nbn‘s FTTC technology allows you to self-install the nbn supplied equipment. You will need to locate a telephone socket before beginning your self-installation.

If your premises has the older 600-series wall sockets (typically the plug is a yellow square with 3 prongs), you’ll need to purchase an adapter that allows you to plug in a modern RJ11 phone cable. If you attempt to connect to the nbn broadband access network via an ADSL filter, your connection may not work. To help improve performance, ensure there are no devices between your nbn connection box and the wall socket.

Refer to the provided set-up guide that will be in the box with your nbn connection box.

Plugging in the nbn connection box likely will disconnect your existing phone, internet and alarm services. This means you’ll need an alternative form of communication during the set-up – like a charged mobile phone. Some services (such as certain special and business services) may not be affected. To find out if you have these services, contact your phone and internet provider. For more information, read about what devices will be switched off or call 1800 687 626.

Before the self- installation you need to consider where you prefer the nbn connection box and Power Supply Unit (PSU) to be installed inside your premises.

• No more than 80cm away from a power point within the premises that nbn and your phone and internet providers equipment can remain plugged in to.
• A cool, dry, ventilated area (nbn supplied equipment cannot be installed in a damp or wet area such as; a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or under a window that opens).
• Away from busy areas where it may be knocked or damaged.
• Somewhere easy for you to check the indicator lights.
• In the same building as the main electric meter box or distribution board (i.e. not in a separate detached garage).

If you have a compatible handset plugged directly into your own provided or phone and internet providers gateway, you may be able to use your home phone service as soon as you are connected to the nbn access network.

You will need to arrange a registered cabler to install any additional internal wiring (not the nbn approved technician) if you wish to have the phone in a different room and may involve costs. Pulse or rotary dial phones are incompatible with the nbn access network.

If you attempt to connect to the nbn broadband access network via an ADSL filter, your connection may not work or may be limited in it's performance, ensure there are no devices between your nbn connection box and the wall socket.

The nbn FTTC network is designed to offer access (for most premises) to a range of wholesale speeds. The actual speeds you receive will depend on factors including your provider, how they shape their network and the nbn powered plan you choose. When choosing an nbn powered plan from a provider, be sure to ask about the average speeds you are likely to experience during peak times.

Some of your existing devices may not be compatible with the nbn access network. This may mean it will stop working once you switch to FTTC. It’s important to talk to your device provider for advice and to find out if your device or service will work on the nbn access network, and what alternatives may be available.

Make sure you register your medical, fire and/or security alarm device with nbn. Registering helps nbn identify premises where support may be needed to help minimise a break in service.

You can register via 1800 227 300.

Equipment connected over the nbn FTTC network will not work during a power blackout.

Guidelines on the removal or relocation of nbn supplied equipment can vary depending on the situation. If you’re planning on removing or relocating your equipment due to renovation, demolition or a move of premises, before you do, please visit our relocation/removal page for more information.

If you're moving, you should leave the nbn supplied equipment at your old premises.

Any nbn supplied equipment, including the nbn connection box (also known as the Network Connection Device (NCD)), should stay at the current address – please do not take it with you. The nbn equipment is registered to the specific address, therefore will not work or be compatible with your new premises. You won’t be able to use it at your new address, and it cannot be re-sold as it is property of nbn.

Additionally, by removing the nbn supplied equipment, you may make it harder for the new owner or occupant of the premises you’re moving from to connect to the nbn network in the future.

If you have mistakenly removed nbn equipment from another premise you can return it to us at no cost to you. We have partnered with Australia Post allowing for devices to be sent back to us with a label you can access online. Simply print a return label and read the instructions on how to return the equipment, postage paid and at your convenience.

NBN Co has identified an issue with a component in some of its Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) Network Connection Devices (NCDs) that causes some devices to fail under certain conditions (areas prone to lightning and which have high resistance to earth due to the local geology).

If your nbn equipment is damaged by a lightning strike or electrical surge, or if you are are experiencing any service difficulties, please contact your service provider.