tech
Perth’s Connectivity Shift: The Technology You Need to Know About This Month
While NBN upgrades continue to move toward gigabit goals, a local firm’s fixed wireless approach is offering a new path for high-speed home internet.
How we reported this
For many Perth residents, the quest for faster internet has shifted from the traditional fixed-line rollout to a more targeted, high-frequency approach. While the official National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout concluded at the end of 2020, providing most homes access to various connections like FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, and HFC, the search for consistent, higher speeds remains a daily reality for many households and businesses. As of current data, the median download speed in Perth sits at 50.07 Mbps, with a median upload speed of 17.74 Mbps according to Speedtest.net.
The Rise of Multi-Gigabit Wireless
This month, the focus in local tech circles has turned to Pentanet’s neXus network. The company is deploying a multi-gigabit fixed wireless solution across the city using 60 GHz cnWave technology. Unlike standard NBN fixed-line connections, this system offers symmetric speeds-meaning upload and download rates are matched-at rates between 300-500 Mbps. For users who struggle with the fluctuations sometimes seen in 5G or standard NBN, this infrastructure represents a specific alternative designed to bridge the performance gap in dense urban areas.
The current landscape remains fragmented. NBN Co has set a goal to enable 90% of Australian homes and businesses to access gigabit speeds by 2025, a project that includes free upgrades for eligible customers moving from older FTTN or FTTC infrastructure to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). Meanwhile, mobile 5G remains a variable alternative; while some Perth locations report download speeds that exceed traditional NBN connections, users often contend with higher volatility compared to fixed-line services.
Navigating Your Upgrade Options
For those looking to improve their current setup, the path forward depends largely on location and infrastructure availability. Residents currently on FTTN or FTTC connections should check their eligibility for NBN Co’s free upgrade program, which is central to the national push for broader gigabit access. Alternatively, those within reach of the Pentanet neXus footprint have the option of fixed wireless deployments that bypass existing copper or hybrid-fibre lines entirely.
Whether opting for a traditional NBN provider or exploring newer wireless technologies, the priority for most should be verifying current service tiers available at their specific address. With the industry moving toward 2025 targets, checking for these fibre-upgrade windows or alternative wireless network expansion plans remains the most practical step for households seeking to move beyond the current median speed thresholds.