In 2007, the Australian government announced a fast network initiative. Its original plan is to replace the existing copper lines into the fibre to the node (FTTN) by 2016. NBN Co. was founded in 2009. The company will facilitate Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) to be completed this year. Last September 2020, NBN announced its infrastructure upgrade into the fibre to the premises (FTTP). The aim is to bring faster internet to 8 million Australian households. The NBN uses a multi-technology mix to deliver faster internet speed. Among the most widely used is FTTN. Let’s have a basic look at the types of NBN technology, and the best NBN deals fibre to the node available today.

The 5 Common Types of NBN Technology 

NBN deals are fixed-line connections. It means that the connection utilizes physical lines going to the premises. The only difference is the multi-technology mix an NBN provider uses. To better distinguish, here are the 5 common types of NBN technology:

• * Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC). HFC combines a broadband network with coaxial cables used for paid TV viewing. With an NBN deal, the internet signal from an FTTN will be connected to the cable TV's coaxial cable near the premises. It takes longer to connect to the internet using HFC signals. The signal is not reliable because it's commonly affected by outside interference. These include electrostatic noise and radiofrequency.

• * Fibre to the Building (FTTB). FTTB connects a broadband network to a secure cabinet within a basement, building, or street. The cabinet allows shared internet connections within homes and offices on the premises. Fibre optics don't cost many problems when it comes to internet signal. The only downside of FTTN is that the internet speed slows down when the broadband runs in full capacity.

• * Fibre to the Curb (FTTC). FTTC combines a broadband network to an existing copper cable through a curb or roadside cabinet. Then, the copper phone lines running to your home connect you to the internet. FTTC NBN deals cost less, but the internet speed is limited. Signals also fluctuate when used for a long time. It's because copper wires aren't designed for prolonged transmissions.

• * Fibre to the Node (FTTN). FTTN connects a broadband network to a roadside cabinet and connects your home internet using HFC cables. They provide more efficient signals and higher internet speeds. They are cost-effective and easier to diagnose and repair. This is the reason why FTTN NBN deals are popular among NBN service providers.

• * Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). FTTP provides a full fibre optic connection from the broadband network to your homes. It offers the highest internet speed without worry from any signal interference. FTTP connections are quite expensive. They are also hard to diagnose and repair when signal problems arise.

The Best NBN Deals Using Fibre to the Node

Today, 50% of NBN deals in Australia use FTTN technology. Compare Broadband provides a list of the best NBN deals using fibre to the node. Please be advised that the availability of FTTN technology depends on your location. 

• * Belong NBN deals range from $60.00 to $95.00. The typical evening speeds of their plan varies into 30, 40, and 80 Mbps.

• * MyRepublic NBN deals cost from $59.00 to $109.00. They offer 4 plans with typical evening speeds of 15, 43, 83, and 150 Mbps. 

• * Tangerine NBN deals range from $49.90 to $74.90. The typical evening speeds of their plan varies into 20, 42, and 82 Mbps.

• * TPG NBN deals cost from $59.99 to $89.99. They offer 3 plans with typical evening speeds of 11.2, 46, and 80.1 Mbps.