If you’ve recently moved into a new home or apartment and discovered you're connected to the Opticomm network instead of the NBN, you might be wondering what that means - and whether you're missing out on something.
The truth is, the choice between NBN and Opticomm isn’t up to you. Your home is connected to one or the other (or sometimes neither), depending on what was installed during development or construction.
So rather than a head-to-head comparison where you can switch between networks, it’s more about understanding how the two work, how they differ, and what kind of Internet experience you can expect based on your connection type.
OptiComm
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OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
7 days a weeek support
Owner of the Opticomm Network
Fast typical evening speeds
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
12 months contract
7 days a weeek support
Owner of the Opticomm Network
Fast typical evening speeds
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
24 months contract
7 days a weeek support
Owner of the Opticomm Network
Fast typical evening speeds
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
Fast typical evening speeds
7 days a weeek support
Owner of the Opticomm Network
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
12 months contract
Fast typical evening speeds
7 days a weeek support
Owner of the Opticomm Network
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
24 months contract
Fast typical evening speeds
7 days a weeek support
Owner of the Opticomm Network
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
Award-winning customer service
No lock-in contracts
100% Australian-based support
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
Owner of the Opticomm Network
Fast typical evening speeds
7 days a weeek support
OptiComm
Unlimited
Data
12 months contract
Owner of the Opticomm Network
Fast typical evening speeds
7 days a weeek support
Opticomm is a privately owned wholesale fibre network that provides Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) connections to selected residential communities, new housing estates, and commercial buildings across Australia.
Like the NBN, Opticomm doesn’t sell Internet services directly to consumers. Instead, it partners with a wide range of retail service providers who offer plans to households and businesses on the Opticomm network.
While Opticomm uses the same FTTP technology as the fastest tier of NBN connections, it's a completely separate network. You can't switch between NBN and Opticomm - your property is either connected to one or the other. If your home was built with Opticomm infrastructure, then NBN is not available to you, and vice versa.
This lack of flexibility can be frustrating for some residents, especially those who feel limited by the provider options or network performance on Opticomm. However, in many areas, Opticomm offers excellent speeds and reliability, especially in communities where the network is newer or less congested.
The most significant difference between the two networks lies in coverage and technology mix. The NBN, built and managed by a government-owned corporation, has been rolled out to over 12 million premises across Australia and uses a combination of fibre, copper, fixed wireless, and satellite technologies.
While full-fibre NBN (FTTP) is available in some areas, many homes are still connected via Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), which can deliver slower or less consistent speeds.
Opticomm, on the other hand, is FTTP-only. Every Opticomm-connected home receives a full fibre connection directly to the premises, which can support much higher and more stable speeds than older copper-based alternatives.
However, Opticomm’s availability is far more limited - mainly confined to selected estates and developments that opted into the Opticomm network during planning or construction.
If you're in an Opticomm-connected property, you're using full-fibre Internet by default. While that sounds ideal, it's worth noting that network quality and performance can still vary depending on your chosen retail provider and the capacity Opticomm has provisioned for your estate.
Opticomm Internet plans are very similar to NBN FTTP plans when it comes to speed tiers and pricing. Most providers offer a range of speed options, starting from basic 12 Mbps connections and going all the way up to 1000 Mbps (Gigabit). Common plans include 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 250 Mbps, and “Home Ultrafast” tiers, with upload speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Unlimited data is standard across most plans, and you’ll often need to either supply your own modem or purchase one through your provider. Some higher-speed plans may require a more advanced modem, costs of which could vary.
It’s not a question of one being better than the other - because you don’t get to choose between them.
The network your property is connected to determines what options you have. That said, there are strengths and drawbacks to both systems.
Opticomm's all-FTTP approach means that, in theory, users can enjoy faster and more stable Internet compared to homes connected to NBN's older copper or coaxial technologies. However, performance can still vary depending on your retail provider and the overall capacity allocated in your estate. Some users on Opticomm networks have reported congestion, speed dips during peak times, or limited provider choice.
The NBN has a broader footprint across Australia, which means it's far more accessible - particularly in older suburbs and regional areas. While not every NBN connection is FTTP, the government has been upgrading more areas to full fibre under its fibre upgrade program. If your property is on the NBN and connected via FTTP, your experience may be nearly identical to someone on Opticomm.
One of the most common frustrations among Internet users is the misconception that they can simply choose the better network. Unfortunately, that’s not how infrastructure works.
Once your property is connected to either NBN or Opticomm, you’re locked into that network unless the developer or building owner funds a costly infrastructure change - which rarely happens.
This can be especially frustrating for customers experiencing issues with their Opticomm connection who feel NBN might be a better fit. But in almost all cases, switching isn’t possible. That’s why it's critical to choose the best retail provider available on your network, monitor your Internet performance, and contact your ISP if issues persist.
If you’re on Opticomm (or NBN) and experiencing slow speeds or dropouts, it’s important to speak with your Internet provider. Many performance issues are caused by under-provisioned plans or network congestion that can sometimes be resolved by changing plans or switching providers - if alternatives are available.
You can also try improving your home setup, such as upgrading your modem or optimising your Wi-Fi network. However, if the underlying issue is with the network infrastructure itself, your options are unfortunately limited unless major upgrades are planned for your area.
At Compare Broadband, we help users find the best available plans based on their location - whether that’s on Opticomm, NBN, or another network. While you can’t switch networks, you can make a more informed decision about the provider and plan that best suits your needs.
In 2025, the difference between Opticomm and NBN is less about features and more about availability. Your property is connected to one or the other, and while both use similar technologies in their highest-performing forms, the end-user experience depends heavily on your provider, plan, and network load.
If you’re in an Opticomm-connected area, take the time to compare plans, read reviews of ISPs, and speak to experts to make sure you’re getting the best value and performance. And if you're unsure where to start, the team at Compare Broadband is here to help on 1300 764 000.
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