Can FTTB mean two separate things?

auskck8293 on 20/11/2020 - 23:50

Hi all,

I am from overseas and completely new to the Australian ISP market. My family is moving to a different city, and I was given the job of figuring out the best ISP for our new apartment. I searched old deal/forum posts to learn what I can from old discussions, and I am even more confused by all the different technologies that limit certain plans for certain dwellings.

I eventually stumbled on whistleout.com.au and entered our new address. This image shows the results page of deals I get. It says that NBN is available for the address, with fixed line connection and FTTB technology.

I would love to get the iinet ultra broadband deal. However, when I click on the "go to site" and enter my address at iiNet, it tells me that only NBN plans are available at my apartment.

Is FTTB shown on whistleout a different thing from what's shown on iinet? Am I limited from all ISP deals outside of NBN?

Any help/insight into the topic is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Internet Broadband nbn

Comments

  • triviums on 21/11/2020 - 00:02
    +4

    iinet FTTB is a private network owned by its parent company TPG and NBN is a private network owned by the Australian government. You are limited to the network that is connected to your apartment. In most cases, but not all this is NBN.

    These are some of the other private networks that exist in Australia: OptiComm, LBNCo, and OPENetworks. Most Australians do not have access to these private networks, they only have access to NBN.

    • auskck8293 on 21/11/2020 - 00:09

      Thanks for the reply!

      So does that mean that whistleout is suggesting plans that are not applicable to my particular unit/building?

      • triviums on 21/11/2020 - 00:12

        Not at all, whistleout is providing the right information.

        EDIT:
        actually it is, I just put in an apartment building address into whistleout and its showing that it can connect to iinet FTTB when I know it can't.

        • auskck8293 on 21/11/2020 - 00:26

          ahh okay.. I was hoping it was the other way around.

          I'll live chat with a rep from iiNet tomorrow just to make sure. That Ultra Broadband FTTB deal is too good and I'm sad it's not available for me.

      • trex on 21/11/2020 - 00:19

        Take a closer look at your screen capture, I think the Ultra Broadband listing is actually an Ad made to look like it is a result.

        • auskck8293 on 21/11/2020 - 00:24
          +1

          I've removed the ads and all the FTTB boradband deals still show up as best results for me

          screenshot: https://imgur.com/a/NHsWXXA

        • triviums on 21/11/2020 - 00:25
          +3

          I was successfully able to replicate what the OP is seeing and they are definitely not Ads. Whistleout is providing the wrong information.

  • trex on 21/11/2020 - 00:10
    +2

    FTTB = Fibre To The Building, it is one of many types of NBN connection. If your building only has NBN connection, then shop around for NBN plans offered by ISPs.

    edit : found the iiNet Ultra Broadband FTTB that you meant. It uses FTTB technology but is not part of NBN.

    • auskck8293 on 21/11/2020 - 00:21

      Thanks for the reply :)

      I found the page on their website as well, but when I enter in my address, the page gets redirected to NBN plans, saying that Ultra Broadband FTTB deals are not available for me.

      • trex on 21/11/2020 - 00:28

        Not a bad thing. Under NBN, your building might be using FTTB anyway and you are free to choose any ISPs you want.

        • auskck8293 on 21/11/2020 - 00:31

          NBN website lists all about 3 pages worth of ISP providers I can choose from.

          It's just that fast internet speeds (+60Mbps) + unlimited data is all around $80 per month for NBN deals of these ISP providers :/

          • trex on 21/11/2020 - 00:34

            @auskck8293: I've been with Internode FTTP for 8 years now. They have a promo for $59.99 for 6 months and $79.99 thereafter on their 50/20 plan. Internode is owned by iiNet.

            • auskck8293 on 21/11/2020 - 00:45

              @trex: if I don't have a modem, would you recommend I buy my own? We don't have TV, and we'll just be using Chromecast with a projector.

              What should I be looking for with modems?

              Sorry for the questions. I always liked and was interested in computers, but network/internet related things are lost on me.

              • trex on 21/11/2020 - 01:36

                @auskck8293: Yes buying your own is recommended. Ones supplied by ISP is usually not the best around. Asus is a reliable brand, I’ve been using it without issues. Which model depends on the NBN connection available.

              • follow on 21/11/2020 - 09:11

                @auskck8293: for your use case, just use the isp provided one. if you join belong on their cheapest plan (advertised as 35Mbps though many are getting the full 50) for $55/month, you are given a modem. though you get put on a 12 month contract

              • Twix on 21/11/2020 - 11:51
                -1

                @auskck8293: iinet sell the TP-Link Archer VR600v. It will work fine for an apartment.

                iinet settings

  • serpserpserp on 21/11/2020 - 12:05
    +2

    Fibre To The Bum.

    • Switchblade88 on 21/11/2020 - 12:34

      Promoting healthy digestive systems!

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