{"id":17512,"date":"2023-06-26T15:18:10","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T05:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/?p=17512"},"modified":"2025-11-25T10:39:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T23:39:31","slug":"internet-in-remote-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/internet-in-remote-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get High Speed Internet in Remote Areas"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the digital era continues to evolve, seamless internet connectivity has become a necessity of modern life. In fact, there were <\/span>over 22 million internet users<\/span><\/a> in Australia as of January 2023. This highlights the growing importance of staying connected, particularly for those living in remote areas where the internet can be a lifeline to the rest of the world. In this blog, we take a deep dive into high-speed internet in remote areas, from why you might need it to what you should consider before signing up for a high-speed plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is high-speed internet so important?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Everyday necessities<\/span><\/h3>\n

An indispensable part of daily life, high-speed internet enables us to effortlessly communicate with friends and family from almost anywhere in the world through video calls, social media, and instant messaging. It grants us access to a host of entertainment options, such as streaming movies, television shows and music, as well as online gaming. It also simplifies tasks like online shopping, banking, booking appointments and managing bills, making our lives more convenient and efficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Security<\/span><\/h3>\n

A dependable internet connection is crucial for managing home security systems and smart devices. With a high-speed connection, you can seamlessly monitor security cameras, control smart locks, manage alarms and integrate various smart devices throughout your home. Not only does this ensure the safety and security of your home, but it also allows you to enjoy the benefits of home automation.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Remote work<\/span><\/h3>\n

The remote work revolution has made it more important than ever to have a high-speed internet connection in your own home. A fast and reliable connection enables professionals to participate in video conferences, access cloud-based tools and collaborate with colleagues through online platforms. It fosters productivity and efficiency, allowing remote workers to complete their tasks seamlessly while staying connected with their teams.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to access fast internet in remote areas<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fibre optic<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) internet is one of the fastest and most reliable nbn internet connection options available. In fact, NBN Co is in the works to improve access to higher-speed broadband services for regional and remote areas. Over 850,000 homes and businesses could potentially become eligible for an upgrade to FTTP by ordering a plan based on higher wholesale speed tiers. However, fibre optic may not be available in some remote areas due to the high cost of installation and maintenance. To find out if fibre optic is available in your area, visit the MATE homepage and search for your residence in our <\/span>address checker<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

4G or 5G mobile broadband<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mobile broadband uses the same mobile network infrastructure as your smartphone to supply you with stable internet access. This means that if you have <\/span>4G or 5G coverage in your area<\/span><\/a>, you can use mobile broadband to get online. Mobile broadband brings its own set of benefits, including easy setup, portability and, of course, the potential for high-speed internet. However, it\u2019s important to note that mobile broadband can be more expensive than other options, and its performance can be affected by factors such as network congestion and signal strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fixed Wireless<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fixed wireless internet utilises a wireless signal to provide internet access, making it a great option for remote communities across Australia. However, fixed wireless requires a line of sight between your home and the wireless tower, meaning that obstacles such as trees or buildings can impact your connection. NBN Co\u2019s Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program aims to expand the reach of the existing fixed wireless footprint by at least 50%, enabling two new high-speed fixed wireless plans\u2014100Mbps and 250Mbps\u2014benefiting homes and businesses across Australia, mainly in regional areas. As a leading internet provider, <\/span>MATE offers fixed wireless plans<\/span><\/a>, delivering fast speeds and unlimited data to our customers.<\/span><\/p>\n

NBN Satellite<\/span><\/h3>\n

Good news for those living in rural Australia\u2014the National Broadband Network (NBN) provides satellite internet service across many remote areas of the country. However, while the NBN satellite can offer a reliable internet connection with decent speeds, it may not be as fast as other options, such as fibre optic or mobile broadband. Thanks to NBN Co\u2019s Upgrade Program, up to 120,000 existing NBN Sky Muster satellite-only premises will gain access to nbn Fixed Wireless for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Factors to consider when choosing internet options<\/span><\/h2>\n

Availability: Internet connection in my area and coverage maps<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before choosing an internet plan, it\u2019s essential to determine what options are available in your area. You can use <\/span>MATE\u2019S online address checker<\/span><\/a> or consult <\/span>NBN Co\u2019s coverage maps<\/span><\/a> provided to see which options are available to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speed: Comparing different high-speed internet plans<\/span><\/h3>\n

When choosing an internet plan, it\u2019s crucial to consider the speed of the connection. Compare the speeds offered by different internet providers and plans to ensure you get the best possible performance for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The nbn offers a range of speed tiers designed to suit different types of households and online needs. Here’s an overview of the current speed tiers and what you can expect from each one:<\/p>\n

Home Basic II (nbn 25)<\/h3>\n