5G vs NBN: Everything You Need to Know

5G home internet, also known as 5G home broadband, is an internet connection type that uses 5G signals from mobile towers to provide users with internet access. 5G broadband is primarily used through home wireless broadband connections. Connectivity is dependent upon the coverage and reception where you live.

5G home internet plans tend to have large data allowances, or more commonly unlimited data, and are designed to be used at home. In order to connect to the internet, you’ll need a compatible 5G home broadband modem that requires a constant power source. These types of modems aren’t designed to be used on the go, like a personal hotspot.

The NBN (or National Broadband Network) is a modern broadband infrastructure that is installed across Australia to replace the older, existing network that is presently used to access the internet.

The former old copper wire network that was Australia’s standard method of gaining access to the internet has been replaced by a technologically superior alternative. The NBN network combines fibre optics, satellite, and fixed-wireless technologies to deliver internet across various connection types.

Most importantly, NBN is known for offering much faster network speed tiers than what Australians have been using previously with the older ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+ networks and more traditional methods.

Speed is arguably one of the most important aspects of an NBN connection. NBN plans are categorised into different speed tiers indicative of their maximum speeds. Currently, there are six speed tiers available.

• NBN 12 (Basic I)

• NBN 25 (Basic II)

• NBN 50 (Standard)

• NBN 100 (Fast)

• NBN 250 (Superfast)

• NBN 1000 (Ultrafast)

There is no universal standard for the terms, nbn speeds, and package names being used by telcos when they promote their products to consumers and some even refer to maximum download NBN speeds, which may not always be the most accurate indicator of what speeds you’ll be getting throughout the day. There are external factors that can affect your network stability like congestion, throttling, and more.

The following internet providers currently offer 5G home internet plans:

• Iinet

• Optus

• Spintel

• Telstra

• TPG

• Vodafone

• Yomojo

The following internet providers currently offer NBN plans:

• Activ8me

• AGL

• Aussie Broadband

• Belong

• Dodo

• Exetel

• Flip

• Foxtel

• Iinet

• iPrimus

• Kogan

• Leaptel

• Mate

• Moose Mobile

• More

• Optus

• Origin

• Southern Phone

• Spintel

• Superloop

• Swoop

• Tangerine Telecom

• Telstra

• TPG

• Vodafone

Coverage area is extremely important factor that can affect whether you can or cannot get 5G or NBN. Your property must be in the network coverage area to be eligible for 5G. For NBN, your property must be eligible for one of the following connection types:

• Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP)

• Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

• Fibre-to-the-Curb (FTTC)

• Fibre-to-the-Basement (FTTB)

• Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN)

• Fixed Wireless

• Sky Muster satellite

Thanks to the rapid expansion of the NBN network, over 11 million properties in Australia have access to NBN. 5G technology is still on the rise, but as of 2024, telcos like Telstra are claiming to cover 85% of the Australian population via their 5G network. While this figure is impressive on its own, it should be noted that most of this coverage is within major cities, where a large majority of the Australian population lives. These limitations may be lifted in the future when 5G expands. Providers continue to grow their network coverage, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see 5G reach regional cities and their surrounding areas in the coming years.

5G home internet in its current form has its benefits but it is unlikely to be a direct replacement for NBN. The NBN network is continuously expanding with its fibre upgrade programs undergoing constant improvements, which means that it won’t become redundant any time soon. The good news is that these technology types complement each other well enough to coexist.

Whether you need an alternative to the NBN, don’t have a fixed-line connection, or just need fixed wireless connections, 5G can be a suitable option for most residential and business consumers.

Unless you have a 5G device like a smartphone with a 5G-ready mobile or data plan, you will not be able to use a 5G modem on the go. Some telcos may require you to use your 5G service at your nominated home address. If you try to use it in an ineligible area, this may violate the terms of the agreement.

If you’re looking for a portable internet service, you may want to consider a mobile broadband plan. Designed for on-the-go use, a mobile broadband plan offers the convenience of a wireless internet solution through a compatible device or pocket WiFi modem with fast internet speeds.