As the demand for high-speed and reliable internet continues to grow, more Australians are turning to alternative networks like Opticomm. Established as a leading provider in fibre optic networks, Opticomm offers a range of internet plans tailored to various needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry-level plan or a high-speed option for streaming and gaming, Opticomm’s network spans across numerous residential estates and business areas, ensuring that users have access to consistent and fast internet services. This guide will break down the different internet plans available on the Opticomm network, comparing the offerings from top providers to help you make an informed decision.
What is OptiComm?
OptiComm is an Australian telecommunications company that specializes in providing high-speed fiber-optic internet services to residential and commercial properties. Unlike the National Broadband Network (NBN), which is a government initiative, OptiComm is an independent, privately-owned wholesale access broadband network. OptiComm delivers Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) connections, which are known for their reliable high-speed internet, especially in newly developed residential estates.
Technology and Infrastructure
OptiComm uses a pure fiber-optic network to deliver its services, which generally results in faster and more consistent internet speeds. OptiComm utilizes a dedicated Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network, meaning that fiber-optic cables run directly to individual homes or businesses. This approach ensures a high level of performance, offering fast and reliable internet speeds. The pure fiber-optic infrastructure is less susceptible to interference and degradation, which often affects older technologies like copper wiring. As a result, users experience minimal latency and consistent speed, even during peak usage times.
Coverage and Availability
OptiComm is available in specific residential developments across Australia, often in new estates that have opted for this infrastructure. While not as widespread as other networks, OptiComm is expanding its coverage to more areas, particularly in growing urban and suburban developments. If you are moving into a new home or development, there's a good chance that OptiComm might be the primary internet service provider available. If you are unsure, you can check your address to be sure if your home is located within an Opticomm service area.
Performance & Speed
OptiComm's all-fiber network typically provides superior performance, with less congestion during peak times and faster upload/download speeds compared to most NBN connections. The network's architecture reduces the likelihood of congestion and maintains speed consistency, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like HD streaming, online gaming, and remote work. OptiComm’s focus on high performance and low latency ensures that users receive a premium internet experience, often exceeding the performance of other networks that use mixed technologies.
The most frequently available internet speeds, measured in megabits per second (Mbps), include:
12Mbps for downloads / 1Mbps for uploads
25Mbps for downloads / 5Mbps for uploads
50Mbps for downloads / 20Mbps for uploads
100Mbps for downloads / 40Mbps for uploads
As a general rule, higher speeds come with higher costs. If you're used to the slower speeds typically found with ADSL connections, like 12/1 Mbps, you may want to consider a faster option for a more seamless internet experience.
Providers on the OptiComm Network
While major internet providers like Optus and Telstra are not available on the OptiComm network, many other leading providers offer a range of plans tailored for OptiComm’s high-performance infrastructure. These providers leverage OptiComm’s advanced fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology to deliver reliable, high-speed internet services, catering to the growing demand in newly developed residential areas. Notable internet service providers on the OptiComm network include:
These providers ensure that residents in OptiComm-connected areas have access to high-speed, reliable internet options, often with the added benefit of local customer support and flexible plan choices.
OptiComm vs NBN: What's the Difference?
OptiComm is a privately-owned, independent wholesale access network provider. Unlike the NBN, which serves the entire country, OptiComm is primarily available in specific residential estates and newly developed areas that have opted for its services.
The NBN uses a variety of technologies to connect homes, such as Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN), Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC), Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC), and even satellite and fixed wireless for remote areas. OptiComm exclusively uses Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology, which is considered superior because it provides a direct fiber connection to homes. This typically results in faster and more reliable internet speeds compared to the mixed technologies of the NBN.
OptiComm generally offers consistent high-speed internet with less likelihood of congestion, providing speeds up to 1000Mbps. This makes it a preferred choice for heavy internet users or those needing reliable service for work-from-home setups or online streaming.
While NBN is available nationwide, OptiComm coverage is limited to specific new housing developments and communities that have chosen OptiComm for their internet infrastructure.
Pricing for OptiComm plans is set by the ISPs offering services over the OptiComm network. Although prices may be competitive with NBN plans, the consistent performance of FTTP technology may offer better value for those who can access it.
Installation in OptiComm-connected estates is typically straightforward, as the infrastructure is usually already in place. This can lead to quicker setup times and smoother service activation. This makes OptiComm installation more convenient and simple than an NBN connection.
Why Choose OptiComm?
OptiComm provides a consistent and fast internet experience due to its use of FTTP technology. There are plenty of reasons to choose OptiComm as your internet service, and we have listed some of those reasons below:
High-Speed Internet: OptiComm offers some of the fastest internet speeds available in Australia, with plans that can support activities requiring high bandwidth without lag or interruptions.
Reliability: The fiber-optic technology used by OptiComm provides a more reliable connection, with less downtime and fewer disruptions compared to some NBN technologies.
Future-Proof: As a fully fiber-optic network, OptiComm is considered future-proof, capable of meeting the growing demands for internet speed and data usage without needing significant infrastructure upgrades.
Dedicated Network: Being an independent network, OptiComm often experiences less congestion, especially in areas where there are fewer users compared to the more widely used NBN.
OptiComm Internet Plans
OptiComm internet plans are offered by several Australian internet service providers (ISPs), such as Aussie Broadband, Optus, and others. These plans vary in speed and data allowances, catering to different household needs and budgets. Users can typically choose from a range of options, from basic plans for light internet usage to premium plans designed for high-demand activities.
