broadconnect-authorCommon Internet Problems For Australian Businesses
Table of Contents
Many companies experience the same common internet problems for Australian businesses, no matter what industry they’re in. Slow speeds, unstable connections, and equipment issues can interrupt work and cost time. The good news is that most of these problems have simple fixes once you know what causes them.
Below is a straightforward guide to the most frequent internet issues businesses face in Australia and how to solve them quickly.
If you’re still comparing plans or providers, our detailed guide The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right NBN and Internet Provider for Your Business in Australia explains the differences in simple terms. These issues make up the core of the common internet problems for Australian businesses, and most of them can be fixed more easily than people think.
The chart below gives a simple overview of the most common internet issues Australian businesses experience, based on general industry trends.
1. Slow Speeds During Peak Usage
One of the biggest internet complaints from Australian businesses is slow performance during busy hours. This often shows up as lag during video calls, slow loading of cloud apps, or delays in sending files.
Why it happens
• Too many users on the network
• Sharing bandwidth with nearby businesses
• Low-speed NBN plans
• Outdated hardware
• Using residential NBN instead of business plans
How to fix it
• Upgrade to higher-speed business NBN
• Use a business-grade router
• Switch to a fibre or Enterprise Ethernet service if available
• Reduce unnecessary devices on the network
• Speak to your provider about peak-time congestion
For a clearer understanding of how Australian networks behave during busy hours, the ACMA internet performance advice gives useful insight into congestion and speed trends.
Businesses often notice this problem most when using cloud platforms, POS systems, or video calls.
Causes of Slow Internet vs Solutions
| Cause | Simple Fix |
|---|---|
| Congestion | Move to business-grade NBN or fibre |
| Low-speed plan | Upgrade to higher speeds |
| Older router | Replace with business-grade hardware |
| Too many devices | Limit or prioritise traffic |
| Shared bandwidth | Consider Enterprise Ethernet |
Slow speed remains one of the most common connection issues and often the easiest to resolve. Slow speeds remain one of the most common internet problems for Australian businesses, especially for teams that rely heavily on cloud software and video calls.
2. Dropouts and Unstable Connections
Frequent dropouts affect productivity more than almost any other issue. They interrupt calls, disconnect remote staff, and make online platforms unreliable. Unstable connections and dropouts are another part of the common internet problems for Australian businesses, often caused by a mix of NBN technology and internal setup.
Common reasons
• Faulty NBN lines
• Poor internal wiring
• Damaged cabling
• Old modems
• WiFi signal interference
• Network congestion
• Multiple users streaming or downloading at once
How to fix it
• Restart modem and router
• Check cables and power boards
• Switch from WiFi to Ethernet for key devices
• Upgrade to a business-grade modem
• Move to a provider with stronger uptime guarantees
• Consider a 4G/5G backup option for stability
Dropouts are a classic example of business internet problems that often come from a combination of NBN line quality and local equipment setup.
3. Poor Upload Speeds Affecting Calls and Cloud Services
Upload speed is often overlooked, but it’s critical for:
• Video calls
• VoIP or cloud phone systems
• Sending files
• Cloud backups
• Running CRM or ERP systems
Many businesses only notice this problem when call quality becomes choppy or cloud tools time out. Many companies using a hosted phone system notice internet issues sooner because call quality depends heavily on stable speeds and a reliable connection. Poor upload performance is regularly included in the common internet problems for Australian businesses, mainly because so many workplaces now depend on video meetings and cloud tools.
You can also check the official NBN speed guide to see how different technologies affect upload performance across Australia.
Why upload speeds suffer
• Using a residential NBN plan
• Being on an older NBN technology (FTTN, HFC)
• WiFi interference
• Limited bandwidth
• Poor router placement
How to fix it
• Upgrade to a business plan with symmetrical speeds
• Switch to NBN Enterprise Ethernet if you need guaranteed upload capacity
• Use Ethernet instead of WiFi for important devices
• Update router placement to reduce interference
• Move to higher-tier speed plans
This is a common issue across Australia and one of the main nbn issues Australia businesses report.
4. Outdated Modems or Routers Creating Bottlenecks
Even with a fast internet plan, old equipment can slow everything down.
Signs your equipment is outdated
• Frequent dropouts
• Slow WiFi range
• Devices disconnect often
• Router runs hot
• Old model not designed for business traffic
• Can’t handle many users at once
How to fix it
• Replace residential-grade hardware with business-grade routers
• Update firmware regularly
• Use mesh WiFi for large office areas
• Use separate networks for staff and guests
• Add switches to handle wired connections
Hardware is one of the most overlooked causes of business internet troubleshooting issues. A simple upgrade often solves problems instantly.
5. Using Residential NBN Instead of Business-Grade Services
This is extremely common. Many businesses start with residential NBN because it’s cheaper, but later struggle with:
• Slower speeds
• More congestion
• Lower prioritisation
• No business SLAs
• Limited upload speed
• No 4G/5G failover
• No guaranteed restoration times
Why business NBN is better
| Residential NBN | Business NBN |
|---|---|
| No SLAs | Business SLAs |
| Lower upload speeds | Higher upload speeds |
| No congestion priority | Business traffic priority |
| No backup | Optional 4G/5G failover |
| Basic modem | Business-grade modem |
Business-grade plans are designed for stability. For companies facing common internet problems for Australian businesses, upgrading to business NBN is often the simplest fix.
6. How Businesses Can Prevent Internet Issues in the Future
Most issues can be avoided with a few simple habits.
Prevention tips
• Use a business internet plan, not residential
• Schedule regular hardware updates
• Keep modems and routers in open, central locations
• Use Ethernet for critical devices
• Separate staff and guest WiFi
• Use a 4G/5G backup for stability
• Monitor speed and uptime regularly
• Work with a provider that gives local support
These steps help reduce business internet problems before they happen.
For businesses relying heavily on cloud tools, following the ACSC business cybersecurity guidelines can also help prevent network slowdowns linked to unsafe devices or unsecured setups.
7. Conclusion and Next Steps
Most common internet problems for Australian businesses come down to congestion, old hardware, or using plans not designed for commercial use. Once you identify the root cause, fixing the issue is usually quick and straightforward. By understanding the common internet problems for Australian businesses, it becomes easier to choose a better plan, upgrade equipment, and avoid downtime.
If your business is facing slow speeds, dropouts, or unreliable connections, Broadconnect can help you compare options and upgrade to a solution that suits your usage, location, and team size.
We would love to help you find the right business internet and phone solutions. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or reach us at hello@broadconnect.com.au | Call: 1300 880 330