NBN technology mix in Australia 2022, by connection type
In 2022, Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) consisted of a mix of technologies, with 35.5 percent of connections achieved through Fiber to the Node (FTTN) connections. Around one percent of connections that cannot be connected by fiber cables are serviced through a long-term satellite.
A Multi Technology Mix (MTM)
The original NBN design proposed that the majority of connections would be supplied by Fiber to the Premises (FTTP). This design was later changed to include a greater multi technology mix, which would combine the existing copper cable network with fiber. The rationale behind this change was to reduce costs and speed up the installation process, but this came at the cost of reduced internet speed for some connections. Connections that rely on copper cables have a maximum speed of around ten times less than FTTP connections and even less for wireless connections. As a result, the average download speed for fixed broadband in Australia currently sits at around 85 Mbps.
A national broadband network
The NBN is an Australian government-owned wholesale broadband network and at a cost of 51 billion Australian dollars, it is the country’s largest-ever infrastructure project. In June 2021, over 12 million homes and businesses were deemed ready to connect to the NBN. Once complete, NBN Co. Limited will continue to administer and maintain the network while the retail sales of broadband internet will be handled by internet service providers.
A Multi Technology Mix (MTM)
The original NBN design proposed that the majority of connections would be supplied by Fiber to the Premises (FTTP). This design was later changed to include a greater multi technology mix, which would combine the existing copper cable network with fiber. The rationale behind this change was to reduce costs and speed up the installation process, but this came at the cost of reduced internet speed for some connections. Connections that rely on copper cables have a maximum speed of around ten times less than FTTP connections and even less for wireless connections. As a result, the average download speed for fixed broadband in Australia currently sits at around 85 Mbps.
A national broadband network
The NBN is an Australian government-owned wholesale broadband network and at a cost of 51 billion Australian dollars, it is the country’s largest-ever infrastructure project. In June 2021, over 12 million homes and businesses were deemed ready to connect to the NBN. Once complete, NBN Co. Limited will continue to administer and maintain the network while the retail sales of broadband internet will be handled by internet service providers.
