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Eligible locations
As the network upgrade is an ongoing and progressive activity, not all homes and businesses in an area may be able to connect at the same time. A small proportion of locations may not be eligible to connect to fibre under this program. This will depend on a number of considerations, such as the complexity of the build and environmental factors.
The eligible locations have been selected for reasons including:
- Demand – we anticipate strong demand in these metropolitan and regional locations for higher wholesale speed plans.
- Cost-effectiveness – we can deploy here with speed and agility, in a way that our investment is most likely to spread and multiply economic activity across the nation.
If your premises is not eligible right now, it may become eligible before the end of 2025. You can register for email updates and we will advise you if your premises becomes eligible. Alternatively, you can regularly check your address on our website to find out if your location is eligible.
nbn’s role is to improve and upgrade the nbn network as Australia’s connectivity needs increase and to ensure we provide access to the broadband speeds that Australia needs. So stay tuned as we look to build more fibre into the network in the future.
We totally understand! That’s why we already offer a range of wholesale speeds for residential and business customers.*
We have a range of residential speed tiers and we also have options to suit businesses. Please note that the availability of these speed tiers depends on your access technology.
We recommend chatting to your preferred phone and internet provider to find the right speed tier to suit your needs. You can also learn more about making the most of your internet experience.
If you're in a building managed by a Body Corporate, your entire building may be eligible for a fibre upgrade through another program.
Connecting to a new FTTP service with a participating provider
We recommend speaking to your phone and internet provider to find out which costs apply to your unique situation. You may need to purchase an eligible speed plan to upgrade and charges may apply if you downgrade or disconnect.
You may need to upgrade some of your devices, improve your home/office set-up or do some cabling work to get the most of your new connection.
As nbn is a wholesaler, you will need to speak to your preferred participating provider regarding plans and prices available to you.
The nbn approved technician will install Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection in parallel to your existing Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection.
Once you have spoken to your FTTP provider and are satisfied that your FTTP service is up and running, you may need to arrange the transfer of services from your original technology (FTTN or FTTC) connection to your new FTTP connection.
We recommend checking with your original provider that your plan on the original technology (FTTN or FTTC) has been cancelled, so that you can avoid being charged for services on both technologies. Your provider will be able to help you through this process.
Unless you have cancelled your original service, it may remain active. If nbn decides to turn off the original technology at your premises, nbn will inform your phone and service provider at least 18 months prior, so you will be given plenty of notice before this might occur.
The nbn approved technician will install and test the equipment so that it's ready for your phone and internet provider to finalise the FTTP service connection.
Please follow your provider’s guidelines for connection. This may include replacement or upgrade of your existing Wi-Fi modem/gateway, They will let you know when the service is ready to use and support you through any additional steps required. In the meantime, you can keep using your existing service if you have one.
If you experience any issues with your service post installation please contact your provider.
Once you are connected, if you find your internet isn't working as you'd expect, it might be time to check your set up.
Check your Wi-Fi router
- Ensure your Wi-Fi router is capable of at least Wi-Fi 5 or above in its settings. Find a place for your Wi-Fi router in an open location where you use the internet most, and away from sources of interference like microwaves, fridges, big mirrors and other electrical motors.
Improve your Wi-Fi signal strength
- How your property is built and designed can have an impact on the strength and reliability of your Wi-Fi signal, which can result in areas with low speeds or even drop-outs as you move around your premises.
- For larger properties, a Wi-Fi mesh system can help expand your Wi-Fi coverage. You could also engage a registered cabler to install Ethernet cabling to physically connect devices, such as Wi-Fi access points, work computers, gaming consoles or TVs to optimise their performance.
Check your connected devices and their compatibility
- Ensure your connected devices (e.g. your TV, laptop or gaming consoles) are compatible with at least Wi-Fi 5 or above. Otherwise they could be holding you back from experiencing the speeds that both your nbn speed plan and Wi-Fi router are capable of.
If you need support with your equipment set-up, chat with your provider or an electronics retailer.
Installation appointment and process
Your nbn approved technician will use the following guidelines to find a suitable location for the nbn connection box.
If it isn't feasible to meet all of these guidelines on the day of installation, exceptions may be considered. Your technician will discuss your options with you on the day.
The nbn connection box should be installed:
Within 3 metres of an existing power point outlet inside your premises.
Within a 12 metre radial distance of the nbn utility box. If there is no suitable location within the 12 metre radius according to nbn installation guidelines, the technician will, where feasible, install the nbn connection box in the nearest most suitable location beyond 12 metres.
In an easily accessible location for convenient monitoring of the indicator lights, if required.
Away from existing utilities such as gas lines, external water systems and away from direct sunlight.
In an easily accessible location taking into consideration health and safety (for example, our technicians are not able to access low roof spaces or low underfloor spaces).
