Ultimate guide to 5G

5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology, bringing promises of incredibly fast Internet speeds, lower latency, and greater flexibility.

But what exactly is 5G home Internet, how does it work, and is it really the game-changing technology everyone is talking about?

In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about 5G home Internet and its benefits, while comparing the best plans for 2025.

What is 5G home Internet and how it works

5G, short for "fifth-generation," is a new wireless technology that enables lightning-fast Internet speeds and improved performance over previous generations like 4G. It uses a combination of low-band, mid-band, and high-frequency millimetre waves to deliver broadband services.

These high frequencies are capable of delivering exceptional download speeds and low latency, making them ideal for a range of high-demand activities, from HD streaming to virtual reality experiences.

In the case of 5G home Internet, the technology uses a fixed wireless setup where a 5G signal is received by a 5G modem or router, which then distributes the Internet throughout your home.

This technology is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional fixed-line broadband services, such as the NBN in Australia, due to its potential for higher speeds and lower latency.

Comparing the best 5G home Internet plans for 2025

When it comes to 5G home Internet, various providers in Australia are racing to offer the best deals and speeds. Let’s compare some of the top plans to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Telstra

Telstra 5G Home Internet Telstra offers one of the most reliable 5G home Internet services in Australia. With typical download speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 600Mbps and upload speeds between 10Mbps and 90Mbps, Telstra’s 5G is perfect for households that rely on high-speed Internet for multiple devices. Plans include:

• 1000GB of high-speed data per month
• Telstra 5G Internet Modem 2
• Advanced cybersecurity features
• Telstra Plus membership, allowing you to earn rewards

TPG

TPG 5G Home Broadband TPG’s 5G Home Broadband plans offer flexibility with no technician installation required. Customers can choose between the Premium Plan, with max speeds of 100Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads, and the Plus Plan, offering 50Mbps for downloads and 20Mbps for uploads. TPG’s plans also come with a Wi-Fi 6 modem, ensuring reliable performance.

Optus

Optus 5G Home Internet Optus offers excellent coverage across Australia, including 5G in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Its 5G home plans come with options for unlimited data, with some plans also including access to Optus Sport and international calling. Notable plans include:

• My Plan 30GB: 30GB of data for $45 per month
• Premium 5G Plan: 150GB data for $91 per month, along with unlimited international calls and a bonus 150GB of data when purchasing an Optus 5G device.

How much better is 5G?

5G promises incredible download speeds theoretically, but real-world results are different. Telstra's 5G mmWave trials have reached 3Gbps, and mid-band 5G provides over 500Mbps, much faster than 4G's 50-100Mbps. This speed boost is noticeable, making 5G faster than typical home broadband connections. 

5G also handles congestion better and offers lower latency, crucial for real-time technologies like gaming, augmented reality, and tele-health applications. The shift to 5G will not only benefit users but also ease 4G network congestion.

Benefits of 5G: Speed, low latency, and flexibility

5G is not just about faster Internet speeds; it brings several key benefits that can enhance your online experience.

Speed

5G promises to deliver speeds far beyond what 4G can offer. While 4G typically provides speeds of 50-100Mbps, 5G can push speeds well over 500Mbps in many cases, and in optimal conditions, it can reach up to 3Gbps. This means you can download large files in seconds, stream 4K videos without buffering, and enjoy uninterrupted online gaming.

Low latency

5G’s lower latency is one of its most exciting features. Latency refers to the delay between sending a request for data and receiving it. With 5G, latency can drop to under 10 milliseconds, which is perfect for applications requiring real-time communication, such as online gaming, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).

Flexibility 

Unlike traditional fixed-line broadband, 5G home Internet is wireless and can be installed almost anywhere with 5G coverage. This makes it ideal for people living in areas without access to traditional fibre broadband or for renters who may not want to install permanent fixtures like cables.

Key factors to consider: Coverage, pricing, and data limits

Before switching to a 5G home Internet plan, there are several factors you should consider:

Coverage 

5G coverage is still expanding in many parts of Australia. While major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have solid 5G coverage, rural and remote areas may not be as well-served. It's important to check whether your area has reliable 5G signal before committing to a plan.

Pricing 

Pricing for 5G home Internet plans can vary significantly between providers. It's worth comparing plans to ensure you're getting the best deal. Remember that while 5G can be more expensive than NBN in some cases, the speed and flexibility it offers can make it worth the extra cost for some households.

Data limits 

Many 5G home Internet plans come with generous data allowances, with some offering unlimited data, while others may have monthly data caps. Be sure to consider how much data you typically use each month and choose a plan that suits your needs. Some plans may slow speeds after you hit a certain threshold, so it’s essential to choose one with enough data to avoid overage charges.

Are there risks in using 5G? 

Some conspiracy theorists suggest that 5G can affect a person's health. Well, the 5G connection indeed emits radiation, but it's not dangerous. It's only similar to the ones in the electromagnetic spectrum like microwaves, x-rays, radio waves, light from your monitor, or light from the sun. 

So far, the things we know about 5G networks will only help in improving technologies. There are no alarming issues that can cause potential harm to the masses. You can check this article about the dangers of 5G to know more about this topic. 

Will 5G replace the NBN?

5G offers significantly faster speeds and lower latency compared to NBN in many areas. However, the NBN provides more consistent and reliable service in suburban and rural locations where 5G coverage may be sparse.

For households with access to 5G, it can be a compelling option, particularly if you want to avoid the limitations of NBN’s fixed-line infrastructure. On the other hand, the NBN remains a more reliable and widely available choice for many Australians, especially those outside major cities.

In the future, 5G may complement the NBN by providing additional high-speed options for areas with dense populations, while the NBN continues to serve as the backbone for broader Internet access.

Explore 5G plans with Compare Broadband

If you need a change of Internet service provider or you want to switch to 5G home wireless, why not click though to have a look at how we can help? 

Alternatively, give us a call for a free consultation on 1300 764 000. It's fast, it's simple and it's absolutely free!