Get ready for faster NBN speeds – but is your router up to the task?

Australia’s NBN network is about to get a major upgrade this September, delivering significantly faster Internet speeds to millions of households. But while many Aussies will benefit from this free boost, there’s one important catch - your current Wi-Fi router might not be ready to handle it.

Faster NBN speeds are coming this September

Starting in September, selected NBN customers will see their Internet plans upgraded with significantly higher speeds - at no extra cost. If you're on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), this means your NBN 100 plan could jump to 500Mbps, while NBN 250 plans will rise to 750Mbps.

A new premium tier, NBN 2000, will also be introduced, offering potential speeds of up to 2,000Mbps.

However, customers on FTTN (Fibre to the Node) or FTTC (Fibre to the Curb) may not see these upgrades automatically. You may need to check your eligibility for a free fibre upgrade if you want to tap into these faster speeds.

Why your current router might not cut it

If your Wi-Fi router is more than a few years old, it may not support the higher bandwidth these new plans offer. That means even if your plan gets a speed boost, your devices may not benefit – unless you upgrade your router.

Older routers, especially those still using Wi-Fi 5, simply aren’t built to handle the demands of a 500Mbps, 750Mbps or 2,000Mbps connection. Even Wi-Fi 6 routers may struggle to deliver the full performance of the top-tier NBN plans, particularly across larger homes or with multiple users online at the same time.

What kind of router do you need?

To maximise your connection, you’ll want a router that matches your NBN speed tier:

• NBN 500: Wi-Fi 6 or better, with at least 1,800Mbps combined throughput
• NBN 750: Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, 3,000Mbps or more
• NBN 1000: Wi-Fi 6E or 7, ideally with 3,000Mbps+ throughput
• NBN 2000: Wi-Fi 7 router with 11,000Mbps+ throughput and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port

It’s also worth noting that for NBN 2000, NBN Co will need to install a new Network Termination Device (NTD) at your premises to support the faster speeds.

The benefits of NBN’s free speed boosts

This upgrade isn’t just about bragging rights for Internet speed. The benefits for everyday users are substantial:

1. Better performance for families: More bandwidth means more people can stream, game, or work online at once without slowdowns.
2. Faster cloud access: Backups, uploads, and downloads become much faster - great for remote work or digital creatives.
3. Reduced buffering and lag: Enjoy smoother streaming and gaming experiences, even during peak usage hours.
4. Future-proofing: With technology and devices evolving rapidly, these speed increases help ensure your home stays connected and competitive.
5. No extra cost: These speed upgrades are automatic for eligible users - no additional monthly fees involved.

Do you need to upgrade your router?

If your current Internet experience is already struggling - with slow downloads, buffering videos or Wi-Fi dead zones - then upgrading your router will likely make a noticeable difference. Even if your connection seems fine now, faster NBN plans will quickly expose the limitations of older hardware.

Also, many older routers are limited to 1,000Mbps on their Ethernet ports. That means they simply won’t be able to deliver the full potential of a NBN 2000 plan, even over a wired connection. A router with a 2.5Gbps (2,500Mbps) WAN port is essential for these higher-tier speeds.

If your router supports Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and includes 2.5GbE ports, you’re probably in good shape. Otherwise, it may be time to consider an upgrade - especially if your goal is to take full advantage of the free speed boosts.

Got questions about the NBN upgrades or unsure what router you need?

Call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000 to speak with a broadband expert who can walk you through your options and help you make the most of your connection.