NBN Connection | Get NBN Connected at Your New or Current Home
If you are not connected to the NBN yet, we will walk you through the simple steps to get your new NBN connection up and running in no time. Whether you are new NBN user connecting for the first time, moving house or want to connect a new build, this guide has all the answers to make your NBN connection a simple process.
NBN Connection FAQ
What is The NBN?
The National Broadband Network, or NBN, is exactly what it sounds like: a national network designed to deliver high-speed broadband to homes and businesses across Australia by replacing the old phone and internet infrastructure with new technology such as fibre-optic cables. For more than a decade now the NBN rollout has been underway and now, thanks to its mix of technology, covers over 12.3 million premises.
Do I Have to Join NBN?
If you're eligible for NBN connection, you'll have 18 months to transition your services to the new network once it's available in your area. After this period, existing fixed-line services will be phased out, necessitating a switch to NBN services.
Technically, you can refuse the NBN as it is not compulsory. However, you might be left without a fixed-line internet connection in your home. If you don’t want to connect to the NBN, there are a few alternatives you can use, mainly home wireless broadband or mobile broadband. Both these broadband options connect your devices to the mobile broadband network (4G or, more recently the 5G mobile network) and can be used as NBN alternatives.
Can I Change My NBN Technology Type?
In some cases, you may be able to upgrade your NBN connection type through NBN Co's Technology Choice Program, although fees may apply. Alternatively, NBN Co is investing in upgrades to existing connections to improve speeds, so it will only be a matter of time before this option is more readily available.
Do I Have to Pay for NBN Installation?
Standard NBN installation is usually free, but additional charges may apply for special circumstances or equipment requirements.
Will I Lose My Landline When I Connect to The NBN?
Technically, yes you will lose your landline when you switch to the NBN. However, this is only because the traditional copper telephone wires will no longer be in use. If you’re someone who still relies on their landline, you can still have a home phone and keep your number, when you sign up for an NBN plan. This is called VoIP, which instead sends your voice over the internet, rather than through the copper wires.
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Connecting to The NBN
The National Broadband Network (NBN) has been an excellent internet alternative since it began in. The Australian Government declared that the NBN rollout was officially completed in late 2020. Despite that, many individual households are not connected to the NBN for a number of reasons.
If you've yet to connect to the NBN for the first time, it's a simple process that can be done in just a few easy steps:
When it comes to NBN connections, you must first establish whether or not you have an exisiting connection. The NBN rollout in Australia is technically complete, so you more than likely already have an NBN connection by now. If you’re unsure you can check your address with the NBN rollout map.
Once your address has been switched to the NBN, you usually have 18 months from that date to sign up for an NBN service before your previous connection shuts off. So, if you don't have your NBN connection yet, then start with step 1 on our list of necessary steps in order to get NBN connected at your house. If you already have an exisiting connection at your address, then you can start with step 2.
How to Connect to The NBN
Check Your Address is NBN Ready
Determine your NBN Connection Type
Compare NBN Plans and Sign Up
Prepare For Your NBN Connection
Set Up Your Modem & Wi-Fi
1.) Checking Your Address for an NBN Connection
Before you can embark on your NBN journey, you need to check if NBN is available at your address. In order to do so, you must visit your preferred service provider's website or the direct NBN Address Checker online. From there, you just have to enter your address to see if NBN is ready for connection at your location.
If NBN is not available in your area yet, don't worry. You can choose to stick with your current internet service for now and keep an eye out for NBN availability updates in your area. You can also consider alternatives like mobile or home wireless broadband or competing privately-owned fibre broadband networks.
2.) Find Your NBN Connection Type
Once you've confirmed that NBN is available in your area it's essential to know your NBN connection type. When you use the NBN address checker, you will also be able to see the NBN connection type that is available at your house. If you already have NBN at your house, you can figure out the connection type based on the NBN box you have at home. Below you can see all the different types of NBN connections and a short description of each:
NBN Connection Type | Connection Details |
|---|---|
| Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) | Direct fibre connection to your premises |
| Fibre to the Node (FTTN) | Connection via a node in your neighborhood |
| Fibre to the Building (FTTB) | Connection to a building's communications room |
| Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) | Connection to a pit or curb near your premises |
| Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) | Connection using existing pay TV or cable network infrastructure |
| Fixed Wireless | Wireless connection to your premises via antennas |
| SkyMuster Satellite | Satellite connection for remote and rural areas |
The type of NBN technology that you have at your home address determines the type of hardware that you need and whether it is required to have a technician to set-up the connection. All of the connection types except Fibre to the Node and Fibre to the Building require a visit from a technician to install your connection.
