the day.
Data allowance
Unlimited data NBN plans are now the standard, but a small handful of providers let you opt for a smaller allowance to save a few dollars each month. These are becoming increasingly rare, however.
Included phone calls
If you need a home phone plan, many NBN plans also allow you to make phone calls. Out of the box, plans typically have "pay as you go" calling, which means you pay per phone call. If you use your home phone a lot, you might want to look at a plan with unlimited calls. Many NBN providers will let you add on "unlimited local calls" for a small additional monthly fee.
Contract length and lock-in
NBN plans with a contract are very rare these days, but in some cases, you may need to return your modem or pay a hardware fee if you leave within your first two or three years.
“If you're looking to get the best price on a NBN plan possible, your best option is swapping plans every six months.
Many NBN providers offer a honeymoon discount to new customers for the first six months. After those six months are up, customers need to pay full price. These plans are contract-free, however, so you're able to leave after your discount runs out, and swap to a new provider that has the same kind of offer.
While this is a bit of work, it's the simplest way to keep your NBN bill as low as possible."
Alex Choros, Managing Editor WhistleOut
Award-winning NBN plans
These providers all took home prizes in the 2024 WhistleOut Awards.
Internet Provider Of The Year: Tangerine
The 'juiciest' NBN provider in Australia, Tangerine cleaned up in the 2024 WhistleOut awards including winning the coveted top spot of internet provider of the year for the third year in a row. Competitive pricing and reliable value are key components of Tangerine's offering, which is all that many people want, making Tangerine a deserved back-to-back winner of the WhistleOut's Internet Provider of the Year award.
Best Unlimited NBN Provider: Tangerine
2024 marks the fifth year in a row Tangerine took home the best unlimited NBN provider award. It simply can't be beat on affordability with its great value plans.
Best Premium NBN Provider: Dodo
Dodo's NBN 100 plans have plenty of value with no fuss. This put it ahead of the competition and has cemented its second win as the best premium NBN provider.
Best Fixed Wireless NBN Provider: Tangerine
Tangerine has now taken home the award for best fixed wireless NBN for five years in a row. It's a testament to the smaller provider's consistent delivery of excellent internet services.
Best Satellite NBN Provider: SkyMesh
SkyMesh is without a doubt the number one internet service in regional and rural Australia having taken out this award six years in a row now.
Editor's Pick: Best NBN plans for February 2025
Looking for a standout NBN deal? Here are the best NBN plans for February, as picked by our expert team each month. When picking these plans, we consider the first-year cost, plan features, typical evening speeds, and support channels.
Min total cost $65.90
- $65.90/mth
- 100/17 Mbps typical evening speed
- Unlimited data
Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $65.90/mth for first 6 months, then $85.90/mth + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25
Min total cost $60.99
- $60.99/mth
- 50/17 Mbps typical evening speed
- Unlimited data
Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth.
Min total cost $83.90
- $83.90/mth
- 250/21 Mbps typical evening speed
- Unlimited data
12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $98.90/mth*. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply
Min total cost $47
- $47/mth
- 25/8 Mbps typical evening speed
- Unlimited data
Deal: Includes $12.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $47/mth for first 6 months, then $59.95/mth
Compare NBN customer satisfaction
WhistleOut has started running its own customer satisfaction surveys to find out how Australians feel about their telcos. In the below table, we've got the average scores for how everyday Aussies rated their NBN provider on speed, reliability, customer service, and an overall score. We've only included data for NBN providers where we've had at least 50 respondents.
| Overall satisfaction | Speed | Reliability | Price | Customer service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 4.32 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 3.46 | 3.55 |
| Optus | 4.1 | 3.96 | 4.04 | 3.54 | 3.08 |
| Vodafone | 4.03 | 3.94 | 3.88 | 3.64 | 3.5 |
| TPG | 4.16 | 3.82 | 3.86 | 3.66 | 3.58 |
| iiNet | 4.16 | 4 | 4.04 | 3.4 | 4 |
| Aussie Broadband | 4.24 | 4.08 | 4.1 | 3.52 | 4.12 |
| Belong | 4.14 | 3.78 | 3.94 | 3.26 | 2.9 |
| Dodo | 4.28 | 4.16 | 4.06 | 3.72 | 3.79 |
All scores are out of five
And in the below bar graph, we've got data on what percentage of a telco's customers would "strongly recommend" the provider to a friend or family member.
