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, which is included with the plan. 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 two plans:
- 100Mbps downloads and 25Mbps uploads (similar to NBN 100/20)
- 500Mbps downloads and 25Mbps uploads (similar to NBN 500)
TPG FTTB fibre internet plans start at a slightly lower price point than the equivalent NBN plan on the 100Mbps plan, which is around $10-$15 per month cheaper. At the 500Mbps level, they're about the same price after promotional pricing.
Most NBN providers offer discounts lasting six months. TPG's FTTB plans also come with six-month discounts. At the time of writing, they're actually $0 for plan fees for the first six months.
Let's take a closer look at each of the plans TPG offers.
TPG FTTB 100 vs. NBN 100
TPG's next FTTB plan has typical evening download speeds of 91Mbps and 25Mbps typical evening upload speeds. It matches pretty closely with an NBN 100 plan but with slightly lower download speeds.
After the six-month discount ends TPG's private fibre 100Mbps plan is 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 Max vs. NBN 500
This is the fastest speed you can get over TPG's private FTTB connection. TPG has the same maximum theoretical speeds as NBN 500 plan providers.
When its six-month discount ends TPG's FTTB Max plan is about the same price as a full price NBN 500 plan.
Here's TPG's FTTB Max plan.
Here's how this plan compares to the cheapest NBN 500 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.
There used to be a $99.95 setup fee for each time you connect a premises to TPG FTTB, but this has since been removed.
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. TPG's plans are generally much cheaper than the equivalent NBN plan, especially when priced at $0 for the first six months.
However, if it is a matter of pure speed 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.
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
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