With the roll-out of the NBN complete in most areas of Australia, many people are now making the switch from their old ADSL or cable connection to an NBN plan. But with so many different plans and providers to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Plus, there are some crucial things that you need to know to ensure that you are making the right decision.
You need to be careful of speed limits
When you are shopping around for an NBN plan, you will notice that there are two different types of speeds advertised: ‘download’ and ‘upload’. Download speeds are the most important, as this is what determines how fast your internet will be. However, it’s important to note that most NBN plans have a speed limit. This means that even if you are paying for a high-speed plan, your speeds will be limited. To avoid this, you need to make sure that you choose an ‘unlimited’ NBN plan. These plans do not have any speed limits, so you can always enjoy the full speeds that you are paying for.
- Speed limits of Optus NBN plans
When you exceed the data allowance of your Optus NBN plan, you will not be charged any extra fees. However, you have to keep in mind that your speed may be limited to 256kbps which can make even scrolling through social media a challenge.
Don’t be fooled by unlimited data
One thing that not many people are aware of is that there is no such thing as an unlimited NBN plan. While some providers will advertise their plans as ‘unlimited’, this simply means that there is no data cap. However, this doesn’t mean that you can use as much data as you want without consequences. For instance, when you use up too much data, your connection will be slowed down. So, even though you technically have ‘unlimited’ data, you won’t be able to use it in the way that you want to.
NBN speeds aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be
Another common misconception is that NBN speeds are always fast. However, this isn’t always the case. While the NBN is designed to be faster than ADSL, this doesn’t mean that it will always be super-fast. The reality is that your speeds will depend on several factors. Including your location, the time of day, and which technology you are using.
For example, if you are using NBN FTTN, you will generally get speeds of around 50Mbps. However, if you are using NBN FTTP, you can expect speeds of up to 100Mbps. Unfortunately, you don’t get to choose which technology you use, as it depends on your location.
You might need to upgrade your equipment
If you have been using ADSL or cable, then you will need to upgrade your equipment when you switch to NBN. This is because the NBN uses different technology, which means that your old modem will not work. Instead, you will need to buy a new modem that is compatible with the NBN. Alternatively, you can rent a modem from your provider. However, this will usually cost you more in the long run.
So, before you sign up for an NBN plan, make sure that you keep these things in mind. By doing your research and being aware of the potential pitfalls, you can be sure that you are making the right decision for your needs.
