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Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Best Opticomm deals in May 2025: get up to AU$84 off your internet bill
Apartment dwellers, rejoice! If you live in a flat or building complex that's serviced by the Opticomm fibre network, you probably understand the struggle of finding an internet service provider (ISP) that actually supplies Opticomm addresses. But luckily for you, I've put in the hard yakka to find the best Opticomm plans from top-rated Opticomm providers. If you don't know much about the Opticomm fibre network, let me break it down. As of December 2024, 12.54 million properties in Australia — that's more than 90% of the country — access the National Broadband Network (NBN) to connect to the internet. The remaining 10% of homes and businesses connect using NBN alternatives, like 5G internet, or in some cases, a completely separate private fibre network. That's where Opticomm comes into play. Opticomm is one of the larger private fibre networks, supplying its fibre optic infrastructure to most Australian metropolitan areas. Building developers can select to install the network in place of the NBN, with Opticomm fibre often found in newer homes and apartment complexes. At the same time, Opticomm isn't available as an alternative to the NBN for existing residences. Opticomm doesn't sell plans directly to consumers, but that's where the best Opticomm providers come into play, with over 50 partnering with the network to supply internet services. I've compiled a list of the best Opticomm deals available now, ranging from 25Mbps to 1,000Mbps plans. Each offering below has been handpicked for Opticomm properties, so if you don't have an Opticomm connection, you won't be able to take advantage of these great deals. If you're after NBN equivalent plans, you can check out our guide to the best NBN deals for more information. Maximising your savings on your Opticomm internet plan has never been easier. Right now, there are plenty of great Opticomm deals that don't sacrifice service or fast speeds. Already know your preferred speed tier? You can jump to it using the navigation bar. Best for 1-2 person households with light browsing and email checking Superloop | AU$60p/m (for 6 months, then AU$77p/m) Right now, Superloop has the most inexpensive Opticomm 25 option, coming in at AU$60p/m for the first six months before the price increases. Technically, this plan costs the exact same as Exetel's Fibre 25 option. But, considering that Superloop acquired Exetel in 2021, we thought it was only fair that the parent company's offering was our pick of the bunch. Superloop offers super consistent speeds on its fibre plans, reaching 25Mbps during the busy evening hours of 7pm to 11pm. Uploads claim 4Mbps, too, which is fine and dandy for some light social media posting and streaming. Total minimum cost: AU$60 | Total first year cost: AU$822 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$924 Great for up to 4-person households, HD streaming and video calls Exetel | AU$75p/m (for 6 months, then AU$87p/m) Exetel's Fibre 50 plan is very similar to its NBN 50 plan, in that both claim full maximum speeds of 50Mbps and give you the option to bundle a phone line. Where the plans differ, however, is in price, with the Opticomm plan's introductory rate being far more expensive at AU$75p/m (compared to AU$65p/m for Exetel NBN 50). Slashing AU$12p/m off the first six months, you'll save AU$72 when you switch your plan to Exetel. Total minimum cost: AU$75 | Total first year cost: AU$972 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,044 Swoop | AU$69p/m using code UB15 (for 6 months, then AU$84p/m) Advertising maximum speeds of 50Mbps/20Mbps, Swoop's Opticomm 50 plan has been slashed to just AU$69p/m for the first six months using code UB15. Do note, though, that the minimum cost for this plan is AU$168, as it includes an activation fee of AU$99. And in order to sign up for the plan, Swoop's team must qualify if your address is suitable. If you're able to connect to Swoop, though, you'll be in luck as this plan throws in a modem at no added cost, which is a nice touch. Total minimum cost: AU$168 | Total first year cost: AU$918 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,008 Perfect choice for larger families and homes with multiple devices Exetel | AU$82p/m (for 6 months, then AU$95p/m) Exetel's back as a viable option for Opticomm 100 plans, with its offering advertising full 100Mbps downloads during the typical evening hours. Much like its Fibre 50 plan above, you'll save AU$78 over the first 6 months, and you can bundle a PAYG phone line for no extra cost. Total minimum cost: AU$82 | Total first year cost: AU$1,062 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,140 Aussie Broadband | AU$95p/m Advertising 99Mbps downloads and 17Mbps uploads, Aussie Broadband's Opticomm 100/20 plan comes in at AU$95p/m ongoing. You can also bundle a home or mobile phone line alongside your service, starting from AU$10p/m. As a premium provider, you can expect to pay premium prices to connect to ABB's network, and it really shows with this plan. That said, ABB is highly rated among gamers and heavy internet users alike. So, if you find your current provider is lacking in those areas, it could be worth the switch. Total minimum cost: AU$95 | Total yearly cost: AU$1,140 Best option for gamers, streamers and doing almost anything online Superloop | AU$95p/m (for 6 months, then AU$109p/m) Superloop's superfast Fibre plan costs the exact same as its NBN offering, providing incredible value for some seriously fast speeds. Reaching a