Fixed wireless NBN plans

What is fixed wireless NBN?

Fixed wireless NBN connects you to the internet using radio signals instead of fibre optic cables. A tower in your area will send signals to an antenna on your roof.

Households in certain rural or remote areas where fixed-line NBN isn't typically available will be able to sign up for a fixed wireless plan.

What speeds can you get on fixed wireless NBN?

There are four main speed tiers followed by the homefast and superfast plans, which are only available in select locations for now (more on that in a sec).

Previously, the Fixed Wireless Plus plan could only go up to 75Mbps but it has since been given a speed boost.

The NBN also introduced two new higher-speed plans in July 2024 as part of its upgrade program. These will only be accessible to households if the infrastructure around their area has been upgraded.

Not every provider is offering the faster speed tiers yet either. Out of 31 providers in our database that offer fixed wireless plans, only 12 offer speeds faster than 100Mbps such as Aussie Broadband, Swoop, More and Tangerine.

But what speeds will I actually get on fixed wireless?

We've just run you through the maximum download speeds available across each category but what you actually get might vary depending on:

• The distance of your premises to the fixed wireless tower
• Whether there is a clear line of sight from the premises to the tower
• Weather conditions such as extreme heat or heavy rain
• Network congestion (the number of households connected to the same tower and the amount of usage from these households)

Providers often display a typical evening speed on their advertised plans to show what you can expect during peak hours (7-11pm).

Some plans may not have this info if they're new to the market and haven't had enough data to support claims.

In its Measuring Broadband Performance report, the ACCC found that some customers on Fixed Wireless Plus plans experienced a significant improvement in their broadband speeds, clocking 96.7Mbps across all hours of the day in May 2024.

Which providers offer NBN fixed wireless plans?

Around 30+ internet providers in our database offer fixed wireless plans including:

Fibre NBN vs fixed wireless NBN?

There are several differences between fibre or fixed-line NBN and fixed wireless NBN:

It depends on what you're comparing it to.

As far as internet connections go, the most reliable NBN connection you can get is a fibre-optic connection, otherwise known as a fixed-line NBN.

In terms of a wireless internet connection, NBN fixed wireless is more reliable than mobile wireless.

This is because your antenna is installed to optimise signal exchange between itself and the tower, which is unlike a mobile wireless service where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving into and out of the area.

Are there any alternatives to fixed wireless NBN?

If you can't get fixed wireless NBN or you're not happy with the connection, you could consider:

• Signing up for Elon Musk's Starlink satellite plan. It's more expensive, with prices starting at $139 a month for unlimited data and speeds ranging between 20-100Mbps. You will also need to pay an upfront cost for the equipment which costs $599. You could get refurbished hardware for $299 or rent the hardware for $19 a month.
• Comparing home wireless broadband or mobile broadband, which uses the 4G or 5G mobile network.

Frequently asked questions

• What equipment do I need for NBN fixed wireless?

  For a standard NBN fixed wireless installation, you will need:

  • An NBN outdoor antenna
  • An NBN connection box
  • A connecting cable from the outdoor antenna to the connection box
  • A compatible router
  • An ethernet cable to connect the connection box to the router

  All of the equipment will be provided free of charge.

• Is fixed wireless NBN reliable?

  It depends on what you're comparing it to. As far as internet connections go, the most reliable NBN connection you can get is a fibre-optic connection, otherwise known as a fixed-line NBN connection.

  In terms of a wireless internet connection, NBN fixed wireless is more reliable than mobile broadband for instance.

  This is because your antenna is installed to optimise signal exchange between itself and the tower, which is unlike a mobile wireless service where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving into and out of the area.

• What is the fastest fixed wireless NBN?

  According to the list of fixed wireless NBN providers in Finder's database, Superloop offers the fastest speeds of up to 500Mbps.

  Keep in mind, that this type of plan is only available at selected premises. Always check with the provider or enter your address on its website to see if you're able to sign up.

  For the most part, the fastest speeds most widely available via fixed wireless NBN are around 50-75Mbps.

• Does Telstra offer fixed wireless plans?

  Yes, Telstra offers 2 NBN fixed wireless plans: NBN Fixed Wireless Basic (NBN 25) and NBN Fixed Wireless Essential (NBN 75).

  They cost $89 and $105 a month respectively (excluding promos).

• Does Optus sell fixed wireless NBN?

  No, Optus does not offer fixed wireless NBN.

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:

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