Australia

Australia’s Internet Speed Upgrade: NBN promises internet downloads up to 5 times faster

The NBN “Accelerate Great” upgrade is rolling out across the country. Australians can enjoy faster internet and better service – but will it come with increased prices?

Published

7 months ago

September 22, 2025

Marcela Fernandez

Source: Mick Tsikas, Australian Associated Press

On March 4 last year, NBN – the National Broadband Network – published a release about increasing internet speeds drastically through a nation-wide upgrade. At the time, most Australian residences were receiving about 50 Mbps through their NBN plan. The press release stated that the “Accelerate Great” plans were set for September of this year, requiring customers to upgrade their plans by one-tier to access the new speeds.

This move came in response to rising data usage and demand for high-quality internet connectivity, as well as an overall increase in the usage of internet-connected devices in households. According to a release from nbn, average monthly data consumption in households has increased by more than 10 per cent over the last year, proving that Australia feels a need for faster networks and easier access.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his government would provide greater funding to NBN for improvements and to renew outdated connections in some areas, allowing more people to access the internet. The government promised to contribute about $3 billion to the project.

“Families and businesses deserve high-speed Internet at an affordable price.” -Albanese

Australian communities have nursed concerns about this, especially since the new internet speeds will not be accessible to those who do not have the updated equipment installed in their region. While the upgrade is technically free, those who are subscribed to 50 Mbps plans will not experience the higher speeds without upgrading their plan. However, with the project to replace the outdated parts of the grid already underway, most people with internet connections will be able to receive the new speeds with up-to-date equipment and the minimum eligible tier subscription.

Anna Perrin, the chief customer officer at NBN, stated that they have also been in communication with internet retailers and commercial connectivity providers in order to maximize the reach of the upgrades and keep customers aware of the changes as they come into action.

“The Accelerate Great program is about more than faster speeds. It’s about empowering Australians to thrive in a digital world.” -Perrin

Internet retailers, however, have expressed concerns. They warn that customers might have to compensate with higher subscription costs to cover added retailer expenses. Professor Mark Gregory, an expert in telecommunications and network engineering said; “Unfortunately in Australia we’re still charging for data. And so, while from the NBN end, these speed increases might come at no additional cost to retailers, the retailers then have to pay for the transit costs.” These costs could drive increases in subscription prices that households would need to pay.

The upgrade was implemented on September 14 and is continuing to be rolled out. The effects of the enhancements will be clearer in the weeks to come.

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