TPG doesn't just offer mobile plans, NBN plans and 5G home wireless plans. It also has its own private fibre; Vision Network. Its Vision Network is available as an FTTB (Fibre to the Building connection) in some parts of Australia - mostly in apartment buildings.
There are approximately 280,000 premises connected to TPG FTTB. It's possible in some locations you may have the option of choosing between TPG's private fibre and the NBN.
We'll break down both options to help guide your decision.
Here's a quick look at TPG's FTTB fibre internet plans:
How is TPG FTTB different to the NBN?
TPG's FTTB fibre service and the NBN have few differences. Both are essentially a network provider.
TPG's FTTB fibre internet is sold directly to customers while NBN sells wholesale plans to internet service providers who in turn sell them to customers. TPG itself is also an NBN reseller. If you're getting a TPG fibre internet plan and have any issues you'll be able to deal directly with TPG. With NBN you'll need to contact your provider who will need to get in touch with NBN.
Your TPG FTTB internet provider will provide you with an FTTB-ready modem that you must use to access TPG's fibre and voice services, although you can then plug your own choice of router into the modem. While NBN is compatible with a variety of modems and many providers let you BYO.
TPG charges a $10 delivery fee for the modem and a $99.95 setup fee. You can get zero setup fee by signing up for a six-month contract. TPG also charges a $20 prepayment fee for any VoIP calls you might make.
TPG FTTB vs. NBN: Plans and speeds
Similar to the NBN, TPG packages its FTTB fibre internet services by speed. It offers four plans:
- 50Mbps downloads and 15Mbps uploads (similar to NBN 50)
- 100Mbps downloads and 25Mbps uploads (similar to NBN 100/20)
- 250Mbps downloads and 25Mbps uploads (similar to NBN 250)
- 500Mbps downloads and 25Mbps uploads (similar to NBN 1000)
TPG FTTB fibre internet plans tend to start at a slightly lower price point than the equivalent NBN plan on slower speed tiers, being around $5 per month cheaper. At the 220Mbps to 500Mbps level, they're significantly cheaper by around $20 to $30 per month. This is with promotional pricing.
Most NBN providers offer discounts lasting six months. TPG's FTTB plans come with hefty 12-month discounts. Fortunately even after the year-long discounts end the TPG plans tend to be similarly or cheaper priced.
Let's take a closer look at each of the plans TPG offers.
TPG FTTB 50 vs. NBN 50
TPG's cheapest FTTB plan comes with 50Mbps typical evening download speeds and typical evening 15Mbps upload speeds. These match up pretty closely with NBN 50 plans although NBN providers usually report faster upload speeds.
In terms of price TPG's FTTB plan starts out at the same as one of the cheapest NBN 50 options. After the discount ends it's still cheaper than most full-priced NBN 50 plans.
Here's TPG's FTTB 50 plan.
Here's how this plan compares to the cheapest NBN 50 plans in WhistleOut's database:
TPG FTTB 100 vs. NBN 100
TPG's next FTTB plan has typical evening download speeds of 92Mbps and 20Mbps typical evening upload speeds. Again it matches pretty closely with an NBN 100 plan but with slightly lower download speeds.
TPG's private fibre 100Mbps plan starts around $5 lower than the cheapest NBN 100 plans, after the 12-month discount ends it's still around $10 cheaper than full-priced NBN 100 plans.
Here's TPG's FTTB 100 plan.
Here's how this plan compares to the cheapest NBN 100 plans in WhistleOut's database:
TPG FTTB 250 vs. NBN 250
Faster speeds are where the two begin to diverge more. For starters, it's thanks to network upgrades that TPG FTTB customers can achieve these kinds of speeds in the first place. NBN customers with an FTTB connection can only get plans with speeds of up to 100Mbps, requiring them to be on an FTTP or HFC connection if they want NBN 250 or NBN 1000.
TPG's FTTB 250 plan reports typical evening download speeds that are similar to several NBN 250 plan providers and slightly faster typical evening upload speeds. TPG's FTTB 250 plan starts significantly lower than the cheapest NBN 250 plans. Once the 12-month discount ends it's still priced similarly to a discounted NBN 250 plan.
Here's TPG's FTTB 250 plan.
Here's how this plan compares to the cheapest NBN 250 plans in WhistleOut's database:
TPG FTTB Max vs. NBN 1000
This is the fastest speed you can get over TPG's private FTTB connection. TPG reports lower speeds than most NBN 1000 plan providers but it's a significant speed boost and particularly good value for money.
TPG's FTTB Max plan is around $30 cheaper than discounted NBN 1000 plans. When the discount ends after 12 months it still ends up being around $5 cheaper then those discounted NBN 1000 plans.
Here's TPG's FTTB Max plan.
Here's how this plan compares to the cheapest NBN 1000 plans in WhistleOut's database:
TPG FTTB vs. NBN: Getting connected
TPG is available in fewer areas than NBN which is the largest fibre network provider in the country. It's possible to have both options available to you in the one apartment complex.
As we've previously mentioned there is a $99.95 setup fee for each time you connect a premises to TPG FTTB. This means if you move from one apartment to another that also offers TPG private fibre you'll need to pay the setup cost again.
Because the technology that provides the faster speeds on FTTB 250 and FTTB Max is different to that used in FTTB 50 or FTTB 100 you'll also be charged a one-time setup fee if you move from FTTB 50 or FTTB 100 to either FTTB250 or FTTB Max. There's no fee from moving between FTTB 50 and FTTB 100, or for moving between FTTB 250 and FTTB Max.
After your application, it generally takes around 10 working days for an on-site technician to be assigned to install the TPG FTTB service at your premises. In some cases, it can take up to 20 working days. TPG will need access to the Main Distribution Frame in the apartment building.
While the modem is included with the plan you'll need to pay a $10 delivery fee. Depending on the set-up in the building TPG may also supply a Network Termination Unit (NTU), which is similar to the NBN connection box. There's a standard delivery fee of $10 for the NTU. There's also the matter of the $20 (non-refundable) prepayment fee for VoIP calls.
If you're moving into an apartment unless you're the very first occupier then chances are it's already connected to the NBN, if not you will need to organise a connection by signing up for a plan with a provider. NBN will charge a "New Development" fee of $300. If your property is "NBN ready" and already has the required technology set up you can be connected within one to three days. The timeline for completely new activations can extend from one day to around three weeks depending on the property.
Modem fees vary by NBN provider but in most cases, you should be able to BYO modem.
Verdict: Should I pick TPG FTTB or the NBN?
It will essentially come down to two things price or speed. While TPG FTTB private fibre comes with higher upfront costs (unless you need to pay the NBN new development fee) its plans are generally much cheaper than the equivalent NBN plan.
However, if it is a matter of pure speed then especially on the NBN 250 and NBN 1000, you will find faster typical evening speeds with providers on the NBN - if you can get them. Overall, because the price is that much cheaper TPG FTTB is the better value-for-money option if it is available at your premises.
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