What is ADSL2+, and is it really faster?

Allowing users to download movies and music in a fraction of the time, ADSL 2+ broadband offers download speeds up to 90 times faster than the old ADSL1 broadband type. Also enabling Internet users to capitalise on much better streaming TV and radio over the net – or participate in data hungry video games – ADSL2+ may cost more, but it’s the smarter choice for many Internet users.

ADSL2+ broadband availability

As with any new technology there is a limited range that ADSL 2+ reaches, although this will continue to expand as demand for faster speeds increase. ADSL 2+ is currently available in most metropolitan areas, such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and it is continually being rolled out in suburban areas. The three companies with most ADSL 2+ infrastructure are Telstra Bigpond, Optus and iiNet. To find the most up to date information on where ADSL 2+ is available, visit our broadband availability check.

What is needed: ADSL2+ broadband hardware

Providers like Telstra and Optus generally offer their own hardware but other vendors (such as Netgear, Linksys and Netcomm) roll out their own compatible modems. One of the main features of the new ADSL 2+ modems is that most will incorporate Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) hardware. If you’ve never heard of VoIP, which allows you to make super cheap calls to landline and mobiles (especially International calls) via your Internet connection, see our section on the VoIP service.

ADSL2+ broadband speed

The speeds of ADSL 2+ are much, much faster than anything previously seen in Australia, with the exception of cable, which has comparable but still slightly slower speeds. Where the first generation of ADSL was capped at 1.5mbps, ADSL 2+ is offered up to speeds of 24mbps. Being at least 15 times faster, ADSL2+ makes it possible for live TV, radio and downloading of files to be done concurrently.

The bottom line: Price of ADSL2+ broadband

So what you really want to know is about price; what is the true cost of the fastest broadband available? Users should keep in mind that you certainly get what you pay for, particularly when it comes to broadband (if you believe that you are not receiving anywhere near the speed you’re paying for, chat to your ISP, or compare broadband plans right here to see if you can switch to a better deal). For ADSL 2+ you can now get plans for as little as $10 per month, with various extra options as price increased. To check out prices, download speeds, data limits and modem options, compare ADSL2+ broadband plans in our comparison tables and see if you’re ready to make the switch to the current top broadband option.