Let's take a look at the varying factors that may affect your connectivity.
In most instances a connection over WiFi will be slower than if you were connected physically to your modem with a cable, particularly if there is a wall in the way or there are multiple users on the same WiFi network. WiFI performance can also be impacted by interference from surrounding devices and nearby users on the same channel.
If there is a lot of traffic (lots of people downloading at the one time) your internet speed at home can be impacted, like congestion on a busy road.
We’re constantly building more bandwidth (like adding lanes on a busy road) into all our networks to deliver a better experience in those peak times.
We also prioritise some content over others - such as VoIP (voice over internet protocol) voice calls - to make sure the important stuff goes first, like a bus lane on a freeway.
We can only get the data to you as fast as the server on the other end can get it to us! So if you’re downloading from, for example, a small website hosted in someone’s garage which is congested, or has only a small upload capacity, it’s not going to be as quick as a major website with the right upload capacity for its traffic.
Some old equipment is more like a push bike than a Ferrari, particularly when impacted with a virus or malware. Make sure your computer is free of viruses and malware by using reputable security products.
Content you download at home that comes from overseas can be slower than domestic content due to congestion on international pipes (the cables running on the ocean floor connecting Australia to the rest of the world).
However, we’re working hard to bring the content you want locally and a huge amount of "overseas content" is actually being distributed from local servers, making it super-quick.
Depending on where you live, there are up to five different ways to access the nbn. Find out what's available to you
A fibre cable connects the nbn directly to your premises.
With FTTP, distance from an exchange is not important like with copper technologies such as ADSL, Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Basement (FTTB).Customers are not grouped into nodes like cable networks.
nbn Fibre also offers the option to add a Speed Pack to increase your maximum speed. However, your speeds can still be slowed in certain circumstances.
A fibre cable connects to your street corner and gets fibre technology closer to your home or business..
A fibre connection all the way up to a street corner reduces the effect extreme heat or rain has on your internet connection. This technology still uses copper for the last few meters to connect your home or business, but usually provides more reliable speeds than ADSL2+ broadband. Like nbn Fibre and Fixed Wireless you can add a Speed Pack to increase your maximum speed. Speeds may vary due to outside factors such as temperature, weather and distance from node.
A fibre cable connects to your building or basement then a copper line the rest of the way.
A fibre connection to your building or basement reduces the impact of extreme heat or rain on your internet connection. This type of connection still use copper for the last few meters to your home or business, but usually provides more reliable speeds than ADSL2+ broadband. Like nbn Fibre and Fixed Wireless you can add a Speed Pack to increase your maximum speed. Speeds may vary due to outside factors such as temperature, weather and distance from node.
A cable connection that is capable of utilising existing hardware in and outside your home.
Cable, or HFC, can make use of existing connections in your home in order to connect to nbn. A cable line will run from the nearest available node to your premises and connect to a PCD (Premises Cable Device) that will need to be installed. A Connection Box and splitter may also need to be installed inside your home, depending on the existing hardware available. If you have previously had a cable connection to your premises, you may be able to install the Connection Box yourself.
nbn Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) runs fibre cables to a Distribution Point Unit underground near your premises, then uses an existing copper connection for the last stretch. A technician may need access to your premises to install an nbn Connection Device.
Alternatively, you may also be able to connect via non-nbn methods, depending on where you live. Find out what's available to you
ADSL uses the existing copper line all the way from your premise to the telephone exchange in your suburb. As a result, it is typically slower than nbn alternatives. Speeds start at 20 Mbps for ADSL 2+ download, but can be slowed based on factors like your distance from the exchange or the length of the copper cable.
Speed Pontential (Download/Upload)
ADSL 2+ (ULL) 20 Mbps / 820 Kbps*
ADSL 1 8 Mbps / 384 Kbps*
*Please note Optus does not offer Annex M on our ULL network
Cable networks work by grouping customers into areas known as "nodes". The customers within these nodes share one pipe for all their internet data.
Cable customers can experience slower speeds in peak times. Imagine turning all your water taps on at once - your water pressure is going to be lower. Having said that, we continue to invest millions of dollars into our cable network to make sure our nodes are humming.
Also, you do require our latest modem to be able to access the top end premium speed.
