When it comes to selecting an internet plan, it’s often recommended that you balance budget with performance, so that you can still enjoy the games and streaming services you love! However, with times as they are, everyone has savings on the mind. Econnex is here to help.
If you're seeking the cheapest NBN 25 plan in Australia, our information will help guide you. We'll have a look at the basics of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and explain the various speeds and connections available to you. That’s not all. We’ll also explore some of the plans available for your comparison on Econnex, and walk you through the process for signing up online, in minutes.
What exactly is the NBN?
The NBN is Australia’s National Broadband Network, a government initiative introduced to households in 2011. Its function is to replace the old copper wires and broadband cable network with newer technology; most notably fibre-optic lines. Together with fixed wireless and satellite capabilities, the NBN provides Australian consumers and businesses with superior access to high-speed internet and communications.
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The upshot? Everything internet-related is faster with the NBN. It’s the ideal solution for high-speed gaming, stutter-free streaming, instant business connectivity and so much more. It provides more equal opportunity to access online services hassle-free from small towns and cities alike. That’s not to say that every NBN plan offers exactly the same upload or download speed – they don’t, and there are several products and retailers to choose from. Let’s discuss further.
What are the different NBN speeds?
The NBN offers four different tiers of speed, allowing users to choose a plan that meets their specific needs and budget. Each tier corresponds to a maximum download and upload speed, which determines the overall performance of your internet connection, including the number of devices that can be connected and used at the same time.
- NBN 12 (Basic Speed): This is the entry-level speed tier, offering a maximum download speed of 12 Mbps and an upload speed of 1 Mbps. It is generally only suitable for light internet users who mostly engage in basic online activity, such as casual web browsing and checking emails.
- NBN 25 (Standard Speed): The NBN 25 plan provides a maximum download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 5 Mbps. It offers improved performance for households with multiple connected devices and moderate internet usage. It allows for smooth video streaming, online gaming, and the downloading of larger files.
- NBN 50 (Standard Plus Speed): The NBN 50 plan offers a maximum download speed of 50 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps. It is ideal for households with several users who engage in activities that require higher bandwidth, such as streaming 4K videos, video conferencing, and online file collaboration.
- NBN 100 (Premium Speed): The NBN 100 plan delivers the highest available speeds for Australian consumers and businesses, with a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps and an upload speed of 40 Mbps. It is designed for heavy internet users who require seamless streaming of high-resolution content, such as those who regularly download large files or are prolific online gamers.
It's important to note that the actual speeds experienced in each household or business premises may vary depending on factors such as network congestion, distance from the nearest NBN infrastructure, and the quality of wiring and equipment.
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Is an NBN 25 plan right for me?
When searching for the cheapest NBN 25 plan, you need to make sure that it will cater to your online needs. it's important to understand your internet usage requirements, the number of devices connected simultaneously, and regular online activities. This will help you determine whether a lower-speed NBN 25 connection is sufficient for your online life or if you would benefit from upgrading to a faster plan.
Remember, while an NBN 25 plan offers an attractive balance between affordability and performance, it may be worth considering the higher tiers if you have specific demands for bandwidth-intensive tasks or if you anticipate your internet usage growing in the near future.
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What are the different NBN connections?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) utilizes various technologies to deliver high-speed internet access across Australia. Understanding the different NBN types can help you determine the availability and potential speeds of your internet connection. Here are the main NBN types:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): FTTP is considered the most effective NBN technology. It involves connecting fibre-optic cables directly to individual premises, providing the highest possible internet speeds. Using FTTP, customers can access the full range of NBN speed tiers, however, the coverage is limited, and it may not be available in all areas.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): FTTN combines fibre-optic cables and existing copper phone lines. The fibre-optic cables run to a neighbourhood node (a central network box for the area), while the existing copper lines connect that node to individual households. While it’s generally not capable of performing to the same level as FTTP, FTTN can still deliver fast download and upload speeds. Keep in mind, though, that the speed of your connection may vary depending on the distance between the node and the premises. The further the distance, the more likely it is to be affected.
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB): FTTB is similar in design to FTTN but is designed for multi-dwelling buildings, such as apartments or office complexes. The fibre-optic cables run to the building's communications room, and then existing copper lines distribute internet connectivity to each unit within the building. FTTB can provide high-speed internet access, but like FTTN, the speeds can be influenced by the distance between the premises and the building's communications room.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): HFC takes advantage of existing pay TV or cable networks to deliver high-speed internet access. These coaxial cables previously used for services such as Foxtel are repurposed to provide internet connectivity. For eligible properties, HFC can offer fast and reliable internet speeds with minimal extra infrastructure added, particularly in areas where the cabling is already in place. However, access is limited as not every region has HFC availability.
- Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless technology uses radio signals to provide internet access to areas that lack access to fibre-optic infrastructure. Antennas are installed on transmission towers up to 14km away, which transmit the internet signal to fixed antennas installed on each individual house or business. Fixed Wireless can still deliver reasonably fast speeds compared to previous ADSL connections, although the actual speeds may be affected by factors such as distance, obstructions, and network congestion.
