Is your NBN plan holding your business back? Learn what speeds you actually need and how to get the most from your connection.
Is Your Internet Fast Enough?
Slow internet is one of the most common complaints we hear from Toowoomba businesses. Video calls drop out, file uploads take forever, and cloud applications feel sluggish. Often the fix is simpler than you'd expect.
Understanding NBN Tiers
The NBN offers several speed tiers for business:
| Tier | Download | Upload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBN 25 | 25 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 1-3 staff, basic email/web |
| NBN 50 | 50 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 3-8 staff, cloud apps |
| NBN 100 | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 8-20 staff, VOIP, video |
| NBN 250/1000 | 250-1000 Mbps | 25-50 Mbps | 20+ staff, heavy cloud use |
The Upload Problem
Most NBN plans have asymmetric speeds — download is fast, but upload is slow. For businesses using cloud backup, video conferencing, or VOIP, upload speed matters enormously. Consider a business-grade plan with higher upload speeds.
Business vs Residential NBN
Business NBN plans typically include:
- Higher upload speeds
- Service Level Agreements (SLA) with faster fault resolution
- Static IP addresses (important for some business applications)
- Priority support
The cost difference is often worth it for businesses that depend on their internet connection.
Getting the Right Setup
Beyond the NBN plan itself, your router and internal network matter. A consumer-grade router from a retail store is often the bottleneck. Downs ICT can assess your entire network — from the NBN connection point to every device on your network — and recommend the right solution.