Skip to the article content

This is is a test for red alert, with close icon. Should show only on one page.

The full fibre connection process

Preparing for an nbn® FTTP installation




Once you've checked you're eligible, follow the steps below to help ensure you have a smooth connection process and that you're getting the most out of your nbn full fibre service.




Steps to connect to nbn full fibre

There are five steps involved when getting connected to nbn full fibre via nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).

The equipment you use, where you place it and how these devices are connected can impact your internet experience* with slower speeds or even drop-outs. For example, your Wi-Fi router should be in an open location where you use the internet most and away from interferences. It should also be compatible with at least Wi-Fi 5 or above to access nbn wholesale speeds of at least 100Mbps or above. 

Ask your phone and internet provider about your existing set-up when you order an nbn full fibre plan. They may recommend you upgrade your existing equipment or purchase new equipment to ensure you're getting the best out of your new full fibre connection.

Note: an nbn full fibre installation includes free installation of nbn supplied equipment only. 

Organising your connection starts with talking to a participating provider.  Ask them about connecting to nbn FTTP and decide which plan best suits your needs. They'll organise an installation date with you, and then we'll take it from there.


To help ensure your installation goes smoothly, this video outlines what you can expect on the day:

YouTube video, press enter to play video,


icon

Someone over 18 needs to be present, and you'll need landlord permission. 

Make sure someone over 18 years old will be present during the appointment as we'll need their consent and signature on where and how we can install the new equipment. 

If you rent, ensure you have your landlord's permission for the installation as typically drilling, and sometimes digging, is involved. 





icon

We'll SMS you to remind you what to expect.

In the lead-up to installation day, provided we have your mobile number, we'll send you up to four SMS to help you prepare for the installation, confirm your appointment, as well as let you know when we're on our way. In some cases, we may also give you a call prior to your appointment to discuss your installation with you.

Remember: nbn will never ask for remote access to any of your devices. If you'd like to reschedule your appointment, you'll need to contact your provider.




icon

Please secure your pets, and keep your mobile handy.

Please organise to secure any dogs or animals on the day to ensure our technicians have safe access. 

It's likely we will need to turn off the power or internet for 30-60 minutes for health and safety reasons on the day - so ensure you have your mobile handy and charged in case of an emergency.


We'll be installing nbn equipment including: fibre cabling, an nbn utility box outside your premises, plus an nbn connection box inside your premises. Here's a video that details what you need to know about where we can and can't install these boxes:


YouTube video, press enter to play video,


icon

A person over the age of 18 will need to be present for typically 2 - 4 hours.

We'll need someone over 18 years old to be present for the entire installation process, which usually takes between 2 and 4 hours, but may take longer. We’ll need their consent and signature on where and how we can install the new equipment.

If we are unable to complete everything within a day, we'll organise to come back as soon as possible to complete the installation. In the meantime, if you have an existing nbn service, you can keep using it.




icon

We may need to drill and dig, so landlord permission is required.
 
If you rent, ensure you have your landlord’s permission for the installation as typically drilling and sometimes digging is involved.



diagram of an nbn utility box, connection box and Wi-Fi router


Important things to know about the nbn connection box installation.

Your new nbn connection box will need to connect to your Wi-Fi router so it is important to understand where it can be installed.

If you have an existing nbn connection, the new equipment may need to be installed in a different location and you may need to change the location of your current Wi-Fi router.

If we can't place the nbn connection box in your preferred location, there are a few options you can consider, at your own expense, such as providing your own fibre cable pathway. 


Find out where we can and can’t install the nbn connection box and what your options are using the link below.




After the physical installation is complete, your provider will activate your new service and notify you. This might take up to a few business days depending on your provider, but don't worry, if you have an existing nbn service, you can continue using it in the meantime.

Once you're up and running, if you find your  internet isn't as fast and reliable as you'd expect, it might be time to check your set-up. This next video offers some useful tips to ensure your equipment set-up isn't holding you back from enjoying your new full fibre experience.

YouTube video, press enter to play video,


icon calendar

Check your Wi-Fi router compatibility and location.
 

Check 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.





icon

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.




icon

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. 






Resources


nbn FTTP installation guide

(PDF - 6 MB)

nbn optimisation guide

(PDF - 799 KB)

nbn Connection Box fact sheet

(PDF - 886 KB)

FTTP cable pathways fact sheet

(PDF - 1 MB)




NEED HELP?


nbn is a wholesaler, so in most cases you'll need to speak with your phone and internet provider if you have a query.


When to contact your provider
  • If you need help understanding if your existing equipment is compatible with your new nbn full fibre (FTTP) plan. 
  • To reschedule your nbn full fibre installation appointment.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your nbn full fibre installation, or activation of your plan.
  • If you're having issues with the performance of your new nbn full fibre plan once it's been activated, and have already checked for outages on the nbn outages page.
  • To change your nbn speed plan.
  • To report missing nbn equipment.
  • To report a missing or incorrect address.



When to contact nbn








More information and assistance

Would you like to learn more? Check out our list of frequently asked questions.







* Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn network, depends on the nbn network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside our control (like your equipment quality, software, broadband plans, signal reception and how your service provider designs its network).