OptiComm vs NBN: What’s the Difference & Which Is Better?
When setting up internet in a new home, most Australians assume they'll be using the National Broadband Network (NBN). But in certain areas—especially newly built housing estates and apartment complexes—you might be connected to OptiComm, a private fibre network that operates separately from the NBN. So, what exactly is OptiComm? Is it better or worse than the NBN? And how do you find the best internet plan if you’re connected to OptiComm instead of the NBN? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between OptiComm and the NBN, compare internet speeds and providers, and help you decide which is better for your household.
What Is OptiComm?
OptiComm is a private wholesale fibre network company that builds and operates its own fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure—completely separate from the government-owned NBN.
Unlike the NBN, which is rolled out by NBN Co across most of Australia, OptiComm installs its network in new developments, apartment buildings, and private estates, especially in areas where NBN hasn’t yet been built or where developers opted for a different provider.
Common Locations With OptiComm
- New housing estates (e.g., in Melbourne’s outer suburbs or Brisbane’s north)
- Modern apartment complexes
- Retirement villages and gated communities
- Some commercial precincts
Key Differences Between OptiComm and NBN
While both OptiComm and the NBN deliver high-speed fibre internet, there are a few crucial differences between the two networks:
| Feature | NBN | OptiComm |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Government-owned (NBN Co) | Privately owned |
| Connection Type | FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, HFC, Fixed Wireless | FTTP only |
| Availability | 90%+ of Australian homes | Limited to select estates and developments |
| Providers | 100+ national ISPs | Smaller group of compatible ISPs |
| Speeds | Varies by connection type | Consistent fibre speeds |
| Installation Fees | Often free for existing homes | Setup fees may apply for new builds |
| Support | Standard NBN support chain | OptiComm + your ISP |
Key Takeaway:
OptiComm only offers fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections, meaning you can usually access faster and more consistent speeds than some NBN users on FTTN or HFC. However, your choice of provider may be more limited.
Pros & Cons of OptiComm vs NBN
OptiComm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connectivity | Fewer internet providers to choose from |
| Consistent, high-speed performance | Higher upfront installation costs in some cases |
| Great for streaming, gaming, and remote work | Limited availability nationwide |
| Already installed in many modern developments | Support is sometimes split between ISP and OptiComm |
NBN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely available across Australia | Not all homes have FTTP (some use slower FTTN or HFC) |
| Dozens of providers with competitive pricing | Evening speeds can vary by provider |
| Upgrades underway (FTTP upgrades from FTTN) | Performance depends on local infrastructure quality |
| Most homes already connected—no additional fees |
Which Internet Providers Use OptiComm?
While most major telcos in Australia support the NBN, only a select group of providers offer plans via the OptiComm network.
| Provider | Typical Plan | Speed Tier | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie Broadband | Unlimited Fibre | NBN100 equivalent | From $85.00 |
| Launtel | Daily Pay-As-You-Go | 25–1000 Mbps | From $2.20/day |
| Leaptel | Unlimited Fibre | NBN50 / NBN100 | From $69.95 |
| Exetel | Premium Fibre | Up to NBN100 | From $73.99 |
| Pentanet | Fibre Plan | 50–100 Mbps | From $79.00 |
Can I Switch from OptiComm to NBN?
In most cases, you cannot switch from OptiComm to the NBN unless your address is also serviced by the NBN. Since OptiComm and the NBN are separate networks, your home will only be connected to one of them—unless you're in a rare area where both are available.
If you're buying or renting in a development that uses OptiComm, you’ll need to choose an ISP that offers OptiComm plans.
🛠 Tip:
Building a new home? Make sure you ask your builder or developer which network is being installed—it’s difficult to change later.
Is OptiComm Faster Than the NBN?
Because OptiComm uses fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) for every connection, it typically delivers more reliable speeds than the NBN’s multi-technology mix, especially compared to FTTN or HFC areas.
However, actual speeds will still depend on:
- Your chosen provider
- Your plan’s speed tier
- Network congestion
- Modem/router quality
In FTTP vs FTTP comparisons, OptiComm and NBN perform similarly—so it really comes down to your location and provider.
