The free NBN upgrade has arrived, and those on FTTP and HFC connections now get 500/50Mbps as the baseline level.
But readers report that when they run Ookla Speed Test (or similar tests) are getting similar speeds as before. It is not NBN’s fault.
The Free NBN Speed upgrade measurement can be affected by a few things.
Using a Wi-Fi-connected device, like a smartphone, PC, Mac, or tablet. At best, you will see 100/20 on a Wi-Fi 6, 250/20 on a Wi-Fi 6E and perhaps a little more on a Wi-Fi 7 device.
The reason is that most portable devices only have two streams and, at best, only 20/40/80 MHz bandwidth on a 5GHz network. These need a 160 or 320 MHz channel to take advantage of the new speeds.
Or your modem router is not fast enough. Read Free NBN Speed upgrade: Modem mayhem is just a scare tactic to sell more.
Don’t panic. While the free NBN Speed upgrade started on 15 September, some NBN resellers are struggling to change billing and provisioning. Or your provider has not yet passed the free upgrade on. Wait a week and retest. Contact them and insist on the free NBN speed upgrade, or go to an NBN reseller like Aussie Broadband that has upgraded its clients.
How to check the Free NBN Speed upgrade
The correct way to check your speed is to use an Ethernet RJ45 cable connected PC or Mac directly to the main router. This means that you have a guaranteed 1000/1000 (gigabit) connection, which will show the actual speed.
But as our friends at Aussie Broadband say, this simply tests the router, not the NBN connection.
You need to test the direct connection, not the router.
- Windows or Mac computer with at least a Gigabit Ethernet connection (if you don’t have an Ethernet port on the PC, you will need to get a USB-C dongle with an Ethernet port).
- Use a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable.
- Make sure you don’t have any programs or downloads running
- Make sure the device you are testing on is in high-performance mode and not power-saving mode.
Direct connection speed test instructions
- Kick your router connection using the service tests in MyAussie (or another provider’s support page)
- Unplug your Modem/Router from the NBN NTD UNI-D1 port
- Using the same cable from the NBN NTD plug in a laptop or computer.
- Run 3-5 speed tests through speed.aussiebroadband.com.au and save the results URL (or OOKLA Speedtest, and it saves history).
- Kick the connection again via MyAussie
- Swap from the laptop/PC to the Modem/Router
Chances are that the direct connect speed will be very close to your new speed. If they are, then the router is likely the issue and can’t handle the new speeds.
Read Free NBN Speed upgrade: Modem mayhem is just a scare tactic to sell more and CyberShack can help you to solve the issue. No we don’t sell anything – this is a free reader serviced.
Will I notice the speed increase?
Probably not. The 5X speed increase is for downloads, and unless you are downloading big files, the download time will be a little less. Also, most internet download servers throttle the download anyway to a few Mbps, so they don’t get overloaded.
Larger families will notice that the internet does not slow down as much when the 1.8 children (per average family) are playing Xbox or PS2, or you are all streaming audio or video content.
Uploads have gone from 20 to 50 Mbps, and that will help remote workers – it will feel a little faster to save to the cloud.
And remember that you won’t get the full speed advantage unless you are using Ethernet cabled devices or Wi-Fi 7 tri-band routers and devices using the MLO aggregated 2.4/5/6 GHz bands.
12 comments
Hans
Hi. Prommised NBN upgrade to my FTTP through Telstra Emails. After numerous calls to NBN faults, Which is a Telstra number about not getting increased speed. Last notification from Telstra is Issue Resolved. No it is not resolved. Have you received other complaints about this problem. Nbn installeled my system and all i want is a NBN Tech to prove that the up grade is operational at the Nbn Ethernet port at their Modem. Spent $1500 6 years ago to have Ethernet cables to four locations because of WiFi issues. Regards Hans
Ray Shaw
First, check your Telstra bill and make sure it is 100/20Mbps or faster. Unless you upgrade to 500/50 at $113 ($95 for the first 6 months), Telstra won’t give you the speed boost. Next, you (and I would love NBN to do it too) must test as per the instructions in the post. I suspect it is your Telstra Smart and Crappy Modem, and you would be better off (if you are not using a Telstra landline) ditching it and getting the routers we identified https://cybershack.com.au/smart-home/crappy-nbn-modems-the-lessons-we-learned-from-our-free-advice/. And I would ditch Telstra too and go to Aussie BB who care.
