The Quick Version
OptiComm A private fibre network operator that competes with NBN in some new housing estates. Now part of Uniti Group. Provides fast fibre internet but with fewer ISP choices than NBN. National Broadband Network Australia's government-built wholesale internet network. NBN Co builds the infrastructure, then internet providers buy access to sell you a connection. Fibre to the Premises The fastest NBN technology — fibre optic cable runs directly to your home. Capable of speeds up to 2000 Mbps or more.OptiComm
NBN
FTTP
What is OptiComm?
OptiComm is a private fibre network operator that builds FTTP infrastructure in new housing developments. Unlike NBN (which is government-owned), OptiComm is privately owned and operates its own network.
Note: Other private fibre networks exist in Australia. LBNCo LBN Co Australia's first FTTP operator (2007), now merged into OptiComm since 2021. Former LBNCo addresses are now part of the OptiComm network.LBNCo
Key differences from NBN:
- Private company, not government-owned
- Only available in specific estates (usually new developments)
- Fewer ISP
ISP
Internet Service Provider
The company you pay for internet access — like Telstra, Aussie Broadband, or TPG. They buy access to the network and provide it to you.
Full definition → choices than NBN - Different equipment and connection process
- Same fast speeds (up to 1000 Mbps)
In November 2020, OptiComm was acquired by Uniti Group for approximately $700 million, but many areas still carry the OptiComm branding.
OptiComm Estates in Geelong
Several Geelong-area estates have OptiComm instead of NBN:
Warralily Estate (Armstrong Creek)
Warralily is a large master-planned community in Armstrong Creek, south of Geelong. Developed by Newland Developers, it’s one of the biggest OptiComm deployments in the region with approximately 5,500 lots when complete.
What this means for Warralily residents:
- You have OptiComm FTTP, not NBN
- You cannot use NBN-based internet plans
- Internet speeds up to 1 Gbps available
- Wi-Fi connectivity in public amenities
- No satellite dishes or antennas required
- Future-proofed with additional fibre infrastructure pre-installed
Armstrong Estate (Mount Duneed)
Developed by Villawood Properties, Armstrong Estate in Mount Duneed (postcode 3217) also features OptiComm Fibre to the Premises internet. Properties in this estate are marketed with OptiComm connectivity as a key selling point.
Note: Despite being called “Armstrong Creek” as a suburb, Armstrong Estate is technically located in Mount Duneed. The postcode 3217 covers Armstrong Creek, Charlemont, Freshwater Creek, and Mount Duneed.
Flinders Walk Estate (near Lara)
Developed by Bisinella Developments, Flinders Walk Estate near Lara features OptiComm Fibre to the Premises internet. Located approximately 15km north of Geelong CBD, this estate offers the same high-speed fibre connectivity as other OptiComm-enabled developments in the region.
Yaringa Estate (Mount Duneed)
Located in the Mount Duneed area (often referred to as Armstrong Creek), Yaringa Estate is a newer development. Check your specific address to confirm whether you have OptiComm or NBN, as infrastructure can vary by development phase.
Other Potential OptiComm Areas
New estates are constantly being developed across Greater Geelong’s growth corridors. If you’re buying in a new Geelong-area development, always check whether they use OptiComm or NBN - never assume it’s NBN.
The Confusing Part
Here’s where it gets tricky for Geelong residents: different technologies can exist on the same street.
A single street might have:
- Some houses on OptiComm (from a newer subdivision)
- Some houses on NBN FTTP (from a different development phase)
- Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless
NBN technology that uses radio signals from a transmission tower to an antenna on your roof. Available in rural and outer suburban areas where running cables isn't practical. Speeds up to 100-400 Mbps.
Full definition → available (for properties not connected to either fibre network)
This happens because:
- Different developers chose different networks at different times
- NBN rollout timing varied across areas
- Some properties were built before fibre was available
- Estate boundaries don’t always follow street boundaries
Real example: In parts of Armstrong Creek and surrounding areas, you might find OptiComm on one side of the street and NBN on the other. Or a newer house with OptiComm next to an older house on Fixed Wireless.
How to Check What You Have
Step 1: Check for OptiComm
- Look for OptiComm equipment in your home (usually a white box)
- Check your estate’s welcome pack or developer documentation
- Search for your address at opticomm.net.au
Step 2: Check for NBN
- Visit nbnco.com.au/check-your-address
- Enter your address
- If it shows “NBN available”, you’re on NBN, not OptiComm
Step 3: If unsure Contact your estate’s body corporate or developer. They’ll know which network was installed.
Choosing an ISP on OptiComm
OptiComm has fewer ISPs than NBN, but you still have options:
Major ISPs that support OptiComm (as of January 2026):
- Telstra (covers approximately half of OptiComm footprint)
- Aussie Broadband
- Superloop
- iiNet
- Origin
- Launtel
- Exetel
- And many more - over 50 providers total
ISPs that DON’T support OptiComm:
- Optus (uses own network instead)
The provider situation has improved significantly since OptiComm’s early days. Check the OptiComm service providers list for the full, current list - you’ll likely find more options than you expect.
OptiComm Speeds
OptiComm offers similar speeds to NBN FTTP:
| Plan | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 25 Mbps | 5-10 Mbps |
| Standard | 50 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Fast | 100 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
| Superfast | 250 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Ultrafast | 1000 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
Actual plan names and speeds vary by ISP. Because it’s genuine FTTP, you get consistent speeds without the distance-related issues of FTTN Fibre to the Node NBN technology where fibre runs to a street cabinet, then old copper wiring to your home. Speed varies based on how far you are from the node — the further away, the slower your connection.FTTN
OptiComm vs NBN FTTP
| Feature | OptiComm | NBN FTTP |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Fibre to premises | Fibre to premises |
| Max speed | 1000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps (new) |
| ISP choice | Limited | Extensive |
| Equipment | OptiComm NTD | NBN NTD |
| Reliability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Availability | Specific estates only | Nationwide |
Which is better? They’re both excellent technologies. NBN has more ISP choice and now offers faster top speeds (2 Gbps). OptiComm works just as well for most households but with fewer provider options.
Moving to an OptiComm Area
If you’re buying or renting in a new Geelong estate:
- Check the address before signing - know what network you’ll be on
- Research ISPs that service OptiComm if applicable
- Don’t assume your current provider will work - verify first
- Factor it in - limited ISP choice might affect your decision
Common Questions
Q: Is OptiComm worse than NBN? No - the technology is equally good. You just have fewer ISP choices.
Q: Can I switch from OptiComm to NBN? Generally no. Your property is connected to one network or the other. You can’t change the underlying infrastructure.
Q: Why did my estate choose OptiComm? Developers make this decision before homes are built. OptiComm offers developers incentives and a faster deployment process.
Q: Can I get Fixed Wireless if I don’t like my OptiComm options? Technically maybe, but it would be slower and more expensive. Fibre is always the better choice when available.
The Bottom Line
OptiComm in Geelong—including Warralily, Armstrong Estate, Yaringa (all in the Armstrong Creek/Mount Duneed area), and Flinders Walk near Lara—is excellent technology. You’ll get fast, reliable fibre internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps. The trade-off is fewer ISP choices than NBN, but with over 50 providers now supporting OptiComm, you’ll likely find a plan that works for you.
Before moving to any new Geelong-area estate, always check what network is installed so you can plan your internet service accordingly.
Official Resources
- OptiComm Address Checker - Check if your address has OptiComm
- OptiComm Service Providers - Full list of ISPs available on OptiComm
- NBN Address Checker - Check if your address has NBN instead
- Aussie Broadband OptiComm Plans - Example provider with OptiComm plans