How do I run an accurate speed test for Telstra?

To get the most accurate results from your Telstra speed test: 1. Connect your computer directly to the Telstra Smart Modem using a Cat6 Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi. 2. Close all background apps, streaming services, and downloads. 3. Disconnect other devices (phones, smart TVs) from the network temporarily. 4. Run the speed test on this page.

Why is the light on my Telstra modem blue and why is my speed test capped at 25 Mbps?

A blue light on the front LED of your Telstra Smart Modem indicates that your primary NBN connection has dropped, and the modem has automatically switched to the 4G mobile backup network. While this 4G backup keeps you connected to the internet, its download speed is artificially capped at approximately 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. Once your NBN service is restored, the light will turn back to green, and your speeds will return to normal.

What typical evening speeds should I see on a Telstra NBN speed test?

According to typical evening speeds, Telstra NBN plans should deliver: NBN 25 (Basic): ~25 Mbps download; NBN 50 (Essential): ~50 Mbps download; NBN 100 (Premium/Speed Boost): ~100 Mbps download; NBN 250 (Superfast): ~230-240 Mbps download; NBN 1000 (Ultrafast): ~700-800 Mbps download. Real-world speeds over Wi-Fi may be lower due to wireless interference.

What is the difference between Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 and Gen 3?

The main difference is that the Smart Modem Gen 3 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which allows for faster wireless speeds, better range, and reduced congestion with multiple devices. The Gen 2 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). If you are on an NBN 100, NBN 250, or NBN 1000 plan, using the Gen 3 modem is highly recommended to avoid Wi-Fi bottlenecks.

Can I use my own router with Telstra NBN?

Yes, you can use your own third-party router with Telstra NBN. For FTTP and HFC connections, connect the WAN port of your router directly to the NBN box. For FTTN and FTTC, you will need a VDSL-capable modem/router. Keep in mind that by using your own router, you will lose access to Telstra's automatic 4G backup and landline VoIP phone services.

Telstra Speed Test - Free NBN & 5G Home Broadband Check

Run a free Telstra speed test to accurately measure the performance of your Australian broadband connection. This diagnostic tool checks your download speed, upload speed, latency (ping), and jitter in seconds. Once complete, you can compare your actual speeds against Telstra's officially advertised typical evening speeds for their NBN and 5G Home Internet plans. If your results are lower than expected, read our guide to troubleshoot your Smart Modem Gen 3, understand the 4G backup failover limits, or bypass the ISP hardware entirely.

Technology	NBN (FTTP, HFC, FTTC, FTTN) and 5G/4G Wireless
Coverage	Nationwide Australia via NBN Co and Telstra Cellular
Maximum Speed	1000 Mbps on Ultrafast NBN
Data Caps	Truly unlimited data on all modern broadband plans
Router Models	Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 / Gen 3
Term Contracts	Month-to-month available (Modem fees apply if cancelled early)
Typical Latency	5 - 20 Milliseconds (depending on state routing)
Unique Features	Automatic 4G Backup & Telstra Plus points

Telstra Plans & Typical Evening Speeds

Telstra provides internet via the national NBN Co network as well as its own 4G/5G cellular towers. The speeds below are the ACCC-mandated "Typical Evening Speeds" measured during peak hours (7 PM to 11 PM).

Plan Name	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Technology	Typical Monthly Price
Basic	25 Mbps	5 Mbps	NBN 25 Tier	A$85 / mo
Essential	50 Mbps	17 Mbps	NBN 50 Tier	A$95 / mo
Premium	100 Mbps	17 Mbps	NBN 100 Tier	A$110 / mo
Superfast	250 Mbps	22 Mbps	NBN 250 Tier (FTTP/HFC only)	A$120 / mo
Ultrafast	700 Mbps	42 Mbps	NBN 1000 Tier (FTTP/HFC only)	A$120 / mo

Note: Telstra's Premium (100 Mbps) tier is deliberately capped at 20 Mbps upload at the network level. NBN Co offers a 100/40 tier, but Telstra currently does not sell this to residential customers.

The Smart Modem Breakdown (Gen 2 vs Gen 3)

Telstra supplies most fixed-line NBN customers with either the Smart Modem Gen 2 or Gen 3. These modems are designed to be "plug and play" and both feature a built-in SIM card for cellular backup.

Gen 2 vs Gen 3: The Gen 3 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), whereas the Gen 2 is limited to Wi-Fi 5. If you are on an Ultrafast plan (1000 Mbps) and getting slow speeds over Wi-Fi, the Gen 2 modem is your bottleneck. Request a Gen 3 upgrade from Telstra.
Admin Access: Navigate to 192.168.0.1 in your web browser. The default username is "admin" and the password is printed on the barcode sticker on the bottom/back of the modem.