Can You Change Your NBN Technology Type?
Yes, you may be able to upgrade your NBN technology type through NBN Co's Technology Choice Program. However, keep in mind that there may be costs involved, and eligibility varies.
Check your broadband speed Use the Internet Speed Test to find out how fast your internet is, and learn tips and tricks that might speed up your connection.
3.) Compare NBN Plans & Sign Up
Once you've determined your NBN connection type, it is now time to comparing NBN plans and sign up online. You can use provider websites or online comparison sites, such as Selectra, to compare NBN plans and find one that best suits your needs. Once you explore all the different NBN providers and plans offered, you can easily sign up online or via the phone and schedule your NBN installation. It's that simple.
Before searching for an NBN plan, it is very important to first determine the internet speed that you require at your residence. Below is a short table highlighting the different speeds and the general functions of each:
NBN plans are broken down into different speed tiers. These represent the maximum download speed available to you and your household on your NBN plan. They are:
- NBN12 (Basic): Suitable for 1-2 low-internet users, light social media browsing, and emails
- NBN25 (Standard or Basic II): Suitable for 1-2 average internet users who want to stream videos in standard quality, browse the internet, and look at social media
- NBN50 (Standard Plus): Suitable for 2-4 people who frequently stream videos, browse social media, and game online
- NBN100 (Premium): Suitable for large households of 5 or more people, HD online gamers, multiple devices, and frequent, high-internet users
- NBN250 (Superfast): Suitable for large households with multiple devices, multiple online gamers on one NBN plan, and frequent HD streaming
- NBN1000 (Ultrafast): The fastest NBN connection available, if you can find it
Once you determine the NBN speed that best suits you and your household needs, you can compare and find the best NBN plan. Below are some of the best NBN plans that you can find, depending on the speed type.
Use the dropdon list below to compare NBN plans at each speed tier:
Compare NBN Plans
Compare NBN 25 Plans
Selectras Recommendation: NBN 25 Plans
Mate Crikey Plan
Tangerine Value Plan
Sumo Simple 25 Plan
Southern Phone NBN Basic Plan
Skymesh NBN 25 Plan
Kogan Bronze Plan
Vodafone NBN 25 Plan
TeleChoice Essential Plan
More Telecom Value Plan
Compare NBN 50 Plans
Selectras Recommendation: NBN 50 Plans
Tangerine Value Plan
Kogan Silver Plan
Sumo Savvy 50 Plan
Vodafone NBN 50 Plan
Southern Phone NBN Standard Plan
Mate Ripper Plan
Skymesh NBN 50 Plan
TeleChoice Fast Plan
More Telecom Value Plus Plan
Compare NBN 100 Plans
Selectras Recommendation: NBN 100 Plans
Tangerine Speedy Plan
Southern Phone NBN Fast Plan
Mate No Worries Plan
Kogan Gold Plan
Vodafone Home Fast Plan
TeleChoice Very Fast Plan
Sumo Premium 100 Plan
More Telecom Fast Plan
Skymesh NBN Fast Plan
Compare NBN Superfast Plans
Selectras Recommendation: NBN Superfast Plans
Mate You Beaut Plan
Tangerine Super Speedy Plan
Southern Phone Superfast Plan
Vodafone Home Superfast Plan
TeleChoice Superfast Plan
More Telecom Superfast Plan
Kogan Platinum Plan
Compare NBN Ultrafast Plans
Selectras Recommendation: NBN Ultrafast Plans
Mate Fair Dinkum Plan
Tangerine Ultra Speedy Plan
Vodafone Home Ultrafast Plan
More Telecom Ultrafast Plan
Kogan Diamond Plan
4.) Prepare for NBN Installation
Before the installation day arrives, there are a few things that you have to get in order. Below are all the things you must consider and prepare if you need to have a technician sent to your residence to connect your residence to the NBN:
- Schedule an Appointment: Depending on your NBN technology type, you may need a technician visit in order to connect your home to the NBN. If you need a technician to connect your home to the NBN you must schedule the appointment in advance.
