HFC VS FTTP

Are you struggling to understand the differences between HFC vs FTTP? With the nbn® rollout, the dissemination of new connection technologies comes with new technical terms and jargon that you may have a hard time deciphering. Not to worry, though; Skymesh is here to help.

For those living outside the urban and metro areas, it can be difficult to get the kind of consistent and fast internet service they need for their daily lives. That’s why Skymesh has completely dedicated 100% of its efforts to providing broadband service to previously underserved areas in regional Australia.

By the end of this article, you will be able to differentiate between HFC vs FTTP and other nbn® connection types.

Is HFC more reliable than FTTP?

To understand how HFC vs FTTP works, the first thing you need to know is that the majority of nbn® connections fall into three main categories – Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), and Fibre to the Node (FTTN). Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) are sub-categories of fixed line connections. In addition, there are also Satellite and Fixed Wireless nbn® connections, which are primarily offered in regional areas.

Both the HFC connections and the FTTN connections are comparable in that they both make use of the pre-existing lines in order to establish a nbn® connection to a node, which then provides service to the neighbourhood that is adjacent to it.

In contrast to FTTN, however, a HFC connection makes use of preexisting cable network connections instead of the copper wiring traditionally used for landline telephones. This means that due to the shared nature of the network, available bandwidth can be impacted by the activities of other homes in your area that are connected to the same node.

While HFC is typically faster than connections relying on old copper networks to connect, it still relies on older cable systems, so it isn’t the fastest among Fixed Line connections.

That title goes to FTTP, a connection that uses fibre-optic cables run from the nearest available fibre node directly to your premises. When comparing HFC vs FTTP, the latter is generally the preferred technology in terms of speed and reliability whenever it is available, as it provides a fibre optic connection to your premises without passing through older networks.

How much do HFC and FTTP connections cost monthly?

Standard installations for nbn® equipment are free of charge,* so there is really not that much difference between the two technologies when it comes to the cost of HFC vs FTTP. Your monthly internet bill is primarily determined by the provider and speed tier you choose.

Skymesh offers a range of speed tiers tailored to suit different household sizes and internet usage requirements, giving you the flexibility to choose the plan that suits your needs best.

Our nbn® 25 plan (with typical evening speeds of up to 25 Mbps download and up to 4 Mbps upload) is ideal for groups of up to two people and delivers optimal speeds for everyday tasks such as browsing the web and sending emails.

Our nbn® 50 plan (with typical evening speeds of up to 49 Mbps download and up to 16 Mbps upload) is an excellent choice for households with up to four people, providing faster speeds that are ideal for browsing the internet, checking emails, and downloading software updates for your mobile and computer. With this plan, you can get your work done quickly and efficiently, leaving you with more time to enjoy other activities.

Finally, our nbn® 100 plan (with typical evening speeds of up to 96 Mbps download and up to 16 Mbps upload) is designed for larger households of more than four people and offers very fast speeds that can easily handle more data-hungry activities such as streaming HD videos, playing online games, and video conferencing with seamless and uninterrupted connectivity that enables you to do more in less time.

Are HFC and FTTP widely available in Australia?

The availability of HFC vs FTTP varies according to the region. The nbn® allocates certain connection technologies to different areas depending on the location, available infrastructure, and population density.

Four types of fixed line technologies – FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, and FTTP – are part of the nbn® Fixed Line expansion in regional areas. HFC is not available in regional areas of Australia.

In terms of wireless nbn® connections, a Fixed Wireless service can be used to leverage the thousands of towers around the country and provide coverage in areas where there is not enough infrastructure or where it is simply not feasible to install fibre optic cables due to geographic constraints.

For those living in truly off-the-grid areas too far from the nbn’s service towers, satellite services such as Sky Muster® and Sky Muster® Plus may be available.

Skymesh has over twenty years of experience providing regional internet access to rural Australians. We believe that no one should have to settle for inferior internet service just because of where they live.

There’s no need to do your own research into HFC vs FTTP. If you want to find out more about different plans and services, whether it’s related to FTTP vs FTTN, internet bundles, or gaming internet plans, our customer service team in Brisbane will be happy to help.

Check your location with our address checker today or speak to one of our agents for further assistance to see if nbn® is available for you.

*Free standard installations exclude the new development and subsequent installation charges.