The digital landscape in Australia is poised for a significant transformation this September, with nbn unleashing its groundbreaking 2Gbps “Home Hyperfast” speed tier alongside anticipated speed enhancements across its existing 100Mbps, 250Mbps, and 1Gbps plans. Leading the charge in preparation, Australian internet service provider Leaptel has been diligently working behind the scenes, conducting extensive real-world testing and implementing crucial network upgrades to ensure customers are ready to harness this unprecedented level of residential internet performance, slated for launch on September 14th.
Early trials conducted by Leaptel’s team have yielded remarkable results, offering a tantalising glimpse into the potential of the new Home Hyperfast service. In one notable test, download speeds soared to an impressive 2100Mbps, accompanied by upload speeds of 190Mbps. This represents a staggering leap in capability, with download speeds exceeding the current national average for fixed-line connections by over twentyfold. However, Leaptel’s comprehensive testing extended beyond mere peak performance figures, focusing on understanding the practicalities of delivering and optimising these ultra-fast speeds for everyday users.
The findings from Leaptel’s rigorous testing underscore the continued importance of connection type and device capabilities. Notably, direct-wired connections, particularly those utilising devices equipped with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, consistently unlocked the full potential of the 2 Gbps speed tier. While wireless technology continues to evolve, the tests revealed that routers leveraging the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, when paired with compatible devices, demonstrated significantly enhanced wireless speeds, bringing them much closer to the coveted 2Gbps mark. Conversely, older devices lacking support for Wi-Fi 7 were unable to fully capitalise on the high-speed connection wirelessly, highlighting the need for updated hardware to truly experience the benefits.
In anticipation of the increased bandwidth demands, Leaptel has embarked on a significant nationwide network upgrade initiative. Recognising the critical role of its connection points to the nbn network, spanning all 121 Points of Interconnect (POIs) across Australia, the company is proactively increasing the capacity of these vital backbone links from 3Gb to a substantial 10Gb. This undertaking is already well underway, with 20 POIs already upgraded, and a target set to upgrade the 50 busiest POIs by June 30th. This substantial investment in network infrastructure underscores Leaptel’s commitment to delivering consistent and reliable performance for its customers, even during peak usage periods.
To ensure a seamless transition for customers looking to embrace the new Home Hyperfast speeds, Leaptel has provided guidance on necessary preparations. For Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) customers, nbn will facilitate a straightforward upgrade by replacing the existing Network Termination Device (NTD) with a new model, available in both 1-port and 4-port versions, designed for easy installation within the existing setup. Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) customers will also receive a new NTD, specifically equipped with a crucial 2.5Gb Ethernet port to accommodate the higher speeds. Crucially, for all customers aiming to maximise their experience, Leaptel strongly advises investing in a Wi-Fi 7-capable router. Furthermore, it’s important to note that only newer devices featuring either 2.5Gb Ethernet ports or Wi-Fi 7 support will be capable of fully leveraging the unprecedented speeds offered by the new tier.
As the September 14th launch date draws nearer, Leaptel’s proactive approach, encompassing thorough testing and significant infrastructure investment, underscores its dedication to empowering Australian households with next-generation internet capabilities. With a focus on both speed and reliability, and supported by their Australian-based customer service team, Leaptel is poised to help users navigate this exciting new era of connectivity.
Good news! Australia is finally getting back on track with fast internet 😀