Prepare for a seismic shift in Australia’s digital landscape as the National Broadband Network (NBN) unveils a groundbreaking plan to triple internet speeds nationwide – and the best part? It won’t cost consumers a dime. In a move set to revolutionise home and business connectivity, NBN Co has unveiled plans to amplify its most sought-after products, propelling download speeds to unprecedented levels. Imagine downloading that latest Fortnite patch in a fraction of the time it takes now – that’s the reality NBN’s accelerated speeds aim to deliver.
Under the proposed Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) technologies initiative, the popular NBN Home Fast product will undergo a fivefold speed boost, catapulting wholesale download speeds from 100/20 Mbps to a staggering 500/50 Mbps. Meanwhile, the NBN Home Superfast product is slated to triple its speed, skyrocketing from 250/25 Mbps to an impressive 750/50 Mbps. And for those craving the pinnacle of performance, the NBN Home Ultrafast tier will witness a surge in speeds, ranging from 750-1000/50-100 Mbps.
But what does this mean for the average consumer? It translates to smoother streaming, faster gaming, and seamless browsing experiences. With the proliferation of internet-connected devices in households, the demand for high-speed, low-latency broadband has never been greater – and NBN’s turbo-charged speeds aim to meet this demand head-on. And when can we expect these turbo-charged internet speeds? NBN proposes introducing the three “accelerated speed tiers” within the next 12 months.
Moreover, the proposed upgrades align with NBN’s commitment to future-proofing Australia’s digital infrastructure. With approximately 9 million homes and businesses set to benefit from the accelerated speeds by December 2024 and up to 10.2 million eligible premises targeted by December 2025, NBN’s vision for a hyper-connected future is rapidly becoming a reality.
Anna Perrin, chief customer officer at NBN Co, underscored the significance of the proposed upgrades, stating, “Ten years ago, the average Australian home had seven internet-connected devices and consumed around 40 gigabytes per month. Today, some people would use that much data in a day.”
“The average household now consumes 443 gigabytes per month across 22 internet-connected devices. We predict that average will grow to 33 connected devices by 2026 and 40 by the end of the decade,” Perrin continued, highlighting the exponential growth in digital consumption driving the need for faster broadband speeds.
Crucial to the success of this initiative is the collaboration between NBN and internet retailers, ensuring that the higher wholesale speeds are seamlessly transmitted across retail networks. By seeking feedback from industry stakeholders, NBN aims to ensure that in-home equipment, such as modems and Wi-Fi routers, can deliver the full benefits of accelerated speeds to customers, which could mean an updated router for your home internet setup.
In a nod to the economic impact of the NBN, a recent study conducted by consulting giant Accenture, commissioned by NBN Co, revealed that a faster NBN is poised to deliver a AUD$400 billion boost to Australia’s economy by 2030. This longitudinal study, the first of its kind into the network’s economic outcomes, sheds light on the transformative potential of high-speed internet connectivity.
Stephen Rue, chief executive officer at NBN Co, hailed the NBN as Australia’s digital backbone, poised to support economic prosperity and social inclusion for decades. With its extensive reach spanning 7.7 million square kilometres, the NBN represents a cornerstone of Australia’s digital infrastructure, facilitating productivity gains, job creation, and gender equality in employment opportunities.”
“As the nation looks towards a future powered by high-speed internet, the NBN stands as a testament to innovation and progress, shaping the landscape of connectivity for generations to come.”
