In an exciting announcement, NBN Co (National Broadband Network) has just unveiled a 5x speed upgrade for millions of Australians, impacting up to 10 million homes and businesses. This isn’t a small tweak—it’s a game-changer that promises to deliver internet speeds like never before, without any additional cost. Starting September 14, 2025, you could be enjoying faster, more reliable internet that will supercharge your online experience—whether you’re streaming, gaming, working from home, or running a small business.
Let’s dive into the details of what this means for you, and how you can take full advantage of these improvements.
NBN Just Announced a 5x Speed Upgrade for 10 Million Aussies
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed Upgrade | Eligible customers will see up to 5x faster speeds without extra charges. |
| Eligible Areas | Up to 10 million homes and businesses will benefit from the upgrade. |
| Speed Tiers | The upgrade includes NBN 100 → NBN 500, NBN 250 → NBN 750, and the introduction of NBN 2000 (up to 2 Gbps). |
| Eligibility | Primarily for those on FTTP or HFC connections, with possible upgrades for FTTN and FTTC customers. |
| When? | Speed upgrades start September 14, 2025, with the rollout taking place over several months. |
NBN’s free speed upgrade is a fantastic opportunity for Australians to experience faster, more reliable internet without the added cost. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a digital power user, this upgrade will make your online life easier, faster, and more efficient.
If you’re eligible, make sure to check your plan and upgrade your equipment to take full advantage of the new speeds. The future of Australian internet is here, and it’s faster than ever before.
The Evolution of NBN and Why This Matters
Before we dive into the specifics of the upgrade, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane. NBN Co was introduced with the goal of bringing faster and more reliable internet to all of Australia. Back in the day, Australia’s internet speeds were often compared to those of developing nations, and it was clear that something needed to be done.
Since then, the NBN rollout has slowly but steadily transformed the way Australians connect to the internet. From the Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) system to Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), the country has made huge strides in improving broadband access. This new 5x speed upgrade represents the next big leap in Australia’s digital evolution. Not only does it give you more bandwidth for your daily needs, but it also ensures the country is competitive in the global digital economy.
What Does This Upgrade Actually Mean for You?
Now, let’s break down how the upgrade works, and what it means for the various NBN plans.
NBN 100 ➔ NBN 500
If you’re on NBN 100, the upgrade will bump you up to NBN 500, offering five times faster download speeds. That means 500 Mbps download speeds, which is perfect for households or businesses that stream movies, work from home, or game online.
NBN 250 ➔ NBN 750
For those on NBN 250, you’re moving to NBN 750, a threefold improvement. With 750 Mbps, you’ll be able to stream 4K video, handle multiple video calls, and enjoy smoother gaming, all at once.
NBN 1000 ➔ NBN 1000 (No Change)
Already on NBN 1000? Well, no worries, you won’t be left behind. Your plan will stay at 1 Gbps download speeds but with the benefit of 100 Mbps upload speeds—a big boost for users who need to upload large files regularly.
NBN 2000 Tier (New!)
The real treat here is the NBN 2000 tier, which will offer 2 Gbps of download speed. For gamers, content creators, and large businesses that rely heavily on fast internet, this is the ultimate upgrade.
Current NBN Speed Tiers: Before vs. After
This table shows the typical download speeds you can expect from different NBN tiers and how the recent upgrades will change things for the better.
| Speed Tier | Typical Evening Speed (Before Upgrade) | New Typical Evening Speed (After Upgrade) | Best For… |
| NBN 50 | 45-50 Mbps | 250 Mbps | A family of 3-4 with multiple devices streaming in HD. |
| NBN 100 | 90-100 Mbps | 500 Mbps | A large household, avid gamers, and remote workers who handle large files. |
| NBN 250 | 225-250 Mbps | 750 Mbps | Tech-heavy homes, 4K video streaming, and small businesses with cloud backups. |
Am I Eligible for the Speed Boost?
So, who gets this free upgrade? If you’re on a FTTP or HFC connection, you’re good to go. FTTN and FTTC customers might still be eligible for a free upgrade to FTTP by 2025, depending on your location.
The key takeaway here is that you don’t need to do anything to get this upgrade. If you qualify, the change will automatically apply, and you’ll see faster speeds.
How to Check Your Eligibility
To confirm your eligibility, you can use the NBN Co Eligibility Checker. This tool will tell you if your address qualifies for the speed upgrade or if you’re eligible for the FTTP conversion.
Impact of the Upgrade on Remote Work, Education, and Digital Businesses
One of the key factors driving this upgrade is the explosion of remote work and education in recent years. Whether you’re teaching your kids at home, attending virtual meetings, or managing a small business, fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
In fact, remote work is projected to increase by 25% in Australia over the next five years. The upgrade to NBN 500 or 750 speeds could be the difference between smooth, uninterrupted video calls and frustrating buffering during crucial meetings.
Example: How the Upgrade Benefits Users
- Remote Workers: Imagine a scenario where a freelance graphic designer works from home. Before the upgrade, they struggled with lagging cloud software and slow file uploads. Now, with NBN 500, their workflow becomes smoother, with files uploading in seconds, improving overall productivity.
- Gamers: For gamers, latency and slow downloads are the worst. With the NBN 750 upgrade, game downloads will be faster, and lag during online gaming will be reduced, leading to a better experience.
Environmental Impact of the Upgrade
It’s not just about speed—it’s also about efficiency. The new infrastructure that supports these faster speeds will also be more energy-efficient. By reducing the need for multiple data transfers and optimizing data paths, NBN Co can help lower the digital carbon footprint. This means faster speeds with a cleaner environmental footprint.
Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Upgrading Your NBN
- Ignoring your current plan: Your free speed upgrade only applies to your connection type, not your plan. You still need to contact your internet provider to switch to a higher speed plan to get the full benefit.
- Forgetting your modem: An old modem or router might not be fast enough to handle the new speeds. Ensure your hardware is capable of supporting the plan you choose.
- Not checking for eligibility: While 10 million homes are eligible, not every home is. Use the NBN address checker to confirm your property is included in the upgrade program before you get your hopes up.
FAQs
1. How do I check if I’m eligible for the NBN upgrade?
You can use the official NBN Co Address Checker to find out if you’re eligible for the free speed upgrade.
2. What’s the NBN 2000 plan?
The NBN 2000 plan offers 2 Gbps download speeds, perfect for heavy users or large businesses.
3. What if my current plan is lower than NBN 100?
If you’re on a lower-tier plan (like NBN 50 or NBN 25), you may want to upgrade your plan to fully enjoy the upgraded speeds.
4. When will these upgrades be available?
The speed upgrades will be available starting September 14, 2025. The exact timing for your area will depend on your provider’s rollout schedule.
