Why can't I get 500/50? nbn speed tiers explained
Australia's nbn speeds jumped in September 2025 — but the fast tiers only exist on some connection types. Here's what your address can actually order.
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The September 2025 speed jump
In September 2025, nbn accelerated its main speed tiers: the 100/20 tier became 500/50, the 250/25 tier became 750/50, the 1000/50 tier gained double the upload, and a new 2000 Mbps 'Hyperfast' tier arrived. Customers already on those tiers were sped up automatically — no new contract, no visit.
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The catch: fast tiers need fibre or cable
The accelerated tiers — including our NBN 500/50 plan — are only available on FTTP (full fibre) and HFC (cable) connections. That's just over 9 million Australian premises, but not all of them. If your home connects by FTTN, FTTB or FTTC, the copper in the line physically can't carry those speeds.
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What copper connections can order
FTTN, FTTB and FTTC homes top out at the 100/40 tier, and on FTTN the real-world speed also depends on how far you are from the node — some lines comfortably hold 100, others can't. We'll tell you honestly what your line can carry before you pay for anything.
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Stuck on copper? You may get fibre for free
Most FTTN and FTTC addresses are now eligible for a free upgrade to full fibre (FTTP) when ordering a higher-speed plan. The swap involves an nbn technician visit and new equipment, and it permanently unlocks the fast tiers. Ask us to check your address — if you're eligible, we'll organise it as part of your order.
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Fixed Wireless and satellite have their own tiers
Regional Fixed Wireless has its own speed tiers (recently upgraded, with the fastest reaching several hundred megabits in good conditions), and Sky Muster satellite plans have separate speeds and data allowances. If you're on either, the wired tiers above don't apply — but alternatives like 4G/5G home internet or Starlink might, and we'll compare them for you.
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What we do before you order
Your account manager checks your address against the nbn network, confirms your connection type and the fastest tier it genuinely supports, flags any free fibre upgrade, and only then recommends a plan. If 500/50 isn't available at your place, you'll know before you commit — not after.