Tuesday 26 Sept 2023 | 3 min read
What is Opticomm internet?
Written by Sarah Edwards, Communications Officer
Opticomm is one of Australia’s largest alternatives to the National Broadband Network (nbn®). They build, operate, and maintain their own fixed line telecommunications network.
As a wholesale provider, they sell their plans to providers like Aussie Broadband, who then offer them to customers.
Who is Opticomm?
Opticomm is owned by the Uniti Group, an Adelaide-based telco company that manages some of the largest networks in Australia independent from the NBN.
How does Opticomm work?
Just like NBN, their infrastructure system provides the physical cables that connect you to the internet. Think of it as ‘internet highways’ for data to travel on. These highways are made of fibre optic cables, which are capable of transmitting data at very high speeds.
Also, like NBN, Opticomm doesn’t sell its internet service directly to the customer. Instead, they rent out their infrastructure to various internet service providers (ISPs). These ISPs then offer retail internet plans to their customers.
Technology types
The main difference is the technology used. Opticomm mostly uses Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) to connect houses to their network. They also have alternative connections that use VDSL, but these aren’t supported by Aussie Broadband – we only support Opticomm’s FTTP services at the moment.
‘Network Termination Device’ or ‘Optical Network Terminal’?
In properties where fibre is installed, the Network Termination Device is instead known as the Optical Network Terminal (ONT). This device is where the fibre leading up to the building stops, or ‘terminates’, and connects to your modem or router. Often, the ONT is also where the Free-to-air and Pay TV is connected as well.
It’s important to note where the ONT is located in your property when you’re setting up your router to connect your internet service – you can usually find the ONT fixed to the wall under a plastic cover, or sometimes it might be inside a communications cabinet.
Who can get Opticomm?
Most of the Opticomm network is built with fibre technology, which means you likely have some sweet download speeds! But, the downside to this is that their reach is much smaller than NBN.
Typically, you’ll find Opticomm in new or recently developed housing estates, while NBN is available to most well-established neighbourhoods.
If your property has been connected to Telstra Velocity, the infrastructure will become a part of the Opticomm network. This means that once these upgrades have been completed in your area, you will be able to sign up to plans offered by Opticomm ISPs. For more information on this, head over to their official website.
Check your address to see if Opticomm is available at your address by clicking here.
Opticomm vs nbn® - are they the same?
They both provide internet services and infrastructure, but NBN and Opticomm are two different operators who have their own separate networks.
You generally won’t have both installed at your property. In some instances, you might have the option to connect to either, but you will have to pick one.
If you are on the NBN network, you don’t need to worry about Opticomm.
And if you are on the Opticomm network, you don’t need to worry about NBN.
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