nbn® fibre upgrade support

What’s the difference between FTTN/C connections and FTTP connections?

FTTN and FTTC connections use fibre for part of the internet connection. The rest of the journey – from the internet node and the curb of your street, respectively – uses old copper connections.

FTTP means your internet connection uses fibre from start to finish. This gives you access to higher speed nbn plans and can lead to more reliable connections, when compared to copper connections.

Who’s eligible for the fibre upgrade?

People currently connected to the nbn using FTTN and FTTC connections in eligible locations can upgrade using nbn co’s national fibre upgrade initiative.

People using hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) connections aren’t eligible, as those connections are already able to access higher speed plans.

How long will the tech upgrade take?

Once you sign up for an eligible fibre upgrade plan, we’ll book an installation date for you. It’ll usually happen within 1–4 weeks – we’ll let you know when it’s happening.

Just so you know: someone from nbn co may check if additional work needs to be done outside your property before your appointment.

On your upgrade day, an nbn technician will come to your place and upgrade your connection. It’ll usually take 2–4 hours.

Will the tech upgrade cost me anything?

The tech upgrade itself – replacing your copper network with fibre – is $0 for standard installation.

There might be additional charges, depending on your property (e.g. New Development Charges or installation charges if you need equipment to go in particular places.) We’ll flag those ahead of time, though, so we can talk to you about them if they come up.

What happens during the tech upgrade?

During your fibre upgrade, an nbn technician will replace your current copper connection with fibre.

They’ll also install a utility box on a wall outside your property and a connection box inside your property. Someone over 18 years old will need to be home to sign-off on the tech being installed.

Once everything’s done, you’ll plug your modem into the new FTTP connection. It’ll take a few moments to get going and then you’re done.

The whole thing usually takes 2–4 hours. Your current connection will go offline briefly during the changeover. Our FTTP setup page has a diagram that shows what your new tech will look like.

If the tech can’t do everything in one day, they’ll follow-up as soon as possible. You’ll be able to keep using your current connection.

What do I need to do during the tech upgrade?

Not all that much, generally.

Someone over 18 years old will need to be there to approve where the nbn technician will install the new tech.

You’ll also need to secure any pets so the technician can safely access to outside your property and any rooms inside they need to get to.

It’s likely that the nbn technician will need to turn the power off for 30–60 minutes so keep your mobile handy during the process, in case you need to call anyone.

After the upgrade, you’ll need a Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable to make the most of the higher speed tiers available on fibre connections. Cat5e cables support speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1000Mbps) and Cat6 supports up to 10Gbps.

Your ethernet cable will have its type printed on it.

Our Belong modems now come with a Cat6 cable (and previously came with a Cat5e).

Can I upgrade if I’m renting or part of a body corporate?

If you’re renting, check with your landlord or property manager before upgrading your technology. The nbn technician might need to do some work that needs landlord permission (like drilling and digging) to install the relevant cables and connection boxes.

If you’re part of a body corporate, check with your property manager before the install.

Will I need a new modem?

Maybe – it’s unlikely but possible. Most Belong modems will work on an FTTP service without any problem. Older models might need an upgrade.

If you’re using your own modem, we can’t guarantee it’ll work. Check with its manufacturer before signing up for the tech upgrade if you’re not sure your modem will work.