Compare NBN alternatives and get online faster

What NBN alternatives are there?

Fortunately, there are other choices if you don't think your NBN connection is doing the job or your home can't connect to the NBN.

Home wireless broadband

Home wireless broadband connects to the internet via signals from nearby mobile towers.

You can choose between a 4G or 5G home wireless plan, with typical download speeds ranging from 25Mbps to 548Mbps (or even uncapped).

Availability for a home wireless broadband plan will depend on where you live. It's not a portable internet connection as the modem you'll receive will be tied to your address.

Compare home wireless broadband plans

"I decided to get a Telstra 5G WiFi router for $85/month after rats decided to chew through our NBN cables in our apartment complex, making NBN connection not possible. Although it was great to have that option available, the results have not necessarily been optimal. I live in Kingsford, which is only 8km from Sydney CBD. However, the router more often than not has the red light on for poor signal. As a result, the speeds aren't always reliable, but it's good enough for normal, relatively low bandwidth usage like sending emails and watching videos."

Ben Baker

Senior Growth Manager at Finder

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband connects wirelessly to the internet through a mobile network.

You might also know it as data-only plans, data SIMs, pocket Wi-Fi, or dongle plans.

You can use it at home or on the go, eliminating the need to hotspot from your phone or search for a Wi-Fi network.

Choosing a mobile broadband plan is a lot like picking a SIM-only plan for your phone. You'll want to look at price, data, and network coverage to find the deal that works best for you.

Compare mobile broadband plans

Private fibre networks

The NBN isn't the only option for fibre internet in Australia.

There are a number of private companies such as Opticomm, TPG's Vision Network and Gigacomm that own separate fibre networks and sell plans on those either themselves or through various retailers.

The main caveat is that unlike the NBN, which is available to the vast majority of Australians, these private fibre networks are limited to specific areas and addresses such as housing estates.

However, you'll get speeds similar to those of the NBN.

Opticomm

Similar to the NBN, Opticomm also acts as a wholesaler. Providers such as Aussie Broadband, Telstra and Exetel are the ones to sell Opticomm plans to households.

You'll get almost the same speed structure to the NBN, with download speeds ranging between 25-1000Mbps download speed. These are good enough for all household sizes and internet needs.

Read more about OptiComm and compare plans if you're interested. Availability will depend on your address.

Vision network

TPG Telecom owns Vision Network and works as another wholesale provider offering plans via a private fibre network.

Providers that offer plans that run on the Vision Network include iiNet, TPG and MyOwn Tel.

The network is still expanding and is currently available at specific addresses in Geelong, Ballarat and Mildura in Victoria plus metro Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra.

The speeds you get can vary between locations but you can expect about 25-100Mbps speeds in general.

Or, even as fast as 500Mbps if you can access iiNet's Ultra Broadband Plans for example.

GigaComm

GigaComm is an independent internet service provider that offers speeds between 50-1000Mbps - fast enough to match various household sizes and use cases.

The caveat is it's only available in certain areas of Sydney and Melbourne though there are plans to expand to other cities across the country.

Read more about GigaComm and compare plans.

Starlink

Starlink is Elon Musk's satellite-based internet solution for Aussies who are struggling with access to fast and reliable internet.

It works much in the same way as NBN's Sky Muster satellite plans but because Starlink has a great number of satellites that are closer to earth, the signals being sent down ensure slightly faster speeds and less latency.

You can get between 20-100Mbps on its standard plan and higher as you move up tiers.

Of course, the hardware cost can be pricey and may not work for everyone.

Read our Starlink guide for more details and hopefully, it'll answer the majority of your questions.

Lightning Broadband

Lightning Broadband is an Australian-owned and operated internet service provider.

It's mostly focused on providing internet connections to new developments or greenfield sites via its fibre network. You can expect between 25Mbps - 1,000Mbps speeds.

It also offers fixed wireless internet to standalone homes with speeds between 50-500Mbps.

Frequently asked questions

• What are my options if I don't want NBN?

  You can consider home wireless broadband or mobile broadband plans as they're widely available to properties across the country.

  Home wireless in particular is one of the closest alternatives to the NBN as you get similar speed and unlimited data on the majority of plans.

  Alternatively, you can consider Elon Musk's satellite internet solution, Starlink, or find out if your property can access the private fibre network of Opticomm or Vision Network through providers such as iiNet, TPG, Aussie Broadband or Exetel.

• What is the new alternative to NBN?

  5G home internet is quickly becoming a popular alternative to the NBN as you get similar speeds.

  It connects you via the mobile network, so if your phone has strong reception and your area is covered by 5G, it's definitely worth considering.

  The catch? Only a few providers offer 5G home internet plans, and coverage isn't everywhere yet. To check if it's available at your address, simply enter your details on the provider's website.

  But first, compare 5G home internet plans to find a provider that fits your bill.

• Why is NBN so expensive?

  We've had multiple price hikes since the second half of 2023 following the NBN's changes to its wholesale prices.

  As a result, providers passed on the additional costs to households.

  Slower speed tiers have been impacted the most while faster speeds have dropped in price or had a comparatively smaller price increase.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 298 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
• Mobile
• Broadband
• Consumer tech