Do I need a modem for the NBN?

By Anula Wiwatowska

Last updated 09 May 2022

If you're new to the NBN or have switched to a new technology type then you may be asking if you need a modem or a new modem for the NBN.

The answer to this question depends on what kind of connection you have. Some NBN technology types will need a modem while others will need a router, some will need both. A modem is used to connect to the internet while a router is used to distribute that connection to your devices. Note that many modems are also routers, so be sure to check if you need two separate devices.

Where a modem is required, any VDSL2 compatible modem should work with your NBN connection. Note that some suppliers will not provide tech support if you don't use one of their certified modems/routers.

What modem do I need for the NBN?
What's the difference between a modem and router?
FAQ

What modem do I need for the NBN?

Here's what equipment you'll need for each different NBN connection type:

Fibre to the Premises NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug directly into your NBN connection box mounted to your wall.
HFC NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the NBN connection box
Fibre to the Node NBN: You'll need a modem router. This will plug into the telephone socket used to facilitate your NBN connection.
Fibre to the Building NBN: You'll need a modem router. This will plug into the telephone socket used to facilitate your NBN connection.
Fibre to the Curb NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the connection box supplied by NBN Co.
Fixed Wireless NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the connection box supplied by NBN Co.
Satellite NBN: You'll need a router. This will plug into the satellite modem that NBN Co supplies for free.

Alternatively, shop the best NBN deals that come with your modem/router included. Here are the latest and greatest NBN 50 deals available with modem/router in tow.

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/month for first 6 months, then $82.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $59.90/mth Min. cost $229.80 Go to Site	$59.90/mth Min. cost $229.80	Go to Site
#2	Exetel	Exetel Extra-value nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $60.99/mth for first 6 months, then $79.99/mth. $60.99/mth Min. cost $230.99 Go to Site	$60.99/mth Min. cost $230.99	Go to Site
#3	Superloop	Superloop Extra-value nbn50/20 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $67/mth for 6 mths, then $81/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $67/mth Min. cost $237 Go to Site	$67/mth Min. cost $237	Go to Site
#4	Dodo	Dodo nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $83.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $68.90/mth Min. cost $168.80 Go to Site*	$68.90/mth Min. cost $168.80	Go to Site
#5	TPG	TPG nbn50 Unlimited Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth Min. cost $194.94 Go to Site	$69.99/mth Min. cost $194.94	Go to Site
#6	Flip	Flip Unlimited Family nbn50 nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Promotional pricing - $64/mth for first 4 months then $73.90/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25 $73.90/mth Min. cost $263 Go to Site	$73.90/mth Min. cost $263	Go to Site
#7	iPrimus	iPrimus Standard Plus nbn50 Plan nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $84/mth Min. cost $84 Go to Site	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Go to Site
#8	More	More Value Plus NBN nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $73.60/mth for first 12 months for CommBank customers, then $82.80/mth ongoing $92/mth Min. cost $261.90 Go to Site	$92/mth Min. cost $261.90	Go to Site

And here are NBN 100 plans that come with a modem/router.

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick NBN Unlimited Premium 100 nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $16.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $65/mth for first 6 months, then $81.95/mth $65/mth Min. cost $224.95 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $224.95	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Speedy NBN nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $65.90/mth for first 6 months, then $85.90/mth + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $235.80 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $235.80	Go to Site
#3	Exetel	Exetel Family nbn100/20 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $65.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth $65.99/mth Min. cost $235.99 Go to Site	$65.99/mth Min. cost $235.99	Go to Site
#4	Dodo	Dodo nbn100 Unlimited Plan nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $88.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $73.90/mth Min. cost $173.80 Go to Site*	$73.90/mth Min. cost $173.80	Go to Site
#5	Superloop	Superloop Family nbn100/20 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off 6 months! $75/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $75/mth Min. cost $245 Go to Site	$75/mth Min. cost $245	Go to Site
#6	TPG	TPG nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $79.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $79.99/mth Min. cost $204.94 Go to Site	$79.99/mth Min. cost $204.94	Go to Site
#7	Flip	Flip Unlimited Turbo Boost nbn100 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Promotional pricing - $69/mth for first 4 months then $83.90/mth. Offer ends 30.04.25 $83.90/mth Min. cost $268 Go to Site	$83.90/mth Min. cost $268	Go to Site
#8	iPrimus	iPrimus Premium nbn100 Plan nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $94/mth Min. cost $94 Go to Site	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Go to Site
#9	More	More Fast NBN nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $76.80/mth for first 12 months for CommBank customers, then $86.40/mth ongoing $96/mth Min. cost $265.90 Go to Site	$96/mth Min. cost $265.90	Go to Site

If these plans aren't what you're looking for, try our NBN plans comparison tool and compare prices, speeds, modem/router needs and more.

What's the difference between a modem and router?

As aforementioned, whether you need a modem or a router for your NBN depends on the technology used to connect your house to the broader network. But what's the actual difference?

In short, a modem is the device that actually connects you to the internet. A router is then responsible for sharing an internet connection with the other devices in your home.

Most modems you can buy double as a router, hence the term modem router. Standalone modems are very rare. Standalone routers are pretty common, however.

If you're looking to buy a new modem, the easiest way to tell the difference between a modem and a router is to read the box or product description. A modem router will always be called a modem router. A standalone router won't feature the word "modem" anywhere on the box.

FAQ

Is the NBN connection box a modem?

If you're on a HFC, FTTC, or fixed wireless NBN connection, you'll get an NBN connection box supplied by NBN Co. This acts as your modem. You'll still need a router, however.

Are NBN modems different to ADSL modems?

Yes, ADSL modems are different to NBN modems. The only instance where a modem you're using an ADSL plan may work with the NBN is if you're already using a VDSL2 modem for your ADSL and you've got a FTTN or FTTB connection.

Do I need a router for the NBN?

In every single instance, you'll need a router for your NBN connection. In some cases, the router may be integrated directly into your modem, however.