typical evening speed of 250Mbps, this plan will more than satisfy heavy internet users like gamers, streamers and video callers. And with a total of AU$84 off in the first 6 months, it's a damn good deal too. Total minimum cost: AU$95 | Total first year cost: AU$1,224 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,308 Fastest speeds theoretically available on the Opticomm fibre network Superloop | AU$105p/m (for 6 months, then AU$115p/m) With the second-highest speed claim of 860Mbps, Superloop's deal on its Fibre 1000 plan is hard to beat. With similar speeds and price tag as its NBN counterpart, there's sure to be a similarly fast experience for Opticomm customers. This plan did increase by AU$6p/m, in line with other Superloop plans, however, it still offers some seriously good value for money. Total minimum cost: AU$105 | Total first year cost: AU$1,320 | Yearly cost after discount: AU$1,380 Aussie Broadband | AU$129p/m Reaching the fastest speeds currently advertised for an Opticomm plan, ABB's Opticomm 1000/50 plan claims a massive 875Mbps during evening hours. This mindboggling speed is enough internet for seven or more users with multiple devices, lag-free video calls and UHD/4K streaming. The only caveat here is that it comes with that premium ABB price tag, so if you think you need that Aussie level of service, this is the Opticomm 1000 plan we'd recommend. Total minimum cost: AU$129 | Total yearly cost: AU$1,548 There are over 50 providers that service Opticomm properties. However, not all have the best deals when saving on your internet connection. We've found that a bunch of smaller, lesser-known providers offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to Opticomm plans. Some of our top-rated providers include Superloop, Exetel and Aussie Broadband. Right now, the cheapest Opticomm deals belong to Superloop and Exetel, with both telcos charging the same amount for most plans. The cheapest plan we'd recommend is Superloop's Fibre 25 plan for just AU$60p/m (for 6 months, then AU$77p/m). Currently, Opticomm is only available for new builds and apartment complexes that opt in for the installation of the private fibre network over the NBN. Most Opticomm properties are located in metropolitan areas, like Sydney and Melbourne. There are several private fibre network providers in Australia, including Opticomm and Vocus. Some ISPs also run their own fibre networks (like TPG) in select areas, which are separate to the NBN and Opticomm plans. Opticomm offers the same speed tiers for the most part as the NBN, but there are some limitations on what tier you can purchase based on your location, preferred provider and modem. Opticomm 12 (Basic I): Great for one user with light internet usage, such as browsing and emails. Opticomm 25 (Basic II): Up to 2 users with light browsing, scrolling and streaming. Opticomm 50 (Standard): Ideal for up to 4 users with HD streaming, some online gaming and video calls. Opticomm 100 (Fast): Perfect for larger families with multiple devices, 4K streaming, online gaming and downloading large files. Opticomm 250 (Superfast): Great for heavy internet users with multiple devices, larger households, streaming in 8K and large game patches. Opticomm 1000 (Ultrafast): Fastest speeds available on the Opticomm network.
Belfast Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland is leading the digital revolution
Life moves fast, and now, so does the internet across Northern Ireland. Openreach has just surged ahead in the UK's digital race, reaching an incredible 90pc coverage with Full Fibre broadband. Whether you're streaming your favourite shows, joining video calls, running a business from home, or gaming with friends, this milestone is changing how people live, work and connect, from city centres to the most rural townlands. But how is Northern Ireland leading the way? Levelling the playing field Behind this digital leap is Openreach, the UK's largest wholesale broadband network. Openreach provides the infrastructure that keeps the country connected, supporting over 700 different internet providers, such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and more. That means more choice for you when picking your broadband plan and the power to find one that suits your home, your school, or your business.. Full Fibre is the future of the internet. Unlike older copper cables, this broadband technology uses fibre-optic cables that are faster, more reliable, and ready for whatever the future throws at us, whether it's video calls, remote learning, online businesses, or smart homes. This breakthrough in digital infrastructure is more than just a technical upgrade, it's a full transformation of how Northern Ireland connects. With gigabit speeds and ultrafast fibre-optics, it means faster downloads, fewer glitches, and more people online at the same time without things slowing down. 'We're building for the future' Lauren McGaughey, Acting Director of Openreach Northern Ireland, said this is more than just a number; it's about building something that lasts. 'Reaching 90pc Full Fibre coverage is a significant milestone and reflects our commitment to connecting Northern Ireland to world-class digital infrastructure,' says Lauren. 'We're not just building for today - we're building for the future. 'Our focus is firmly on ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live or work, can benefit from fast, reliable, and sustainable connectivity.' Lauren also pointed out how this new technology is helping people live and work in more flexible ways. That includes enabling more flexible working to driving environmental benefits through reduced commuting. 