A safe position where it will not be easily damaged.
In a cool, dry, ventilated area. It cannot be placed in a wet area, such as the bathroom, laundry, kitchen wet area or under a window that opens.
On the ground floor in a multi-story building.
On the inside surface of the external wall that your nbn utility box was installed (and within the same building).
Not in a garage or a bedroom unless:
- You specifically request it or;
- There's existing Ethernet cabling from the garage or bedroom to a better location for your Wi-Fi router or;
- A pathway has been provided from the nbn utility box to the garage or bedroom or;
- It's the only safe or feasible option due to the construction/layout of your premises.
Within 3 metres of an existing power point outlet inside your premises.
Within a 12 metre radial distance of the nbn utility box. If there is no suitable location within the 12 metre radius according to nbn installation guidelines, the technician will, where feasible, install the nbn connection box in the nearest most suitable location beyond 12 metres.
In an easily accessible location for convenient monitoring of the indicator lights, if required.
Away from existing utilities such as gas lines, external water systems and away from direct sunlight.
In an easily accessible location taking into consideration health and safety (for example, our technicians are not able to access low roof spaces or low underfloor spaces).
A safe position where it will not be easily damaged.
In a cool, dry, ventilated area. It cannot be placed in a wet area, such as the bathroom, laundry, kitchen wet area or under a window that opens.
On the ground floor in a multi-story building.
On the inside surface of the external wall that your nbn utility box was installed (and within the same building).
Not in a garage or a bedroom unless:
- You specifically request it or;
- There's existing Ethernet cabling from the garage or bedroom to a better location for your Wi-Fi router or;
- A pathway has been provided from the nbn utility box to the garage or bedroom or;
- It's the only safe or feasible option due to the construction/layout of your premises.
What can I do if the nbn connection box can not be placed in my preferred location?
There are limitations on where we can and cannot install your new nbn equipment.
You'll be offered at least one installation option consistent with the guidelines above to have your full fibre installation completed. If we are not able to install the nbn connection box in your preferred location on the day, there are a few options you can consider, but they are not included in the nbn full fibre installation and will be at your own expense:
- Providing your own pathway, following the Requirements of Customer Installed Fibre Cable Pathway guidelines (PDF 860KB), to where you would like your nbn connection box.
- Running an Ethernet cable from the nbn connection box to where you would like your Wi-Fi router.
- Looking at ways you could further enhance the setup in your premises with our Getting Your Connection Up And Running video (duration 4:08) or download our Optimisation fact sheet (PDF 800KB).
It’s a live network, so there may be power or service interruptions which can typically last around 30-60 minutes. The nbn approved technician will let you know if they need to temporarily isolate power for health and safety reasons, depending on the work they need to do. To prepare for a potential service outage, we recommend keeping an alternative form of communication on hand, like a charged mobile phone, throughout the appointment.
Typically the installation process takes 2 to 4 hours but may take longer.
An authorised person over the age of 18, will need to be present and provide signed consent on where and how we can install the new equipment.
Note: If this is a complex installation (i.e. the conduit is blocked, or there is significant work required outside your premises), the nbn approved technician may need to leave without completing the installation but may still complete the installation of the nbn connection box and nbn utility box. Please ensure your nbn connection box is kept powered on once installed. Your phone and internet provider will contact you to reschedule your appointment if required. In the meanwhile, you can keep using your existing service if you have one.
On the day, we'll be installing nbn equipment including: fibre cabling, an nbn utility box outside your premises, plus an nbn connection box inside your premises. See the nbn FTTP supplied equipment set-up below:
- Outside the premises: nbn utility box. The maximum size of the box is 250mm (w) x 260mm (h) x 80mm (d).
- Inside the premises: the nbn connection box. The box size is 235mm (w) x 195mm (h) x 70mm (d).
- Clearance around the equipment needs to be considered dependent on installation locations.
- nbn fibre cabling will be installed from the street to the external nbn utility box. This can utilise existing cable pathways or include activities like mounting cable pathways on the surface of walls or using hand tools to shallow bury cable.
- The nbn utility box will be installed close to your existing telecommunications utility box, usually at the front of the premises, no lower than 400mm to the ground and clear from other utilities.
- The nbn approved technician will also install fibre cable between the nbn utility box and the nbn connection box.
To learn more about nbn connection box installation guidelines, download our guide.
Yes. If you rent, ensure you have your landlord's permission for the installation, as typically drilling and sometimes digging is involved.
nbn will select the optimal way to service the premises based on site conditions. There may be slight disruption (i.e. hand digging) around your premises.
Additionally, movement of items like bins or gardening pots may be required to clear the pathway for installation. The nbn approved technician can be expected to return all items to their original location.
