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Written by
Madeline Pettet
Edited by
David RayfieldCompare a range of Internet providers*
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How does the NBN work in WA?
Whether you’re video-calling your friends on the East Coast or streaming the latest hit show direct from the States, the NBN (National Broadband Network) is making it easier for West Australians to stay connected.
Where is the NBN available in WA?
As of February 2024, over two million WA properties can access the NBN some way or another.1NBN Co – Weekly Progress Report 22 February 2024, p1 So, you’d be hard pressed to find a place in WA that isn’t already online with the NBN or a call away from it.
Which Internet speeds can I get in WA?
With NBN’s speed tiers, there’s a choice of options for different digital lives — it comes down to the NBN Plan you pick.
| NBN Speed Tier | Will it suit me? |
| Home Basic I Typical evening download speed = 12Mbps | This speed tier could be all you need for an at-home movie session or a vigorous game of Wordle. |
| Home Basic II Typical evening download speed = 25Mbps | If ‘Stream, scroll, repeat’ is your mantra, Home Basic II might have the speed you’re looking for. |
| Home Standard Typical evening download speed = 50Mbps | Skip the spoilers with speeds that mean the whole family can stream videos at the same time, along with play online games or videocall friends. |
| Home Fast Typical evening download speed = 100Mbps | Forget about letting things download overnight, Home Fast could be your way to stay on track with work and play, thanks to faster download speeds any time of day. |
| Home Superfast Typical evening download speed = 250Mbps | Keep the kids busy with multiple movie marathons or online gaming sessions, while you download files from the Cloud and take the lead on Zoom. |
| Home Ultrafast Typical evening download speed = 700Mbps | Buffer in the blink of an eye with Home Ultrafast’s speedy uploads and downloads for work, recreation, and everything in between. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What NBN connection types are there in WA?
Where you live in WA determines your NBN connection type. Some places have access to full fibre, while others need to get NBN via the airwaves, like with Fixed Wireless or Sky Muster. Your connection type can also limit the speeds available to you with more fibre generally meaning greater speed.
- Sky Muster: This satellite-based tech is only capable of speeds on the slower end of the scale
- Fixed Wireless: A step up from Sky Muster, Fixed Wireless uses an outdoor aerial to get slightly faster speeds
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Your existing copper lines connect up to a fibre node in your neighbourhood, meaning you could get a taste of fibre’s speed
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Rather than a node, the fibre cables come a little closer via a street pit. Once your copper lines connect with them, you could enjoy faster speeds.
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB): Used in apartments and multi-unit buildings, this is a blend of the existing infrastructure with fibre cables running to the building’s communications hub for quick data transmission to each unit
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): This is full fibre with fibre cables running all the way to your place for the fastest speeds around
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): While streaming be more common than cable these days, your existing pay TV connection could connect you to the NBN with fast speeds too
Before you put your place up for sale in search of greener pastures and faster NBN, you might want to keep in mind that the NBN rollout isn’t over just yet. In fact, 2024 is the year of moving from Sky Muster to Fixed Wireless with a number of locations set to make the switch. Plus, FTTP is coming to many places by 2025. This could mean switching NBN Plans for something faster or better value could be on the cards for you.
Is the NBN available in regional and rural WA?
If you’re concerned about the NBN overlooking places that are off the beaten track, don’t worry. As of early 2024, much of WA already has access to the NBN, whether you live right on the coast or deep in the desert.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program has invested millions of dollars to get remote communities in WA connected. This includes getting places like Onslow and Fitzroy Crossing off Sky Muster connections and onto the Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) kind by the end of 2024, along with making Fixed Wireless an option for communities in Wyndham and Gnowangerup by 2026.
These upgrades could mean improved speeds for you, allowing you to stay connected with the wider world without having to give up the locale you love. Assuming you’ve got an NBN Plan that offers you value, that is.
Can I get NBN1000 in WA?
NBN’s Home Ultrafast (sometimes called NBN1000) is as fast as it gets — and, at 1Gbps, we reckon that’s pretty fast. To get on an NBN1000 Plan, you’ll need to have either a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or HFC connection. Unfortunately, these are the only connections that can keep up with those extreme speeds.
If you’re on an FTTP or HFC connection, it’s then just a matter of comparing NBN1000 Plans and choosing your favourite. For those who aren’t so fortunate, keep a stiff upper lip. NBN Co is bringing FTTP connections to more homes than ever before. The aim is more than 10 million Australian properties will be able to enjoy an NBN1000 Plan to its fullest by the end of 2025.2NBN Co – Aussies ready for 18x faster NBN
What does the future of the NBN look like in WA?
Just as a rolling boulder picks up speed — whether there’s a snake-fearing archaeologist in front of it or not — the NBN rollout’s future is all about speed.
Take, for instance, the improvements to Fixed Wireless tech. These upgrades will extend Fixed Wireless’ reach and achievable speeds, meaning more Australians can come off Sky Muster. By the end of 2024, lots of WA locations will say goodbye to Sky Muster for the new and improved Fixed Wireless.
Similarly, NBN Co have set themselves the challenge of upgrading old copper connections to full fibre (otherwise known as Fibre to the Premises) throughout many parts of the state by 2025.
And what about at your place? You might be seeing these upgrades down the pipeline or find that your Internet habits have changed. Either way, it could be worth comparing NBN Plans to see if there’s an option that offers you better value and makes use of the speeds your NBN connection can achieve.
Get started on comparing NBN plans today!
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- 1.NBN Co – Weekly Progress Report 22 February 2024, p1
- 2.NBN Co – Aussies ready for 18x faster NBN