🔗 Related:
Learn about NBN connection types and how they affect your speed
OptiComm vs NBN: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
| Choose OptiComm If… | Choose NBN If… |
|---|---|
| You live in a new estate or apartment with no NBN | Your home is already connected to the NBN |
| You want guaranteed FTTP fibre performance | You want a wide range of provider and plan options |
| You’re happy with fewer provider choices | You want a low-cost or entry-level plan |
| You need high-speed, low-latency internet | You prefer a major provider like Telstra or TPG |
In reality, you usually won’t have a choice between OptiComm and NBN—it depends on what your home is connected to. But if you’re building, buying, or renting, it’s worth checking which network your home will use.
OptiComm vs NBN
Both OptiComm and the NBN offer fast fibre broadband across Australia—but they’re very different in how they’re built, supported, and priced.
If your home is connected to OptiComm, you’re likely to enjoy high speeds and FTTP reliability—but you’ll need to choose from a smaller group of providers. If you’re on the NBN, you’ll have more competition and potentially better pricing, but your speeds may vary depending on your connection type.
Best NBN Plans Australia
| #1 |  |
Flip Premium
|
$57.90
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #2 |  |
Southern Phone Basic
|
$59.00
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #3 |  |
Spintel Starter
|
$59.95
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #4 |  |
Exetel Everyday
|
$63.99
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #5 |  |
Yomojo Turtle Speed
|
$65.00
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #6 |  |
Tangerine Value
|
$67.90
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #7 |  |
Dodo NBN 25
|
$68.90
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #8 |  |
Kogan Bronze
|
$68.90
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #9 |  |
SuperLoop Everyday
|
$69.00
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #10 |  |
Skymesh Basic
|
$69.95
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #11 |  |
Telechoice Essential
|
$69.99
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #12 |  |
Starter
|
$70.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #13 |  |
Mate Crikey
|
$70.00
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #14 |  |
Home Basic
|
$74.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #15 |  |
Vodafone Basic
|
$74.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #16 |  |
Optus Everyday Basic
|
$75.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #17 |  |
More Value
|
$76.00
Per Month |
Go To Site |
| #18 |  |
TPG NBN 25
|
$76.99
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #19 |  |
iinet NBN25
|
$76.99
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #20 |  |
Origin Everyday
|
$83.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #21 |  |
Sumo Simple
|
$84.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #22 |  |
Telstra Basic
|
$89.00
Per Month |
Link not supplied |
| #1 |
Flip Premium
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #2 |
Southern Phone Basic
|
| Go To Site | |
| #3 |
Spintel Starter
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #4 |
Exetel Everyday
|
| Go To Site | |
| #5 |
Yomojo Turtle Speed
|
| Go To Site | |
| #6 |
Tangerine Value
|
| Go To Site | |
| #7 |
Dodo NBN 25
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #8 |
Kogan Bronze
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #9 |
SuperLoop Everyday
|
| Go To Site | |
| #10 |
Skymesh Basic
|
| Go To Site | |
| #11 |
Telechoice Essential
|
| Go To Site | |
| #12 |
Starter
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #13 |
Mate Crikey
|
| Go To Site | |
| #14 |
Home Basic
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #15 |
Vodafone Basic
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #16 |
Optus Everyday Basic
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #17 |
More Value
|
| Go To Site | |
| #18 |
TPG NBN 25
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #19 |
iinet NBN25
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #20 |
Origin Everyday
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #21 |
Sumo Simple
|
|
Link not supplied |
|
| #22 |
Telstra Basic
|
|
Link not supplied |
Not sure what network your home uses? Call Selectra today—we’ll help you check your address and find the best internet plan for your location.
Useful Links
- What is NBN FTTP, FTTN, FTTC?
- Best NBN Plans by Speed Tier
- Compare OptiComm Providers in Your Area
- Moving Home Internet Setup Guide
Click below to find a better deal for your home!
No AI Used in This Content
At Selectra Australia, we pride ourselves on delivering content that is 100% written, reviewed, and fact-checked by real people. We do not use artificial intelligence tools—such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or any other generative AI platforms—to produce or edit the content found on this page. Every article and guide is created by our in-house team of Australian content specialists, energy experts, and researchers who understand the local market and care deeply about providing accurate, up-to-date, and genuinely helpful information. We believe trust is built through transparency and human insight—never automation.
