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The Difference between NBN and Mobile Internet at Home

Nbn mobile internet at home leaptel

These days, mobile internet seems like a more and more attractive option for using the internet at home. Mobile data limits are always increasing, and only having to deal with one telco is always appealing. Additionally, when you move house you can take your mobile internet with you, no need to worry about activating a new service at a new address. 

Despite the convenience however, it would be a mistake to think that mobile internet is a like-for-like replacement for the home internet. Let’s examine the undeniable advantages of fixed line internet that make it a superior choice for home internet use.

Fixed line internet is widely available.

With the NBN rollout nearly completed, fixed line internet is more available than ever, as are a multitude of providers to choose from. Where NBN isn’t available, another access network such as Opticomm, OPENetworks or LBNCo will be an option.

Fixed line internet has higher download limits.

Fixed line internet normally offers higher data options than mobile, and in most cases offers unlimited data for very reasonable prices. Compare this to mobile data options which are normally capped, with very high costs for additional data. So, with the ABS reporting the amount of data households are downloading having grown by over 20% last year, having the option of unlimited plans is a big advantage of fixed line internet.

Fixed line internet is better for gamers

The number one criteria for online gaming is latency, the time it takes for data to get from one place to another. Due to the way mobile internet works, it has significant variance in latency (known as jitter). Fixed line internet by comparison normally delivers stable and reliable latency, meaning it is far superior for those who play games online.

Mobile speeds vary significantly

Mobile internet relies on individual towers having enough capacity to handle all the devices connecting to it. Also, coverage can vary on a location-by-location basis. By comparison, fixed line internet delivers stable and reliable speeds.

Fixed line internet allows flexible hardware options. 

Most providers allow customers to use their own choice of router. This means you get to choose what device will do the grunt work in your home to distribute the internet. By comparison the devices for mobile internet are normally prescribed by the provider, meaning they can be expensive, aren’t easily transferrable and can be difficult to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.

Fixed line internet is more competitive.  

Networks like NBN are setup to encourage competition. This means you can choose the provider that suits your needs. By comparison Australia has only three mobile networks, and while there are brands reselling these networks, the differences in plans are limited.

Leaptel recommends getting a fixed line service as absolutely the way to go. While mobile internet is catching on for its portability, it simply cannot beat a fixed line service for the amount of data and reliability that is provided. Fixed line technology, particularly fibre to the premise, is also scalable and capable of keeping up with the needs of streaming TV which is driving high data use.

Any questions? Drop us a line – we’re here to help.