| NBN provider | Percentage of customers that would "strongly recommend" the provider |
|---|---|
| Telstra | 30 |
| Optus | 26 |
| Vodafone | 30 |
| TPG | 46 |
| iiNet | 26 |
| Aussie Broadband | 48 |
| Belong | 18 |
| Dodo | 28 |
Compare NBN plan speeds
Since most NBN providers offer unlimited data, speed is the most important factor to consider when buying an NBN plan. The more people in your house using the internet, the faster your plan will need to be. This is because your internet speed is shared by everyone in your household.
In general, NBN 50 tends to be the sweet spot between value and speed. Internet lovers and larger households may want to consider NBN 100 or faster, however. Upgrading to NBN 100 can cost as little as $5 more per month.
Here's how each NBN speed tier compares:
NBN 12 (Basic I)
- NBN 12 plans have download speeds of up to 12Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps.
- NBN 12 plans suit single-person households or very low-use households for occasional basic tasks like browsing web pages and social media. In many cases, NBN 25 plans can actually be cheaper than NBN 12 plans.
- On an NBN 12 plan, it will take 20 hours or more to download 100GB.
NBN 25 (Basic II)
- NBN 25 plans have download speeds of up to 25Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 10Mbps.
- NBN 25 plans are a good budget option for medium use, one or two people could get by with light usage.
- On an NBN 25 plan, it will take at least 9.5 hours to download 100GB.
NBN 50 (Standard)
- NBN 50 plans have download speeds of up to 50Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 20Mbps.
- NBN 50 plans are comfortable for most moderate-use households of around two to four people.
- On an NBN 50 plan, it will take at least 2.5 hours to download 100GB.
NBN 100 (Fast)
- NBN 100 plans have download speeds of up to 100Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 40Mbps.
- NBN 100 plans are great for bigger households with heavy internet users or many devices.
- On an NBN 100 plan, it will take at least 1.5 hours to download 100GB.
NBN 250 (Superfast)
- NBN 250 plans have download speeds of up to 250Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 25Mbps.
- NBN 250 plans are a very comfortable option for small businesses or very heavy-use bigger households or share-houses.
- NBN 250 plans are only available to people with FTTP or HFC NBN connection types.
- On an NBN 250 plan, you can download 100GB in under an hour.
NBN 1000 (Ultrafast)
- NBN 1000 plans have download speeds of up to 1Gbps, and upload speeds of up to 50Mbps.
- NBN 1000 plans are great if you're trying to launch a rocket into space. But seriously, this speed tier is strictly for businesses and hardcore internet fans. Most households don't need speeds this fast.
- NBN 1000 plans are only available to people with FTTP or HFC NBN connection types.
- On an NBN 1000 plan, you can download 100GB within 15 minutes.
Compare NBN download times
How much of a difference does a faster NBN connection make to your download times? Below we've got a list of common files you might download paired with how long it would take to download them on each speed tier.
| Download | NBN 12 | NBN 25 | NBN 50 | NBN 100 | NBN 250 | NBN 1000 |
| A music album (approx. 100MB) | 1 min | 33 sec | 16 sec | 8 sec | 3 sec | Instant |
| Photoshop (approx. 1GB) | 12 min | 6 min | 3 min | 1.5 min | 34 sec | 8 sec |
| A HD movie on iTunes (approx. 5GB) | 59 min | 29 min | 14 min | 7 min | 2 min, 51 sec | 42 sec |
| A new release game (approx. 100GB) | 20 hours | 9 hours, 30 min | 2 hours, 40 min | 1 hours, 20 min | 57 min 2 sec | 14 min, 18 sec |
These times assume you're able to download files at your connection's maximum speed, but there are numerous factors that could affect this, many of which are outside your control.
What are the fastest NBN providers?
