If you live in a large household where streaming is a daily activity (like many households these days, right?), it’s likely that you need a high-speed NBN plan. That’s because the bigger the household, the more devices and users are competing for bandwidth. A basic NBN plan just won’t suffice.
Depending on your situation, unlimited NBN plans might just be what you need. These plans are the perfect solution for large, data-heavy households, ensuring there’s no shortage of bandwidth for everyone.
Why Streaming Requires More Than Just Basic Internet
Streaming services have changed the way we enjoy content. What used to be a special movie night has become the primary source of entertainment for many households. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ now dominate our screens, offering a seemingly endless array of shows, movies, and videos—often in high definition (HD) or even 4K.
Streaming in HD already consumes a lot of bandwidth, and 4K takes it to a whole new level. Without enough bandwidth, you may experience constant buffering, lagging, or poor-quality streams, even with a decent connection.
For example, streaming in 4K can use up to 7GB per hour, depending on the service and the type of content. This is a substantial amount of data for a household to handle, especially if there are several devices streaming at the same time.
Benefits of Unlimited NBN Plans for Large Streaming Households
Endless Data for Non-Stop Streaming
The biggest advantage of unlimited NBN plans is the freedom they provide. You can forget about hitting your data cap in the middle of a binge-watching session. With unlimited NBN plans, you can stream all day, every day, on multiple devices without the worry of running out of data or facing throttling.
No More Buffering or Slowdowns
Buffering can ruin any movie night—unless your plan is unlimited, and you’ll experience fewer interruptions from slow speeds or congestion during peak times. Everyone can stream without hassle!
Better Quality, Multiple Streams
Unlimited NBN plans allow you to stream in 4K on several devices without sacrificing quality. Imagine watching a movie on TV while the kids play video games and your partner browses the web—without any slowdowns. It’s all about seamless, uninterrupted streaming, even with multiple streams happening simultaneously.
Cost-Effectiveness
For households that heavily depend on streaming, switching to an unlimited NBN plan can actually be more economical over time. Instead of incurring extra charges for additional data or dealing with throttled speeds, an unlimited plan guarantees you always have what you need without any surprise costs.
How to Choose the Best Unlimited NBN Plan for Your Streaming Needs
Understanding NBN Speed Tiers
Selecting the right NBN plan is crucial for an optimal streaming experience. The NBN provides various speed tiers, from Standard to Superfast. Each tier affects your ability to stream content, download files, or browse the internet efficiently.
- Standard (25 Mbps) – Suitable for smaller households with light streaming needs
- Fast (50 Mbps) – Ideal for medium-sized families who stream in HD or enjoy a few 4K sessions.
- Superfast (100 Mbps or more) – Perfect for large households streaming in 4K, gaming online, and using multiple devices simultaneously.
Matching Your Household’s Streaming Habits
Think about the number of people in your household and how frequently they stream. If it’s just you and one other person, you may not require the highest tier. But if you have teenagers and young kids all streaming on different devices, you’ll need a plan that can handle the load.
The Importance of Unlimited Data
Having a plan with unlimited data is vital to prevent unexpected data overage charges or throttling. Streaming consumes a significant amount of bandwidth, and you don’t want to be caught off guard after binge-watching all your favourite shows for the week.
How to Optimise Your Home Internet for Large-Scale Streaming
- Upgrade your equipment – Older routers may struggle with the multiple devices and high speeds required for seamless streaming. In such cases, you need a modern router.
- Go Ethernet – Wired Ethernet connections are more reliable than Wi-Fi for high-quality streaming. Try connecting your streaming devices directly to the router via Ethernet.
- Monitor your data usage – There are apps that can monitor how much data each device in your household is using. Use them to manage your usage more effectively.
- Take advantage of non-peak hours – Internet may slow down during peak times, so consider streaming during quieter hours. Late nights and early mornings might be best.
The Reliability and Customer Support You Need for Seamless Streaming
The Importance of Reliable Service
Get a provider that delivers consistently strong and stable connection. Remember that poor service can result in interruptions and low-quality streams, particularly during peak hours.
Customer Support Matters
We’ve all been there—streaming stops, and you’re left wondering what went wrong. A provider with solid customer support ensures that any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. Look into trusted providers, such as MATE, which are known for their responsive service.
Reputation and Reviews
Check customer reviews and ratings before committing. Word of mouth can go a long way in helping you find an NBN provider that’s as good as it promises.
Still not convinced that unlimited NBN is ideal if you have a streaming-heavy household? Talk to your existing provider or switch to a more reliable one like MATE!