If you have received this type of notification from your phone and internet provider, this means it will take longer than usual to upgrade your location to FTTP.
Reasons for this delay can include:
- The nbn approved technician has assessed that upgrading your location is more complex than a standard upgrade and further work is required.
- nbn needing to do more network infrastructure work in your area before a FTTP connection can become finalised at your location
- nbn may need third-party approval (e.g. from other utility infrastructure asset owners, such as electricity providers) to gain access to complete the nbn network infrastructure work which can take time to obtain.
These delays relate to nbn activities that must be done before your phone and internet provider can complete your order. This will affect all providers offering nbn FTTP to your location.
As nbn conducts the work to deliver your fibre upgrade, your provider will update you with further information about the progress of your order.
Once nbn has completed any additional work outside your premises, we may attempt to complete the installation remotely to avoid a follow up visit. For this reason, we ask customers to leave their nbn connection devices powered on. You may receive an SMS or follow up phone call from 02 9392 6000 to finalise the installation.
Relocating nbn supplied equipment inside your premises
Registered cablers accredited by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) are able to make changes to nbn's access network equipment (nbn equipment) within your home or business. For example, the moving of a nbn connection box (also known as a Network Termination Device (NTD)), to another location within the premises.
The modifications carried out must adhere to nbn standards and be completed in accordance with nbn's Authority to Alter guide.
Relocating nbn supplied equipment outside your premises
To relocate nbn equipment outside of your home or business, you'll need to visit the modifying nbn infrastructure page, follow the relocation works process and complete the application form. A member of the Relocation Works team will be in contact with you to provide assistance and inform you of any associated costs to complete the work.
Removing nbn supplied equipment
For the removal of nbn equipment (except Satellite equipment), whether internal or external, visit the modifying nbn infrastructure page.
Device compatibility
Your phone and internet provider can guide you on how and what devices you need to connect to the new FTTP service, such as:
Wi-Fi Modem/Gateways
Whenever you make a significant change to your internet connection, you should review your Wi-Fi modem/gateway (sometimes referred to as a router) to make sure it can handle the latest advancements in broadband technology.
Check with your provider if your Wi-Fi modem/gateway can handle the speeds required for your new FTTP connection.
Upgrading to a newer Wi-Fi modem/gateway can help boost your Wi-Fi speed, range, reliability and security.
The current iteration of Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi 6 and this is faster, more efficient and has the ability to provide a more consistent speed under complex conditions (noise, interference, or physical obstructions) as compared to older versions of Wi-Fi*.
When you change to FTTP check with your provider if they will provide you with a new Wi-Fi modem/ gateway.
Other devices
Your premises layout can have an impact on the Wi-Fi quality across different areas and you may need to consider extending your Wi-Fi signal.
Here are some options:
- Mesh Network: A mesh network consists of multiple Wi-Fi nodes placed throughout the premises that work together to create a more consistent Wi-Fi signal. Mesh networks tend to be less affected by signal degradation as you move further away from the Wi-Fi modem/gateway or by obstacles such as thicker walls. This is due to the nodes expanding the network coverage throughout your premises.
- Wi-Fi Extenders: A Wi-Fi extender is a device that extends your Wi-Fi signal via re-broadcasting it deeper into your premises. They can be a good value solution if you’re looking to improve Wi-Fi in one part of the property.
- Wiring: A professionally installed wired connection, in most cases, can provide a more consistent and faster internet experience than a Wi-Fi connection. To truly maximise your internet speeds, consider engaging a registered cabler to install a wired connection in your premises for critical devices. (e.g. Consider cabling between a nbn connection box and a Wi-Fi modem/gateway or between a Wi-Fi modem/ gateway and performance critical devices, such as TVs or office devices).
To get the most out of your new FTTP connection, you can refer to our optimisation fact sheet.
nbn recommends you contact your phone and internet provider, and your current device provider, about whether your services, and/or the compatibility of your devices will be impacted.
Important notes
Conditions, eligibility criteria and costs will apply – please speak with your preferred provider. Eligibility criteria includes among other things, being designated by nbn as a simple premises and placing an order for an nbn powered plan based on an eligible wholesale speed tier. Additional costs may apply to providers, who may choose to pass this charge onto their customers.
Please note that network construction will be an ongoing activity beyond the initial volume build for future new developments and a small proportion of premises defined as ‘complex connections’ – which includes properties that are difficult to access, culturally significant areas and heritage sites – where connection depends on factors outside of nbn’s control such as permission from traditional owners.
nbn provides wholesale services to phone and internet providers. nbn wholesale speed tiers available to providers vary depending on the access technology in an end customer’s area. An end customer’s experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn broadband access network, depends on the nbn access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to their premises, whether they are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside of nbn’s control (like their equipment quality, software, chosen broadband plan, signal reception, or how their provider designs its network).