- What is 5G?
- How fast are 5G plans?
- 5G and Optus
5G is a strong competitor in Australia's mobile network industry, promising faster speeds than the NBN's premium Internet services.
5G home Internet is well established and many providers are offering plans for customers seeking flexible, fast, and reliable broadband.
What is 5G?
5G is the newest mobile technology in Australia and globally, providing high-speed wireless Internet through 5G-enabled mobile networks. With 5G Internet, you can connect your home or office using a modem, hotspot, Internet dongle, or SIM card, depending on your plan.
Choosing 5G instead of a wired connection gives you flexibility and easy setup without requiring a phone line or complicated installation. You'll enjoy fast speeds and, with the right plan, the ability to connect wherever your provider has 5G coverage.
How fast are 5G plans?
In theory, 5G can be 20 times faster than the NBN. However, the actual speeds you'll experience depend on several factors, such as:
- Your location and coverage, including any obstacles between you and the nearest 5G tower
- Network congestion. More devices connecting can slow down your service.
- Your provider and plan. Some 5G home Internet plans have speed limits of 50 or 100 Mbps.
5G and Optus
Optus was the first provider in Australia to offer unlimited 5G Internet plans, aiming to replace traditional fixed-line broadband. These plans come with a modem and are available on monthly contracts. If you stay connected for 36 months, Optus will cover the modem cost.
Customers can choose from three plans: the cheaper Optus Plus Everyday plan with a 50Mbps download speed limit, the faster Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G with 100Mbps speeds, or the pricier 5G Internet Entertainer Superfast with unrestricted speeds. All plans guarantee a minimum speed of 50Mbps, and the Entertainer plan offers a typical evening speed of 240Mbps during peak hours (7pm-11pm).
The Entertainer plan also includes a standard Netflix subscription through Optus SubHub. Additionally, all Optus 5G Internet plans come with a Nokia FastMile 5G modem that connects to both 5G and 4G networks.
Optus 5G Speed Satisfaction Guarantee
Optus has introduced some extra benefits along with its 5G service to enhance the streaming and Internet experience. All 5G home Internet and mobile plans now come with a minimum Speed Satisfaction Guarantee.
New subscribers are assured of a minimum 50Mbps speed throughout the plan. If Optus fails to deliver this speed or if subscribers can't access 5G, customers can cancel the contract without facing any fees. However, the cancellation fee waiver is subject to returning the 5G modem in good condition.
Optus claims its service can reach a peak download speed of 400Mbps with an average of 164Mbps. However, the actual speed in your home can vary.
Optus 5G Home Wireless Broadband plans
Optus 5G Home Broadband plans
Optus 5G Home Internet offers the latest in technology, providing decent connectivity for casual gamers with minimal latency. However, it's not yet at the ultra-low latency levels needed for serious gaming. If gaming is a priority, consider a premium bundle or a different product.
Download and upload speeds with Optus 5G Home Internet depend on various factors, including your modem's distance from the nearest Optus 5G tower. Optus is working on improving speeds as the technology evolves and expands, aiming to deliver even better performance in the future. Currently, the 50Mbps guaranteed speed is a decent option for Optus subscribers.
5G home Broadband plan minimum term
New and existing Optus subscribers who opt for the 5G Home Broadband plan can choose between a month-to-month or 24-month contract.
The 24-month contract includes a $450 cancellation fee that decreases over time, applicable if you cancel outside the 50Mbps satisfaction guarantee. If you cancel within 30 days and fail to return the 5G modem in good condition, there's a non-returnable fee of $330.
However, major failures allow subscribers to cancel the contract with some limitations. Qualified subscribers may receive refunds or compensation for unused portions if major failures occur with the 5G service.
Optus is optimistic that 5G connectivity will revolutionise browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences. The promise of super-fast downloads, wireless technology, and advanced mobile connectivity opens up new possibilities for home and office users.
Optus' 5G Home Broadband plans offer unlimited data for uninterrupted streaming and downloads at an affordable monthly rate. Easy installation and a speed satisfaction guarantee provide peace of mind, distinguishing Optus from other providers.