It has been around 12 years since Australia started the NBN program. Today, 89% of Australians are actively connected to the internet via a range of NBN plans. As such, the government has been successful in its purpose to provide faster and reliable internet connections within the mainland. The NBN project gave way for a large number of internet service providers. They offer different NBN plans under different NBN tiers. They also offer bundled services and free add-ons to outcompete each other. So, choosing the right NBN plan and provider becomes a challenge among most Australian households. To compare NBN broadband plans, here are 7 things you should know about them.
What or who is NBN Co?
NBN stands for National Broadband Network. NBN Co is a government-owned company responsible for building and maintaining the NBN access network. The company is also responsible for regulating wholesale internet services among retail internet service providers. To be clear, NBN Co does not cell internet services directly to the public.
Do I have to connect with NBN by 2020?
The NBN infrastructure is almost complete in 2020. Old phones and the copper network for internet connections will be phased out. So, a vast majority of Australian households will need to switch to NBN plans to continue having an internet connection. Switching to NBN services is not automatic. You will need to subscribe to a retail ISP for NBN in your area. For some remote areas without NBN services, they can continue using fixed wireless technology of Sky Muster satellites.
How will I know when to switch to NBN?
NBN Co will notify all Australian households once they need to switch to NBN services. They will be sending a letter or postcard by mail about it. Most telco providers in your area will also start marketing their NBN plans to keep you aware of when to switch. In most cases, Australian households will be notified at least 18 months before phasing out the copper network in their area.
What will I do if NBN is already available in my area?
Once NBN services are available in your area, you will need to speak with a telco provider to switch to an NBN plan. You may need to consider the devices and services in your household that are connected to your current network. These include house alarms, medical alarms, modems, and other devices. The telco provider will assess if they can be connected to your new NBN plan.
Do I have to stay with my current telco provider when switching to an NBN Plan?
No. Every Australian household is given the right to choose their preferred NBN service provider. As such, you can compare the NBN plans that different companies offer to get the right fit for your household. Keep in mind that telco providers don’t own the NBN access network. Be sure to check with your current telco provider if you will need to pay any disconnection or early termination fee.
What type of plan should I look for?
The type of NBN plan you should look for depends on several factors within your household. These include your monthly budget for the NBN plan, the right internet speed for your household, and the right amount of data allowance you’ll most likely consume.
Can I keep my home phone number with a new NBN plan?
In most cases, the answer is yes. You will just need to inform your new telco provider that you would like to keep your existing telephone number as part of your new NBN plan. Alternatively, you can also decide to terminate your home phone services if you feel that you will no longer need them with an NBN plan.