Each quarter, the ACCC looks at real-world performance to rank the fastest NBN providers. Below are the current results. For more information on how this data is obtained, see our guide on the fastest NBN providers.
| Provider | Peak hours | Overall | See NBN 100 plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Exetel | 104.1% | 104.8% | Go to Site |
| #2 Telstra | 102.9% | 103.4% | |
| #3 TPG | 102.5% | 103.1% | Go to Site |
| #4 Dodo | 102.2% | 102.7% | Go to Site |
| #4 iPrimus | 102.2% | 102.7% | Go to Site |
| #5 Leaptel | 101.7% | 102.4% | - |
| #6 Optus | 101.4% | 102% | |
| #7 Superloop | 100.9% | 101.3% | Go to Site |
| #8 Vodafone | 99.8% | 100.5% | |
| #9 Aussie Broadband | 99.6% | 100.3% | |
| #10 iiNet | 98.3% | 98.9% | Go to Site |
What are typical evening speeds?
Typical evening speeds refer to the slowest download speeds you should receive during each day's most congested period. In the same way that traffic on the road can slow down during peak hours, NBN plans can too.
NBN network connections tend to slow down in the evenings when everyone is jumping online to stream, download, and more. Peak times are defined as between 7pm and 11pm. When a provider discloses their "typical evening speed" for a plan, they're referring to the download speeds you can expect during these times.
Evening speeds can vary a lot from provider to provider, so they're important to take into account when choosing a plan. You can check out our guide on providers with the fastest NBN evening speeds for more information.
Compare NBN connection types
The NBN is designed to supercharge Australian internet speeds, but your experience may vary based on the connection type at your address. Here are the different NBN connection types:
- Fibre to the Premises: NBN runs fibre optic cable all the way up to your house, and installs a new connection box in your home. Once installed, you just connect your new NBN-ready modem to the connection box and you're good to go.
- Fibre to the Node: NBN runs fibre optic cable to a cabinet (or node) on the street, somewhere near your home. From the node, the existing telephone lines connect your house to the NBN. This means that you connect your modem to the phone socket on the wall, exactly as you do now. Most homes are using Fibre to the Node technology, but these will all be upgrade to upgrade to Fibre to the Premises by 2030. The majority will be able to upgrade by the end of 2025.
- Fibre to the Curb: NBN will run fibre optic cable to a distribution box installed in the footpath outside your home, and then you and several of your neighbours will connect to this point using the existing phone lines. All Fibre to the Curb connections will be able to upgrade to Fibre to the Premises.
- Fibre to the Building: For people living in high-rise apartments. Fibre optic cable is run into a central hub in the basement of the building, connecting all of the individual apartments using the copper telephone lines already installed on the premises.
- Fixed Wireless: Similar to mobile phone networks, Fixed Wireless connects your home to the NBN over the airwaves. The NBN builds large antennas pointing to your house and installs smaller antennas on the side of your house. Maximum download speeds for a Fixed Wireless NBN plan are now 400Mbps. Certain factors, like your distance from the antenna and congestion may affect your actual speeds.
- Satellite (Sky Muster): Homes in remote areas will connect to the NBN via the Sky Muster satellites currently spinning around the globe. You'll have a receiver installed on your home to send and receive the bits and bytes. Sky Muster Premium Plus plans can burst as fast as 100Mbps if conditions allow.
How do I find out my connection type?
An easy way to find your NBN technology is through the NBN website. Enter your address and it will tell you your connection type.
Can I upgrade my NBN connection?
Over four million FTTN and FTTC addresses are currently able to upgrade to FTTP for free. This will rise to five million by the end of 2025. By the end of 2030, every FTTN customer will be able to upgrade to a different technology type. This is great news, as FTTN is widely considered the worst connection type due to the amount of copper used. Speeds are slow, and it experiences the most drop outs.
NBN Co is also bolstering the Fixed Wireless portion of the network with 5G. This will allow some Satellite customers to swap to Fixed Wireless, and all Fixed Wireless customers to order faster plans.
How to switch NBN providers
Switching your NBN provider is easier than making a cup of tea. To switch, follow these steps:
- Compare NBN plans and find the best one for your household. Keep an eye out for timed discounts, these can save you a lot of money over a short period of time.
