Inner-Geelong residents often don’t realise they have a hidden second option besides NBN. The legacy Neighbourhood Cable HFC network — built in the late 1990s and now run by iiNet on the Vision Network — still serves a chunk of central suburbs. Here’s what it is and whether it’s worth using.
The quick version
In parts of inner Geelong, there's a private fibre/coaxial network running alongside NBN — built before NBN existed, and still going. Most locals don't know it's there.
Unlike most of Australia, parts of Geelong have an alternative to NBN: the iiNet Cable network. This hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) network was built in the early 2000s by Neighbourhood Cable and still operates today.
The history (Geelong’s own internet origin story)
How a Ballarat company's cable became iiNet Geelong
Built as 'Neighbourhood Cable' — Ballarat-based, NOT Austar as is sometimes claimed online.
TransACT acquires Neighbourhood Cable.
iiNet acquires TransACT.
TPG acquires iiNet (and the network with it).
TPG moves the network to Vision Network — their wholesale division.
Operates as 'iiNet Cable' on Vision Network infrastructure.
The same HFC cables laid more than twenty years ago are still delivering internet today — with periodic upgrades along the way.
Where It’s Available
iiNet Cable primarily covers inner and central Geelong suburbs:
- Geelong (city centre)
- Geelong West
- Newtown
- East Geelong
- South Geelong
- Belmont
- Highton
- Parts of Grovedale
- Parts of Corio
Not all addresses in these suburbs have it - coverage depends on whether the cable was run down your street. Use the iiNet address checker to confirm availability.
How It Works
iiNet Cable uses Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) technology - similar to NBN HFC:
- Fibre optic cable runs to a node in your area
- Coaxial cable (like old pay TV cable) runs to your home
- A cable modem converts the signal to ethernet
- You get internet independent of the NBN network
You need a compatible cable modem, which iiNet provides.
Current Speeds (December 2025)
iiNet Cable plans now offer impressive speeds on the Vision Network infrastructure:
| Speed Tier | Download | Upload | Typical Evening Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable 100 | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | ~95 Mbps |
| Cable Max | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | ~200 Mbps |
Important: These are NOT the old 4 Mbps upload speeds that the network once had. After years of upgrades, the network now offers 20 Mbps upload across all plans.
The typical evening speeds are competitive because the network has fewer users than NBN, meaning less congestion during peak times.
iiNet Cable vs NBN
| Factor | iiNet Cable | NBN (depends on type) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited Geelong areas | Almost everywhere |
| Max download | 200 Mbps | Up to 1000+ Mbps (FTTP/HFC) |
| Upload speed | Up to 20 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps (varies by plan) |
| Provider choice | iiNet only | 100+ providers |
| Reliability | Generally stable, mature network | Varies by technology |
| Future-proof | Limited upgrades expected | Ongoing investment |
Should you use it?
The most common reason we recommend iiNet Cable in Geelong: an FTTN address that the copper just can’t push past 30 Mbps.
When iiNet Cable beats NBN, and when it doesn't
Your NBN line is FTTN and underperforming because of copper distance to the node. iiNet Cable is built for that exact gap.
You want an alternative when NBN has outages. Two completely separate networks at the same address.
Mostly download (streaming / browsing / gaming) — the 200 Mbps tier handles all of that comfortably.
You need faster upload (video calls, cloud backup, content creation). NBN FTTP gets you 50–100 Mbps up; cable maxes at 20.
You want provider choice — iiNet is the only retailer that sells this network. NBN has 100+ retailers competing.
You want gigabit speeds. Cable's ceiling is 200 Mbps; NBN FTTP's is 2000.
Go to iinet.net.au, click “Check your address”, enter your Geelong address. If “Cable” appears as a plan option alongside NBN, you’re one of the addresses with a choice. If only NBN plans show, the cable doesn’t run down your street.
The Geelong advantage
Most Australians have no alternative to NBN at all. Having access to iiNet Cable gives Geelong residents an option that few others in the country have. It’s particularly useful as:
- A backup option if you’ve had NBN issues
- A competitive alternative to slow NBN FTTN
- A reliable choice from a mature, upgraded network
If you’re in an area with access to both NBN and iiNet Cable, you have more flexibility than most Australians to find the internet solution that works best for you.
Related reading
- Geelong’s internet history: from cable TV to NBN — how this oddity exists
- FTTN explained — the alternative for most inner-Geelong streets
- The best NBN providers in Australia — if NBN ends up being the better option
Official resources
- iiNet Cable Plans — Check availability and current pricing
- iiNet Address Checker — Verify if cable is available at your address
- Vision Network — The wholesale provider behind iiNet Cable
Common questions
How do I tell if my address has iiNet Cable?+
Use the iiNet address checker at iinet.net.au — if cable is available at your address, it'll show alongside the NBN plans. The legacy network only runs down certain streets in central Geelong, so it's address-specific, not suburb-wide.
Is iiNet Cable faster than NBN in Geelong?+
It depends on what NBN tech you have. iiNet Cable's top tier (~200 Mbps down) often beats a struggling FTTN line and is similar to NBN 100. But it's well below what an FTTP customer can get on NBN 1000. Compare the actual speeds at your specific address before deciding.
Why is the upload speed so low compared to NBN?+
HFC was originally designed for downloads (the cable TV days). Even after upgrades, upload caps at around 20 Mbps. If you do a lot of video calls, cloud backups, or content uploading, NBN 100 (now 100/20 by default after Sept 2025) or NBN 1000 (~1000/50) on FTTP/HFC is the better fit.
Can I have both iiNet Cable AND NBN at the same address?+
Yes — in fact, that's how some Geelong customers run a backup link. Cable on one connection, NBN on another. Bit pricey if you don't need the redundancy, but possible.
Is iiNet Cable being shut down?+
Not officially, but TPG's investment in the legacy network is limited. The network is mature and ageing. If you're planning long-term, factor in that future gigabit upgrades will likely come from NBN's FTTP rollout, not from this network.