In Australia, Opticomm is a private fibre network operator that delivers high-speed internet to homes and businesses, primarily through Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology.
This network serves a growing number of Australians, especially in new housing estates and some urban areas, providing an alternative to the more widely known National Broadband Network (NBN).
Opticomm is available in select regions across Australia, and as of recent reports, it can serve over 450,000 premises across the country.
How Does Opticomm Differ from Traditional NBN Connections?
One of the major differences between Opticomm and the NBN is ownership. Opticomm operates a private fibre network, meaning they own the infrastructure, unlike the government-owned NBN.
Another key difference is technology. While the NBN uses a variety of connection types, including Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Opticomm predominantly offers FTTP connections.
This ensures a higher level of speed and reliability compared to some of the lower-tier NBN technologies like FTTN.
Furthermore, where NBN dominates most of Australia’s broadband landscape, areas served by Opticomm cannot access NBN, creating a clear delineation between the two networks.
Key Features of Opticomm
Opticomm’s network comes with several strong features, making it an appealing choice for many users:
- Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP): This ensures that every home connected has access to fibre directly, offering faster and more stable connections.
- Reliability: The private nature of Opticomm’s network allows for more tailored support and troubleshooting compared to the more widespread NBN.
- Speed: With speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, Opticomm is built for high-demand users, including gamers, streamers, and large families.
- No Congestion: Unlike NBN which may suffer from congestion at peak times, Opticomm’s privately operated network is less prone to slowdown.
Pros and Cons of Opticomm
Pros:
- High Speed and Reliability: Opticomm uses FTTP technology, which consistently delivers superior internet performance, ensuring faster and more stable connections.
- Private Network: As a privately operated network, Opticomm experiences less congestion, offering a smoother browsing experience with more personalized support.
- First to New Estates: Opticomm is often the first provider to roll out fibre in new housing estates, giving early access to high-speed internet in these areas.
Cons:
- Potentially Higher Costs: Due to its private ownership, Opticomm plans can sometimes be priced higher compared to equivalent NBN plans.
- Limited Coverage: Opticomm’s network is only available in specific regions and does not have the widespread coverage that the NBN offers across Australia.
- No NBN Access: In areas where Opticomm operates, NBN services are not available, limiting users to Opticomm and its associated providers.
Providers Offering Opticomm Services
Several internet service providers (ISPs) offer plans over the Opticomm network, ensuring a range of choices for customers. These include popular names such as:
- Aussie Broadband
- Optus
- Telstra
- Exetel
- Leaptel
Each provider offers various plans depending on the user’s needs, from budget-friendly options to premium high-speed packages.
Alternative Options: 5G and Starlink
If you’re in an area served by Opticomm but find the connection unsatisfactory or prefer more affordable options, there are alternatives like 5G home internet and Starlink (a satellite-based broadband service).
These services can offer comparable speeds, especially in urban and remote areas, though they don’t rely on fibre infrastructure like Opticomm.
Since NBN isn’t available where Opticomm operates, 5G or Starlink could be viable options. Both alternatives deliver competitive high-speed internet, but they come with some trade-offs, including potential data caps, network congestion during peak times, and coverage limitations, particularly in rural areas.
If you’re seeking a more flexible or cost-effective solution, these options may be worth exploring.
Conclusion
Opticomm offers a compelling alternative to the NBN in many parts of Australia, especially for users seeking high-speed and reliable internet connections.
While it’s limited by coverage, its private FTTP network delivers a more consistent and less congested experience.
With a range of providers offering plans on the network, Australians in Opticomm areas have some excellent broadband options. However, for those outside of its reach, services like 5G and Starlink can serve as solid alternatives.