Speed Pontential (Download/Upload)
Base Plan Speed 30 Mbps / 2 Mbps
Top Speed Pack 100 Mbps / 2 Mbps
Whilst the Home Wireless Broadband service uses our 4G network, it is designed to be used in the home and its data speeds are different to mobile and mobile broadband speeds on our 4G network. In metropolitan areas where there is 2300 MHz coverage at your nominated address, download and upload speeds of up to 12/1Mbps are available. If 2300 MHz coverage is not available at your nominated address, download and upload speeds of up to 5/1 Mbps are available.
Your actual speed will depend on a number of factors including congestion, location, local conditions, hardware, software and general internet traffic.
Speed Pontential (Download/Upload)
2300 MHz Areas Up to 12Mbps / Up to 1 Mbps
Other Areas Up to 5 Mbps / Up to 1 Mbps
You’ve probably encountered both megabits (Mbps) and megabytes (MB) before in relation to internet usage. They sound similar, but they’re actually different measurements.
Megabits per second (Mbps) is the speed of your internet connection while megabytes (MB) is the size of a file. 8 bits actually equals 1 byte, so if you downloaded a 100 MB file at 100Mbps it would actually take 8 seconds.
Just remember to watch out for the lower case "b" and the capital "B" to recognise if we're talking bits (speed) or Bytes (size).
Optus internet and broadband plans include everything you need: unlimited data, a choice of speed packs (on the nbn) and more, plus a range of optional entertainment extras like Optus Sport and Fetch.
Explore our great value plans today.
Learn more
| NBN50 40 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN100 80 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
|---|---|
| Standard Plus Evening Speed(NBN50) | Premium Evening Speed(NBN100) |
| Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 46.9Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 88.8Mbps* |
| 3-4 people | 5+ people |
| Great for when you've got multiple devices, computers, tablets, phones all trying to use your internet at once. If you like to stream videos and music, or keep up with your favourite TV or movies online, this Speed Pack can give you the boost you and your family need. | Perfect if you want to get the most out of your internet connection. Whether you've got multiple devices connecting to your network, you need to download big files, you want to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, or you want to stay competitive with your online gaming, this Speed Pack might be just what you need.If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. Especially if you are doing it all at once. |
Typical Busy Period Download Speed is the typical expected experience between 7pm and 11pm which is the busy time for consumer Internet traffic, and between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays), which is the busy time for SMB Internet traffic. It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Factors affecting speed and performance: The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed. Excludes FTTN/B/C lines with limited maximum line speeds.
Fibre to the Node, Fibre to the Curb, or Fibre to the Basement customers will have their speed confirmed once the service is activated and if the plan or speed pack chosen can't be supported by the line, alternative options will be provided
*Average Peak Download Speed is calculated over a two-week period ending on the date of publication and is the average speed experienced by a representative group of customers between 7pm and 11pm (the busy time for consumer Internet traffic). It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Past performance is not an indication of expected future speed. The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed.
| Speed Pack 3 40 Mbps Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
Speed Pack 4 80 Mbps Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
|---|---|
| Standard Plus Evening Speed(NBN50) | Premium Evening Speed(NBN100) |
| Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm(as at February 2020) 46.9Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm(as at February 2020) 88.8Mbps* |
| 3-4 people | 5+ people |
| Great for when you've got multiple devices ֠computers, tablets, phones all trying to use your internet at once. If you like to stream videos and music, or keep up with your favourite TV or movies online, this Speed Pack can give you the boost you and your family need. | Perfect if you want to get the most out of your internet connection. Whether you've got multiple devices connecting to your network, you need to download big files, you want to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, or you want to stay competitive with your online gaming, this Speed Pack might be just what you need. If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. Especially if you're doing it all at once. |
Typical Busy Period Download Speed is the typical expected experience between 7pm and 11pm which is the busy time for consumer Internet traffic, and between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays), which is the busy time for SMB Internet traffic. It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Factors affecting speed and performance: The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed. Excludes FTTN/B/C lines with limited maximum line speeds.
