The Internet has become an essential part of our lives in the current digital era. Whether we use it for work, study, enjoyment, or to stay in touch with loved ones, it is no longer a luxury for many individuals. It’s a necessity. As a result, most households now prioritise having a dependable and fast Internet connection. They expect it. This is especially apparent in Australia, where the use of high-speed Internet has grown significantly in recent years.
Australian NBN and Australian broadband consumers are now spoiled for choice and have two strong competing options for their home Internet. There’s NBN, fixed, wired connection and wireless Internet, which come in 4G and 5G. People are increasingly having both, with the wireless Internet acting as a backup if they have NBN issues. If you can only invest in one connection type, which is the best for you?
Finding the right Internet solution for your requirements might be challenging, with so many options available. In Australia, the most common choices are wireless broadband and the National Broadband Network (NBN). Each of these options offers benefits and drawbacks. While NBN is the best option for individuals who require a fast and reliable connection, wireless broadband is best for those who appreciate simplicity.
So, the decision to choose between wireless broadband and NBN is influenced by several factors. It is crucial to thoroughly assess all those factors before choosing the one that best fits your needs and preferences so that you can stay connected to the outside world with the right Internet connection while enjoying a seamless online experience.
Before deciding on an option, consider the following points:
The Fundamentals
The most basic distinction between the NBN and wireless Internet is its physical function. Wires connect the NBN to your home (except for fixed wireless); meanwhile, wireless Internet is simply a modem router with a built-in battery for portability or that you plug into a power outlet to turn on. The modem/router receives the Internet signal from a nearby cellular tower.
On a basic level, if you intend to move around or travel frequently, a wireless Internet solution may be ideal. However, don’t dismiss the NBN in terms of portability because numerous other comparisons must also be made. Let’s get into a bit more detail.
Speed Comparison
The best Internet speeds you’ll receive is 20-30 Mbps, assuming you’re in an area with a strong 4G signal, which is currently most of Australia. This is still enough for a single person to watch Netflix, listen to music, or some work , and it would even suffice for a couple with lower Internet requirements. However, by today’s standards, it is insufficient for premium entertainment, a home office and computing for the whole family.
The NBN has a wide range of speed options. A 12 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload connection will not cost you much per month if your needs are modest, but it will keep you connected. On the other hand, if you enjoy watching high-quality movies and gaming, you can upgrade your NBN plan to 100 Mbps download/40 Mbps upload and enjoy lightning-fast Internet.
5G, on the other hand, dwarfs the speed capabilities of the most popular NBN plans. Although unavailable in substantial parts of Australia, 5G delivers average download speeds of around 214 Mbps.
How much will each option cost me?
Prices for 4G Internet are comparable to NBN mid-tier offerings, but the difference is in data. 4G connections are typically not unlimited data, with limits ranging from 100 GB to 500 GB. For some, that’s a lot of data, but for heavy Internet users, that cap will need to be watched because there are additional costs per GB after the cap is exceeded.
5G Internet services are frequently data-unlimited. There is a slight monthly cost premium (especially if you choose the no-lock-in contract option), and you will require a special 5G modem to link up to your service.
Reliability
The final question to ponder is, which option is more reliable? There’s nothing is more frustrating than having the Internet go down just before a major project is due or as you are getting ready for a movie night. The NBN has the upper hand here, claiming that the connection is reliable, stable and available to users 99.94% of the time. The response is usually immediate when the NBN goes down in a particular area. The only drawback is that with NBN as the only Internet source, there is no backup if something goes wrong.
The Verdict?
Your specific needs and circumstances determine the answer to this question. Wireless broadband may be a better option if you live in an area where fixed-line Internet is unavailable and unreliable. However, NBN is a better option if you need a fast and dependable connection for online gaming, online classes or work. Considering factors such as cost, speed, and reliability is also essential when making the decision.
Good luck!
