- NBN and Ericsson achieve over 1 Gbps download speeds in 5G mmwave trials.
- NBN’s $750 million upgrade expands network coverage to 345,000 sq km.
- New high-speed plans offer faster broadband to regional and rural customers.
NBN Co and Ericsson have made significant progress in improving broadband connectivity across regional and rural Australia, successfully completing live field trials using advanced 5G millimetre wave (mmwave) technology.
These trials, conducted within parts of the nbn Fixed Wireless network, have demonstrated wholesale download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps and upload speeds surpassing 100 Mbps at a distance of nearly 10 kilometres.
These trials form part of NBN's ongoing efforts to improve broadband services for homes and businesses in underserved areas. By leveraging the extended range and enhanced speed capabilities of 5G mmwave technology, the two companies aim to deliver faster and more reliable Internet to users over time.
To date, around 850 of the 2,300 network sites within the nbn Fixed Wireless network have been equipped with 5G mmwave technology. The combination of new Ericsson software and existing Nokia Wireless Network Termination Devices (WNTDs) has allowed NBN to extend the effective range of these sites, which were previously limited to 6.9 kilometres, to distances of up to 10 kilometres and beyond.
While these higher speeds and longer ranges remain in the testing phase, the results are promising. Currently, around 10,000 premises across Australia are actively using the 5G mmwave technology, with expectations that this number will grow as more upgrades are completed.
Recent network upgrades
This new development follows NBN's completion of a $750 million upgrade to its fixed wireless network, which was finished by the end of December 2024. These upgrades have dramatically increased the coverage area of around 2,300 fixed wireless towers, expanding the transmission radius from 14 kilometres to 29 kilometres.
As a result, the network’s coverage footprint has grown from 220,000 to 345,000 square kilometres, providing high-speed broadband access to more than 800,000 homes and businesses in regional and rural Australia.
New high-speed plans for fixed wireless users
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve service, NBN has also launched new high-speed tier plans for eligible users in the upgraded areas. These plans, available through participating retail service providers, offer faster Internet speeds than ever before:
- Fixed Wireless Home Fast: Available to around 90% of the expanded fixed wireless footprint, offering speeds of 200-250 Mbps download and 8-20 Mbps upload.
- Fixed Wireless Superfast: Available to around 80% of the expanded footprint, offering speeds of 400 Mbps download and 10-40 Mbps upload.
These new plans are designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-speed Internet in areas where traditional broadband options have been limited.
Current Compare Broadband fixed wireless plans
Future prospects for 5G mmwave and broadband innovation
NBN's advancements in 5G mmwave technology have also been supported by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., which has played a key role in optimising spectrum reuse and reducing the number of premises served per cell. As part of its collaboration with Ericsson, NBN aims to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of high-speed fixed wireless broadband.
Gavin Williams, NBN’s Chief Development Officer for Regional and Remote, expressed his excitement about the results of these trials, emphasising that the potential of the technology is just beginning to be realised.
With the ability to deliver gigabit speeds at distances of nearly 10 kilometres, NBN is optimistic about providing enhanced services for both residential and business customers in the near future.
As the trials progress and more upgrades take place, NBN plans to expand the reach of its high-speed fixed wireless network, offering faster and more reliable Internet to an even larger number of Australians. Further announcements on these developments are expected throughout the year.
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