Fibre to the Node, Fibre to the Curb, or Fibre to the Basement customers will have their speed confirmed once the service is activated and if the plan or speed pack chosen can't be supported by the line, alternative options will be provided
* Average Peak Download Speed is calculated over a two-week period ending on the date of publication and is the average speed experienced by a representative group of customers between 7pm and 11pm (the busy time for consumer Internet traffic). It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Past performance is not an indication of expected future speed. The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed.
| NBN12 9Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN25 20 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN50 40 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN100 80 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Evening Speed | Standard Evening Speed | Standard Plus Evening Speed | Premium Evening Speed |
| Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 11.1Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 23.6Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 46.9Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 88.8Mbps* |
| 1-2 people | 2-3 people | 3-4 people | 5+ people |
| If you only use your internet for the basics on a single device, like browsing websites or checking emails on a computer, this Speed Pack may be all you need. This Speed Pack is not recommended for online gaming, cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for casual internet use on a computer or phone. This Speed Pack is suited to general web browsing, plus playing your favourite music and streaming some videos online. This Speed Pack is not recommended for cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for when you've got multiple devices ֠computers, tablets, phones all trying to use your internet at once. If you like to stream videos and music, or keep up with your favourite TV or movies online, this Speed Pack can give you the boost you and your family need. | Perfect if you want to get the most out of your internet connection. Whether you've got multiple devices connecting to your network, you need to download big files, you want to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, or you want to stay competitive with your online gaming, this Speed Pack might be just what you need. If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. Especially if you're doing it all at once. |
| Included on Optus Broadband Only plans. | $10 on Optus Broadband Only plans. | $20 on Optus Broadband Only plans. | $30 on Optus Broadband Only plans. |
Speed Packs NBN12 & NBN25: Available to selected customers on selected plans only.
Typical Busy Period Download Speed is the typical expected experience between 7pm and 11pm which is the busy time for consumer Internet traffic, and between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays), which is the busy time for SMB Internet traffic. It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Factors affecting speed and performance: The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed. Excludes FTTN/B/C lines with limited maximum line speeds.
^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed for NBN12, NBN25, NBN50 and NBN100 will be refreshed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ACCC guidelines. The published figure may increase or decrease over time. The published figure is not representative of future performance and should not be considered a guaranteed minimum.
Fibre to the Node or Fibre to the Basement customers will have their speed confirmed once the service is activated and if the plan or speed pack chosen can't be supported by the line, alternative options will be provided.
*Average Peak Download Speed is calculated over a two-week period ending on the date of publication and is the average speed experienced by a representative group of customers between 7pm and 11pm (the busy time for consumer Internet traffic). It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Past performance is not an indication of expected future speed. The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed.
Excludes FTTN/B lines with limited maximum line speeds.
| NBN12 9 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN25 20 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN50 40 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN100 80 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Evening Speed(NBN12) | Standard Evening Speed(NBN25) | Standard Plus Evening Speed(NBN50) | Premium Evening Speed(NBN100) |
| Average Peak Download Speed 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020)) 11.1Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 23.6Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 46.9Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 88.8Mbps* |
| 1-2 people | 2-3 people | 3-4 people | 5+ people |
| If you only use your internet for the basics on a single device, like browsing websites or checking emails on a computer, this Speed Pack may be all you need. This Speed Pack is not recommended for online gaming, cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for casual internet use on a computer or phone. This Speed Pack is suited to general web browsing, plus playing your favourite music and streaming some videos online. This Speed Pack is not recommended for cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for when you've got multiple devices ֠computers, tablets, phones all trying to use your internet at once. If you like to stream videos and music, or keep up with your favourite TV or movies online, this Speed Pack can give you the boost you and your family need. | Perfect if you want to get the most out of your internet connection. Whether you've got multiple devices connecting to your network, you need to download big files, you want to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, or you want to stay competitive with your online gaming, this Speed Pack might be just what you need. If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. Especially if you're doing it all at once. |
| Included on Optus Broadband Only plans | $10 on Optus Broadband Only plans | $20 on Optus Broadband Only plans | $30 on Optus Broadband Only plans |
Typical Busy Period Download Speed is the typical expected experience between 7pm and 11pm which is the busy time for consumer Internet traffic, and between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays), which is the busy time for SMB Internet traffic. It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Factors affecting speed and performance: The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed. Excludes FTTN/B/C lines with limited maximum line speeds.
^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed for NBN12, NBN25, NBN50 and NBN100 will be refreshed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ACCC guidelines. The published figure may increase or decrease over time. The published figure is not representative of future performance and should not be considered a guaranteed minimum.
Fixed Wireless speeds: Typical evening speeds will be lower than this and will vary depending on the number and location of connected users. Extreme weather conditions like heavy rain can reduce the broadband signal strength received by your home. NBN100 not available on this technology.
