5 Important Things To Consider When Looking For Internet Providers in the NT

Struggling to find internet providers that Northern Territory residents can rely on? 

For over two decades, we’ve been the trusted service provider for thousands of regional homes here at Skymesh. In this article, we’ll explore five key factors you should consider to make looking for and comparing providers in your area easier and more informative.

What factors should I consider when choosing an internet provider?

#1: Their ability to service your location

The first thing to consider is whether a service provider can reach your location. Even the top internet providers the NT has available may not be able to service all locations uniformly.

For example, the nbn® network may or may not allocate different types of connections based on your property’s location, its proximity to necessary infrastructure, and even line-of-sight considerations. 

At Skymesh, we make it easy for you to find out if we can bring reliable internet the NT trusts into your home. You can simply check your address on this website or speak to one of our agents for further assistance if your address isn’t listed.

Depending on your specific location, we could connect your households to the nbn network through different connection types, including:

• Fixed line connection. This fibre-optic internet uses high-speed fibre optic cables to deliver fast broadband to your premises. nbn uses a mix of different technologies across Australia. These service types include Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC). Some Fixed Line connections may utilise the existing copper network as the last part of an nbn connection or use hybrid connections, which can affect the speed of the service, depending on the age and capabilities of the copper network going into the premises.
• Fixed wireless connection. This connection uses radio signals and outdoor antennas to wirelessly connect your premises to an nbn network.
• Sky Muster® satellite internet connection. This uses two cutting-edge satellites in space and a satellite dish installed on your roof to give you connectivity.

Aside from nbn plans, we could also connect you to our 4G and 5G Home Wireless internet plans, depending on your location.

#2: The speed of connections they can offer you

If you’ve found out that several internet providers in the NT can service your location, and each can offer different internet plans, the next step is to learn more about them. Internet connections can vary widely in speed, and selecting the right speed tier is key to meeting your usage needs.

For example, when it comes to our fixed line plans, our nbn 25 plan offers typical evening speeds of up to 25 Mbps download and up to 4 Mbps upload between 7.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, our nbn 50 plan escalates the typical evening speed to up to 48 Mbps download and 17 Mbps upload between 7.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. Finally, our top-tier nbn 100 plan provides typical evening speeds of up to 98 Mbps download and 17 Mbps upload between 7.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. This could cater to more intensive uses like multiperson streaming and gaming.

#3: Any data caps they may have

When comparing  internet providers in the NT, understanding the data caps of different plans is also important, as this can significantly affect your internet usage experience.

If you consistently use a large amount of data each month, an unlimited data plan ensures you never have to worry about hitting a data limit. On the other hand, if your usage is low and predictable, a capped plan may already be sufficient.

At Skymesh, we cater to a wide range of needs with our diverse plan offerings.

Both unlimited data and capped plans are available for our Fixed Wireless plans. We offer capped data plans on Sky Muster®, and unlimited data plans with download  speeds of up to 100 Mbps on Sky Muster® Plus. All of our Fixed Line plans (via Fibre to the Premises/Node/Curb/Building) are unlimited. Finally, our Home Wireless plans (4G and 5G) come with unlimited data.

#4: The price of the plans

You want to ensure that the service fits comfortably within your budget.
It’s important to look not only at the monthly rate but also at any potential fees for installation or additional services that might apply. So, when looking for affordable internet providers NT has available, ensure you review and compare these costs thoroughly to find a plan that matches your budget.

#5: Their reliability as a service provider

The dependability of a service provider will affect your overall user experience. To gauge this, you can look closer at factors such as the provider’s track record and the quality of customer service available. Additionally, internet providers in the NT that offer award-winning plans typically suggest that they’re constantly striving to provide quality service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to set up internet service?

This can vary based on the type of connection. For example, for satellite services like Sky Muster® and Fixed Wireless, the installation process is generally completed within 14 days of ordering unless the location is isolated.

For Fixed Line connections, the setup duration can depend on several factors, including the specific technology used, your proximity to the nearest node, and the complexity of the installation required at your premises.

Alternatively, with our Home Wireless plans, customers receive a Wi-Fi modem designed for plug-and-play connectivity. This means that as soon as you receive your device, you can simply plug it in and start using the internet immediately.

Can I get internet service without a long-term contract?

Yes, it is possible to get high-speed internet inthe  NT without committing to a long-term contract. 

However, availability can vary depending on the service provider and the specific plan they offer. At Skymesh, our plans are available with 30-day no-lock-in contracts. You simply need to provide a 30-day notice if you decide to cancel.

Can I make my nbn internet connection faster?

You may potentially do this by implementing a few key strategies:

You can try using wired connections for devices that require stable and high-speed internet, such as desktop computers you use for work or gaming. Additionally, upgrading your router may lead to improvements in both the speed and reliability of your plan.

Placing your router in an open area with minimal interference from walls and large objects and as centrally as possible may also help.

Lastly, upgrading your plan to a higher speed tier if possible could be beneficial if your current plan does not match the capabilities of your nbn connection type.

Skymesh, your specialist in regional connectivity

At Skymesh, we pride ourselves on being a leading regional internet provider for the nbn network. Celebrated for our award-winning internet plans, we made it our mission to help regional households and families stay connected. 
With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to exceptional customer service, we’re your trusted partner in internet connectivity. So, if you’re looking for internet providers in the NT, internet plans in Darwin, or internet providers in Alice Springs, check your address on this website today.