Naked DSL internet: Everything you don't need to know anymore

Naked DSL was a basic form of broadband connection previously available. It worked on the same principles as ADSL - internet was delivered over your copper phone line - but you didn't need to pay for phone line rental. This made it more affordable when compared to traditional ADSL. 

Naked DSL plans are no longer available; the easiest way for most Australians to get online is now an NBN plan. 

What is Naked DSL?

Naked DSL is ADSL without home phone line rental fees, hence "naked". Instead of using the copper connected to your home to make phone calls, it was just activated for internet. This made it a cheaper option. If you wanted to make phone calls on a Naked DSL connection, you needed to use VoIP.

How fast was Naked DSL?

Naked DSL's maximum theoretical speeds were 24Mbps for download, and 1Mbps for upload. Actual internet speeds were determined by how far a home was from the local exchange (the building where a suburb is connected to the wider internet) and the state of the copper wiring in the street. 

Buildings with 1km of the exchange were typically able to get very good speeds, but after that, speed degradation kicked in. A premise over 3km from an exchange would typically get speeds under 10Mbps. 

Where was Naked DSL available?

Naked DSL was typically only available in metropolitan areas, and all internet service providers offered Naked DSL. Telstra and Optus didn't sell Naked DSL products, for example.

What equipment did Naked DSL internet connection use?

Naked DSL 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 Naked DSL different to NBN?

The NBN was designed to ultimately replace Naked DSL 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 Naked DSL and 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.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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