Forty per cent of Aussies with the NBN are confused about speed tiers

Research released today by NBN experts iSelect revealed that almost 40 per cent of NBN users don’t know what speed tier they are currently on.

The Galaxy Research study, commissioned by iSelect to assess the attitudes of Australian households towards the NBN [1], found that 29 per cent of Australian households are currently connected to the NBN. Across Australia, those living outside capital cities are almost twice as likely to be connected to the NBN.

Although NBN users are confused about speed tiers, the survey also revealed they are generally satisfied with the speed delivered by the NBN.  The Galaxy survey found 8 out of 10 Australian households connected to the NBN are satisfied with their internet speed.

Laura Crowden, spokesperson for iSelect, said confusion around speed tiers can lead to Aussies being unsure of what to expect from their NBN service once connected.

“Our research suggests that over a million NBN users don’t know if their NBN service is delivering them the agreed speed stated in their contract.’’

“This suggests that people are connecting to the NBN without being properly informed on the speed tier options available and how they work,” said Laura.

Retailers have designed their plans around the NBN’s four speed tiers (12, 25, 50 & 100 megabits per second) which consumers will need to select from ahead of their connection taking place. Each option can vary in cost depending on the data allowance and provider.

Despite the faster speeds now available, Laura cautioned against Australians automatically selecting the fastest speed and instead urged them to match a speed tier with their usage and budget.

“When it comes to the NBN, the right speed tier will depend on your internet needs, how many people and devices will be connecting and how important upload and download speed is to your daily internet use. It is important to remember that some of the slower plans (such as 12mbps) may end up being slower than your previous ADSL2+ connection,” said Laura.

“If you run a business from home, consume a lot of entertainment or play online games, a faster speed might be suitable. However, if you just use the internet to check your emails or Facebook occasionally, a cheaper slower NBN connection might be more suitable.”

With so many options and variables in the market, Australians are being encouraged to speak to an expert to ensure they sign up to the right service.

“An NBN expert will be able to cut through the complexity and match a speed-tier and plan with your individual needs and budget. After that you can rest easy and enjoy all the benefits the NBN has to offer,” said Laura.

Find out more about NBN plans.

iSelect does not compare all products in the market. Not all products are available at all times. Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any product.

[1] In April 2017 iSelect commissioned a nationally representative consumer research study with Galaxy Research to assess the attitudes of over 1,100 Australians household decision makers towards the NBN

iSelect does not compare all broadband or telecommunication providers or plans in the market. The availability of plans will change from time to time. Not all plans available from iSelect providers are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements or availability, not all plans compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.

Any advice provided in this email is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any product. iSelect receives commission for each product sold.

*iSelect’s partnered with CIMET Sales Pty Ltd (ABN 72 620 395 726) to help you compare a range of internet plans and providers. Not all internet plan providers or plans in the market are compared. The availability of plans may change from time to time. Not all plans available from CIMET providers are compared. Due to commercial arrangements, area or availability, not all plans compared will be available to all customers. Some plans and special offers are available only from iSelect’s call centre or website. Click here to view CIMET’s range of providers. iSelect and CIMET earn a commission for every internet plan sold.