Fixed Wireless internet is becoming an increasingly attractive and accessible option for regional areas, but how does it stack up against other technologies such as fibre, satellite or mobile broadband?

When we compare Fixed Wireless to ADSL, cable, mobile broadband and satellite internet, we can highlight the benefits and limitations of each technology. 

However, before a comparison of Fixed Wireless & other technologies, it’s important to go back to the basics first and remember how this type of internet functions.

What do you need to know about Fixed Wireless connections?

What is Fixed Wireless? 

Fixed Wireless is part of the nbn® Multi Technology Mix (MTM) used to efficiently deliver internet around Australia.

When it comes to Fixed Wireless towers & coverage, the technology leverages existing infrastructure to connect various premises. Particularly, an antenna is installed on the roof of your property, serving as a link to a nearby transmission tower.

Additionally, connection equipment is installed at the entry point where the cable from the roof antenna connects to your premises. This setup enables residents in regional areas to access reliable internet service without relying solely on wired connections from the network.

How does wireless internet work?

It’s simple: wireless internet involves transmitting data through radio signals rather than long stretches of physical cables. Plus, nbn is continually working on updates to the Fixed Wireless network to deliver faster download speeds, particularly during high-demand periods or peak times.

Additionally, nbn is always expanding to cover more areas over time, so it’s worth checking your address to see if Fixed Wireless service is available at your location. At the end of the day, this upgrade makes it so that more households in regional areas can benefit from improved internet connectivity as the network grows.

How does nbn Fixed Wireless compare to other technologies?

nbn Fixed Wireless vs ADSL and DSL: what’s the difference?

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) relies on a copper line to connect your home to the internet.

This means your connectivity is tied directly to physical cables running from your home to a neighbourhood exchange, which can often result in slower connections, especially the further away you are from the exchange. 

On the other hand, nbn Fixed Wireless brings the internet to a home using radio signals, similar to how a mobile phone connects to the internet through 4G. This technology allows for a broader coverage span without the need for extensive underground wiring.

Reliability is also another crucial difference in terms of ADSL or DSL vs Fixed Wireless.

ADSL primarily relies on outdated copper lines, and they’re expensive to repair. Heavy rain can cause outages for ADSL services due to the buried copper lines getting affected by the water. Ground movement during cold weather can also disrupt these services, as the temperature can cause the copper lines to stiffen and break.

However, just like with other types of connections, events and temperatures can affect the stability of Fixed Wireless connections as well.

Now, in terms of speed, nbn Fixed Wireless offers a significant improvement. The speed for an nbn Fixed Wireless connection can reach up to 75/10 Mbps, compared to ADSL2+, which reaches up to 25/2.5 Mbps. This means you can generally expect faster downloads and uploads with nbn Fixed Wireless.

With the recent network upgrades, nbn has even released a new speed tier for Fixed Wireless, allowing eligible users to access even higher speeds. 

nbn Fixed Wireless vs Cable: what’s the difference?

While similar to the Fixed Line vs Fixed Wireless debate, cable internet or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) uses coaxial cables, often shared with TV services. These coaxial cables are linked to fibre optic lines from the main exchange, delivering fast internet directly to homes. They offer high-speed connectivity, particularly in urban areas where this infrastructure is more common. 

However, the reach of cable internet is limited in regional areas due to the lack of existing TV cable networks necessary for its deployment.

The nbn Fixed Wireless technology shines particularly in regional coverage. 

It is designed to provide high-speed internet in areas where the infrastructure for cable or fibre optic connections is either lacking or cannot be feasibly implemented due to geographical spread. This makes it a highly reliable option for homes and businesses situated in weakly connected regions.

Here at Skymesh, we’re an nbn retail service provider that has access to a thousand-plus towers around Australia. With this, we have nbn Fixed Wireless plans that cater to different data needs.

We have Limitless data plans for heavy internet users and capped plans for those who have consistent but lighter usage. This flexibility is crucial for catering to diverse user needs without compromising on accessibility or reliability.

nbn Fixed Wireless vs Mobile Broadband: what’s the difference?

Compared to Fixed Wireless, which uses dedicated technology to set up a point-to-point or multipoint connection between a user’s premises and a nearby station, mobile broadband uses cellular networks, like 4G LTE and 5G, to provide internet access on the go. 

Fixed Wireless typically results in more stable and consistent connections, especially important if you rely on internet service at a fixed location. Mobile broadband, while convenient for mobility, depends heavily on location, with performance varying indoors versus outdoors due to wall interference.

Speed also varies between these technologies. 5G networks can offer incredibly high speeds, but not all areas have access to 5G yet. In line with this, Fixed Wireless data speeds are similar to 4G but offer a more stable connection where 4G and 5G are unavailable.

nbn Fixed Wireless vs Satellite: what’s the difference?

These two technologies utilise different wireless methods to deliver service. Satellite internet transmits signals from a satellite to a satellite dish receiver. This can be a crucial advantage in remote or regional areas where physical internet connections are impractical. 

However, the vast distance that satellite signals must travel generally results in higher latency and slower speeds. In comparison, Fixed Wireless typically provides a more efficient connection with lower latency, offering faster and more reliable service.

Availability is also a significant consideration between the two. 

Satellite Internet is a popular solution for regional areas of Australia, as it also doesn’t require a Fixed Line connection for people to get set up. This makes it accessible even in some of the most remote Australian locations. As for Fixed Wireless, it requires infrastructure like nearby transmission towers, which may not be available everywhere, limiting its reach in some areas.

Speed is another critical factor. 

Since a satellite signal has to travel such vast distances, the speed of downloads and uploads is usually slower than Fixed Wireless connections. Fixed Wireless typically offers higher and more consistent speeds, which can be an advantage for tasks requiring real-time data transfer like video calls or gaming.

With this, both of these options are viable. However, if you’re outside the coverage area for Fixed Wireless, satellite internet plans like Sky Muster® and Sky Muster® Plus are viable services.

How can you find out if Fixed Wireless is available at your premises?

Check your address.

To get started, just check your address with Skymesh to see if you’re able to get Fixed Wireless or a different connection type in your location. You can also speak to one of our agents for further assistance or if your address isn’t listed.

Skymesh offers affordable Fixed Wireless internet plans.

These regional plans let you get fast, reliable internet with free setup, standard installation, and Aussie support. Just keep in mind that free standard installations do not cover new developments or subsequent installation charges. 

At the end of the day, having an nbn Fixed Wireless plan through Skymesh can make your internet experience seamless and worry-free.

Key points to remember

1. ADSL and DSL are legacy connections. Fixed Wireless offers better reliability and faster speeds of up to 75/10 Mbps compared to ADSL, which has speeds of up to 25/2.5 Mbps, and is less susceptible to physical disruptions like heavy rain or ground movement. Recent upgrades have also introduced higher speed tiers, allowing eligible customers to enjoy faster connections. 
2. Cable internet isn’t always available. Cable internet uses coaxial cables linked to fibre optic lines and offers high-speed internet primarily in urban areas, whereas Fixed Wireless excels in regional coverage where cable infrastructure is limited.
3. There’s more location variability with mobile broadband. Fixed Wireless provides more stable and consistent internet connections at fixed locations compared to mobile broadband, which varies significantly based on location and is more suitable for mobility.
4. Satellite can be an alternative if it’s available. Fixed Wireless offers lower latency and faster speeds than satellite internet, which, while ideal for very remote areas, can have higher latency due to the long distances the signals travel.