Business nbn® plans and providers

Business nbn® plans are adept at handling numerous online users at once. Your business stands to gain significantly from:

• Dedicated support teams
• Advanced security software
• Backup networks

For remote work or internal website hosting, static IPs are at your disposal, too.  

What are the best business nbn® plans?

Tailored for small business owners and operators, nbn® business plans cater to the unique needs of your enterprise. Owning a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) qualifies your business for an nbn® business plan.

While not obligatory, opting for a business nbn® plan can prove advantageous for various reasons:

• Swift response to client needs
• Seamless online collaboration, especially with remote teams and contractors
• Effortless access to cloud services
• Prompt resolution of Internet issues impacting your business

While small businesses can use residential nbn® plans, the added features of priority support and quick response times may justify the incremental cost for those seeking exemplary Internet service.

Factors to consider when choosing a business nbn® plan

Running a business requires a fast and reliable nbn® service. When exploring business nbn® options, it's crucial to choose a plan that fits your needs. Two important factors to consider when choosing a business plan include:

Speed

Similar to your home Internet, picking the right speed tier is vital for the best nbn® plan for your business. Consider how your business uses the Internet - whether for video conferencing, large file transfers, or by how many people. This will help you determine the most suitable speed tier.

Add-ons and extras

Think about whether you need any additional features for your Internet service, like a modem, call packs, landline phones, Internet security, or dedicated customer service. 

Not all providers offer the same extras, so assess their importance to your business and compare providers to find the best value for your money.

What is the best nbn® speed for your business?

Your speed needs vary based on your company's size and Internet usage. While an average Australian might find nbn® 50 sufficient for personal use, small businesses may opt for nbn® 100 to guarantee faster speeds. Here is our take on the best speed for your nbn® business plan:

nbn® 50 - Best for sole traders

• Maximum download speeds: 50Mbps
• Maximum upload speeds: 20Mbps
• Team size: 1 person

As per the ACCC, the nbn® 50 speed tier stands out as the preferred choice for personal use in Australia. Its download speeds efficiently support video conferencing, and its ample upload speed allows for smooth use of cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

nbn® 100 - Best for small business

• Maximum download speeds: 100Mbps
• Maximum upload speeds: 40Mbps
• Team size: 3–5 people

The nbn® 100 speed tier is often ideal for households with four or more individuals, and this extends to small business users as well. Yet, for businesses engaging in frequent video conferencing or uploading substantial data, it's crucial to focus on upload speeds when evaluating plans. 

nbn® 100 plans may offer either 20Mbps or 40Mbps upload speeds. While a nbn® 100/40 plan might have a slightly higher cost, it proves valuable when multiple individuals are concurrently participating in Zoom meetings.

nbn® 250 - Best for heavy usage

• Maximum download speeds: 250Mbps
• Maximum upload speeds: 25Mbps
• Team size: 5–7 people

Greater numbers of users result in diminished bandwidth for sharing. With an nbn® 250 plan, you can simultaneously download large files and engage in video conferencing without any hitches. 

The determining factor, however, is your connection type. For your business to benefit from this, it must be connected to the nbn® through FTTP or HFC, though this is not universally available across all regions of Australia.

nbn® 1000 - Best for larger teams

• Maximum download speeds: 1000Mbps
• Maximum upload speeds: 50Mbps
• Team size: 25–30

The nbn® 1000 stands as the highest-speed option in Australia, exclusively accessible to businesses equipped with either FTTP or specific HFC connections.

With an nbn® 1000 plan, expansive teams of up to 30 individuals can seamlessly collaborate, download, and upload files without encountering any issues.

Top tip:

For businesses with a workforce exceeding 30 employees, reaching out to your service provider to ask about a customised nbn® enterprise plan could see you getting plan options separate from the usual offering.

What are the main features of a business Internet plan?

Features of business Internet plans can vary among providers, but generally, you can expect the following:

Static IP

While regular IP addresses change each time you connect, a static IP remains constant. Many providers offer it for free with business Internet plans.

Why it matters: Static IPs are crucial for hosting internal websites or for remote worker access to your network (via VPN, etc.).

Additional support and priority

Business plans often include extra support, such as a 24/7 helpline or a dedicated account manager.

Why it matters: Residential plan support can involve long wait times. Priority support ensures quicker issue resolution, getting you back online and back to business faster.

Enhanced Service Level Agreement (eSLA)

Providers with eSLAs invest in extra support from nbn® Co, extending those benefits to you.

eSLAs outline a timeframe and process for problem resolution, along with consequences if service standards aren't met. Residential plans lack these guarantees.

Why it matters: eSLAs help ensure a swift recovery for your business after encountering a problem.

What about business mobile broadband plans?

Consider opting for a business mobile broadband plan if you're a sole trader, remote worker, or someone who needs Internet access on the go in various settings. 

Here are some advantages of a business mobile broadband plan over an nbn® plan:

• 5G access: Enjoy potentially faster speeds than nbn® with the availability of 5G.
• Portability: Work from diverse locations like the beach, cafe, or remote sites since it's not a fixed connection. Compact modems easily fit in your pocket or work bag.
• Data sharing: Some providers offer data sharing for businesses, allowing you to share data with your team members.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Limited 5G network: While 5G is expanding, it may not be as widely accessible as 4G, especially in major cities.
• Less data: Some mobile broadband plans offer less data compared to an nbn® plan at a higher cost.
• Device repayments: Although not overly expensive monthly, device repayments for a mobile broadband modem can add an extra cost over a 12-, 24-, or 36-month repayment period.

Compare nbn® business plans

For those operating a home-based business requiring faster upload speeds and reliable uptime, opting for an nbn® Business plan proves to be the optimal choice. The pricing of a business nbn® plan hinges on your Internet usage for daily team activities.

If your tasks primarily involve web surfing, email correspondence, team communication, and handling small-sized files, a home Internet connection may suffice. However, if you frequently download large files, engage in HD teleconferences, and have daily client meetings, a business nbn® connection with a minimum speed of 50Mbps would be more suitable.

For assistance in finding the best nbn® Business plan, feel free to reach out to us at Compare Broadband!