- Choose your plan, and complete the sign-up online. Once you've done this, your request will be sent to your new provider.
- Wait. But you won't be waiting long! Most providers switch you over in a matter of hours with no downtime in between.
Your old provider should automatically stop your billing once the switch is made. This can differ depending on technology types, so it's always worth giving them a call to confirm, however, to ensure you don't get billed twice.
Are there upfront costs when switching NBN plans?
Early Termination Fees
If you're still locked into a contract, you may be charged an Early Termination Fee.
Finalising Modem Costs
If you purchased a modem and didn't pay outright for it, you will need to pay the remaining balance. Some providers may require you to return the unit, regardless of if you purchased it outright. They will reimburse you for the cost of the unit.
Remaining balance
If you have any payments outstanding for the month, these will need to be paid to settle your account.
Do I need a new modem for an NBN plan?
Most providers have modems available to buy, and some will allow you to bring your own modem to a new NBN plan. If you are concerned about performance, a new modem is a good idea.
If you get a plan with 4G backup from a provider like Telstra, you'll need to use the included modem. 4G backup won't work otherwise.
25/02/25: NBN Co has achieved speeds of 1Gbps in new Fixed Wireless trials.
18/02/25: Consumer advocacy group ACCAN has urged NBN Co to stop selling NBN 250 plans.
Popular NBN providers
There are many different NBN providers, all with unique plans and offerings. Here are a few of your options when signing up for the NBN:
Telstra NBN plans
Telstra is still Australia's biggest telco, and while it isn't the best option for budget-conscious consumers, this Australian NBN provider is a fantastic choice if you're after quality, reliability, speed, and extra perks.
Telstra reports some of the fastest typical evening speeds around, and all plans are contract-free. This means you can leave anytime without penalty - you just have to return your modem or pay a $200 fee.
All Telstra NBN plans come with a smart modem with 4G backup in case the NBN goes down. And if you want entertainment with your plan, you can bundle in Foxtel.
Optus NBN plans
Optus is Australia's second-largest telco and a trusted name in the Australian internet industry. In recent years, Optus has put a large emphasis on "content" and snapped up the rights to the English Premier League and other sporting events through Optus Sport.
Optus Sport is a subscription streaming service specialising in sports and includes content such as the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Europa League. All Optus NBN customers can score discounted pricing to Optus Sport.
Optus NBN customers can also bundle their other streaming services through the telco's SubHub platform. Having two services on SubHub gets you a 5% discount on your total bill, while three or more get you a 10% discount.
Optus NBN plans include 4G backup via the bundled modem. If you leave in your first three years, you'll need to pay out the prorated value of your modem. This works out to be $8.50 for each month left in your three-year term.
TPG NBN plans
TPG made its mark as an internet provider by selling budget ADSL plans, and it continues this approach with the NBN. TPG is a worthy competitor offering excellent deals across most speed tiers.
Of course, TPG has more than just good prices. It performs well in the ACCC's Measuring Broadband Australia Report and reports reliable evening speeds. Plus if you're after a TPG SIM-only mobile plan, you can save each money when you bundle it with your internet.
Aussie Broadband NBN plans
Thanks to a combination of high evening speeds and local support, Aussie Broadband is a trusted household name. The NBN provider says its customers rarely encounter congestion during peak times.
It even publishes bandwidth graphs that show how much capacity it has purchased on the network versus how much capacity is being used. To date, Aussie Broadband is one of the only major telcos to provide this much transparency around NBN bandwidth and performance.
Plans and speed Unlimited data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 1000
Modem Includes free modem compatible with 4G backup on all plans. If your plan is cancelled before 24 months, you will need to pay a fee
Support via in-store, over the phone, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Bundling Customers can bundle internet and mobile plans to save on their monthly bill
Plans and speed Unlimited data plans are available from NBN 12 to NBN 1000.
