Could 5G home internet replace your NBN? Here are the pros and cons

We've been spending a lot of time at home lately, so it makes sense to get an internet plan powerful enough for all our needs. Between 5G and NBN, we're spoiled for choice – but which is better? Let's break down the pros and cons.

What is 5G home internet?

As opposed to the government-run NBN fibre network, 5G is a wireless home internet and mobile network operated through cellular towers. Although you can sign up with a telco provider to access either service, 5G does away with the need for your home to have a physical NBN connection. 

RELATED: Everything you need to know about 5G in Australia

To top it off, 5G home internet speeds can run into the hundreds of Mbps (megabits per second), which if you're read our network speed guide you know is lightning fast. A few of the 5G providers offer average speeds around 100Mbps in the evening, which is faster than many of the baseline NBN connections out on the market at the moment.

We take a look at some of the reasons why this could be helpful for saving money while getting a solid high-speed internet connection.

To find out more about the different types of NBN, check out Mozo’s broadband hub.

5G home internet pros:

• No physical connection required

NBN coverage has been extended throughout much of the country, but some addresses may not have complete access. The quality of the NBN plan available to you also depends on what type of fibre connection is installed. 

Since 5G home internet connects wirelessly, the only thing you need to make sure is that there is 5G in your area – no digging or laying cable required!

• Impressive speeds

The emerging technology of 5G home internet means you can get home internet speeds averaging 378 Mbps.

Telstra’s home 5G plan claims they can offer unbelievably fast speeds (when measured at the modem) of “between 50-600mbps in the evening.” Optus and Vodafone similarly offer speeds that leave the most basic NBN plans in the dust.

NBN super-fast plans typically boast speeds up to 250 Mbps in ideal conditions. The Mozo Expert Choice Awards for the best NBN plans has the complete list of high-speed NBN plans to compare for 2022.

• Easy installation

The process for getting your 5G home internet going is less complicated than the typical NBN plan. You can flex your DIY muscles and get it going with just some basic instructions from the provider – no appointment or technician visit is required.

• Competitive costs

There can potentially be some good savings if the only thing you’re looking for is fast internet. Some providers will also bundle home internet and your mobile plan with special discounts if you get both from the same place. Just make sure to have a thorough look at any terms and conditions first. 

5G home internet cons:

• 5G may be available in Select Areas only

The rollout of 5G around the country is still an ongoing project. Coverage is getting pretty thorough for inner city locations, but rural and regional customers may still have a hard time getting 5G access.

For more information on 5G coverage maps, like who reaches the most customers around the country, check out Mozo’s guide to 5G mobile coverage maps.

• Getting signal within your building

The strength of the signal that reaches inside your house can affect the quality of your connection. If your dwelling doesn't have a clear line of sight to the local 5G tower, you may struggle to get the optimal 5G experience.

• Capacity in your area

Sometimes the early bird gets the worm, and sometimes that worm is a lightning fast 5G home internet connection.

When you’re signing up for a 5G plan, keep in mind there may be a limited capacity on the 5G network (especially given the time of day), since mobile technology can sometimes be affected by the number of people using the service.

If the provider thinks that there are too many connections in your area, they may decide that you’re ineligible until they improve the capacity. The first step to signing up to 5G home internet is to check with the provider that they service your area, at which point they can let you know how the connection looks.

Can you have 5G internet at home?

Think it over: if the pros outweigh the cons for you, then it could be worth investigating the options for fast 5G home internet.