The National Broadband Network (NBN) has revolutionised how Australians access the internet. With various plans available, choosing the right one to meet your upload speed requirements can be challenging. Whether you’re a home user, a small business owner, or a digital enthusiast, understanding how to select the best NBN plan for your upload speed needs is crucial. In this article, we will explore the factors you should consider when making this decision and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice.
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What is upload speed?
Upload speed is the rate at which you can send data over the internet. It’s important for activities such as video conferencing, streaming live video, and uploading large files.
How much upload speed do you need?
The amount of upload speed you need will depend on how you use the internet. If you only use the internet for basic browsing and email, you can get away with a plan with a relatively low upload speed. However, if you regularly upload large files or stream live video, you’ll need a plan with a higher upload speed.
Here is a general guide to the amount of upload speed you need for different activities:
- Basic browsing and email: 5 Mbps
- HD video streaming: 10 Mbps
- Uploading large files: 20 Mbps
- Video conferencing: 20 Mbps
- Gaming: 20 Mbps
Understanding NBN upload speeds
Before delving into choosing the right NBN plan, it’s essential to understand the different upload speeds available. NBN offers several speed tiers, which include
NBN 12 (Basic Evening Speed): This tier offers a basic internet experience suitable for light internet users. The upload speed is generally around 1 Mbps.
NBN 25 (Standard Evening Speed): This plan provides faster internet speeds, suitable for households with moderate internet usage. Upload speeds typically range from 5 to 10 Mbps.
NBN 50 (Standard Plus Evening Speed): This tier offers a balanced experience, making it a good choice for streaming and online gaming. Upload speeds can range from 20 to 40 Mbps.
NBN 100 (Premium Evening Speed): If you require high-speed internet for activities like 4K video streaming, online gaming, or large file uploads, this plan with upload speeds of 40 to 85 Mbps may be your best choice.
NBN 250 and NBN 1000: These ultra-fast speed tiers are designed for heavy internet users, businesses, and those with high upload requirements. Upload speeds can range from 100 Mbps to 250 Mbps (NBN 250) and 250 Mbps to 1000 Mbps (NBN 1000).
NBN SPEED TIERS | MAXIMUM UPLOAD SPEED | TYPICAL EVENING UPLOAD SPEED |
NBN 12 | 1Mbps | 0.8 – 0.85Mbps |
NBN 25 | 5Mbps | 4 – 8.5Mbps |
NBN 50 | 20Mbps | 16 – 20Mbps |
NBN 100 / 20 | 20Mbps | 16 – 20Mbps |
NBN 100 / 40 | 40Mbps | 33 – 40Mbps |
NBN 250 | 25Mbps | 17 – 25Mbps |
NBN 1000 | 50Mbps | 40 – 47Mbps |
Source: WhistleOut
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NBN providers for the fastest upload speed in Australia
Thankfully, the ACCC has examined 11 significant NBN providers‘ upload performance. If upload speeds are important to you, this gives us further context.
Typical percentage of maximum transfer rate
Provider | Peak hours | Overall |
#1 Launtel | 89.5% | 89.6% |
#2 Vodafone | 88.5% | 88.8% |
#3 Superloop | 87.8% | 88.1% |
#4 Exetel | 87.8% | 88.0% |
#5 Optus | 87.5% | 87.7% |
#6 Telstra | 87.1% | 87.3% |
#7 Dodo | 86.4% | 86.8% |
#8 iPrimus | 86.4% | 86.8% |
#9 Aussie Broadband | 84.8% | 85.2% |
#10 TPG | 84.1% | 84.4% |
#11 iiNet | 83.6% | 83.7% |
Source: WhistleOut
Factors to consider
Now that you understand the different NBN upload speed tiers let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right plan for your upload speed needs:
Internet usage: Your online activities play a significant role in determining your upload speed requirements. Light internet users who primarily use the internet for browsing and emails may find NBN 12 or NBN 25 sufficient. However, if you regularly upload large files, engage in video conferencing, or stream content, you may need NBN 50 or higher.
Number of users: Consider how many people will share the internet connection. In a household with multiple users or a small business, higher upload speeds can help distribute the bandwidth more effectively.
Budget: The cost of NBN plans increases with higher upload speeds. It’s crucial to balance your budget and the level of performance you require. Compare the available plans and select one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Future-proofing: Think about your future needs. If you anticipate an increase in internet usage or plan to work from home more frequently, it’s wise to choose a plan with higher upload speeds to accommodate your evolving requirements.
Provider reputation: Research different internet service providers (ISPs) and their customer reviews. A reputable ISP is more likely to deliver the promised upload speeds and provide reliable customer support.
Data allowance: Assess the data limits on different plans. If you upload or download large files regularly, a plan with a higher data allowance can help prevent excess usage charges.
Contract length: Determine whether you want a no-lock-in contract or a longer-term commitment. Short-term contracts provide flexibility, while longer contracts may offer cost savings.
Some additional tips for choosing the right NBN plan for your upload speed needs
- If you’re unsure how much upload speed you need, choose a plan with a higher upload speed than you’ll need. It’s always better to have less upload speed than not enough.
- If you’re on a budget, look for NBN plans that offer unlimited data. This way, you won’t have to worry about exceeding your data allowance and incurring extra charges.
- If you have a large household with multiple people using the internet at the same time, consider getting an NBN plan with a modem and router that are specifically designed for large households. This will help to ensure that everyone has a good internet connection.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your upload speed
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi: Wired connections offer faster and more reliable speeds than Wi-Fi.
- Close any programs that you are not using: Programs that are running in the background can use up your upload speed.
- Avoid uploading large files during peak hours: Peak hours are typically between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. when most people use the internet.
Choosing the right NBN plan for your upload speed needs is essential for a seamless online experience. You can make an informed decision by considering your internet usage, the number of users, budget, future requirements, ISP reputation, data allowance, and contract length. Remember that the NBN offers various speed tiers, so there is a plan suitable for every user, from casual browsers to heavy-duty streamers and businesses with high upload demands. Make sure to thoroughly research your options and choose a plan that aligns with your requirements to maximise your NBN experience.
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