Fibre to the Node or Fibre to the Basement customers will have their speed confirmed once the service is activated and if the plan or speed pack chosen can't be supported by the line, alternative options will be provided.
*Average Peak Download Speed is calculated over a two-week period ending on the date of publication and is the average speed experienced by a representative group of customers between 7pm and 11pm (the busy time for consumer Internet traffic). It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Past performance is not an indication of expected future speed. The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed.
| NBN12 9 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN25 20 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN50 40 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN100 80 Mbps^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Evening Speed(NBN12) | Standard Evening Speed(NBN25) | Standard Plus Evening Speed(NBN50) | Premium Evening Speed(NBN100) |
| Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 11.1 Mbps | Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 23.6 Mbps | Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 46.9 Mbps | Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 88.8 Mbps |
| 1 - 2 people | 2 - 3 people | 3 - 4 people | 5+ people |
| If you only use your internet for the basics on a single device, like browsing websites or checking emails on a computer, this Speed Pack may be all you need. This Speed Pack is not recommended for online gaming, cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for casual internet use on a computer or phone. This Speed Pack is suited to general web browsing, plus playing your favourite music and streaming some videos online. This Speed Pack is not recommended for cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for when you've got multiple devices ֠computers, tablets, phones all trying to use your internet at once. If you like to stream videos and music, or keep up with your favourite TV or movies online, this Speed Pack can give you the boost you and your family need. If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. | Perfect if you want to get the most out of your internet connection. Whether you've got multiple devices connecting to your network, you need to download big files, you want to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, or you want to stay competitive with your online gaming, this Speed Pack might be just what you need. If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. Especially if you're doing it all at once. |
| NBN12 9^ Mbps* Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN25 20 Mbps* Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN50 40 Mbps* Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
NBN100 80 Mbps* Typical Busy Period Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Evening Speed(NBN12) | Standard Evening Speed(NBN25) | Standard Plus Evening Speed(NBN50) | Premium Evening Speed(NBN100) |
| Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020)) 11.1Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 23.6Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 46.9Mbps* |
Average Peak Download Speed for 7 to 11 pm (as at February 2020) 88.8Mbps* |
| 1 ֠2 people | 2 ֠3 people | 3 ֠4 people | 5+ people |
| If you only use your internet for the basics on a single device, like browsing websites or checking emails on a computer, this Speed Pack may be all you need. This Speed Pack is not recommended for online gaming, cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for casual internet use on a computer or phone. This Speed Pack is suited to general web browsing, plus playing your favourite music and streaming some videos online. This Speed Pack is not recommended for cloud storage services or collaboration tools. | Great for when you've got multiple devices ֠computers, tablets, phones all trying to use your internet at once. If you like to stream videos and music, or keep up with your favourite TV or movies online, this Speed Pack can give you the boost you and your family need. | Perfect if you want to get the most out of your internet connection. Whether you've got multiple devices connecting to your network, you need to download big files, you want to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, or you want to stay competitive with your online gaming, this Speed Pack might be just what you need. If you are a SMB customer and your staff like to use cloud storage services and collaboration tools, this Speed Pack could be the right one for you. Especially if you're doing it all at once. |
Speed Packs NBN12 & NBN25: Available to selected customers on selected plans only.
Typical Busy Period Download Speed is the typical expected experience between 7pm and 11pm which is the busy time for consumer Internet traffic, and between 9am and 5pm, Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays), which is the busy time for SMB Internet traffic. It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Factors affecting speed and performance: The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed. Excludes FTTN/B/C lines with limited maximum line speeds.
^ Typical Busy Period Download Speed for NBN12, NBN25, NBN50 and NBN100 will be refreshed on a quarterly basis in accordance with ACCC guidelines. The published figure may increase or decrease over time. The published figure is not representative of future performance and should not be considered a guaranteed minimum.
Fibre to the Node or Fibre to the Basement customers will have their speed confirmed once the service is activated and if the plan or speed pack chosen can't be supported by the line, alternative options will be provided.
*Average Peak Download Speed is calculated over a two-week period ending on the date of publication and is the average speed experienced by a representative group of customers between 7pm and 11pm (the busy time for consumer Internet traffic). It is not a guaranteed minimum speed. Past performance is not an indication of expected future speed. The actual speed you will experience depends on a number of factors including your access type, demand on the network, local conditions such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location which can interfere with reception and speed.
Excludes FTTN/B lines with limited maximum line speeds.
