NBN SPEEDS 101

Sometimes all that jazzy tech jargon is tricky to understand. Between your FTTBs and your FTTCs and whatever the heck a HFC is… it’s a lot. And if you’re not an internet nerd like us, it can just sound very Spock-esque. But don’t worry, unlike our Vulcan friend, we’ve broken it down, so you’re not left scratching your head.

What is nbn?

The short answer? nbn is the team behind Australia’s newest network rollout – the National Broadband Network. Essentially, our old copper phone lines couldn’t keep up with how we use the internet, what with all the gaming, 4K streaming, and endless TikTok scrolling. So, the government decided we needed a bit of an upgrade. Enter fibre optic cables. Once they were installed, nbn manages the connection alongside your provider – in this case, your mates at Exetel.

What are nbn Speeds?

nbn speeds refer to how fast data travels between your device and the internet. The quicker your connection, the faster you can browse, stream, download, and upload. Speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and depending on your connection and plan, speeds can vary.

Why Speed Matters

Choosing the right speed means fewer interruptions. Slow speeds can cause buffering, lag, or long download times—especially when multiple devices are online. By understanding your household’s needs, you can pick a plan that ensures everyone stays connected.

nbn tech

Different nbn connections bring the internet to your door in different ways.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different nbn connections:

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): The best option—fibre runs all the way from Exetel’s network straight to your home. Super-fast and reliable!
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Fibre runs to a nearby node, then an existing coaxial cable (like the one used for pay TV) carries the signal into your home. Fast and reliable.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre runs to a nearby node, but copper wires (often your old phone line) carry the signal to your home. Still good, but not as fast as FTTP.
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Fibre runs to a pit on your footpath, and copper wires carry the signal into your home. A solid option for most households.

Fibre to the Building (FTTB): In apartments or units, fibre runs to a central point in your building, and copper cable carries the signal to your apartment. Ideal for city living.
Fixed Wireless: Perfect for remote areas. An antenna on your roof picks up a signal from a nearby tower. It’s like Wi-Fi from the sky!
Satellite: In areas with no other option, a satellite dish receives internet signals from space. It’s not the fastest, but it works when nothing else will.
No matter which connection type you're on, Exetel has you covered with fast, reliable internet.

Have you met The One?

Whether you’re working from home or streaming, Exetel's nbn One Plan, has you covered.

Everything you need to know

Find the answers to frequently asked questions here

What is Typical Evening Speed?

Typical Evening Speed is the average speed you can expect during peak hours, usually between 7pm and 11pm, when most people are online. It gives you a more realistic idea of what your connection is like when everyone’s streaming, gaming, or browsing at the same time.

What can affect my nbn internet speed?

A few things can slow your nbn speed down:

Connection type: Different nbn setups (FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, etc.) deliver different speeds.

Network congestion: Slower speeds can happen when lots of people are using the internet at once.

Wi-Fi issues: If you’re on Wi-Fi, things like distance, walls, and interference can impact speed.

Device limitations: Older devices might not support higher speeds.

Equipment: Faulty or outdated gear (like your modem or cables) can also cause slowdowns.

Is residential and business nbn connection different?

Yes, business nbn connections usually offer faster speeds, better reliability, and priority support compared to residential plans. Business connections are designed to handle more intense usage and may include extras like static IP addresses and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Can my Wi-Fi router affect my internet speed?

Definitely! Your Wi-Fi router plays a big role in your speed. If it’s old, low-quality, or not placed well, it can drag your speeds down. For the best experience, make sure your router supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and is positioned where it’s least likely to be interfered with (no one wants to fight with the microwave, right?).

What is an NTD?

NTD stands for Network Termination Device—basically, the box that connects your nbn™ service to the network. It receives the internet signal and sends it on to your modem or router. Without the NTD, you won’t be able to get online! This connection box may look a bit different dependent on the technology available at your address and the device requires power to operate. Please note: This device is separate to your modem.

Do I need to take my NTD when moving to a new address?

No, your NTD is tied to the nbn service at that address, so it must stay. If your new address has a different type of nbn connection, or if there’s no nbn, you can use the 'Move Home' feature in the Exetel app to manage your connection. Alternatively, please call Exetel for advice.

How can I get nbn connection to a new home?

To get nbn set up at your new place:

Check availability: See if nbn is available in your area by visiting the nbn website.

Choose your plan: Pick the nbn plan that suits your needs.

Install the NTD: Exetel will organise the installation of the NTD if needed.

Set up your modem: Once your NTD is in place, just set up your modem and you’re good to go!

If you need help along the way, Exetel’s support team can guide you through every step of the process.