12Mbps Plans
Opticomm Network 12 Mbps Plans
Provider
Plan Name
Speed Tier
Price (per month)
Aussie Broadband
Basic 12
12/1 Mbps
$60
Activ8me
Value 12
12/1 Mbps
$55
Exetel
Starter 12
12/1 Mbps
$50
25Mbps Plans
**Opticomm Network 25Mbps Plans**
Provider
Plan Name
Monthly Cost (AUD)
**Data Allowance**
**Contract Options**
**Typical Evening Speed**
Tangerine Telecom
XL Speed Boost
$54.90
Unlimited
No contract
25 Mbps
Exetel
Opticomm nbn™ 25
$59.95
Unlimited
No contract
25 Mbps
Aussie Broadband
Opticomm nbn™ 25/5
$69
Unlimited
No contract
25 Mbps
Origin Broadband
Everyday Opticomm 25
$78
Unlimited
No contract
22 Mbps
50Mbps Plans
Opticomm Network 50Mbps Plans
Provider
Plan Name
Monthly Cost
Data Allowance
Contract Options
Typical Evening Speed
Tangerine Telecom
XXL Speed Boost
$69.90
**Unlimited
No contract
50 Mbps
Exetel
Opticomm nbn™ 50
$69.95
**Unlimited
No contract
50 Mbps
Aussie Broadband
Opticomm nbn™ 50/20
$79
**Unlimited
No contract
50 Mbps
Origin Broadband
Experience Opticomm 50
$85
**Unlimited
No contract
48 Mbps
100/20Mbps Plans
Opticomm Network 100/20Mbps Plans
Provider
Plan Name
Monthly Cost (AUD)
Data Allowance
Contract Options
Typical Evening Speed
Origin Broadband
Enthusiast Opticomm 100
$85
Unlimited
No contract
95 Mbps
Tangerine Telecom
100/20 XL Speed Boost
$89.90
Unlimited
No contract
99 Mbps
Exetel
Opticomm nbn™ 100/20
$89.95
Unlimited
No contract
99 Mbps
Aussie Broadband
Opticomm nbn™ 100/20
$99
Unlimited
No contract
99 Mbps
100/40Mbps Plans
Opticomm Network 100/40Mbps Plans
Provider
Plan Name
Monthly Cost (AUD)
Data Allowance
Contract Options
Typical Evening Speed
Aussie Broadband
Opticomm nbn™ 100/40
$109
Unlimited
No contract
99 Mbps
Exetel
Opticomm nbn™ 100/40
$99.95
Unlimited
No contract
99 Mbps
OptiComm Internet Reviews and Ratings
OptiComm generally receives positive feedback from users, particularly for its speed and reliability. On platforms like Trustpilot, customers have praised the network for its consistent performance and the ease of setup, especially in new residential developments. However, as with any service, experiences can vary, and it’s important to check reviews and ratings for the specific ISP you are considering for OptiComm services.
Contact OptiComm
When dealing with internet service issues, it's essential to know whether to contact Opticomm directly or your service provider. Here’s a quick guide on when to reach out to each and how to get in touch with Opticomm.
When to Contact Your Service Provider
Your internet service provider is the first point of contact for most issues related to your internet service. You should contact your provider if you need help with:
Service Setup: For assistance with setting up your internet connection or equipment.
Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing issues with connectivity, such as dropouts, slow speeds, or outages.
Billing or Account Issues: Questions about your account, billing, or subscription details should be directed to your ISP.
Missing Equipment: If any equipment required for your service is missing or malfunctioning.
When to Contact Opticomm
While most day-to-day service issues should be handled by your provider, there are certain situations where contacting Opticomm directly is necessary:
Existing Enquiries: If you've previously contacted Opticomm and need to follow up on your enquiry.
Property Damage: To report any damage to Opticomm Networks' property, such as fiber cables or network infrastructure.
New Developments: For help with applications related to new developments, new builds, or subdivisions.
TV Reception Issues: If you're experiencing faults with your television reception, you can report tv faults directly to Opticomm.
How to Contact Opticomm
Opticomm provides several methods for residents to get in touch:
Online Contact Form: You can submit your enquiries or report issues using the online contact form.
Phone: For immediate assistance, you can contact the Opticomm Customer Connection Information Desk at 1300 137 800.
Email: For general enquiries or specific issues, you can email Opticomm at [email protected].
OptiComm uses a full fiber-optic network to deliver internet services, while the NBN uses a mix of technologies including fiber and older copper wiring. This difference often makes OptiComm faster and more reliable.
Is OptiComm Available Everywhere in Australia?
No, OptiComm is primarily available in specific residential developments and new estates. It's important to check availability in your area before considering an OptiComm plan.
What Internet Speeds Does OptiComm Offer?
OptiComm offers a range of internet speeds, typically starting from 50Mbps and going up to 1000Mbps, depending on the plan and ISP you choose.
How Do I Sign Up for OptiComm?
To sign up for OptiComm, you need to choose a participating ISP that offers OptiComm plans in your area. You can then select a plan that suits your needs and complete the registration process with that ISP.
Who is OptiComm Owned By?
OptiComm is owned by Uniti Group, making it one of Australia's most trusted independent wholesale access broadband providers.
Is OptiComm Better than NBN?
OptiComm is considered superior to around 80% of NBN connections because it uses a full fibre-optic network without relying on older technology like copper wires and coaxial cables, which are used in many NBN connections and can limit signal speed.
What is The OptiComm Network?
The OptiComm network is a wholesale network operator that manages the 'access' part of the network. It delivers internet, telephone, or Foxtel services by acting as one link in the chain of network providers utilized by your service provider.
How Fast is OptiComm?
OptiComm typically offers download speeds of 250Mbps and upload speeds of 22Mbps during peak hours between 7pm and 11pm.
Does OptiComm Require a Modem?
Yes, most homes using OptiComm will need a modem supplied by their Internet Service Provider. This modem connects to an OptiComm-supplied Network Terminating Device (NTD), which then links to the OptiComm optical fiber access network.