Comparing 5G Broadband vs NBN: Which is Better?

The answer to this question depends on the following criteria. 

1. Speed

5G broadband gains an edge over certain NBN connections that rely on copper cabling. 5G plans can deliver speeds of up to 200Mbps or higher, while slower NBN connection types like Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fixed Wireless often cap at 100Mbps. 

So the question arises, is 5G faster than NBN? 

The speed that a 5G connection delivers is impacted by factors like coverage area, signal strength, interference, and potential speed caps on specific plans. Meanwhile, NBN technologies like Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) offer download speeds of up to 1,000Mbps. 

2. Coverage

Coverage plays a vital role in determining the availability of Internet services. Currently, NBN has reached over 11 million premises across Australia, offering more extensive coverage than 5G. In the race of 5G internet vs NBN, 5G is still in the early stages of rollout. Moreover, most of this 5G coverage is concentrated in capital cities. 

However, internet providers are actively expanding their footprint beyond urban areas, aiming to bridge the coverage gap between major cities and regional areas. Therefore, when considering installing 5G-enabled business telephone systems, thoroughly researching the availability of providers in your local area is essential.

3. Reliability

When it comes to comparing the reliability of 5G home broadband vs NBN fixed line, both can be subject to interruptions and outages due to various factors such as weather conditions, network maintenance, or technical issues. 

In areas with copper connections like FTTN, NBN service interruptions can be more frequent, leading to poor connections. On the other hand, utilising FTTP technology offers a significant advantage over 5G broadband in terms of consistency, as it relies on reliable physical connections with higher bandwidth, reducing the susceptibility to environmental interference. 

While NBN customers may face occasional outages depending on their location, mobile networks generally experience fewer full-service outages. 

So, this poses a question, is 5G internet better than NBN? 

The quality of 5G connections can be negatively impacted by factors like physical obstacles, radio interference, or network congestion. Congestion, in particular, can cause inconsistent internet service during peak usage hours, highlighting a potential weakness of mobile broadband as more users join the 5G network.

4. Cost

Cost is an important factor in the 5G vs NBN debate. Depending on the speed offered, 5G plans may offer better value than NBN plans. Lower-speed 5G plans are priced similarly to NBN Home Standard plans (50Mbps), while ‘uncapped’ 5G plans are generally cheaper than most NBN Home Fast plans (100Mbps). This means that most 5G plans align with the cost of fixed-line broadband plans within the same speed range. 

However, between 5G and NBN plans, the latter often provides more flexibility in terms of data allowance, contract length, and bundling options. It’s crucial to carefully review the fine print, especially regarding upfront costs such as installation fees, and technician fees.