hans prychocki
Hi I am eligible for the up grade plan from NBN also i have FTTP . As NBN is non contactable every complaint about not getting the upgrade goes to my provider,Telstra. When i stand next to my router and do a Telstra speed test on my phone i get 500/600 Mbps speed. But when i connect my laptop to the Router i only get 90/100 speed. So what you are saying is connect my laptop directly to the NBN modem, bypassing the Telstra Router to see the speed coming from NBN ? Regards Hans
Ray Shaw
Yes. Your Telstra router (Smart Modem 1 or 2) won’t handle 500/50. You simply plug your laptop via Ethernet (you may need a USB to Ethernet adapter) to get the true speed. If you need a new router read https://cybershack.com.au/smart-home/free-nbn-speed-upgrade-modem-mayhem-is-just-a-scare-tactic-to-sell-more/ and send me the info I need to provide you with the best and free advice.
Michael
My FTTN provider Foxtel Broadband has just eliminated its 50mbps plan and required me to pay $15 extra each month to go to 100mbps. My needs are very limited and I would choose a 25mbps plan if it was available.
I have stayed with Foxtel for more than five years because the connection has been ultra reliable, in contrast to many FTTN user experiences. I have not wanted to upgrade to FTTP because of the risk of unreliability and the compulsory speed and price increase that goes with the upgrade. I always got 54mbps, even during the evening peak. Now it’s doubled, but the extra speed is unwanted and I see it as price gouging.
Ken Rasmussen
Michael,
I’m with you. I have been with Foxtel for far more than 5 years here on the lower Central Coast. Satellite dish. I have NBN FTTP to the garage wall but did not take it further as I was happy for the same reasoning as you. Foxtel have advised ditto and as well, that they have tested my connection to a maximum of just over 71 mbps ! Well, I’ve got news for them next week and I have the top of the range package, no more, cancelling.
I read all of Ray’s reviews here on Cybershack and really appreciate his insights.
Probably I will just go with wireless broadband. Cheers
Ray Shaw
Hi Ken
Wireless broadband is very patchy with speeds varying during the day and in bad weather. If you have FTTP it is time to use it. If you want free advice on the best router setup read https://cybershack.com.au/smart-home/free-nbn-speed-upgrade-modem-mayhem-is-just-a-scare-tactic-to-sell-more/ and get back to me.
Ken Rasmussen
Thank you for your comments Ray. I have read your reviews again and there is so much information to absorb. I will be moving after 8 years next month to near Brisbane Waters on the Peninsula. An address check with Aussie Broadband shows NBN upgrade FTTP available, even though I have it unconnected here, choosing to stay with Foxtel. So, looks like a Aussie Broadband NBN connection in 2-4 weeks. I was just wondering what you think of their Eero Pro 7 modem ? My needs are basic plus Google Nest etc and I am on a Pension in my old age ! Cheers
Ray Shaw
Hi Ken
Another Coastie!!! The EEro Pro 7 is barely OK, although it has a BE10800 speed rating. It costs $530 for a 1-pack at Amazon or $240 + $15 shipping from Aussie. I would not buy it. The TP-Link Deco BE65 Pro is $382.90 and offers far better quality and so much more. https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Deco-BE65-Pro-BE9300Mbps/dp/B0F7LX364V/ref=sr_1_5 You can get Foxtel as well over the Internet– no box needed.
Ray Shaw
FTTN is being phased out, and the free upgrade is for a limited time. And if you have a problem with FTTN, and you can upgrade to FTTP, NBN won’t fix it. First, you need to take up the free FTTP upgrade, and the baseline speed is 500/50Mbps. Most NBN resellers have it for between $85 and $95 a month. You can still have Foxtel without them providing NBN. The Foxtel modem is locked to Foxtel broadband and is a ‘crappy’ Wi-Fi 6, which won’t properly handle 500/50Mbps. My advice – swap to Aussie BB (%85 per month for the first 6 months, then $95), get a decent modem (I can advise you there) and enjoy the Internet.
Robert
Hi,
I am a pensioner with vodafone on a 50 plan. I have HFC but vodafone tell me I don’t get a speed increase unless I pay extra for a higher plan. Is this correct?
If so, it looks like the poor get screwed again.
Thanks for your help.
Ray Shaw
Correct. The free speed upgrade is only for 100/20 to the new baseline of 500/50. You are likely paying $84 per month and for $85 you can get 500/50 from Buddy Telco. Swapping is easy read https://cybershack.com.au/smart-home/nbn-switching-tired-of-telstra-optus-and-vodafone/