NBN speed upgrades: Your complete guide

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is going through a bit of an overhaul. NBN Co, the organisation responsible for managing the NBN, is rolling out upgrades to improve download and upload speeds and increase bandwidth. Many of these improvements have already been passed on to the consumer at no extra cost.

Yes, you read that right – faster internet for free.

You may have noticed that your files are downloading a bit faster than before, that you can stream higher quality videos without buffering, or that connection issues no longer occur when multiple people are online at home at the same time. Or maybe you haven’t noticed any changes at all.

In any case, it’s important to get across the updates to figure out whether your NBN plan is still the best fit for your household. You may be able to upgrade to an internet plan that is five times faster than your current plan at no extra cost, depending on where you live.

• Am I eligible for the free upgrades?
• What are the new NBN speeds?
• How can I check if an upgrade has happened?
• Do I need to upgrade or switch to the fastest NBN plan?
• I’m eligible for the upgrade but my internet is still slow, what’s wrong?

Am I eligible for the free upgrades?

Whether or not you’re eligible for the upgraded speeds, depends on your:

• Connection type
• Current plan

Connection types

Your NBN connection type determines the maximum download speed you can get at your address:

• Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (e.g. newer apartments) (HFC): Max download speed: now 2000Mbps 
• FTTP: Max download speed: now 2000Mbps,
• Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Max. download speed: 100Mbps.
• Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Max. download speed: 100Mbps.
• Fibre to the Building (e.g. older apartments) (FTTB): Max. download speed: 100Mbps.

Check your connection type 

You can check the type of connection available where you live, using the NBN address checker.

Plan speeds

50Mbps or below

Slower speed plans – anything offering 50Mbps or below – are unaffected by the upgrades, so you won’t be eligible. 

100–250Mbps

Those with HFC, FTTP and some FTTB connections are eligible for speed upgrades, which should happen automatically. 

• Those on 100Mbps plans will see download speeds increase to 500Mbps
• Those on 250Mbps will have increased speeds of 750Mbps.

500Mbps

Those with HFC, FTTP and some FTTB connections are eligible for the automatic speed upgrades to 1000Mbps.

1000Mbps 

If you’re already on a plan with 1000Mbps, previously the highest available speed, you’re unaffected by the free upgrades. 

But there’s a new higher-speed plan available at a higher price: 2000Mbps .

What are the new NBN speeds?

NBN Co has upgraded three existing wholesale plans and introduced a new ultra-high speed plan:

• Home Fast II: Available speeds increase from 100/20Mbps to 500/50Mbps
• Home Superfast: Available speeds increase from 250/25Mbps to 750/50Mbps
• Home Ultrafast: Available speeds increase from 500-1000/50Mbps to 1000/100Mbps
• Home Hyperfast: The new plan offers speeds of 2000/200 Mbps for those with Fibre to the Premises connections and 2000/100Mbps for HFC connections

Note that the exact download and upload speeds advertised may vary slightly depending on the plans available from your ISP.

How can I check if an upgrade has happened?

If you’re not sure whether an upgrade has taken place, you can try:

• Checking how close your connection currently gets to the advertised plan speed, using a speed test. This will measure and display your connection speeds in Mbps.
• Checking your home’s NBN connection status at the NBN address checker to confirm that you’re eligible.

Speeds vs typical evening speeds

Also keep in mind your plan’s typical evening speeds. As well as maximum potential speeds, ISPs also advertise “typical evening speeds”, which reflect how your plan performs in the real world. For example, a 500/50 plan may have typical evening speeds of 490/40Mbps.

The evening is the time of day when the number of concurrent users on your provider’s network is at its peak. As more homes log on, there’s less data to go around, so speeds start to slow down. So, while your plan may be technically capable of 500/50, it’ll likely peak around the advertised evening speeds.

I don’t have FTTP or HFC, how do I get the free speed upgrade?

Customers on FTTC and FTTN can’t access speeds above 100Mbps, but may be able to upgrade their technology to a modern fibre connection, at no extra cost.

1. Check if you can upgrade to fibre

First, find out if your property can convert to fibre. Go to the NBN address checker then enter your address and click “Check residential”. If eligible, you’ll see a green banner that says “Make the switch to NBN Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).

2. Speak to your provider about switching

Next, contact your ISP to arrange an upgrade. There may be installation costs, but ISPs regularly offer FTTP upgrades for free. It may be worth waiting until one of these promos rolls around, or you could just ask for a freebie.

Do I need to upgrade or switch to the fastest NBN plan?

Most users won’t need gigabit (1000Mbps and above) internet plans, which are more expensive than typical household plans – but there are some scenarios where very fast plans may be useful.

You may benefit from ultra-high-speed internet if you’re regularly downloading large files, massive programs and games (including updates) or frequently streaming 4K UHD video.

Why we've partnered with WhistleOut

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I’m eligible for the upgrade, but I’m not getting the advertised speeds. What’s wrong?

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a slow internet connection before contacting your ISP. These are:

1. Turn the NBN box and your router or modem/router off and on again

This resets your network, which can resolve a myriad of technical issues.

2. Connect to your 5GHz Wi-Fi network

All modern modems and routers support at least two Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 and 5GHz.

If your internet-connected devices are running slowly (tapping out at around 60Mbps), switch to the 5GHz network. The steps for selecting a particular network will be in the instruction manual for each device. 

3. Checking your modem/router speeds 

Your existing modem might not support the new higher speeds.

Check the specifications for your router (or modem/router) and note the maximum download and upload speeds. 

If they fall below the expected speeds for your NBN plan, you may need to upgrade to some new equipment that supports the speeds. Search the make and model of your equipment for the relevant info.

If your internet is still falling well below the advertised speeds, contact your ISP.

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Peter Zaluzny

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.

Peter Zaluzny is a Content producer in the Digital home team. He covers everything from home entertainment and personal safety devices to tech for your car and mattresses. Peter enjoys cutting through the nonsense to help people understand the products they’re considering to buy. He helps consumers make educated, informed decisions. Peter has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong.