The Quick Version
Australia has multiple FTTP Fibre to the Premises The fastest broadband technology — fibre optic cable runs directly to your home. Capable of speeds up to 2000 Mbps or more. 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.FTTP
NBN
Why does it matter? Different networks have different ISP options. You can’t use an NBN plan on OptiComm, and vice versa.
The Major Private Fibre Networks
OptiComm (Uniti Group)
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.OptiComm
Where you’ll find it:
- Master-planned communities in growth corridors
- Multi-dwelling units (apartments, townhouses)
- Retirement villages
In Geelong: Warralily, Armstrong Estate, Yaringa (Armstrong Creek/Mount Duneed area), Flinders Walk (near Lara)
ISP choices: Over 50 providers including Aussie Broadband, Telstra (partial coverage), Superloop, iiNet
Max speed: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
LBNCo (Now Part of OptiComm)
LBNCo LBN Co Local Broadband Network — Australia's first FTTP operator, established in 2007. Merged into OptiComm in 2021, so former LBNCo addresses now use the OptiComm network.LBNCo
What this means: If your estate was originally LBNCo, it’s now part of the OptiComm network. Your connection still works the same, but you’ll need an OptiComm-compatible ISP.
RedTrain Networks
RedTrain is Australia’s third-largest FTTP provider, originally created when Development Victoria sold its fibre network.
Where you’ll find it:
- Aurora Estate (Epping North, Wollert)
- Riverwalk (Werribee)
- Aspect (Officer)
- Valley Lake (Keilor East)
- Meridian and Metro Village 3175 (Dandenong)
- Edenbrook Estate (Pakenham) — RedTrain’s first estate from 2012
Not in Geelong: RedTrain estates are concentrated in Melbourne’s outer growth corridors, not the Geelong region.
ISP choices: More limited than OptiComm. Check RedTrain’s website for current providers.
Max speed: Up to 1000 Mbps
Internode Fibre Estates (Legacy)
Internode’s “Fibre Estates” program provided dedicated fibre to specific greenfield estates. However, TPG discontinued the Internode brand in December 2023, migrating customers to iiNet.
Bellarine estates originally built with Internode Fibre:
- Bayswater Estate (Drysdale) — waterfront lots at Curlewis
- Bellaview Estate (Drysdale) — developed by Bisinella Developments
Current status (January 2026): These estates’ physical fibre infrastructure still exists. Existing connections were migrated to iiNet. New residents should check directly with the estate or use the NBN address checker, as some may have transitioned to NBN or another network.
ISP choices: iiNet (formerly Internode). Check your specific address for current options.
Telstra Velocity (Legacy)
Telstra Velocity was Telstra’s FTTP network for greenfield estates, deployed before NBN existed. Most Velocity estates have now transitioned to OptiComm or NBN.
Current status: Telstra Velocity addresses are being migrated to OptiComm. Check your address to see which network now serves you.
DGtek
DGtek builds full-fibre networks primarily in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, starting with Elwood. They’ve discussed expansion to Geelong but there’s no confirmed deployment in the region as of January 2026.
Where you’ll find it: Melbourne inner-south suburbs
OPENetworks
Primarily operates in New South Wales, not Victoria. Unlikely to encounter this network in the Geelong region.
Network Comparison
| Network | Geelong Region? | Typical Location | ISP Choices | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBN | Yes | Everywhere | Extensive | 2000 Mbps |
| OptiComm | Yes | Growth estates | 50+ providers | 1000 Mbps |
| RedTrain | No | Melbourne outer | Limited | 1000 Mbps |
| Internode Fibre* | Legacy (Bellarine) | Select estates | iiNet | 1000 Mbps |
| DGtek | No | Melbourne inner | DGtek plans | 1000 Mbps |
*Internode brand discontinued December 2023. Legacy estates may have transitioned to NBN or iiNet.
How to Check Your Network
Step 1: Check for NBN Visit nbnco.com.au/check-your-address. If your address shows NBN available, you’re on the NBN network.
Step 2: Check for OptiComm Visit opticomm.com.au/residents and enter your address. If it finds your address, you’re on OptiComm.
Step 3: Check for other networks
- Look for equipment in your premises — different networks use different NTD (Network Termination Device) boxes
- Check your estate’s welcome pack or developer documentation
- Contact your body corporate or property manager
Step 4: If still unsure Contact your estate’s developer or body corporate. They’ll know which network was installed during construction.
Developer Choice
Why do some estates have OptiComm while others have NBN? Developers decide before construction begins.
Developers choose private networks because:
- Faster deployment timelines than waiting for NBN
- Financial incentives from network operators
- Marketing advantage (“premium fibre included”)
- Control over infrastructure quality
The outcome for residents:
- The technology is equally good (all genuine FTTP)
- You may have fewer ISP choices on private networks
- You cannot switch to a different network after moving in
Mixed Infrastructure Within Estates
Important: Large estates often have different internet infrastructure depending on when each stage was built. A single estate might have:
| Stage | Years Built | Typical Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 2010-2014 | NBN FTTN (before FTTP widely available) |
| Stage 2-3 | 2015-2018 | NBN FTTP (during NBN fibre rollout) |
| Stage 4+ | 2019-present | OptiComm (developer incentives) |
Why this happens:
- NBN rollout timing varied across areas
- Developers can switch network providers between stages
- Different stages may have been built years apart
- Infrastructure decisions are locked in at the planning stage
Real example: In Armstrong Creek, neighbouring houses might have:
- One on NBN FTTP (earlier stage)
- One on OptiComm (later stage)
- One on Fixed Wireless (rural fringe property)
The takeaway: Never assume your neighbour’s internet experience applies to you. Always check your specific address before making decisions about internet service.
Common Questions
Q: Is OptiComm worse than NBN? No — the technology is equally good. Both deliver genuine FTTP with similar speeds. The difference is ISP choice (NBN has more options).
Q: Can I switch from OptiComm to NBN? Generally no. Your property is connected to one network’s infrastructure. You can’t change which cables run to your home.
Q: Why isn’t my preferred ISP available? ISPs must sign wholesale agreements with each network operator. Not all ISPs service all networks. Check the network’s provider list for your options.
Q: What if I’m buying a new home? Always check which network serves the address before purchasing. Factor the ISP options into your decision.
The Bottom Line
Private fibre networks provide the same great technology as NBN FTTP — fast, reliable, future-proof connections. The trade-off is typically fewer ISP choices. Before moving to any new estate, check which network is installed so you can plan your internet service accordingly.
For Geelong-area residents: OptiComm is the dominant private network in growth estates, with Internode Fibre Estates serving select Bellarine developments. RedTrain and DGtek don’t have deployments in the region.
Official Resources
- NBN Address Checker — Check if your address has NBN
- OptiComm Address Checker — Check if your address has OptiComm
- OptiComm Service Providers — Full list of ISPs on OptiComm
- RedTrain Residents — RedTrain address checker and provider info
- ACCC Non-NBN Services — Regulatory framework for private networks