Not all nbn plans are the same, especially from one internet provider to another. When it comes to the National Broadband Network, the maximum speeds you’ll achieve from your nbn connection will differ depending on the nbn speed tier you choose when you sign up to a plan with an internet service provider. Some internet providers may offer different speed tiers, but all tiers are based on the products that nbn co makes available.
nbn speed plans – what’s the difference?
nbn speed tiers offered by internet service providers are based on the maximum download speeds and upload speeds of a particular nbn speed tier and will come with a listed typical evening speed (7pm-11pm). It’s important to note that the quoted speeds of an nbn speed tier, for example, nbn 250 (Home Superfast) or nbn 50/20, are not the actual speeds you will always achieve when using your internet service.
What can affect the maximum speed of an nbn plan?
The broadband speeds you’ll experience in real-world use will always depend on a number of other factors, including the following:
- The type of nbn technology you have and whether there are any limitations on this technology;
For example, factors affecting the maximum attainable speed on plans using nbn’s wireless technologies may include the signal strength or obstruction of the antenna’s line of sight to the tower and weather conditions. Factors affecting the maximum attainable speed on plans using nbn Fibre to the Node (FTTN) technology include the length of the copper line from your premises to the node, the quality of this copper line, your existing in-home cabling and even weather conditions, such as storms or heavy rain. - Any network congestion at the time you are using your internet connection;
- If you have multiple devices connected at the same time;
- What you’re doing on the internet, where you are accessing data from (such as overseas servers) and the type and size of the content you are uploading or downloading.;
- Your equipment at home, such as your router/modem and its Wi-Fi capabilities.
I just want max nbn speed?
The benefit of nbn broadband services offered by internet service providers is that they offer a range of wholesale speeds designed to suit different households’ needs. Whether you’re streaming content on multiple devices or simply browsing and emailing, there’s a speed tier to suit. Your actual internet speed will vary depending on your chosen speed tier and a range of technical factors, so it’s important to pick the right one for your needs.
For example, if you just want to send emails and make phone calls with an nbn home phone service, then the Home Basic speed tier might be for you. If you’ve got a full house of streamers and gamers, the Home Superfast or Home Ultrafast speed tiers might be more suitable. Here’s an overview of what each speed tier means and how MATE’s plans fit in:
Home Basic II – Crikey nbn 25/10
Designed for 2–4 people in the household. Theoretical peak download speed is 25Mbps, with up to 10Mbps upload. Typical busy period speed: 25Mbps download / 10Mbps upload. Suitable for browsing, email, and standard definition video streaming.
Home Standard – Ripper nbn 50/20
Suitable for 4–6 users. Theoretical peak speed of 50Mbps download / 20Mbps upload. Typical busy period speed: 49Mbps download / 19Mbps upload. Great for HD streaming, video calls, and online gaming.
Home Fast – No Worries nbn 100/20
Recommended for households with 6+ users. Theoretical peak speed: 100Mbps download / 20Mbps upload. Typical busy period speed: 97Mbps download / 19Mbps upload. Perfect for 4K streaming and multiple users online at once.
Home Fast+ – You Beaut nbn 100/40
Also great for 6+ users. Theoretical peak speed: 100Mbps download / 40Mbps upload. Typical busy period speed: 97Mbps download / 36Mbps upload. Ideal for content creators or remote workers who need better upload performance.
Home Superfast – Fair Dinkum nbn 250/25
Built for busy households with 7+ users. Theoretical peak speed: 250Mbps download / 25Mbps upload. Typical busy period speed: 231Mbps download / 23Mbps upload. Great for 4K streaming, big downloads and fast uploads.
Home Ultrafast – Flamin’ Fast nbn 1000/50
Our fastest nbn plan. Designed for 8+ users or power users. Theoretical peak speed: 1000Mbps download / 50Mbps upload. Typical busy period speed: 831Mbps download / 49Mbps upload. Perfect for large households, gaming, livestreaming, cloud work and massive file transfers.
What do typical evening speeds mean?
Typical busy period download speeds (7pm–11pm) represent the average speeds customers can realistically expect during peak usage times. These are a more reliable indicator of performance than theoretical maximums and help you compare different internet providers and plans.
What can affect my nbn speed?
- The nbn technology type at your premises
- Network congestion during peak hours
- The number of users and devices connected
- Your online activities (e.g. streaming, gaming, large downloads)
- The quality and placement of your modem/router and home cabling
What about Fixed Wireless?
Fixed Wireless is commonly used in regional and rural areas. MATE offers three Fixed Wireless plans:
No Dramas Wireless – Max speed of 100/20Mbps. Suitable for 2–4 users. Speeds may vary due to factors like distance from the tower and interference.
No Worries Wireless – Max speed of 200–250Mbps download / 8–20Mbps upload. Suitable for 4+ users. Speeds may vary.
Fair Dinkum Wireless – Max speed of 400Mbps download / 10–40Mbps upload. Suitable for 5+ users. Speeds may vary.