Modem Includes a free compatible modem. If your plan is cancelled within 24 months, you will need to return the modem or pay a modem non-return fee
Support via phone, email, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Bundling Customers can bundle internet with a Fetch set-top box
Plans and speed Unlimited, no-contract data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 250
Modem Modems can be supplied but at an additional cost
Support via phone, email, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Bundling Customers can bundle internet and energy plans to save between $5 to $10 per month, depending on the location
Plans and speed Unlimited, no-contract data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 250
Modem Modems can be supplied but at an additional cost
Support via phone, email, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Bundling Customers can bundle internet and mobile plans to save
Plans and speed Unlimited, no-contract data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 1000
Modem Modems can be supplied but at an additional cost
Support via phone, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Bundling Customers can bundle internet and mobile plans to save
Plans and speed Unlimited, no-contract data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 1000
Modem Modems can be supplied but at an additional cost
Support via phone, email, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Bundling Customers can bundle internet and energy bills to save
Plans and speed Unlimited, no-contract data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 1000
Modem Modems can be supplied but at an additional cost
Support via phone, email, a 24/7 live chat and social channels
Plans and speed Unlimited, no-contract data plans are available from NBN 25 to NBN 1000
Modem Modems can be supplied but at an additional cost
Support via phone and email
Bundling Customers can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points
NBN alternatives
If you're not happy with your NBN connection at home, you can switch to home wireless internet instead. 4G and 5G home wireless internet are your main alternatives, and are powered by the same mobile networks as our phones.
4G home internet is pretty limited, with most plans only able to achieve speeds of up to 20Mbps.
5G home internet, however, is a great alternative to an NBN plan if you're in a 5G area. You can pick from 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans, or go for an uncapped option if you want an even faster connection. 5G home internet also tends to represent better value than NBN plans.
NBN FAQs
What is the NBN?
The National Broadband Network or NBN is Australia's system for connecting as many people to fast, reliable internet as possible. Over 11.7 million homes and businesses use the NBN Australia-wide.
What is the cheapest NBN plan?
The cheapest NBN plan can change every day, but it will typically be a plan on either the NBN 12 or NBN 25 speed tier. Below are the three cheapest NBN plans with unlimited data currently in our database of providers:
|
#1
|
MATE
Crikey nbn 25/10
$40/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Basic
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Moose NBN
nbn 25/10 Value
$46.80/mth
Min. cost $46.80
Link not supplied
|
When will I get the NBN?
You should already have NBN. If you've not yet connected, ordering an NBN plan will kickstart the connection process. This can involve extra hardware being installed at your home or business.
How do I get access to the NBN?
Once the NBN is available in your area you can contact an NBN internet service provider. While many will buy a plan from one of the more popular service providers, like Telstra, Optus, TPG, or iiNet, there are actually over 150 to choose from. Some of the smaller, lesser-known providers offer excellent value — especially if you want a basic internet plan without extras. Make sure you compare NBN plans before making up your mind. You can take a look at what's available by using the WhistleOut search engine. Use the search filters to look for plans that meet your specific needs and make sure you don't pay for features you'll never use.
Why should I bother with the NBN?
NBN is one of the fastest, most reliable ways to stay connected to the internet. The NBN replaces decades-old copper phone lines currently running between our homes, and these services will be disconnected over the next few years. If you haven't already, eventually you'll need to connect to the NBN if you want to have fixed-line internet or a home phone. But more importantly, the NBN is a forward-thinking project for the entire country, and its benefits will only increase for future generations.
How much data do I need on my NBN plan?
Unlimited data NBN plans are the standard now, so you don't need to think about data usage.
Which NBN connection type is best?
FTTP is the best NBN technology type, due to its high speeds and reliability. It's also one of the two NBN connection types that can support NBN 250 and NBN 1000 speeds. HFC connections can also support NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans.
Is 5G internet better than NBN?
When you consider 5G internet compared to NBN, both have their pros and cons. In terms of pricing, we find 5G is better value and is only getting more popular among customers and providers. For reliability, 5G is the winner if you can overcome a few issues like signal strength and network congestion. And when you compare based on speed, 5G is on par with NBN but this again depends on a few other factors like coverage, provider, location, congestion and more plus how much you pay.
Is NBN 100 worth it?
NBN 100 plans are worth the upgrade if you need extra speed. They're only a few dollars more per month than NBN 50 plans, but offer twice the download speed.
Which provider is best for NBN?
