What is NBN Fixed Wireless?

NBN Fixed Wireless is one of the technologies used to deliver the National Broadband Network (NBN) across Australia, particularly to regional and rural areas where traditional fixed-line solutions like fibre are impractical. Instead of relying on cables buried in the ground, this service uses radio signals to transmit data between a local transmission tower and an antenna installed on your property.

Let’s break down the essential aspects of NBN Fixed Wireless, so you can understand how it works and what to expect.

How Does NBN Fixed Wireless Work?

An NBN Fixed Wireless connection uses data sent wirelessly from an NBN transmission tower to a small antenna installed on the outside of your property. This antenna is connected to an NBN connection box inside your home via an Ethernet cable. The connection box allows you to plug in your router or modem, which then creates a Wi-Fi network for your household or business.

Key Components of the Setup:

NBN Tower: A transmission tower located within range of your property. These towers are strategically placed to serve homes in areas with limited infrastructure for traditional broadband services.
Outdoor Antenna: Installed on your property, typically on the roof or an external wall, the antenna receives the signal from the tower.
NBN Connection Box: Located inside your home, this box connects the outdoor antenna to your devices. You can connect a router or plug directly into the box for internet access.

Who is NBN Fixed Wireless For?

NBN Fixed Wireless is primarily intended for those living in rural and regional areas of Australia. It’s a solution for locations where fibre-optic cables (used in Fibre to the Premises or Fibre to the Node services) are too expensive or impractical to install. With this technology, people in less densely populated areas can still enjoy reliable broadband services without the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades.

What Speeds Can You Expect?

NBN Fixed Wireless offers various speed tiers to suit different household needs. However, the actual speeds you experience will depend on several factors, including:

Distance from the NBN tower.
Line of sight between the tower and your antenna.
Network congestion, especially during peak usage times.

You can generally expect download speeds of up to 75Mbps, with upload speeds around 10Mbps, but these can fluctuate depending on network traffic and weather conditions. It’s worth noting that NBN enforces a Fair Use Policy, particularly for heavy users, to maintain a balanced experience across the network.

What Affects the Quality of an NBN Fixed Wireless Connection?

Several factors can influence the quality of your NBN Fixed Wireless connection:

Weather: Severe weather, such as storms or heavy rain, can impact signal strength, causing slower speeds or temporary dropouts.
Obstructions: Trees, buildings, and even hills can block or weaken the signal between your antenna and the tower. Ensuring clear line-of-sight is crucial for optimal performance.
Congestion: Like any shared network, NBN Fixed Wireless can experience congestion during busy periods, such as evenings when many users are online simultaneously.

Installation Process

The installation of an NBN Fixed Wireless service is fairly straightforward. After placing your order with a service provider, an NBN-approved technician will arrange a time to visit your property. On the installation day, the technician will:

Assess the Signal: They will first check the strength of the wireless signal at your location. If the signal is sufficient, they’ll proceed with the installation.
Install the Outdoor Antenna: The antenna will be mounted on your roof or an external wall, ideally in a location with the clearest line of sight to the NBN tower.
Set Up the Connection Box: Inside your home, the technician will install the NBN connection box and link it to the antenna via an Ethernet cable.
Test the Connection: Once installed, the technician will test the system to ensure everything is working properly.

This process can take a few hours, and in some cases, the technician may need to reschedule if signal strength is insufficient or the weather makes installation unsafe.

Download the NBN Fixed Wireless connectivity guide

Download the NBN Fixed Wireless Preparation Guide

Is NBN Fixed Wireless Right for You?

If you live in a regional or rural area and need a reliable internet connection, NBN Fixed Wireless is likely your best option. It provides a reasonable balance between speed, availability, and reliability, especially when fibre-based connections are not an option. However, you should be aware of the limitations such as weather dependency and possible congestion during peak hours.

If you have specific needs, such as using medical or security alarms, you should also check whether these services will work over the NBN network, as some devices may not be compatible.

For most users, NBN Fixed Wireless will provide a significant upgrade from older internet technologies, allowing you to stream, browse, and connect more reliably than with legacy systems.

In conclusion, NBN Fixed Wireless is a great option for rural Australians seeking access to fast, reliable broadband. It overcomes the challenges posed by Australia’s vast geography, ensuring that even remote locations can stay connected to the digital world.

Jason Kearney

Head Internet Technician

Jason Kearney is the Head Technician at SECURE A COM, with qualifications spanning NBN, ADSL, phone, and data cabling. Starting as an electrician, Jason quickly delved into the telecommunications sector, leading crucial projects like the rehabilitation of the Telstra network. With credentials in both managerial and technical aspects, he now specialises in phone line and NBN fault location and repair, serving both homes and businesses with effective and personalised telecommunications solutions