What is VDSL, and how does it work?

Trying to decide between VDSL and NBN? Here’s what you need to consider.

Angus Kidman's headshot

By

Angus Kidman

Edited by

Mariam Gabaji

Updated

Fact checked

Key takeaways

  • VDSL operates as an alternative to NBN connections for high-speed broadband.
  • In Australia, it's only available from iiNet to some Canberra addresses - nowhere else!
  • Pricing is the same as equivalent NBN services, so shop around before signing up.

What is VDSL?

VDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line) is a standard for providing higher-speed connections over copper phone networks than was possible with the older ADSL standard.

ADSL was widely used in Australia prior to the rollout of the National Broadband Network, which uses a mixture of fibre, copper, fixed wireless and satellite, and which is now available to most addresses in Australia.

VDSL offers similar speeds to fibre-based NBN services, with download speed tiers of 50Mbps, 100Mbps and 500Mbps on offer.

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Which providers offer VDSL in Australia?

While its speed potential was impressive, the only major deployment of VDSL in Australia was by Canberra telco TransACT. Transact was acquired by iiNet in 2011 (and iiNet was acquired by TPG in 2015).

If you live at a Canberra address still serviced by iiNet's VDSL network, it's a viable alternative to NBN.

Indeed, NBN Co was forced to reimburse some VDSL customers in Canberra in 2020 after it incorrectly sent letters telling them they would have to switch to the NBN.

That said, the distinction doesn't make so much difference anymore.

A Finder analysis of iiNet's pricing in March 2025 showed that iiNet was charging the same for VDSL as for its NBN services at similar speeds in other locations.

That means shopping around would potentially get you an even cheaper plan.

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Mariam Gabaji as part of our fact-checking process.
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Written by

Editor-at-large

Angus Kidman is Finder’s International Editor-at-Large and an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience in tech, travel and finance. He was previously the editor of Lifehacker Australia and Australian Personal Computer, and is a recognised commentator, appearing on shows like Sunrise and The Project. A two-time IT Journalism Award winner, Angus has written for top publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, the AFR, The Australian and Gizmodo, and is known for his expertise in travel rewards and consumer technology. See full bio

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RoyJanuary 9, 2019

    According to the NBN Installation Online advice, my home location will not be provided direct via NBN Fibre. It appears that a VDSL connection via a Node will be made available later this year 2019. At this time, I have an extremely poor ADSL connection within the internet connection running at from 2.2 – 2.4 MPS. If current internet speed is so poor now, which indicates poor quality copper cable over a long distance. My question is: Will the service improve with my existing cable with the VDSL is install. I have been advised by Telstra that nothing can be done to resolve my internet issues until the NBN available but the there will be no change to the cabling Node to Home, so why can’t the VDSL or something of the same be installed now and what should I be doing in preparation for the service?

      Default GravatarFinder
      JeniJanuary 12, 2019Finder

      Hi Roy,

      Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

      While we can’t comment to your specific situation, switching from ADSL (even a poor connection) to the NBN via VDSL should deliver a significantly better experience. Where your current connection is ADSL all the way from the exchange to your home, the NBN VDSL solution will only rely on the copper network from the nearest NBN node to the your house. This reduced distance should allow for much faster speeds.

      The reason you cannot be provided with VDSL right now is that VDSL is a short-distance technology and requires another network to cover longer distances. That network will be the NBN (from the node) for you, but as that isn’t installed yet, you will need to wait for the infrastructure to be laid down in their area.

      In terms of preparation, there is not much the you need to do. nbnco will handle the technology rollout, and when it’s ready, you can contact Telstra and upgrade their service to the NBN.

      I hope this helps.

      Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

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