This is subjective because it depends on a number of factors, including your connection type, speed requirements, budget and other extras you may want like customer support, bundling options, rewards programs, streaming add-ons and more. We have broken down a number of popular providers based on what they do best for their customers in our internet providers guide.
What speed can I actually expect from my NBN plan?
When shopping around for a new NBN plan, take note of the typical evening speeds. This is the lowest speed you should expect when the NBN is at its busiest.
How can I improve my NBN speed?
First, you should test your NBN speed. If you find you're not getting what you're paying for, you can improve your NBN speed by simply relocating your WiFi router to where you use the internet the most, like the living room. Many other factors also impact internet speed both within your house and outside of it. Our guide on speeding up slow NBN goes into more detail about the solutions you can try yourself.
Meet our NBN plan experts
Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.
Throughout his career as a journalist, Alex has covered international trade shows, spent three years co-hosting a tech show on community radio, and was awarded a highly commended in the Best Reviewer category of the 2018 IT Journalism awards and the 2021 IT Journalism awards. His work contributed to WhistleOut Australia winning the Best Consumer Technology Coverage award in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards.
He has regularly contributed to Gizmodo and Lifehacker, and he often pops up on 2GB and the Money Magazine podcast to talk telco. On weekends, you'll find Alex at a wine bar, on a hike, or in the middle of a mosh pit.
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Reviews Editor | Twitter | Instagram | Threads
Christie Graham
Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).
Christie Graham - Digital Content Editor
Dylan Crismale
Dylan Crismale has been writing for over six years working across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans, and is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money. When he's not behind a desk Dylan loves drawing, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Dylan Crismale - Digital Content Editor
Alex Angove-Plumb
Alex Angove-Plumb has been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him only a couple of 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 to act as a Digital Content Editor.
Over his career, Alex has learned more about phones, telcos, and the NBN than he'd like to admit, and is happy to put his expertise to good use by helping our readers navigate the often-confusing morass of buzzwords that tech marketing can throw your way.
When not shaking his fist at kids these days, you might find Alex tinkering about the house doing arguably destructive DIY, messing with one or both of his cats, or trying just-one-more-run in whatever roguelite he's recently become obsessed with.
Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor
Joseph Hanlon
Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for well over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Tech Radar, Gizmodo, and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.
Joseph Hanlon - Editorial Director | Twitter
NBN glossary
NBN
NBN stands for National Broadband Network, the new way in which most Australians will connect to the internet.
NBN Co
NBN Co is the organisation responsible for building and maintaining the National Broadband Network.
Typical evening speeds
Typical evening speeds are the download speeds you can expect on your NBN plan during the busiest part of the day - between 7pm and 11pm. These may be lower than the speed tier your plan is configured on. For example, an NBN 100 plan may have typical evening speeds of 90Mbps during peak hours, which is 10Mbps lower than the plan’s maximum.
Speed tier
Speed tiers are the set, standardised connection speeds available on the NBN. Each speed tier has a maximum upload, and a maximum download speed - the faster these speeds are, the more expensive the plan will be.
Download speeds
Download speeds refer to how fast your internet connection is downloading data from the internet. You use downloads when you are extracting existing information from the internet for use of your device, such as; streaming video or audio, loading a webpage, or installing games. Measured in Kbps, Mbps, or Gbps - these speeds are generally much faster than upload speeds.
Upload speeds
Upload speeds refer to how fast your internet connection is uploading data to the internet. You use uploads when you are taking data from your device and using the internet to move it elsewhere, such as; sending email attachments, playing an online game, or adding files to the cloud.
Unlimited data
Unlimited data means an NBN plan has no restrictions on how much you can use it. You won't pay excess fees for downloading or streaming too much. Unlimited plans tend to be the standard for most providers these days, but some offer cheaper options with capped usage. Note that most providers still have a fair use policy. These aren't designed to limit typical usage, however.
Speed tier
Speed tiers are the set, standardised connection speeds available on the NBN. Each speed tier has a maximum upload, and a maximum download speed - the faster these speeds are, the more expensive the plan will be.
ISP
ISP: ISP stands for Internet Service Provider, and is used as a blanket term for an organisation that provides and sells different services for accessing and using the internet.
