The End of ADSL in Australia: Why You Need to Upgrade for the NBN
If you're looking for information on ADSL broadband, you may have found that it is no longer available in Australia. The technology that powered the nation's internet for decades is now officially obsolete. This guide explains why ADSL has been phased out, what has replaced it, and what you need to do to connect to Australia's modern broadband network.
What Was ADSL?
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) was a broadband technology that delivered an internet connection over the same copper wire network as your traditional telephone landline (known as the PSTN). It was a major step up from dial-up, offering an "always-on" connection that didn't tie up your phone line.
Why is ADSL Obsolete? The NBN Rollout
The primary reason for the end of ADSL is the nationwide rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN). The NBN is a major upgrade to Australia's telecommunications infrastructure, designed to provide faster and more reliable internet access.
A key part of the NBN rollout was the **decommissioning of the old copper telephone network**. As fibre and other modern technologies were installed in an area, the legacy copper lines that ADSL relied upon were permanently shut down. As of 2025, this transition is complete, and ADSL services are no longer operational.
What Replaced ADSL? Understanding Your NBN Connection
The NBN has replaced the old copper network using a mix of modern technologies. The type of NBN connection you have depends on your location, and it determines the specific equipment you'll need.
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): A fibre optic cable runs directly to your home.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre runs to a neighbourhood cabinet, and the final connection to your home uses the existing copper lines.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Uses the same cable network as cable TV services.
- Other types include: Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fixed Wireless, and Sky Muster™ satellite for regional and remote areas.
What Do I Need for a Modern NBN Connection?
Upgrading from ADSL to the NBN requires a few key components to ensure you get the speed and reliability you're paying for.
1. An NBN-Compatible Modem/Router
Your old ADSL modem will not work on the NBN. You need a modern VDSL2 or WAN-compatible modem/router. This device connects to your NBN service and creates the Wi-Fi network for your home or office.
2. High-Quality Ethernet Cables
To get the full benefit of your NBN speeds, especially for fixed devices like computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, you need high-quality Ethernet cables. Using old or low-quality Cat5 cables can create a bottleneck and slow down your connection. We recommend using at least Cat6 cable for all new installations.
3. Telephone Handsets & Adaptors for VoIP
The NBN uses Voice over IP (VoIP) for phone calls, which means your voice service runs over your internet connection. Your traditional telephone handset will now plug into a designated phone port on your NBN-compatible modem/router, not the old wall socket.
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