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Choosing the Perfect nbn® Plan
A critical part of the National Broadband Network (nbn) rollout that affects all home phone and internet users is the disconnection of the old copper telephone and ADSL network 18 months after the nbn is installed in each area. However, the switch from the old network to the nbn is not automatic and home ADSL and telephone users need to apply for their old service to be discontinued and the new service connected. Doing so means selecting the right nbn plan for your needs, with each plan offering different download and upload speeds, and different data usage limits.
Bigger and faster is better, but it is also more costly and not always necessary. More important considerations include the number of users in each household, the primary online activities within each home, and the nbn connection technology that is available in your area; points we will look at in detail in this guide to helping you choose the perfect nbn plan for your home.
What Types of nbn Connections Are Available?
There are seven different types of nbn connections in use, with different factors influencing which type of connection technology is installed around the country. These also influence the maximum download and upload speed available to you, with most supporting up to 100 Mbps. The limits of existing technology mean those living in rural or remote areas are currently limited to maximum download speeds of 25 or 50 Mbps.
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): This type of connection sees a fibre optic cable being run from the nearest fibre node all the way to your home, with an access network device installed inside your home. The theoretical maximum download speed for an FTTP connection is 1 Gbps. Fibre upgrade from FTTN/FTTC connections to an FTTP connection may be available through the Fibre Connect roll-out.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Most homes will have a Fibre to the Node connection, with a fibre optic line connecting the fibre node – usually a street cabinet – to the exchange. Existing telephone lines are used for the final connection from the node to your home, and no access network device is needed as your modem will still connect through the traditional phone socket. The theoretical maximum download speed for an FTTN connection is 100 Mbps, though this is not guaranteed and can be influenced by a number of factors.
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Similar to FTTN, a Fibre to the Curb connection will see fibre optic lines running to a small Distribution Point Unit (DPU) that is installed in a pit on the street or in the footpath outside homes. Multiple homes connect to the DPU using existing phone lines, though an nbn connection box is still required inside each home. The theoretical maximum download speed for an FTTC connection is 500 Mbps.
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB): Used for apartment blocks and similar buildings, with the fibre optic line running to a fibre node in the building's communications room or basement, and then connecting to each apartment using the existing connection technology in the building. The theoretical maximum download speed for an FTTN connection is 100 Mbps, though this is not guaranteed and can be influenced by a number of factors.
- Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC): If you have an existing ‘pay TV’ or cable network connection, this can be used for the final part of the nbn connection, with the HFC line running from the nearest fibre node, to your home. An nbn access network device still needs to be installed where the line enters your home. In theory, HFC connections can deliver download speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
- Fixed Wireless: Sometimes – due to the distance between homes or premises – the other connection types usually offered are not possible. Instead data travels between an outdoor antenna installed on your property and a transmission tower located up to 14 kilometres away. An nbn connection box needs to be installed where the cable from the outdoor antenna enters your home. The theoretical maximum download speed for a fixed wireless connection is 75 Mbps, though this can be influenced by a number of factors.
- Sky Muster™ Satellite Service: Intended to allow people living in rural and remote areas of Australia to benefit from the nbn. Connection is via two state-of-the-art satellites and a supplied modem and rooftop satellite dish at your home. The theoretical maximum download speed for a satellite connection is 25 Mbps, though this can be influenced by a number of factors. However, customers who only qualify for nbn via the Sky Muster™ satellite service can choose to keep their phone service over the copper network, or switch to using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
The type of connection your nbn installation will use is not something you can choose but is instead decided by what is already available in your area. However, it does have a significant influence on the nbn plans available to you.
Which nbn Speed Is Better?
Selecting the highest available speed is not always the right approach to choosing the perfect nbn plan. Dodo offers customers five nbn plans, each featuring a different maximum download speed suitable for different household sizes and types of usage:
| nbn15 created by dodo |
nbn25 | nbn50 | nbn100 1 | Home Superfast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for not more than 2 people using it at the same time for:
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Best for not more than four people using it at the same time for:
|
Best for not more than six people using it at the same time for:
|
Best for not more than nine people using it at the same time for:
|
Best for 9+ people using at the same time for:
|
1 Available only in certain areas with FTTP, FTTC and HFC type connections.
2 25Mbps typical evening speed.
3 50Mbps typical evening speed.
4 100Mbps typical evening speed.
5 A speed tier created by Dodo to provide 15 mbps typical evening speed on the nbn network.
6 245Mbps typical evening speed.
Typical evening speed (7pm-11pm). Speed may vary due to various factors and confirmed once connected. Fixed Wireless speeds are slower than fixed connections. See About nbn® Speeds for more info.
With new nbn connections, the maximum speed supported can only be determined after the installation and activation of your service. If your chosen speed is not supported by your installation, you can choose to drop to the maximum speed that is supported, or to cancel your service.
All nbn plans offered by Dodo are available on month-to-month terms and include a suitable modem with a once-off fee of $99 or you can bring your own modem for $0.
How Much Data Can I Use on Each nbn Plan?
Unlimited data is available on Dodo’s plans.
How Much Does Each nbn Plan Cost?
| Plan1 | nbn153 Created by Dodo |
nbn25 | nbn50/ Fixed Wireless Plus |
nbn 100 | Home Superfast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-paid Monthly Access Fee | $55 | $65 | $80 | $85 | $110 |
| Min Cost – 1 mth term2 with BYO Modem |
$55 | $65 | $80 | $85 | $110 |
| Optional Modem fee | New Modem $99 Upfront | ||||
| Data Allowance | Unlimited | ||||
1For information about speeds please see NBN Key Facts Sheet.
2Min cost calculated as Monthly Fee + BYO Modem. Min cost does not include eligible add-ons, optional modem, promotions, or discounts. Your plan does not include a voice (VOIP) service.
3A speed tier created by Dodo to provide 15Mbps typical evening speed on the nbn network.
Find out if your home is nbn ready with our rollout map, which also indicates whether fixed line or fixed wireless is available in your area and if you are eligible for a fibre upgrade. Then, call us to discuss the next steps in choosing the perfect plan and getting you connected to the nbn.
