How to Choose the Best Business Internet Solution: 5G vs. NBN

Businesses comparing 5G and NBN don’t always need to choose one over the other. Each has its own strengths — 5G delivers flexibility and fast speeds, while NBN offers stability and consistent performance. For many organisations, the best approach is to use both: NBN for dependable everyday operations and 5G as a powerful backup or to support mobile teams. Together, they can give your business the best of both worlds, keeping you connected no matter the circumstances.

This article will help you understand the differences between 5G and NBN, explore when each works best, and show how they can complement each other for optimal business connectivity.

Understanding 5G and NBN for Business Use

Business internet solutions work through different technologies. Each technology comes with its own advantages that match specific business needs. You need to understand these differences to pick the right internet connection for your business.

Connection Type: Wireless 5G vs Fixed-Line NBN

The main difference between 5G and NBN is how they connect you to the internet. 5G broadband works through wireless technology that links to mobile networks. It works just like your smartphone's connection, but is optimised for fixed locations. You won't need physical cables running into your building, which makes it simple to set up and use.

NBN mostly works through fixed-line connections with various technologies. Your business will need a physical wired connection to the internet unless you're using Fixed Wireless or Satellite NBN. The setup uses fibre-optic cables, copper lines, or mixed solutions based on where you are and what type of NBN you can get.

5G gives you great flexibility if you need quick setup or temporary locations. Your business can be up and running in weeks instead of waiting for fixed infrastructure installation.

Technology Overview: Mobile Towers vs Fibre Infrastructure

5G works through mobile towers that use advanced radio frequencies to send data. Your 5G modem picks up signals from nearby towers and turns them into WiFi for your devices. The mobile network keeps growing and is concentrated mostly in capital cities.

NBN uses different types of infrastructure:

• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) – Direct fibre connection that provides the most reliable business-grade connection
• FTTN (Fibre to the Node) – Fibre runs to a neighbourhood node, then copper to your building
• HFC (Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial) – Mixed fibre and coaxial cable technology
• FTTC (Fibre to the Curb) – Fibre goes to the street, then copper takes it to you

NBN Co has also invested in upgrading Fixed Wireless networks, adding 5G technology to improve speeds.

Business Use Cases: Remote Work, VoIP, and Cloud Services

Your specific business needs will determine whether 5G or NBN works better. NBN typically gives better stability for offices that need steady connections, especially those using VoIP systems and cloud-based tools. Fixed-line NBN connections deliver more predictable performance for critical business applications.

Businesses that use lots of cloud services often prefer NBN's upload speeds. This makes a difference when you're uploading large files or running video conferences.

5G shines for businesses that need to move around or set up temporarily. Construction sites, pop-up shops, and mobile businesses can make use of 5G's flexibility without losing performance. 5G's low latency works well for live applications like video calls and some cloud services.

Many businesses end up using both solutions — NBN as their main connection and 5G as backup. This two-network approach gives you excellent protection against failures.

Speed and Latency: 5G vs NBN Internet Performance

Your business requirements determine which connectivity solution works best. 5G and NBN deliver strong speeds, but the results depend on various factors.

NBN's biggest advantage is consistency, with speeds staying more stable during high-usage periods compared to 5G.

Upload capabilities are also important for businesses using cloud services, video conferencing, or transferring large files. NBN generally offers better upload speeds, especially at higher tiers.

Both technologies work well for VoIP systems and video conferencing. NBN might work better for mission-critical applications.

Factors that affect consistent performance include:

• Physical obstacles and weather (for 5G)
• Distance to the nearest tower (for 5G)
• Connection type (FTTP has lower latency than FTTN)
• Network congestion,

You can see more examples of 5G-as-failover in our 5G for Business resources.

Businesses needing stable, predictable performance might prefer NBN's consistency, even though 5G offers potentially higher but more variable speeds.

Reliability and Network Stability

Environmental Impact: Weather and Congestion

Both technologies react differently to external factors. NBN fixed-line options are more reliable than 5G wireless connections when facing environmental disruptions. Bad weather and physical barriers can weaken 5G signals.

5G networks can also be affected by congestion when too many users connect to the same mobile tower during peak times.

NBN fixed-line connections, especially FTTP, handle environmental factors better. Fibre-optic cables are immune to weather-related electromagnetic interference, keeping your business internet stable regardless of conditions.

Connection Consistency: Fibre vs Wireless

NBN speeds stay consistent throughout the day, even during busy periods. FTTP provides the most reliable performance among NBN technologies, with HFC as the second-best.

5G speeds can vary depending on usage and signal strength. Businesses that need consistent bandwidth find NBN easier to plan around.

Business Continuity: Downtime Risks and Failover Options

Both technologies can experience outages. Using just one connection type leaves you vulnerable. A smart approach is to use two different connection types — for example, NBN as your main connection with 5G as backup. This removes single points of failure and ensures your business stays connected during outages.

With Cradlepoint, failover between NBN and 5G happens in seconds, so there’s no disruption to calls, cloud services, or transactions.

Availability and Installation Considerations

Coverage

The coverage difference between these technologies is significant. NBN is available across the country, including many regional and remote areas. 5G is more common in major cities and urban areas, though it continues to expand.

NBN provides more consistent nationwide availability for businesses with multiple locations, especially in regional areas.

Installation Time: Plug-and-Play vs Technician Setup

5G home internet setup is straightforward — you just plug in a compatible modem and connect to power.

NBN setup often involves:

• FTTP/HFC connections: May need technicians, cabling, and multiple visits
• FTTN connections: Uses existing phone lines for faster installation

5G offers same-day setup in most cases. NBN installation times depend on technician availability and setup complexity.

Scalability: Multi-Location and Remote Teams

5G offers portability for businesses with changing space needs or remote workers. You can move your modem to a new location if coverage exists there.

NBN delivers reliable fixed connections at each site but needs a new installation for every location.

Many businesses choose a hybrid approach — using NBN for headquarters and 5G for satellite offices or backup.

Cost and Value for Business

Plan Pricing: 5G vs NBN Business Plans

Monthly expenses vary depending on the plan and provider. While some 5G plans can offer strong value for certain speeds, NBN plans often come with benefits like static IP addresses and unlimited data.

Hardware and Setup Costs

Most 5G providers supply modems with minimal or no upfront fees, and setup is straightforward. Properties without NBN infrastructure may find 5G more budget-friendly than paying installation fees for NBN.

Long-Term Value: Static IP, Data Caps, and Support

Value goes beyond the monthly fee. NBN plans often include unlimited data and static IP addresses, which can be important for hosting and secure connections. NBN's consistent pricing structure also helps with budgeting.

5G can deliver strong long-term value through its portability, rapid scalability, and ability to serve as both a primary and backup connection. For businesses with changing location needs, seasonal operations, or mobile teams, 5G eliminates the costs and delays of new fixed-line installations. As networks expand, its coverage and reliability will only improve — making it an increasingly viable investment for the future.

How MobileCorp Can Help

At MobileCorp, we work with Australian businesses to design internet solutions that meet their operational needs. Whether you’re looking at 5G, NBN, or a hybrid approach, we:

• Assess your location and infrastructure for optimal performance
• Deliver business-grade 5G and NBN services through our carrier partnerships, including the solutions outlined in 5G for Business
• Configure and manage your network for maximum reliability and security
• Provide ongoing support so your business stays online

If you’re ready to choose the right internet solution for your business, our team can guide you from selection to installation.