How to get gigabit internet (Ultrafast NBN 1000) in Australia

NBN 1000 (also known as gigabit internet) is the fastest form of NBN available to Aussies.

However, NBN 1000 plans are only available for customers with select connection types. All FTTP addresses can get NBN 1000, and 95% of HFC addresses can. If you're not familiar with what technology type you have, you can check on the NBN website.

In any case, what started off with a few NBN plans from Aussie Broadband and Superloop is now offered by most NBN providers, which makes for great competitive pricing on NBN 1000.

Before we get into it, here are the six most popular NBN 1000 (gigabit) plans right now:

Telstra only recently got into the gigabit internet game, but it's wasted no time in rising to the top when it comes to download speeds. While the Telstra Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast isn't cheap at $180 per month, it comes with typical evening speeds of 700Mbps, which is a step above most of the other options.

In addition to unlimited data, this internet plan also comes with a slew of extra perks including:

• 12 months of Kayo Basic
• 3 months of Apple TV+

See the table below for more of the fastest NBN 1000 plans available for comparison. 

If you're after NBN 1000, we're going to assume that speed is your first priority. However, if the steep asking price of our top pick is a little too high of a hurdle, then we'd recommend Aussie Broadband's reliable Home Ultrafast Unlimited as the next best thing.

It's far from the cheapest option but it does promise some of the fastest typical evening download speeds and Aussie Broadband's award-winning customer care. It's also a no-contract month-to-month plan so cancelling won't cost you a cent if you decide it's not for you. 

If you're looking to dip your toes in with Ultrafast NBN 1000Mbps but don't want to break the bank, Superloop currently has the best introductory deal available. Not only is the plan $99 per month for the first six months (and $119 every month after) but it also includes unlimited data, with typical evening speeds among the fastest out there of 600Mbps.

Take a look at some of the cheapest NBN 1000 plans to compare more typical evening speeds.

Like MyRepublic, Tangerine offers a cheaper way to experiment with NBN 1000 plans. That is, for the first six months at least.

After that, the monthly price goes from $109.90 per month to $129.90 per month. Tangerine also doesn't offer any estimates on typical evening speeds at the time of writing, which isn't exactly inspiring. With that said, the provider does offer decent mobile plans too, which is a benefit for those looking to keep all their services on one bill. 

For a lot of Australians, upload speeds are just as important as download speeds. But strangely enough, Ultrafast NBN 1000 plans don't actually offer the best and fastest upload speeds in Australia. They all target around 50Mbps upload speeds. But there are a few plans that offer better uploads for those working from home, like Aussie Broadband. 

Aussie's Build-Your-Own 250/100 plan isn't an Ultrafast NBN 1000 plan but it does offer faster uploads than any Ultrafast plan, targeting 100MBps for upload speeds (and 244Mbps typical evening speeds for downloads).

But there's a steep price to pay for better uploads. Aussie Broadband's Build-Your-Own 250/100 NBN plan currently shakes out at $209 per month; which makes it one of the most expensive NBN plans on the market. 

If you're on FTTN or FTTC, NBN Co is currently in the middle of rolling out a program that will allow you to upgrade to FTTP for free. 

For FTTN customers, you'll simply need to order an NBN 100 plan or better once the upgrades are live in your area. For FTTC customers, you'll need to order an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan. You'll also need to stay on your need speed tier for at least a year.

The first of these upgrades are already happening, and NBN Co hopes to complete these by the end of 2023. 

But even if you're not on the FTTP upgrade map, 4G and 5G Home Wireless broadband plans have recently become a solid alternative to the NBN, with cheaper and more unlimited plans than ever before. Check the table below for a breakdown of some popular Home Wireless plans or head over to our hub for what to expect from 5G Home.