UPDATE: A sensational claim of a 50Gbps NBN trial has ignited a firestorm in the Australian tech community, with skepticism mounting just one hour ago after a post surfaced on the r/nbn subreddit. The user, identified as Future_Muffin_8248, shared a screenshot purporting to show an astonishing 46,059 Mbps download speed, claiming it was achieved on an unreleased Nokia ONT device.
Experts are quickly debunking this claim, which raises serious questions about its legitimacy and the technology’s capabilities. As NBN Co continues to roll out crucial upgrades across Australia, the tech world is eager for genuine advancements, making this sensational post all the more significant.
The post has generated significant discussion, with the user replying to inquiries and even posting a short video on Imgur showcasing the speed test result using Aussie Broadband as the ISP. However, red flags are emerging that suggest this may not be a groundbreaking technological breakthrough but rather a well-crafted hoax.
Key Issues Identified:
1. **Asymmetry Problem:** The claim shows a stark disparity between download and upload speeds: 46,000 Mbps download versus 4,800 Mbps upload. Official NBN documentation reveals that Enterprise Ethernet services boast symmetrical speeds, making such a ratio unlikely. Genuine enterprise trials would not exhibit a 10:1 upload-to-download ratio, indicating a potential speed test manipulation.
2. **Server Bottleneck:** The speed test reportedly ran against an Aussie Broadband server in Sydney. Yet, Aussie Broadband’s maximum commercial offering currently caps at 10Gbps. It is physically impossible for a 10Gbps server to deliver 46Gbps to a single user, adding more doubt to the authenticity of the claim.
3. **Hardware Limitations:** The user claims to have utilized UniFi equipment, which, while robust, is not designed for such extreme throughput. Current UniFi devices handle a maximum of 25Gbps, and achieving 50Gbps would require specialized enterprise-grade hardware not available to the average consumer.
What’s Happening with NBN Right Now?
As of December 2025, NBN Co has made significant strides in network speed, recently launching a 2Gbps “Hyperfast” tier for residential users. The maximum tier for enterprise services is currently capped at 10Gbps, highlighting the contrast between actual advancements and the dubious claims circulating online.
While NBN Co has conducted laboratory trials of 50G-PON and 100G-PON technology, these innovations are not yet available for consumer testing. The combination of asymmetric speeds, limitations of server capabilities, and hardware restrictions strongly suggests that the 50Gbps claim is a mere “Speedtest Spoof.”
As skepticism grows, readers are urged to remain vigilant. If a purported enterprise speed test displays significant upload/download discrepancies, it’s likely just the result of someone manipulating browser tools. The tech community is encouraged to verify claims before sharing, especially in a landscape where genuine advancements are eagerly anticipated.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor this developing story. Share your thoughts on this controversial claim and engage in the conversation about the future of internet speeds in Australia.
