Key takeaways
- FTTP delivers the best speeds — fibre to your home.
- FTTN uses copper for the last stretch — speeds drop with distance.
- Fixed wireless and satellite serve regional areas with lower caps.
Not all NBN connections are equal. The technology at your address determines what speeds you can buy and how reliable your connection will be.
On this page
NBN technology types
Australia uses multiple NBN technologies depending on when and where your area was rolled out.
| Technology | Name | Typical max speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTTP | Fibre to the Premises | Up to 1000 Mbps | Best performance — fibre to your home |
| HFC | Hybrid Fibre Coaxial | Up to 1000 Mbps | Cable network in some metro areas |
| FTTN/FTTB | Fibre to the Node/Building | Up to 100 Mbps typical | Copper last stretch — speed varies by distance |
| FTTC | Fibre to the Curb | Up to 250 Mbps typical | Shorter copper run than FTTN |
| Fixed Wireless | Fixed Wireless | Up to 75 Mbps | Regional areas — depends on tower capacity |
| Satellite | Sky Muster (NBN) | Up to 50 Mbps | Remote areas — higher latency |
Check your address at nbnco.com.au to see which technology is available. Actual speeds depend on plan tier and network congestion.
Technology upgrades
NBN Co is upgrading FTTN and FTTC premises to FTTP in many areas. Check if your address is scheduled for upgrade — it may unlock faster plans without moving.
Choosing a speed tier
Pick the lowest tier that meets your needs. Upgrade if you consistently hit buffering or slow uploads during peak hours.
General information only — not personal financial advice. Consider your own circumstances and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing any policy. Moneyhero may earn referral fees from some providers when you switch through us; this does not change how results are ordered. How we compare
Frequently asked questions
Speed tier questions — which tier for what usage, and how to read the typical evening speed.
Why is my NBN speed slower than the plan advertises?
Advertised speeds are maximums under ideal conditions. Real-world speeds depend on your technology type, the condition of the copper or coaxial connection to your home, in-home wiring, router quality, and the RSP's network capacity during peak hours. Test speeds via a wired ethernet connection to separate router Wi-Fi issues from line issues.
What is 'typical evening speed' and why does it matter?
Typical evening speed is the speed most customers on that plan can expect between 7 pm and 11 pm — the busiest period on residential NBN. Because network congestion is highest during these hours, evening speed is a more useful metric than the peak theoretical maximum.
Can I upgrade my NBN speed tier without changing providers?
Yes. Most RSPs let you change speed tiers online or via their app, often effective within 24 hours. There is generally no fee to upgrade; some RSPs charge to downgrade within a minimum period. This is worth testing before switching providers if your main issue is speed.
Does my NBN technology type limit which speed tiers I can access?
Yes. FTTN and HFC connections are typically limited to NBN 100 or below. FTTP and FTTC connections can access higher tiers including NBN 250 and NBN 1000 where available. Check NBN Co's address checker to confirm your technology type and available tiers.