- Satellite: Satellite technology is used in more remote or rural areas, where other NBN technologies are not feasible. Satellites in orbit connect to dish antennas installed at the premises to deliver internet. Satellite connections generally have slower speeds and higher latency compared to other NBN connections; due to the long distance the signals must travel. That said, for Australians in many regional areas it is one of the only viable solutions.
The availability of each of these NBN connections can vary depending on your location and the infrastructure already deployed. It's imperative you check with your current internet service provider or the NBN Co website to determine exactly which NBN services are available at your address.
Keep in mind that your choice of NBN technology will naturally affect your available speed. While FTTP is known to be consistently high-performance, other connection types such as FTTN and Fixed Wireless may have speed and performance limited by factors including distance from the node/transmission tower and increased levels of network congestion.
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What are the Cheapest NBN 25 Plans in Australia?
When exploring different NBN 25 plans, there are several providers in Australia worth considering, all offering affordable options to suit different households. Let's take a closer look at some of the major players and their latest plans for individual consumers. Once you’re ready to compare, switch and save on your home internet service: you can sign up online, from one portal, in mere minutes with Econnex Comparison.
- Exetel ($53.99): Exetel provides an NBN 25 plan at a competitive price. With Exetel, you can enjoy unlimited data at NBN 25 speeds, making it a suitable option for average internet users.
- Superloop ($59.00): Superloop offers an NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. Superloop is known for its reliable network performance and customer service, making it a popular choice among users seeking a balance between price and quality.
- Tangerine ($44.90): Tangerine's NBN 25 plan is budget-friendly and provides unlimited data. Tangerine's plans are known for their simplicity and transparency, with no lock-in contracts or hidden fees.
- More ($66.00): More offers an NBN 25 plan at an affordable price point. Their plans come with unlimited data, making it a suitable option for households with moderate internet usage.
- Dodo ($65.00): Dodo's NBN 25 plan is priced competitively, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, it's important to note that this plan has a data limit of 10GB, which may not be suitable for those with higher regular usage.
- Goodtel ($68.00): Goodtel provides an NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. In addition to their internet services, Goodtel is known for its social impact initiatives, as a portion of their profits is directed towards supporting various charities.
- Optus ($69.00): Optus offers an NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. As one of the major telecommunications providers in Australia, Optus provides reliable internet services and additional perks such as entertainment bundles.
- Telstra ($80.00): Telstra's NBN 25 plan comes with unlimited data and is backed by their extensive network coverage. Telstra is known for its quality customer service and reliability, although their plans are typically priced at a premium.
- Vodafone ($69.99): Vodafone offers an NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. While Vodafone is primarily known for its mobile services, their NBN plans provide a reliable and cost-effective option for home internet.
- TPG ($69.99): TPG's NBN 25 plan includes unlimited data and is available at a competitive price point. TPG is recognized for its strong network infrastructure and attractive bundle deals.
- Spintel ($49.95): Spintel offers an affordable NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. Their plans are suitable for individuals or small households with average internet usage.
- Belong ($65.00): Belong provides an NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. Belong is known for its straightforward plans and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
- iiNet ($74.99): iiNet's NBN 25 plan offers unlimited data. iiNet is known for its reliable network and excellent customer service, making them a reputable provider in the market.
- flip ($44.00): flip offers an NBN 25 plan at an affordable price. With unlimited data and competitive pricing, flip is a viable option for users seeking a cost-effective NBN plan.
- Southern Phone* ($55.00): Southern Phone's NBN 25 plan comes with unlimited data. As a regional telecommunications provider, Southern Phone focuses on providing reliable internet services to rural and remote areas.
- Origin ($74.00): Origin offers an NBN 25 plan with unlimited data. Origin's plans are competitively priced and cater to various internet usage needs.
- Mate ($59.00): Mate provides an NBN 25 plan at an affordable price. With unlimited data and no lock-in contracts, Mate offers flexibility and transparency to its customers.
(Data accurate as of 24/8/23)
Find your ideal NBN 25 plan with Econnex Comparison
Econnex provides you with a truly unbiased and independent comparison of NBN plans, putting the power to make an informed decision in your hands. Using Econnex, you can easily compare prices, data allowances, contract terms, and additional features from multiple trusted providers. This allows you to identify the most suitable and cheapest NBN 25 plan for your needs, from our retailers. Econnex simplifies the process of comparing NBN plans and helps you save time and effort in finding the best deal for your home internet.
Moreover, using our intuitive platform you can explore customer reviews to assure yourself of your selected retailers service quality and support. Gone are the days of visiting multiple websites or calling different providers to gather the information to make an informed decision. Econnex brings all the necessary details together in one place, allowing you to complete your application and purchase online, in mere minutes. No third-party websites, hidden surprises, or complicated phone calls.
It’s time to unlock savings on your NBN plan with the help of Econnex Comparison. Say goodbye to the confusion and frustration of searching multiple websites for the right internet plan and let Econnex be your trusted companion in making the best decision for your home internet needs.