The Ultimate Telstra Troubleshooting Guide (Reddit Sourced)

To provide actionable technical advice, we've reviewed the most common complaints and workarounds discussed by Australian power users on r/Telstra, r/HomeNetworking, and r/nbn.

1. The "25 Mbps Limit" and the Blue Light (4G Failover)

One of the most common complaints from Telstra users is: "I pay for Premium 100 Mbps, but my speed test is suddenly stuck exactly at 25 Mbps!"

Look at the LED indicator on the front of your Smart Modem. If it is glowing Blue instead of Green, your primary NBN connection has dropped offline. The modem has automatically switched to the 4G mobile backup network. Telstra artificially caps this backup connection at exactly 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. The modem will automatically switch back to the NBN (Green light) once Openreach/NBN Co resolves the line fault.

2. Bridge Mode Nightmares and Double NAT

Many advanced users want to use a high-end mesh system (like Eero or UniFi) instead of the Telstra modem. However, putting the Smart Modem 3 into Bridge Mode is notoriously difficult and unreliable.

Bridging Issues: Users report that bridging the modem often results in Double NAT issues or completely breaks the 4G backup passthrough. Firmware updates have also been known to spontaneously wipe bridge settings.
The Recommended Solution: If you have FTTP or HFC, completely abandon the Telstra Smart Modem. Unplug it and store it in a closet. Plug your third-party router's WAN port directly into the NBN connection box. Warning: You will lose the 4G backup failover and your VoIP landline phone service, but you will have total control over your network.

3. The Copper Bottleneck (FTTN)

If you are on an FTTN (Fibre to the Node) connection, your speeds are permanently limited by the length and quality of the copper telephone wire running from the street node to your house. If you pay for Premium (100 Mbps) but only get 60 Mbps, and your NBN box is far away, there is nothing Telstra can do to fix it. You must wait for an NBN FTTP upgrade in your street.

Telstra Internet - Pros and Cons

Pros:

The 4G backup in the Smart Modem works seamlessly to keep you online during NBN outages.
Excellent international routing. Telstra owns significant undersea cables, resulting in lower ping to US/Asian gaming servers compared to budget ISPs.
Wi-Fi 6 coverage on the Smart Modem Gen 3 is very capable for a free ISP router.

Cons:

Telstra is consistently one of the most expensive ISPs in Australia (the "Telstra Tax").
Upload speeds on the 100 Mbps tier are capped at 20 Mbps, whereas some competitors offer 40 Mbps.
Replacing the Smart Modem with your own hardware breaks the VoIP landline and 4G backup features.

Competitor Comparison

Competitor	Network Focus	Key Feature Differences
Optus	NBN & 5G/4G	Telstra's biggest rival. Optus is slightly cheaper and also includes a 4G backup modem (Ultra WiFi Modem), but their 4G backup upload speed is capped lower (2 Mbps vs Telstra's 5 Mbps).
Aussie Broadband	NBN Network	A premium ISP famous for 100% Australian-based support and total transparency regarding network congestion (CVC graphs). They do not offer 4G backup modems by default but offer custom NBN tiers (like 100/40).
TPG	NBN & FTTB	A budget-focused provider. TPG is much cheaper than Telstra but provides very basic modems with no 4G backup capabilities and often routes traffic cheaper, resulting in slightly higher pings.

Ensure your connection is perfectly stable by using our supplementary testing tools:

Ping Test - Evaluate raw latency and response stability.
Global Ping Test - Check your latency from routing locations worldwide.

Telstra Internet - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Telstra speed test capped at exactly 25 Mbps?

Check your Smart Modem's LED light. If it is glowing Blue, your primary NBN connection is down and you are running on the emergency 4G mobile backup network. Telstra artificially throttles this backup connection to a maximum of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.

How do I log into my Telstra Smart Modem settings?

Open a browser and navigate to http://192.168.0.1. Enter "admin" as the username and use the unique password printed on the barcode sticker on the back or bottom of your modem.

Can I use my own router on Telstra NBN?

Yes, if you have FTTP or HFC, you can plug any router's WAN port directly into the NBN connection box. However, doing so means you will lose access to the Telstra 4G backup feature and your VoIP landline phone service.

Why is my Telstra upload speed only 20 Mbps?

Telstra restricts its Premium (100 Mbps) plan to the 100/20 NBN tier. If you require higher upload speeds for streaming or large file transfers, you must either upgrade to the Superfast/Ultrafast tiers (if your location supports it) or switch to a provider like Aussie Broadband that offers the 100/40 tier.