Non-nbn fixed wireless

This page provides information about the fixed wireless connections provided by a range of private companies around Australia. These companies are generally called “WISPs”, or “wireless ISPs”.

You can also look at information about nbn fixed wireless connections.

What is Fixed Wireless?

It is a different technology to mobile broadband.

What is the difference between fixed wireless and mobile wireless?

Image credit: nbn

The internet signal is beamed from the provider’s base tower to an antenna on your roof. Fixed-wireless services are provided by both nbn ™ and by independent suppliers (who are also known as WISPs – Wireless Internet Service Providers). 

You will need to have “line of sight” (LoS) line of sight to the wireless tower or relay to access a service and . 

Oother factors, such as local vegetation, tree density, mountains, hills, or even major building setups, can prevent a sufficiently strong signal being achieved.  Your provider can help with this. 

Fixed Wireless

Picture with text. Text reads: Fixed wireless. Your internet connection comes from your service provider to a tower. The tower then sends the signal to the antenna on your building. The antenna connects to the indoor modem, which routes the internet to all your devices (laptop, desktop, phone, desktop, weather station, and so on).

This connection is typically used in circumstances where the distance between premises can be many kilometres. Data travels from a transmission tower, to an outdoor antenna that has been fitted to the premises by the service provider.

Fixed Wireless connections also require a connection box to be installed at the point where the cable from the outdoor antenna enters your premises. This box requires power to operate.

Throughout Australia, there is a growing development of private, non- nbn™ Fixed Wireless internet providers (WISPs), who operate their own independent Wireless ISP networks.

Non-NBN Alternative Fixed Wireless Provider Map

Can I get Fixed Wireless?

If you have Fixed Wireless services in your region, you need to have “line of sight” (LoS) to a wireless tower.

If there is no tower close to your residence, review the WISP map and have a chat with any providers who might be located near you. They may be looking for appropriate properties to place relay towers on, to extend the reception of their connections and this will assist with their planning.

  • To find and compare non- nbn™ wireless ISP services, you can look at the map of Australian fixed wireless providers.
  • We suggest looking in your local newsletters, newspapers, and online and physical community groups for the providers in your region.

Wireless signals can be blocked or disrupted by vegetation, heavy trees cover, hills/mountains, tall buildings, and other factors that may prevent you from physically seeing the tower.

Understanding Fixed Wireless plans

Plans are supplied by individual internet service providers. Please ensure you check installation costs, monthly plan costs and contract length before signing up.

To learn more about internet speeds and choosing an internet plan, visit Discover Internet Options.

 

Fixed Wireless setup

Non-nbn™ Fixed Wireless installations may vary depending on how your provider sets things up.

However, broadly, speaking, they tend to require at least two pieces of equipment are installed at your premises: the indoor unit and the outdoor uni or mast/antenna.

Once you’ve contacted a WISP and decided on a suitable plan for your purposes, a technician will be booked to install the equipment.

The indoor unit (the connection box, or network termination device – NTD) needs to be installed on a wall in a sheltered, dry area with access to power. The indoor unit will be connected to the outdoor antenna by a cable. You can often request where your NTD is installed.

The best place for your NTD is one that is:

  • Close to a computer or office equipment that you use the most. 
  • Within 1.5 metres of a dedicated 240V power point (a mandatory requirement)
  • In a cool, dry, ventilated area
  • Away from busy areas where it may be knocked and damaged
  • Where it will be easy for you to check the indicator lights if there is a problem (avoid placing it behind a cupboard, under a desk or in a place that is difficult to access)

Connecting your Fixed Wireless equipment

Your installer will be able to provide advice on connecting and effectively using the equipment they supply and recommend.