NBN Alternatives in Australia: What Are Your Options for Home Internet?
NBN Alternatives in Australia: What Are Your Options for Home Internet?
If you’re struggling with a slow or unreliable NBN connection — or simply don’t have access to the NBN at your home, granny flat, or temporary residence — you might be wondering what other internet options are out there. While the NBN remains the best internet choice for most Australians due to its reliable speeds and low latency, there are some NBN alternatives worth exploring.
In this post, we’ll break down the main non-NBN internet options available in Australia — including 5G home internet, Starlink satellite internet, and mobile hotspotting — and help you decide what’s best for your situation.
1. 5G Home Internet
If you live in a metro area with strong 5G coverage, 5G home internet is becoming a popular alternative to the NBN.
Pros:
Fast download speeds (often 100–250Mbps or more)
Quick setup (just plug in a modem — no technician needed)
Competitive pricing
Cons:
Performance depends on signal strength and network congestion
Latency (ping) can be higher than NBN, which matters for gaming or video calls
Some plans have data limits or speed caps after a threshold
Best for: Renters, people in temporary housing, or homes with good 5G signal but no fixed-line NBN.
2. Starlink (Satellite Internet)
For regional, rural, or remote areas without NBN access — or where fixed-line services are painfully slow — Starlink is a game changer. Powered by SpaceX, this satellite internet service offers fast, low-latency broadband across Australia.
Pros:
Available in areas where no other internet works
Much faster than traditional satellite NBN (Skymuster)
Great for off-grid or isolated properties
Cons:
Expensive hardware ($599+) and monthly cost (~$139/month)
Weather can sometimes impact performance
Requires clear sky view for dish placement
Best for: Remote or rural Australians, off-grid setups, and those with no NBN or mobile signal options.
3. Mobile Hotspotting
Hotspotting your phone or using a 4G/5G mobile broadband modem is another temporary alternative to the NBN.
Pros:
Very flexible — use it anywhere there’s mobile signal
No extra hardware if using your phone
Great for short-term needs or light internet users
Cons:
Speed and reliability vary based on mobile coverage
Limited data on many mobile plans
Not ideal for heavy usage or households with multiple users
Best for: Light users, short stays, or emergency internet backup.
So… Should You Stick With NBN?
For most people, NBN still offers the best combination of speed, reliability, and price — especially if you’re on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) or HFC. With low latency and no mobile congestion, it’s ideal for everything from working from home to gaming and streaming.
But when NBN isn't available, 5G home internet and Starlink are worthy contenders, and hotspotting can fill the gap in a pinch.
Need Help Finding the Right Option?
At Churna, we help you compare all your internet choices — whether that’s the NBN, 5G, or even satellite — and guide you to the smartest, most affordable plan based on your location and needs.
Flick us a message if you’re unsure what’s right for your home, business, or rural property — we’ll help you find the best fit, with no tech stress.