'Full Fibre is changing the way we live and work - and we're proud to have reached this milestone.' A digital backbone More than 830,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland can now get Full Fibre broadband, and already, 64pc of customers are using it through the Openreach network. That number is expected to rise fast, and Openreach has plans to hit 97pc coverage in the near future. So if you haven't already switched to Full Fibre, there's a good chance it's available right now. And with lots of different internet providers to choose from, you can pick the one that's best for you. Katie Milligan, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer at Openreach, said this milestone puts Northern Ireland at the very top when it comes to digital connectivity. 'We're proud to play a central role in enabling economic growth, attracting investment, and supporting communities right across the region,' says Katie. 'Our continued investment in this digital backbone will keep Northern Ireland connected and competitive for decades to come.' Greener power Building better broadband isn't just about speed, it's also good for the environment. Full Fibre networks use less energy, and they can help people cut down on commuting by working from home. Openreach estimates this could save 300 million commuter trips every year. The company is also switching all of its 29,000 diesel vans to electric by 2030, which is a big step toward a greener future. Northern Ireland is officially winning the broadband race, and it's something to be proud of. From countryside villages to city centres, everyone now has a better shot at fast, reliable, future-proof internet. Lauren McGaughey adds, 'The rollout of this technology is helping to level the playing field between urban centres and rural areas, giving people and businesses more freedom to choose where they operate and grow.' So no matter how you use your broadband, Full Fibre is helping you do it faster, smoother, and greener.
Powys County Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Red tape blocking broadband upgrades
Around one million people risk being digitally excluded because of red tape which is blocking broadband upgrades to flats and apartments, according to a report. Openreach said that as the UK migrates to ultra-fast, ultra-reliable full-fibre broadband, regions across the UK could be 'left behind' on digital connectivity. The company said hundreds of thousands of homes across London could be affected, as well as areas such as the Tees Valley, where its Full Fibre network is now rolled out to more than 40% of premises, but tens of thousands of premises in so-called multi-dwelling units (flats or sub-divided houses), risk missing out. Openreach is backing a campaign to change legislation for families and individuals privately renting properties to be able to gain access to the technology. Clive Selley, Openreach chief executive, said: 'While the majority of homes and businesses in the Tees Valley are going to benefit from our massive investment in transformational broadband technology, tens of thousands of flats are at risk of missing out. 'It's frustrating that we've built our full-fibre network right to the 'front door' of most of these properties but we can't get inside. 'It's possible that some people will be stuck with slower connections for years whilst their neighbours enjoy ultra-fast, ultra-reliable broadband – which research suggests will boost productivity and prosperity.' Openreach said a change in the law would unlock many of the estimated one million premises in UK flats or sub-divided houses where it has built Full Fibre to the door but has not been able to gain access.
Western Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Red tape blocking broadband upgrades
Openreach said that as the UK migrates to ultra-fast, ultra-reliable full-fibre broadband, regions across the UK could be 'left behind' on digital connectivity. The company said hundreds of thousands of homes across London could be affected, as well as areas such as the Tees Valley, where its Full Fibre network is now rolled out to more than 40% of premises, but tens of thousands of premises in so-called multi-dwelling units (flats or sub-divided houses), risk missing out. More Stories Openreach is backing a campaign to change legislation for families and individuals privately renting properties to be able to gain access to the technology. Clive Selley, Openreach chief executive, said: 'While the majority of homes and businesses in the Tees Valley are going to benefit from our massive investment in transformational broadband technology, tens of thousands of flats are at risk of missing out. 'It's frustrating that we've built our full-fibre network right to the 'front door' of most of these properties but we can't get inside. 'It's possible that some people will be stuck with slower connections for years whilst their neighbours enjoy ultra-fast, ultra-reliable broadband – which research suggests will boost productivity and prosperity.' Openreach said a change in the law would unlock many of the estimated one million premises in UK flats or sub-divided houses where it has built Full Fibre to the door but has not been able to gain access.
Evening Standard
30-04-2025
- Business
- Evening Standard
Red tape blocking broadband upgrades
The company said hundreds of thousands of homes across London could be affected, as well as areas such as the Tees Valley, where its Full Fibre network is now rolled out to more than 40% of premises, but tens of thousands of premises in so-called multi-dwelling units (flats or sub-divided houses), risk missing out.
