We are not short on options these days for our home Internet service. Many of us are still using ADSL2+ Internet. But in recent years, you may have upgraded to the NBN for the promise of faster, more reliable connections. And then there are other people using cable or satellite Internet services.
It might seem confusing to hear that there is yet another type of Internet connection to consider, but it might be the most simple, consumer-friendly type of Internet connection yet.
Just as new mobile phones can make use of 5G telephony, these same 5G networks are also being used for home Internet.
From a user-experience point of view, setting up a 5G Internet connection in the home couldn't be easier. Gone are the days you needed a technician to visit your home to install the connection. Similarly, you won't need to wait for the connection to be activated. Instead, it is as easy as taking the wireless modem out of the box and inserting the SIM card provided to you by your Internet provider.
That's it. Installation is done in less than a minute. After that, it's a matter of connecting your wifi-enabled devices to the modem - just as you would with any new Internet connection.
The great thing about a 5G connection is that it is exceptionally fast. Most NBN plans offer 25mbps or 50mbps, or 100mbps. You can get up to 250mbps if you want to spend quite a bit on it each month. But with 5G? It varies from provider to provider, but right now, Telstra is promoting 5G home Internet speeds of 378mbps.
The pricing is highly competitive. That 378mbps (megabits per second) speed Telstra was advertising would set you back $85 per month, which is the same it charges for their 50mbps plan. That's over 7x faster speed for the same amount of money.
You're right to be a bit sceptical. Your Internet connection can be established quickly, and many users will have no problem. It is also true that the speeds are very impressive and the price is comparatively good.
But… it's still a new technology, and telecommunications companies haven't upgraded many of their towers to deliver 5G home Internet. You'll find it is available in many metropolitan areas, and the roll-out is underway.
Telcos are reluctant to offer 5G to anyone and everyone just yet - they don't want to disappoint/frustrate customers by selling an experience that doesn't meet expectations.
Most telcos will sell it to customers in areas where they can guarantee a service of 50mbps or more.
Recently, National Seniors Communications Manager, Dan Barrett, had 5G set up in his new home and found the experience was mixed: "I was moving into a new house, but had the modem delivered to my old address. Optus said they don't service that area but plugged it in any way. I was happily surprised to receive speeds of 499mbps. Very impressive. But in my new home, which Optus says it will service, I've been lucky to get 100mbps. Still good, but after you've had 499mbps, it is hard not to be disappointed."
To get that speed, Barrett had to get creative. "My modem is precariously balanced on a box of Lego in my back room next to a window. If I move it anywhere in the house, my speed drops by half. It is like walking around the living room with an indoor TV antenna hoping to get the best signal".
With faster speeds and a similar price to existing plans, there is a compelling argument to make the switch. But as with anything like this, it comes down to the user and their needs.
Something worth keeping in mind: do you need the speed? For most home users, the benefit of faster speeds is seen with streaming video. If you are streaming video to a TV screen as you watch iView, YouTube, Netflix or other leading streaming services, you'll find that a faster speed will reduce buffering and give you the ability to stream in 4K. If your TV supports it. But if all you are doing with your Internet is some casual browsing and reading your email, faster speeds are likely unnecessary.
Whether you decide that you want to upgrade your home connection to 5G or not, it might be worth taking the time to verify that you are getting the best value for money from your current Internet (and phone) plan. If it has been a while since you paid attention to it, you may find you are paying more money for slower speeds.
