“Just connect us up to NBN” is one of those phrases that sounds reasonable until you actually move into a new estate and discover the cable in the wall isn’t NBN at all. Across Geelong’s growth corridors I see a mix of NBN, OptiComm, and a handful of legacy networks. Here’s the lay of the land.
The quick version
Australia has at least five active fibre-to-the-home networks competing alongside NBN. The one in your wall depends on which developer built your street.
Australia has multiple FTTP networks. While NBN is the largest, several private operators install fibre in housing estates. If you’re in a newer estate, you might be on OptiComm, RedTrain, or another network instead of NBN.
The technology is the same. The shopping list of providers is what changes — and that’s worth checking before you sign anything.
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 is Australia’s largest private fibre network, now owned by Uniti Group after a $700 million acquisition in 2020.
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 was Australia’s first Fibre to the Home operator, connecting homes since 2007. In 2021, LBNCo was absorbed into OptiComm.
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
- Check for NBN: nbnco.com.au/check-your-address
- Check for OptiComm: opticomm.com.au/residents
- Look at the kit: different networks use different NTD boxes (different shapes, different brand stickers)
- Still unsure: ring your estate’s developer or body corporate — they’ll know exactly what was installed
Why developers pick private networks
The bit that surprises new homeowners: developers, not residents, choose the network. By the time you move in, the cable in your wall is already locked in.
Four practical reasons
Private networks deploy faster than waiting for an NBN rollout to reach a new estate.
Network operators typically offer developers commercial incentives that NBN can't match.
'Premium fibre included' reads better in a property brochure than 'NBN-ready'.
The developer chooses the infrastructure quality — and the bonus marketing rights that go with it.
The outcome for residents: the technology is equally good (all genuine FTTP), but you have a different — usually shorter — list of ISPs to choose from, and you can’t switch to a different physical 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.
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 the legacy Internode Fibre Estates infrastructure serving select Bellarine developments (now under iiNet). RedTrain and DGtek don’t have deployments in the region.
Related reading
- OptiComm Geelong — the network behind Warralily, Armstrong Estate, Yaringa and Flinders Walk
- Geelong’s internet history — how the city ended up with so many networks
- Service areas across Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine — suburb-by-suburb context
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
Common questions
Is OptiComm worse than NBN?+
No — the underlying technology is equally good. Both deliver genuine fibre to the premises with similar speeds. The difference is ISP choice (NBN has more options) and the small practical fact that not every retail provider services every private network.
Can I switch from OptiComm to NBN at the same address?+
Generally no. Your property is physically connected to one network — you can't change which cables run to your home. Some legacy estates have transitioned between networks over time, but that's a developer/network-operator decision, not something a household can do.
Why isn't my preferred ISP available on my private fibre network?+
ISPs need to sign wholesale agreements with each network operator. Not every ISP signs up to every network. Always check the network's official service-provider list (e.g. opticomm.com.au/service-providers/) before assuming your existing ISP will work.
What if I'm buying a brand-new home in a Geelong growth estate?+
Always check which network serves the specific address before purchasing. The estate developer or selling agent should be able to tell you, and you can confirm via the network's address checker. Factor the ISP options into your decision — especially if you have a preferred provider.
What happened to Internode Fibre Estates in the Bellarine?+
TPG retired the Internode brand in December 2023 and migrated existing customers to iiNet. The physical fibre at addresses like Bayswater Estate (Drysdale) and Bellaview Estate (Drysdale) is still there — most existing connections work as iiNet plans now. New residents should check the address directly to confirm the current setup.