By Ned McRae
NBN is the most popular broadband network in Australia, working as a worthy replacement for copper wires and cable broadband that have been in use for decades. However, it is not the only broadband connection type in the country. While NBN is the most widely used and readily available connection type, there is also Local Broadband Network (LBN), for anyone in dire need of internet connections.
Local Broadband Network (LBN), stands out as a premium competitor to the notable NBN. LBN leverages state-of-the-art optic technology. However, its connection is quite limited.
Unlike NBN connections that can be found anywhere around Australia, LBN connections are mostly limited to multi apartments and retirement homes. Amid the differences in LBN vs NBN tussle, it is essential to note that all of them are wholesale networks. This means that LBN can sell its infrastructure to an internet service provider who, in return, sells to customers, as is the case with NBN connections.
LBN vs NBN's main difference stems from ownership. NBN is government-owned, while a private company independently owns LBN. While the NBN plan is available nationally, LBN tends to offer a much more tailored service whereby the private company focuses on the stability and reliability of the internet connection. Conversely, customers are always guaranteed superfast internet connections that are relatively stable.
In contrast, NBN pays more emphasis on affordability and access. NBN tends to be readily available as a cheaper option.
Here are the key differences between LBN and NBN:
| LBN | NBN | |
|---|---|---|
Availability | Limited Availability and providers | Nationwide availability |
Congestion | Less Congestion | Service quality depends on connection type |
Average Speed | Super-fast average speeds | Slightly slower average speeds |
Gigabit Internet Option | No Gigabit internet option | Gigabit internet option available |
Pricing | Priced slightly higher | Affordable NBN plans |
An important factor in the LBN vs NBN comparison is speed. LBN Plan tends to offer faster internet connection because it relies on 'fibre to the premises (FTTP) and 'fibre to the home FTTH connections. The ultra-fast internet speeds beamed by the LBN modem compared to NBN are also made possible by the fact that LBN is only available on a small number of premises.
The limited number of people or devices connected to the network always ensures a superfast internet connection. However, despite the high internet speeds always on offer, the limited number of service providers to offer the connections means it is beyond the reach of most people. In contrast, NBN is readily available with SpinTel and other Internet service providers guaranteeing reliable connection and speed.
Currently, NBN is the preferred broadband connection type for most Australians, with LBN also available in select locations where there is a need for high-speed internet connections. However, as technology evolves, NBN and LBN could soon be replaced as the need for fast and reliable internet connections heats up.
LBN, which offers a bespoke fiber network that achieves less congestion and higher speeds, poses one of the biggest threats to NBN connections. It also provides tier plans that range between 12 to 250Mbps, which exceeds many of the NBN plans on offer in the market. However, LBN does not offer gigabit-speed plans, with NBN offering connections of up to 1Gbps to select customers.
While NBN and LBN are the main broadband connections, their future depends greatly on the country's 5G infrastructure development. 5G connections in Australia are on the rise, with suggestions that 5G mobile could soon eat into the NBN and LBN market share and become the preferred mode of connection.
The growing popularity has to do with the fact that 5G is wireless and mobile, which means people remain connected regardless of location. In contrast, NBN and LBN are fixed to a single location, presenting connection challenges in some places.
Smartphone and tablet use is on the rise in Australia and is a key driver of mobile traffic data. As the need for data on the go increases, demand for superfast internet connections such as the one offered by SpinTel 5G connections is expected to increase, which is a big disadvantage to NBN and LBN, which cannot be used while on the go.
The revolutionary 5G is demystifying the LBN vs NBN tussle as it does not suffer from any capacity issues. In addition, 5G technology offers much faster speeds than conventional fixed broadband services provided by the two broadband services.
If the prices of 5G connections continue declining, the number of people moving from NBN and LBN connections to 5G is expected to increase significantly. However, 5G is not expected to replace NBN and LBN completely.
The need for LBN and NBN connections will always be there. The two broadband networks come with a much larger capacity than wireless networks like 5G. The networks are also less prone to congestion issues. For instance, there is a limit on how many 5G home internet services service providers can sell per postcode to ensure optimal performance for every customer.
5G tends to be much faster because of the use of higher frequency radio bands used to deliver signals. Most of the bands have a larger capacity, therefore carrying more data over the airwaves than the typical fiber optic on NBN and LBN connections.
In addition, 5G relies on radio towers to deliver wireless internet to mobile devices. The use of base stations allows SpinTel and other ISPs to provide fast internet speeds at a much quicker response time. A move by the telecommunication companies to decentralize their networks using edge computing technology is expected to make 5G more flexible and adaptable to many uses.
LBN vs NBN is not the only tussle for supremacy when it comes to internet speeds and reliability. Prior to the emergence of 5G technology, cable internet, LBN and NBN were the primary modes of connection.
With a cable connection, a coaxial cable usually runs to the home to offer an internet connection leveraging the same technology as the one used on TV services. Customers on cable connections have to contend with maximum speeds of up to 30Mbps, which can decrease significantly whenever the house is far away from the node or during peak hours when more users are connected to the node.
In contrast, NBN and LBN connections leverage a fiber optic cable that delivers much faster and more consistent internet speeds regardless of how far one is from SpinTel or any other Internet service provider. With Fibre to the Premises, FTTP speeds on LBN and NBN connections reach highs of 250Mbps.
When it comes to LBN vs NBN, NBN connections are increasingly providing Australian residents and business owners access to internet speeds with superior performance. SpinTel has already carved a niche offering some of the best deals on NBN connections that are not only super fast but also reliable and congestion free. Get your NBN plan today!
