What’s better: 5G vs NBN

Australians are spoiled for choice when it comes to the internet. In many areas of the country, we have found ourselves with not one but two options for accessing super-fast internet at reasonable prices. 

So, what are the differences, and which one is right for you? This guide will compare 5G vs NBN by looking at: 

• Accessibility 
• Speed 
• Reliability 
• Cost 

5G explained

Fifth Generation (5G) is the latest mobile wireless internet technology, taking over the reins from 4G. The key improvements are speed and capacity. 5G delivers super-fast, uncapped speeds that can process high volumes of data with little to no disruption. For users, this means faster load times and no annoying slow-downs or connection issues during busy times. 

The technology is still new, so not all providers offer it yet, and coverage is still limited to certain areas. You can find plans such as Optus 5G, Telstra and Vodafone. More on that below! 

NBN explained

The National Broadband Network (NBN) uses copper wires, cable broadband, and optical fibre to deliver speeds of up to 1000Mbps. The government rollout started in 2011, and now most areas of the country can connect, with plans available from all internet providers. 

This overhaul of the internet infrastructure was undertaken to put Australia’s internet on par with the best NBN plans worldwide and make high-speed internet activities such as online gaming, remote medical procedures, and remote learning accessible to everyone.  

Accessibility

Before you go any further, you should determine which internet types are available in your area. The NBN is currently more accessible, with access to metropolitan and regional areas. You might be connected via satellite rather than high-speed cables in regional and rural areas. 

5G networks have more limited access, although the coverage areas are growing daily. Six providers offer home internet options – Telstra, Optus, TPG, Vodafone, Internode, iiNet and Spintel. The coverage zones are limited to certain areas of major towns and cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba.  

Speed

The NBN offers typical evening speeds of 50Mbps, with a maximum download speed of 1000Mbps. This is extremely fast and enables activities such as watching TV on streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, as well as online gaming, cloud storage, and online collaboration.  

Despite being touted as the fastest internet in the world, it wasn’t long before 5G internet plans came on the scene and took things up a level. With typical evening speeds of 225Mbps and unlimited download speeds available, it is, on average, 4 times faster for users. 

Suppose you are comparing broadband plans based on speed. In that case, it is essential to remember that the comparatively slow national broadband is more than adequate for most work and entertainment activities, so don’t get caught out paying for an ultra-fast plan with speeds that you won’t use when a more cost-effective, slower plan will do the job. 

Reliability

Our national broadband network has a bad reputation regarding dropouts and lag. This is most common during busy times when congestion in the network causes slower speeds or difficulty connecting. When you look into an NBN internet plan for your home or business, you should first consider the type of connection available at your property (fibre-to-the-node FTTN, fibre-to-the-curb FTTC or fibre-to-the-premises FTTP) and the type of modem you have. These factors can contribute to the reliability of your connection. 

5G was designed to combat the reliability problems that 4G faced and can handle busier times without suffering from network congestion and reduced speeds. The reliability can be affected by your location and service provider, so you should consider these factors when you compare options in your area. 

Cost

There are relatively cheap internet plans available for all types of internet. Most plans come with unlimited data, so the main factor affecting the cost will be the speed you choose.

If you watch Pay TV Australia in your home, then the best NBN provider for you might be a Foxtel deal, where you can save money by bundling internet and entertainment.

Take a look at the table below for a 5G and NBN plan comparison, or call CheapBills to discuss your specific internet needs with one of our experts. 

*Prices are subject to change at provider discretion  

Get connected to the cheap NBN plan or 5G service.

Our team is waiting to help you compare NBN plans and discover new 5G options. Call us at 1300 786 045, and we will discuss your internet needs and the options available in your area to help you find the perfect internet plan. 

When you are ready to switch NBN providers or sign up for a 5G plan, we take care of it all for you; all you have to do is sit back and enjoy! Our service is 100% free of charge, so don’t wait; contact our team today!