The National Broadband Network (NBN) Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) upgrade is part of Australia’s ongoing effort to enhance internet infrastructure, delivering faster and more reliable broadband connections. If you’re in an area eligible for the FTTP upgrade, here’s what the process looks like and what you can expect.
1. Initial Eligibility Check
- Notification from NBN Co: NBN Co periodically identifies areas where existing Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) customers can be upgraded to FTTP. You may receive a notification if your premises are eligible.
- Service Provider Inquiry: You can also contact your internet service provider (ISP) to check whether your address is eligible for an upgrade. Some ISPs offer pre-registration for those interested in upgrading.
2. Selecting a New Plan
- Faster Plan Requirement: To access FTTP, you will need to upgrade to a higher-tier NBN plan, typically offering speeds of 100 Mbps or more (NBN 100, NBN 250, or NBN 1000). Your service provider will inform you of the available options and costs.
- Choosing a Provider: You can choose to upgrade through your current ISP, or you may decide to shop around for a better deal, as different providers offer various plans and promotions.
3. Scheduling the Installation
- Contact from NBN Technicians: After selecting your new plan, NBN Co will arrange for an FTTP installation at your premises. This installation involves running a fibre-optic cable directly from the street to your home.
- Site Survey and Appointment: An NBN technician may first conduct a site survey to assess where the fibre cables will be installed. They will work with you to schedule a suitable time for the installation.
4. The Installation Process
- External Work (Fibre to the Pit): The first step involves connecting fibre-optic cables from the street’s fibre distribution point (pit) to your property. This work is generally done outside your home and doesn’t require you to be present.
- Internal Work (Fibre to the Home): For this part of the installation, a technician will run the fibre cable inside your property to the Network Termination Device (NTD), which will be installed inside your home. You’ll need to be home for this part of the process.
- Choosing the NTD Location: The technician will work with you to determine the best place to install the NTD. It is typically installed close to your router or in a location central to your home for optimal Wi-Fi distribution.
- Wall Drilling and Cable Routing: Depending on your home’s layout, the technician may need to drill holes or route cables through existing conduits. They’ll aim to minimize disruption and work neatly.
5. Testing and Activation
- Service Testing: Once the installation is complete, the technician will test the connection to ensure that the fibre is working correctly.
- Activation by Your ISP: After the NBN installation is done, your ISP will activate your new fibre connection. This usually happens within 24 hours but can take up to a few days, depending on the provider.
6. What to Expect After the Upgrade
- Faster Speeds: Once your FTTP service is activated, you should experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, depending on the NBN plan you’ve selected.
- Improved Stability: FTTP delivers a more reliable internet connection with fewer dropouts and interruptions, even during peak usage periods.
- Future-Proof Technology: FTTP is a future-proof technology that can handle even faster speeds as they become available. As NBN and ISPs offer higher-speed tiers in the future, your home will already be equipped to take advantage of these speeds.
Additional Considerations
- Cost: The FTTP upgrade itself is generally free if you meet the speed plan requirements, but higher-tier NBN plans may cost more than your current plan. Be sure to discuss pricing and any changes to your monthly bill with your ISP.
- Contract: Quite often undisclosed by NBN, but you’ll be required to keep your service with your current provider for a period of 12 months before moving or changing speeds (down), otherwise you’ll need to absorb the entire cost of the FTTP upgrade that was previously absorbed for you. This is a charge from NBN.
- Disruption: The installation process can take a few hours, and during this time, your internet connection may be temporarily disrupted. Your ISP and NBN Co will advise you on what to expect during the transition.
- Equipment: You may need a new router or modem that supports higher speeds. Your ISP will inform you if any new equipment is required, and they may provide it as part of the upgrade.
- Transition: Your existing NBN service will be active for up to 12-24 months after your FTTP upgrade is activated. Be sure to cancel your previous NBN service with your provider.
Conclusion
The NBN FTTP upgrade process involves checking eligibility, selecting a higher-speed plan, scheduling the installation, and upgrading your home’s internet infrastructure. While the process requires coordination and patience, the result is a faster, more reliable internet connection that is capable of meeting current and future digital demands.