What is Speed Boost ?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) offers various speed tiers, each with different download and upload speeds to suit different user needs. Some NBN providers have introduced a new free feature called “speed boost.” This feature allows customers to experience faster NBN speeds by temporarily upgrading to a higher speed tier for a certain number of days at no extra cost.
The aim of the speed boost feature is to encourage customers to consider moving to a faster speed tier permanently. However, the fastest speed tier, NBN1000, typically does not offer this feature because it already provides the maximum possible speeds.
Customers typically receive a set number of days each month during which they can enjoy the speed boost. If they require additional days beyond this allocation, they may be charged an additional fee. Any unused days from the monthly allocation can often be saved and used in the following month, providing flexibility to users who may not need the boost every month.
How Can You Benefit from the Speed Boost Feature?
One advantage of the speed boost feature is that it allows you to sample faster speeds without immediately upgrading to a higher plan. This free trial period lets you experience the difference in your daily online activities, such as streaming videos in 4K, online gaming, or simply working from home more efficiently. By temporarily boosting your speed, you can test how much of a difference it makes in your household before deciding whether it’s worth a permanent upgrade.
If you notice that pages load quicker, your video calls are smoother, and downloading large files takes a fraction of the time, it could be a good sign that upgrading your internet plan is worth the investment. However, if the difference isn’t significant for your usage patterns, you can continue with your current plan without any additional costs. It’s a no-risk way to explore better connectivity.
Request Faster Speeds on Demand and Save on Monthly CostsAnother key benefit of speed boost features is the flexibility to request faster speeds only when you need them. The speed boost feature allows you to increase your internet speed for a day on specific occasions when faster speeds are required. For example, if you’re hosting a virtual event or downloading large work files, you can get that speed boost without upgrading to a more expensive plan month after month.
This pay-as-you-go model can be a great way to balance performance and budget. Rather than locking yourself into a high-speed plan that might exceed your needs, you can boost your speed only when necessary, saving money in the long run. It’s a smart way to get the most out of your internet service without paying for speeds you don’t always need.
Which ISPs offer the speed boosts feature
Exetel
Exetel provides 5 free speed boost days monthly for NBN plans at 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 250 Mbps. Any unused days carry over to your speed boost bank, up to a maximum of 30 days. Additional speed upgrade days can be added for $2 per day. When activating a speed boost, the upgrade is limited to the next tier of speed.
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Superloop
Superloop offers 5 free Speed Boost days each month for NBN 50, NBN 100, and NBN 250 plans. Unused days roll over into your Speed Boost bank, up to a maximum of 30 days. If you’d like additional speed upgrade days, they cost $2 per day. When you activate a Speed Boost, your speed can only be upgraded to the next available speed tier.
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Optus
Optus offers an Internet Turbocharge feature that allows you to upgrade to faster NBN speeds. You can activate this feature through the My Optus app. Unlike some other providers, Optus does not include free speed boosts with their NBN plans. Instead, you can purchase the Turbocharge for $5, which provides faster speeds for 5 days, effectively costing $1 per day.Company | Speed | Price | Data | Highlights |
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