Speeds on the NBN network explained

This article will provide information about the speed abilities of different NBN™ technologies, and the various factors which can affect the speeds which individual users experience.

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In order to help Australians make informed choices when it comes to the NBN™, iiNet was amongst the first Internet Service Providers to follow recommendations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to advertise typical evening speeds for NBN™.

These speeds measure the typical download speeds nationwide between 7PM to 11PM (local time). This is when the network is busiest and performance issues such as congestion are the most likely to occur, so measuring speeds during this period provides more realistic information about the speeds you can expect to experience on the NBN™.

As of 12 February 2020, iiNet advertises the following speeds for NBN™ FTTP, FTTB, FTTN, FTTC & HFC services:

  • Basic (NBN12): Typical evening speed 10.3Mbps download
  • Standard (NBN25): Typical evening speed 20.4Mbps download
  • Standard Plus (NBN50): Typical evening speed 43.5Mbps download
  • Premium (NBN100): Typical evening speed 80.6Mbps download

iiNet Business NBN™ services measure typical speeds during weekday business hours (i.e. 9AM – 5PM local time) as this is more useful to business customers. View iiNet Business NBN™ plans.

If you already have iiNet NBN™, you can view available plans and make the switch in Toolbox. Alternatively, give us a call on 13 19 17 and we'll be happy to help.

Please note that not all speed options are available on all NBN™ techologies.

Speed Advice about choosing this speed
Basic (NBN12) A basic speed to cover the essentials. Ideal if you're a small household with one or two devices connected.
Standard (NBN25) Perfect for families and households with multiple devices and broadband users. This plan provides some extra speed to go around, so everyone is happy.
Standard Plus (NBN50) - Recommended The top choice for internet enthusiasts or bigger households. Browse, download, watch and play with ease across multiple devices.
Premium (NBN100) Got the need for speed? This is our fastest option and is sure to impress. If you work/study from home or have a household full of gamers and media-buffs, this will be right up your alley.

Different NBN™ technologies have different speed abilities, and the NBN™ plan you select may have different speed options available.

In addition to the general factors that can affect all broadband speeds, the specific factors below may affect the actual speed experienced on your NBN™ service.

Technology Type  Available speed options^ Specific factors that affect certain technologies General factors that affect all technologies

FTTP

Fibre to the Premises

Basic
Standard
Standard Plus
Premium

 N/A Hardware: You will need a router capable of connecting you to the NBN™ network which can handle the high speeds available to you. WiFi within the premises and router performance can often be the slow point in a NBN™ connection.
 
Network links: External network factors such as physical location of host computer, global Internet link between iiNet and the destination and the backhaul network between your premises and iiNet. Congestion on domestic and international links can be present during peak times.

Users: The amount of local users and devices in use at one time. Even with the high speeds of the internet it is possible to use all available bandwidth at once, which will affect the overall speed experience.
 
Software: There are many applications and programs that access the Internet. These may be running in the background on your device performing various activities such as downloading updates and files and uploading information... all of this will cause you to lose a 'bit' (or several) of your total speed.

FTTB/N/C

Fibre to the Building/Node/Curb

 Basic
Standard
Standard Plus
Premium

Length copper line from your premises to the NBN™ hub (typically in the basement of your building).

Weather conditions that may impact the copper.

Quality of copper line in your building, including overall length, condition and joins.

FTTB/N only: Slower performance while network coexists with legacy non-NBN™ services.

HFC

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial

 Basic
Standard
Standard Plus
Premium		 N/A
Wireless Basic
Standard

Weather conditions like extreme heat and rain.

Signal strength or obstruction of the antenna’s line of sight to the tower.
Long Term Satellite Service (LTSS) Basic
Standard		 Weather conditions (either at premises or base station location)

Satellite congestion.

Obstruction of the dish’s line of sight (weather conditions).

^Grandfathered plans which are no longer sold may have different speed options available.