How does nbn® Fixed Wireless work?

nbn Fixed Wireless delivers high-speed internet to regional areas using radio signals. An antenna on your roof connects to a nearby tower, bringing fast, reliable internet to your home.

Here are some benefits of having a Fixed Wireless connection:

• Lower latency for online activities compared to satellite internet
• Capped and unlimited data allowances to fit your usage
• Scalable speeds to match your needs

On top of a nbn Fixed Wireless speed upgrade, the enhancements to the network also bring you more of a seamless experience when everyone’s using multiple devices. 

Through plans from retail service providers like Skymesh, you can enjoy smoother gaming, streaming and online learning on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones simultaneously.*

There are three phases to the Fixed Wireless upgrades

Phase 1: Base improvements brought initial expansion
With the Fixed Wireless upgrades, nbn has expanded access to 24,000 premises, delivering faster, consistent peak-hour speeds, prioritising high-demand areas in the Sky Muster® Satellite footprint.

Phase 2: Additional enhancements led to better speeds
Late 2023 brought even faster peak-hour speeds and new plans. Fixed Wireless users enjoyed speed performance improvements with peak download speeds of up to 325 Mbps.

Phase 3: The final stretch broadens opportunities for Satellite areas
nbn continues to leverage cutting-edge technology, and they’re extending the range of the Fixed Wireless network, enabling around 120,000 properties in nbn Satellite regions to connect to Fixed Wireless for the very first time.

By mid-2024, around 750,000 homes and businesses have benefited from improved Fixed Wireless connectivity. This expansion supports reliable online experiences, catering to regional connectivity needs now and into the future. 

How to upgrade to Fixed Wireless internet?

nbn’s latest high-speed offerings have gradually become accessible at qualifying locations starting July 2024. Whether you’re a new or existing Sky Muster® customer, checking your eligibility for a Fixed Wireless upgrade is easy. Just contact our customer service team at 1300 759 637 today. 

There’s also no need to review the nbn rollout and coverage map again. If you’re an existing Skymesh customer, you will receive an email notifying you that a Fixed Wireless upgrade is available.

The Fixed Wireless Antenna installation will be conducted through professional expertise

• The switch process is free (Skymesh does not charge for arranging an upgrade)
• An appointment will be required for an nbn® technician to install a new antenna on the roof and a new Fixed Wireless NTD inside the premises
• Installation times vary depending on your location (speak to our team to learn more)
• Upgrades are not always possible if line of site to the nbn® Fixed Wireless Tower can not be achieved. An nbn® technician will be able to confirm this after an on site visit inspection.
• Existing Sky Muster hardware be removed (Talk to our team to arrange this)
• Alternatively, you can keep you Sky Muster service installed as a backup service.

To start, a certified nbn technician will check for a Fixed Wireless connection at your location. If a signal is detected, the technician can process and install the nbn outdoor antenna on your home or building’s roof. This can be done on the roof, just beneath the eaves or even on an exterior wall if more appropriate. 

What’s more, the antenna can be installed on secondary structures like a shed, garage or Solar Mount Structure near your home or the main building. However, even with this setup, you can expect the nbn Network Termination Device (NTD) to be placed inside a protected area.

Lastly, remember that upgrades are not always possible if line of sight to the nbn Fixed Wireless Tower can not be achieved. Should the signal strength prove insufficient, your location will be deemed unsuitable for nbn Fixed Wireless connection. 

The nbn technician will ultimately be able to confirm this after an on-site visit inspection.

What else should I know about the upgrade program?

• The plan switching process is free since Skymesh does not charge for arranging an upgrade.
• Installation times vary depending on your location (speak to our team to learn more).
• The existing Sky Muster® hardware can be removed if you arrange for this with our team.
• Alternatively, you can keep your Sky Muster® service installed as a backup service.

Now that you’re more familiar with the essential information about the upgrade, here are some Fixed Wireless FAQs & definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between Fixed Line and Fixed Wireless?

A Fixed Wireless connection employs radio signals and external antennas to establish a wireless link between your property and the nbn network. In comparison, a Fixed Line connection makes use of state-of-the-art fibre optic cable technology to provide rapid broadband access to your location. 

nbn integrates a variety of technological solutions throughout Australia. These include Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC). 

Keep in mind that certain Fixed Line connections might also incorporate parts of the existing copper infrastructure as the final segment of an nbn link or utilise hybrid connections, which can influence service speed based on the condition, efficiency and age of the copper lines entering the property.

Who can use Fixed Wireless?

Generally, various regional areas can get the opportunity to use this type of internet because of the nbn Fixed Wireless tower upgrades. However, it’s important to note that users typically cannot choose the kind of internet available at their location.

You can check your address at Skymesh to see if Fixed Wireless is available at your location. You can also reach out to our team to determine your eligibility. 

Is Fixed Wireless better than mobile broadband?

Fixed Wireless typically delivers more dependable connectivity at a stationary site compared to mobile broadband, which tends to provide greater versatility regarding on-the-go usage or mobile business operations. With this, if it’s available, Fixed Wireless internet is an excellent option for most regional homes and businesses that don’t require portability or mobility.

Key points to remember

• This nbn program is designed to extend Fixed Wireless internet to regional areas across Australia, enhancing connectivity and virtual service accessibility.
• The Fixed Wireless upgrades have expanded coverage to areas previously using nbn Satellite services.
• There has also been an increase in typical wholesale speeds during busy hours and faster wholesale data speeds for various internet plans.
• Existing Sky Muster® Satellite customers can check Fixed Wireless upgrade eligibility through email and push through with installation by calling our customer service.
• Certified nbn technicians conduct installations, ensuring proper antenna placement on main or secondary structures.