nbn® Or ADSL2

You’ve probably found your way here because you’re wondering whether nbn® or ADSL2 is the best way to access the internet. With more and more people in Australia using the internet to work remotely, connect with family and friends in other parts of the world, and keep themselves entertained via social media, gaming, and video streaming, it’s no wonder they want to know whether nbn® or ADSL2 is better.

Let’s start by getting to know nbn® and ADSL2. nbn® is short for National Broadband Network, and it’s a national, open-access, and wholesale data network.

It was established by laying down optical fibre cables in many areas across the country, either to replace or supplement existing copper telephone wires, which have been around for decades and can no longer keep up with the way Australia consumes data today.

You could think of nbn® Australia as the country’s digital backbone, developed to meet the growing demand for faster and more reliable internet, even outside metropolitan areas.

One of the types of nbn® connection is Fixed Line, which uses high-speed fibre optic cables to deliver fast broadband to your premises. Through the use of different technologies, people can now connect to the internet through different service types, including Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Fibre to Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), and HFC connection or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC).

Some of these examples use legacy technology, which is copper cabling, as part of the connection. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, or ADSL, is a type of broadband connection transmitted via copper wire. It works by funnelling data from a box to your device. There are several versions of ADSL, like ADSL1, ADSL2, and ADSL2+, but the ADSL range, in general, is slowly fading out due to nbn®.

What is the main difference between nbn® and ADSL2?

So which is faster, nbn® or ADSL2? nbn® is the newer technology of the two, and it uses optical fibre, which generally means higher bandwidth, greater speeds over longer distances, and better reliability. However, the speed and reliability may be affected by the quality and age of existing copper networks or hybrid technologies that are used as part of the connection.

Although ADSL2 was a significant improvement over dial-up in terms of speed and dependability, it has begun to show its age in recent years due to the widespread use of streaming video and other services that demand larger upload and download bandwidth.

If you want to compare internet connection types and are asking, ‘Should I get nbn® or stay with ADSL2+?’ it should be noted that traditional ADSL only has a maximum download speed of up to 8 Mbps, while ADSL2+ has a maximum download speed of up to 24 Mbps. Meanwhile, the nbn’s most powerful speed tier offers download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps.

So if you’re wondering whether nbn® or ADSL2 would be better equipped to support those game streams or binge-watching sessions, an nbn®-powered connection is often the way to go.

Which one is cheaper between nbn® and ADSL2?

The type of plan you choose determines the price of your internet connection, regardless of whether you are connected via nbn® or ADSL2. For instance, nbn® offers several different speed tiers. The higher the megabits per second (Mbps) rate, the more expensive your monthly fees.

It should be noted, however, that not all speed tiers are available everywhere. The availability of speed tiers depends on the type of technology you’re connected to and the speed tiers provided by your internet provider.

Your location also greatly influences the type of connection you can get. Whether it’s nbn® or ADSL2 that’s available to you, the installer of your internet or internet service provider of choice will be able to determine which connection type is available at your property.

In some areas, only ADSL2 might be available. In other areas, nbn’s optical fibre may not be accessible, so you’ll have to connect to the nbn® infrastructure via satellite. The offers for satellite internet plans may be different from fibre plans. In short, there are a variety of factors that influence price, and all this will become clear when you speak with your preferred RSP.

What type of connection is best suited for seniors?

If you’re a senior or empty nester wondering whether nbn® or ADSL2 is the right fit for you, know that the answer lies in how often you use the internet and what you use the internet for. However, because optical fibre is much more reliable and the number of providers offering ADSL2 plans is dwindling, it may be best to future-proof your connection by switching to nbn® as soon as possible.

If you currently have an ADSL2 connection and nbn® is not yet available in your area, then you can sit tight and wait for nbn® to become available. You might notice that at some point, technicians will be installing the necessary cables in your neighbourhood or area. Your current internet service provider may get in touch once they can offer you a fast nbn® powered internet plan.

But if nbn® is already available in your area, ADSL will be turned off eighteen months after the nbn® connection is set up.

Seniors who use the internet for light browsing, calls, and emails should be able to get by with a basic nbn® plan. However, if you’re living in a regional area, you may be frustrated with the lack of reliable RSPs in your location. That’s where we at Skymesh come in.

We offer a variety of budget-friendly internet plans that suit your internet habits. If you’re ready to make the switch now, we can help you find the ideal plan for you. Even better, eligible users may be able to enjoy free standard installations.* Note, however, that this does not yet include nbn®-imposed fees.

If you’re not sure about making the switch, no worries. You can try out most of our plans for thirty days without a lock-in period, so you can experience our fast and reliable internet speed. We won’t charge you a cancellation fee if you decide not to proceed. However, customers are required to provide a thirty-day notice prior to cancellation.

You may be able to use the internet availability checker on our website to see which nbn®-powered internet plans are available at your property. If your address does not happen to be listed, feel free to speak to one of our agents for further assistance. Our Brisbane-based team is happy to assist you with your concerns. Hop online and consider the switch to Skymesh today.

*Free standard installations exclude the new developments charge and subsequent installation charge.