Discover my internet options

This page provides an overview of the different internet options provided across Australia, and how you can find which ones are available to you.

Check out our video first to get started. For a summary of the below content you can take away with you, download our fact sheet.

Finding a connection using the Regional Tech Hub Connectivity Report

We can do a free and independent report of the options available to you. This is called a “Connectivity Report”. Fill out our Connectivity Report form and we will do the rest.

You’ll receive an email outlining the connectivity types available to you at your specific location, with tips on how to get connected and stay connected. The Connectivity Report process can also help with:

  • Addressing issues including addresses that are incorrectly mapped, missing or have more than one residence on a property.
  • Checking to see if you have line of sight to a nbn® Fixed Wireless tower.
  • Checking all broadband options, including nbn, mobile broadband, ADSL and Wireless Internet Providers (WISPs).
  • Matching a connection to your needs and wants.

How to check your internet options 

Finding the right internet connection for your regional home or business can be a daunting task. To work out what types of connections are available at your address, follow the process below.

Step 1: Find your address

Use Google Maps to get a location (the marker is not always in the correct position) and use the GPS coordinates given for the location of your actual place.

  1. Go to Google Maps and type in your address.
  2. Look at where the red marker is sitting on your screen. Is it pointing to the building where your internet access will be located? If you are on a rural property there is a chance that the marker is actually in your back paddock or the main dam.
  3. Click on your house or building that you want connected to the internet. If this changes the address that Google Maps displays, write down or otherwise note the changed address.
  4. Get the GPS coordinates of the actual building by following these instructions.
  5. Record your GPS coordinates with the maps address.

Step 2: Find an nbn connection

Using a mix of technologies, the nbn network is designed to provide every Australian residence with access to fast and reliable internet services.

Every Australian residence will be mapped for some type of nbn service. This includes the Sky Muster® satellite service, which provides broadband access to people in even the most remote places of Australia, with one of three options – standard, plus, or plus premium.

Each residence is entitled to a connection – even if you have multiple residences on your property or have another type of internet connection. You can only be mapped for one type of nbn connection and you can’t choose your connection type.

Use the nbn rollout maps to discover what type of nbn connection you are mapped for.

  1. Turn on the “Show Service Type” toggle so that you know whether you are eligible for nbn Sky Muster satellite (no shading), nbn Fixed Wireless (dots) or nbn Fixed Line (hashes).
  2. Type in your address to see if it is in the database.
  3. If you are ready to connect and have no addressing issues, you can choose a provider.

You can learn more about three main types of nbn connections below:

 

Address not mapping correctly?

Our Connectivity Report service can help.

Issues can include:

  • Your address does not display at all. It may not be in the nbn database.
  • The location marker is not directly above your premises. It might be in the paddock, or down the road, or even sometimes on the incorrect house.
  • The nbn database might indicate that you are eligible for one type of technology, but your neighbours have access to a different technology. The Regional Tech Hub team may be able to help.

 

Step 3: Find a mobile broadband connection

The mobile network provides internet and voice services through mobile towers located across Australia. There are three network providers – Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. All mobile providers in Australia use one of these three networks.

Find out more about mobile broadband.

To find what mobile broadband services may be available to you, check your address on the mobile network maps:

Step 4: Find a non-nbn Fixed Wireless providers (WISPs)

A wireless internet service provider (WISP) is an internet service provider that can provide a fixed wireless service in certain areas. They are independant to the nbn and use different towers and equipment.

To check if there is a WISP in your local area, or nearby check your address against our map of Australian WISPs. Note that providers contact us to be added to this map, so it may not list every possible provider in your area.

Find out more

Are you a fixed wireless provider and not on our list? Contact us!

Step 5: Check for ADSL services or other connections

ADSL was the main broadband connection type before the nbn network started rolling out. It provides broadband services over the Telstra copper network and still available in some regional locations, usually smaller towns mapped for nbn SkyMuster satellite services.

To find ADSL services, go to Telstra’s ADSL address checker. Note that if nbn Fixed Wireless is available in an area, this map will show that instead of showing that ADSL is available.

Other connection types include cable and non-nbn fibre services. To find out if there are other connection types available to you, you may have to ring service providers directly to find if they’re in your region.

Find out what other connections are available.

Internet technology types

Above is a very brief overview of each broadband technology type. Select ‘Find out More’ under each technology to get more information about how it’s set up, and how to match your needs with the listed plans.

If you can access several different types, the following table might help you decide which type will best suit your needs. 

Regional technology comparisom table compiled by BIRRR

NB: Table excludes nbn fixed line technology. 

Can I have multiple Internet connections?

To an extent. In general, you can’t have multiple nbn connections, and you don’t get to choose what nbn technology you are mapped for. However, you can mix different technologies – for example, an nbn™ Sky Muster satellite connection and Telstra mobile data connection.

Particularly in regional areas, having a backup service for emergencies can be very helpful.

Investigate the options available to you in your region, and consider which mix of technology and costs will work for you.