ADSL2+ Internet: Everything you don't need to know anymore

By Alex Choros

Last updated 09 May 2023

ADSL2+, often shortened to just ADSL, was the most basic type of broadband connection available in Australia. With ADSL, internet was delivered over the same copper wires used for your home phone. ADSL has all but been replaced thanks to the NBN, however.

How fast is ADSL2+?

ADSL2+'s maximum theoretical speeds are 24Mbps for download, and 1Mbps for upload. Actual internet speeds were determined by the distance between a premise and the local exchange (the building where a suburb is connected to the wider internet) and the state of the copper wiring in the area.

The old rule of thumb was that you could live as far as 1km from the local exchange before speed degradation became an issue. Those further than 3km away from the exchange were likely to get speeds under 10Mbps.

The number of other services in your area and electrical interference from outside sources were other factors that could affect your ADSL2+ internet speeds.

ADSL2+ was typically only available in well-populated areas. In cases where ADSL2+ wasn't available, Australians were limited to ADSL1 speeds. These maxed out at 8Mbps down.

What equipment did ADSL2+ internet connections use?

ADSL2+ internet connections used a phone line and ADSL2+ modem router to connect to the internet. Telcos typically used to include modems for free on 24-month plans.

A standard RJ11 phone cable was used to connect the modem to the phone socket. These were typically included in the box. ADSL2+ modem routers also required a dedicated power source.

How is ADSL2+ different to NBN?

The NBN was designed to ultimately replace ADSL2+ internet connections. It's faster and more reliable, but the monthly bill is similar on the most popular speed tiers.

The same copper wiring used for ADSL2+ is still used in some parts of the National Broadband Network, as part of the Fibre to the Node technology type. In other cases, such as with Fibre to the Premise, copper was replaced entirely. Many Fibre to the Node connections are now being upgraded to Fibre to the Premise.

For more information about the NBN, take a look at our extensive National Broadband Network super guide.