For a while there, Starlink looked like the only way to get decent internet speeds in regional Australia. Plenty of homes and businesses jumped, and fair enough. But the nbn® Fixed Wireless network has just finished a major upgrade, and it’s quietly changed everything with faster plans, wider coverage, steadier video calls, and a smoother path for regional businesses that live on cloud tools and VoIP.
What actually changed and why it matters
nbn® has completed a $750m upgrade to the Fixed Wireless network, lifting capacity across more than 2,300 towers. Around 800,000 premises can now access faster speeds, and 120,000+ locations that were satellite-only can newly connect via Fixed Wireless.
Two new higher-speed Fixed Wireless tiers - Home Fast (200–250 Mbps down / 8–20 Mbps up, wholesale) and Superfast (400 Mbps down / 10–40 Mbps up, wholesale) - join an improved Fixed Wireless Plus (now up to 100/20 Mbps wholesale). Availability varies by location and provider, but the step-up is substantial.
Fixed Wireless vs Starlink: What you feel day to day
Specs are nice, but your team doesn’t experience specs. They experience the little freezes on Zoom, the upload that stalls at 92%, the EFTPOS terminal that hesitates right when there’s a queue. Both Starlink (LEO satellite) and nbn® Fixed Wireless can post impressive download numbers, but they behave differently in real time.
Here’s how that difference shows up Monday to Friday - on video calls, in uploads, and in everyday latency you can (or can’t) plan around..
Video calls & live collaboration
The LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites that Starlink relies on can be quick on paper, but it hands off between satellites periodically. Those handovers introduce latency spikes and what a lot of users call a ‘jitter’, the tiny freezes you notice on Zoom or Teams. Fixed Wireless doesn’t have orbital handovers, so calls feel steadier and more predictable.
Uploads for business
If your work involves cloud backups, CCTV, remote desktop, or VoIP, then upload matters as much as download. The upgraded Fixed Wireless tiers bring stronger, more consistent upload capacity than many satellite setups, exactly what small businesses and hybrid teams need.
Latency you can plan around
Even with LEO, satellite paths add variability that real-time tools notice. Fixed Wireless connects to a nearby tower, which generally means lower, steadier latency better for video meetings, POS devices, RDP, and anything interactive.
If gaming is your main use, Starlink can be fine. If you’re running a business, consistency usually beats a flashy download number.
“Didn’t Fixed Wireless used to be… not great?”
Yes, but thankfully the upgrade program has increased capacity, expanded coverage, and introduced higher speed tiers. If you tried Fixed Wireless years ago and bounced, it’s worth a fresh look now that the network uplift is complete.
Do I need new gear and what will it cost?
In many cases, moving to the upgraded experience is straightforward. Some premises may need an equipment swap. For example, a new outdoor antenna or connection box.
Eligibility and costs depend on your provider and location. Some providers absorb upgrade costs. Others may pass through charges.
At My Net, we’ll check your exact address and outline your options before anything changes.
When Starlink still makes sense
If you’re well outside the Fixed Wireless footprint, or you’re building a secondary failover link, Starlink can still play a role. But for most regional addresses now covered by the expanded Fixed Wireless network, it’s the better option as it offers:
- steadier calls
- stronger uploads
- simpler support
Conclusion: Choose stability you can feel
If Starlink got you through the patchy years, credit where it’s due. But with nbn® Fixed Wireless now upgraded, the better everyday experience comes from the tower near you, not a satellite overhead.
For most regional homes and businesses, Fixed Wireless is the smart primary link. Starlink can stay on as a solid backup if you need it.
Make the switch without the guesswork with My Net. We’ll confirm Fixed Wireless availability and the best speed tier at your location. We also help to find a plan that will suit your actual workflow (VoIP, POS, cloud, CCTV) and outline any gear changes that may be required.
Get smoother internet, minus the satellite hiccups. Contact My Net to book your Fixed Wireless eligibility check today.