- Check Installation Requirements: You must prepare any necessary equipment and will need to determine where is the best spot for the installation, depedning on the placement of your power and cable outlets.
- Understand Installation Costs: Standard NBN installation is usually free, but additional charges may apply for special circumstances or extra equipment.
- Ensure Accessibility: Make sure someone over 18 is available on installation day and is present for the duration of the installation, which may last a few hours.
4.) Set Up Your Modem & Wi-Fi
Once your NBN is connected and your provider has confirmed that your plan is properly set-up, the only thing left to do is set up your modem and Wi-Fi. Usually, this is as simple as plugging in your modem and connecting it to the NBN cables that the technician installed. Then, all you have to do is connect your devices to the modem and you should be able to start browsing and using your new internet connection.
If these instructions seem unclear, don't worry. Your internet provider will send you everything you need, including a modem and full instructions. They will also let you know whether a technician will need to visit your home to install any additional equipment, as well as any additional costs that this might incur. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your NBN provider, they are there to ensure that you can get online as soon as possible with minimal hassle.
NBN Connection Moving House
If you are moving house, the process of connecting NBN at your new residence is very simple. If you are already connected to the NBN, and would like to keep your same internet provider, simply contact them to inform them of your move and provide them with your new address and move-in date. It is important that you discuss your household's needs and available speed tiers with your provider to ensure a smooth transition. They will then hand the switch for you and ensure that the internet is working on your arrival. Please note that you will likely have to inform your NBN provider a few days in advance, but this depends on the specific provider.
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NBN New Development
Building a new home is a very exciting and busy time. It is important that you plan accordingly to ensure that your new house is equipped with NBN connectivity right from the start. When scouting for the perfect plot of land, don't forget to inquire about whether the development will incorporate the NBN network. If not already in place, discuss the possibility of submitting an NBN New Developments application with the developer.
As you envision the layout of your new home, take some time to think about your connectivity needs. Consider where you'll want your phone, tablet, laptop, or television to be located, and visualize where you'd like the NBN connection box to be positioned. Making these decisions early on will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also ensure optimal functionality.
Once your home construction is underway, be proactive and engage with your builder to submit an NBN pre-installation request for the NBN connection box. This will pave the way for a seamless transition into your new home, allowing you to start enjoying the benefits of NBN connectivity sooner rather than later.
If you're embarking on a knockdown-rebuild project where your current home is already connected to the NBN network, you may need to submit a Relocation Works application. This process ensures that the NBN network can be relocated to the most suitable area within your land, ready to reconnect once your new home is built.
NBN New Development Application
Now, it's time to talk about the NBN New Development Charge. This is a $300 fee imposed by NBN on residents to help cover the costs of rolling out the network in new development areas. Before diving into the application process, take the time to prepare thoroughly. This will help the NBN so they are able to accurately assess your development plans and confirming the eligibility of delivering NBN broadband access network infrastructure to your new development.
Below is a list of all the things that you need to provide for the NBN new development application:
- Development address
- Total number of new nbn connections
- Your development details and plans (Lead-in Conduits (LIC), pit &amo; pipe or pathways)
- Contact details of the applicant, property developer and any billing contacts
- Payment preference (if applicable)
Once everything is prepared, you can submit your NBN New Developments application online, and NBN will handle the rest. Remember, it's essential to seek the assistance of industry professionals or NBN-trained New Developments suppliers to ensure that the design and build of the NBN infrastructure within your property boundary meet the standards of the NBN.
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NBN Installation Cost
When it comes to setting up your NBN connection, you'll be pleased to know that standard installation is absolutely free of charge. This perk is valid for the first 18 months after the NBN is declared 'ready for service' in your area. So, if you're making the switch from an existing connection, you won't incur any costs to connect to the NBN network.
However, if you're setting up a completely new service or require the assistance of a technician or additional equipment, charges will apply. The specific charged depend on the type of NBN technology you have and where you live as well. It is best to check with NBN or your internet provider to determine the extent of the installation costs.
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