NBN Fixed Wireless is a specialized broadband solution tailored for rural and remote areas in Australia.
It operates by transmitting radio signals from a local NBN tower to an antenna installed at your premises, providing internet access without the need for extensive cabling.
This method makes it possible to deliver broadband to areas where traditional wired connections are impractical or too costly.
It’s also another type of technology variation, similar to what you see with NBN’s Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connections.
Table of Contents
How Does NBN Fixed Wireless Work?
NBN Fixed Wireless operates with straightforward technology. An outdoor antenna at your home or business captures signals from a nearby NBN transmission tower.
These signals are then converted into an internet connection by an internal NBN connection box. This setup allows even the most isolated areas to connect to the broader NBN network.
However, environmental factors like weather, terrain, and obstructions such as trees or buildings can affect signal quality.

Additionally, performance may vary depending on your distance from the transmission tower.
Fixed Wireless Service Classes
Fixed Wireless service is categorized into different classes based on the readiness and infrastructure in your area:
Class 4: The area is scheduled to receive Fixed Wireless, but the necessary infrastructure isn’t operational yet.
Service Class 5: The infrastructure is in place, and you can request installation.
Service Class 6: The antenna and NBN connection box are installed, and the service can be activated quickly.
Benefits and Limitations of Fixed Wireless
Benefits:
- Accessibility: NBN Fixed Wireless offers a practical solution for rural and remote areas where traditional wired connections aren’t available.
- Independence from Cables: Fixed Wireless doesn’t rely on extensive ground-based infrastructure, making it easier and faster to deploy in challenging terrains. This reduces the time and cost of laying fiber or copper lines.
- Scalability: Fixed Wireless infrastructure can scale more easily as demand grows in remote areas, allowing more users to connect without significant additional investments.
Limitations:
- Environmental Impact: Weather conditions and physical obstructions like trees or buildings can significantly affect Fixed Wireless performance by disrupting the signal between the tower and the antenna.
- Performance Variability: The distance from the NBN tower plays a critical role in the quality of the connection. Homes and businesses further away from the tower may experience slower speeds and less reliable service, particularly during peak usage times.
- Limited Bandwidth: Fixed Wireless networks can experience congestion, especially in areas with high demand and a limited number of towers. This can lead to slower speeds and reduced performance during peak hours, which may not meet the needs of users requiring consistent high-speed connections.
Speeds You Can Expect
NBN Fixed Wireless offers varying speed tiers, typically ranging from 25 Mbps to 75 Mbps for downloads, depending on your plan and location.
However, actual speeds can fluctuate due to factors like network congestion and environmental conditions.
Typical Feedback on Fixed Wireless
Feedback on NBN Fixed Wireless varies, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. People in rural areas appreciate its accessibility, providing a much-needed internet connection where other options are scarce.
However, many criticize the service for its inconsistency, especially during peak usage times when speeds can drop significantly.
Environmental factors like heavy rain or strong winds often disrupt connections, causing frequent frustrations.
As a result, some users find Fixed Wireless unreliable compared to wired alternatives.
Latency issues, especially during real-time activities like gaming or video conferencing, have further fuelled interest in alternatives like 5G Home Wireless and Starlink, which offer more consistent performance and higher speeds.
Despite these drawbacks, for many in remote areas, NBN Fixed Wireless remains one of the few available options, making it a necessary compromise.
How to Get Fixed Wireless
To get NBN Fixed Wireless, first check its availability in your area. If available, you can place an order with your preferred service provider.
A technician will then visit your location to install the necessary equipment, including an outdoor antenna and an NBN connection box, to get you connected.
Why Starlink and 5G May Be Better Options
As technology evolves, alternatives like Starlink and 5G Home Wireless are emerging as more effective solutions compared to NBN Fixed Wireless.
Starlink:
- Superior Reliability: Starlink’s satellite-based service provides global coverage that isn’t hindered by local terrain, weather, or obstructions. This makes it an excellent choice for areas where Fixed Wireless might struggle.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Starlink offers higher download speeds and lower latency, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming in 4K, online gaming, and video conferencing.
5G Home Wireless:
- Enhanced Performance: 5G networks deliver faster speeds and a more stable connection than Fixed Wireless, especially in areas with strong network coverage.
- Resilience to Environmental Factors: Unlike Fixed Wireless, 5G doesn’t depend on a direct line of sight to a transmission tower, reducing the impact of environmental conditions on service quality. This makes 5G a more reliable option in varied geographic settings, from urban to semi-rural areas.
Both Starlink and 5G represent the next generation of connectivity solutions, offering improvements in speed, reliability, and overall user experience, particularly for those who have faced challenges with NBN Fixed Wireless.
As these technologies continue to expand, they may become the preferred choice for many seeking a more dependable internet connection.
Conclusion
While NBN Fixed Wireless has been a valuable solution for rural and remote areas, the emergence of technologies like Starlink and 5G Home Wireless offers superior alternatives in terms of speed, reliability, and performance.
If you’re in an area where these new technologies are available, they may provide a better overall experience compared to Fixed Wireless.