Is Home Wireless Broadband Better than the NBN?

“Wireless is the future of internet connectivity.” Have you ever seen such a phrase in an online ad or print media? This leads us to the question – is home wireless broadband better than the NBN? There are lots of media articles exaggerating that wireless technology will be replacing fixed-line internet connections. This may be a dream come true for most of us. It may be a lot more convenient to access the internet without the need to use cables and nodes. But in today’s situation, only a few members of the population are using wireless internet service. So, let’s take a look and compare.

What is a Home Wireless Broadband?

A home wireless broadband is a 3G, 4G, or 5G powered internet connection designed to connect to a modem or router remotely. This literally means connecting to the internet without the use of cables or wires. Simply insert the sim card into the modem or router, then plug it into the power source to get an instant internet connection. Such technology is intended to replace fixed-line internet connections soon. Home wireless broadband is different from mobile broadband. This is because mobile broadband provides internet access without using a modem or a router. Mobile broadband connects a device to the internet directly through a cell phone network. 

Most home wireless broadband plans in Australia have a 200 GB data allowance and start at $40 monthly. These entry-level home wireless broadband plans have a speed cap of around 12 Mbps. They are typically designed for home use as the modem or router needs a constant source of power. But the modem or router is portable and can get you back online instantly once you plug it in any power source. Most modem or routers for home wireless broadband have fuller features and include multiple gigabit Ethernet ports. Yet, the exact performance depends on the network’s congestion and coverage.

What is the NBN?

NBN stands for National Broadband Network. An NBN connection means high-speed broadband connecting using a multi-technology cable mix. These include fibre optics, hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC), coaxial cables, and copper lines. Using a modem or router, most Australian households can access NBN internet services through FTTB, FTTN, or FTTP technology. The cost of an entry-level NBN plan starts at $40 monthly with a typical evening speed of 12 Mbps and unlimited data allowance.

The Australian NBN network currently offers 6 NBN speed tiers. 

• The NBN 12 guarantees a maximum download speed of 12 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 1 Mbps.
• The NBN 25 guarantees a maximum download speed of 25 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 5 Mbps.
• The NBN 50 guarantees a maximum download speed of 50 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 20 Mbps.
• The NBN 100 guarantees a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 40 Mbps.
• The NBN 250 guarantees a maximum download speed of 250 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 25 Mbps.
• The NBN 1000 guarantees a maximum download speed of 1000 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 50 Mbps.

Is Home Wireless Broadband Better than the NBN?

Here’s a comparison between a home wireless broadband and the NBN.

Availability. Both home wireless broadband and NBN connections are available in a wide area of the Australian mainland. The only advantage of home wireless broadband is that it can reach even the most remote places. Such technology can provide internet connection even in the absence of cable infrastructure.

Reliability. The speed of a home wireless broadband connection is very difficult to predict. They are affected by many external factors. These include electromagnetic waves, radio waves, and the weather. NBN connections are often reliable because fixed lines have less interference. 

Value for Money. Most home wireless broadband plans have lower monthly bill prices. But NBN plans have greater value for money. This is because home wireless broadband plans come with a data and speed cap. NBN plans often come with unlimited data allowance and faster internet speed. They only cost slightly $10 higher than a monthly wireless plan.