How to Connect to the NBN

What is the NBN?

In 2009, The Australian Government announced the national rollout of a fast and reliable internet infrastructure known as the National Broadband Network or NBN. 

Australia’s existing networks were struggling to keep up with the demands of our ever-increasing technology needs. Streaming, gaming, and a myriad of connected devices needed more speed and bandwidth than ADSL was capable of delivering. 

As the largest infrastructure project in the history of the country, the NBN replaces ADSL with a multi-technology mix in order to future-proof internet access in Australia, allowing consumers to take advantage of faster internet speeds at home and in businesses. 

The NBN was declared built and fully operational in December 2020.

Is your home NBN ready?

Since the rollout began in 2009, there’s a chance your home may have already been connected to the NBN.  To check, you can enter your address into this handy little rollout map and it’ll quickly tell you the status of your home or business. 

This map will tell you if your home is NBN ready, and what connection options you have. If you’re not NBN ready, it will advise the stage you’re at, such as whether your area is in planning, or construction has commenced. It may also be able to provide an expected completion date. 

Setting up an NBN connection at a glance

1. Make sure you’re ready for NBN: See if your home is connected to the NBN by entering your address into the rollout map here. 
2. Compare your NBN options: Choose a plan from a provider that works for you. 
3. Speak to your provider: They will send you a modem and advise you if you need a technician to visit your home. 
4. Book a technician: Your provider may help you book a technician to come to your home (if required). 
5. Connect to NBN: Connect your devices and access the internet via NBN.

Helpful Tip:

Getting the right match of NBN speeds for your needs is only the first step to living your best broadband life. There’s no point getting a speedy plan if your home Wi-Fi isn’t up to chop, because you’d almost instantly be putting the brakes on any devices you wanted to take online.

Many routers provided by internet providers only really cover the basics of Wi-Fi; if you want to maximise the speeds of your NBN plan, consider investing in a quality router with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 coverage, or even a mesh network setup if you really feel the need for speed.

Alex Kidman

Tech Journalist

What are the latest NBN updates?

By the end of 2023, up to 8 million premises in total were eligible to access NBN Home Ultrafast, offering wholesale download speeds of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps.  That’s fast! 

In fact, more than 4.4 million Aussie homes and businesses are already using the NBN Home Ultrafast speed tier through HFC and FTTP networks.

What equipment is required to install the NBN?

The NBN is delivered via a Multi Technology Mix. This is a fancy way of saying that the equipment required to connect your address may be different to previous homes you’ve lived in, or from the properties of your family and friends. 

Let us explain the different types of fixed line connections and what is required for each: 

Fixed NBN 

• Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): An NBN utility box (outside), NBN connection box (inside or outside) and power supply unit (inside) may be required to connect this technology type, along with an NBN-ready modem.
• Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): An NBN-ready modem and an NBN connection box are required.
• Fibre to the Node (FTTN): As this technology type utilises part of the existing copper network, only an NBN-ready modem is required.
• Fibre to the Building (FTTB): Only an NBN-ready modem is required.
• Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): An NBN-ready modem and NBN connection box are required. 

Below are the different types of wireless connections (mostly used in remote and regional areas): 

Wireless NBN 

• Fixed wireless: An outdoor antenna, NBN connection box and NBN-ready modem are required.
• Satellite: This technology type may require in-home cabling and multiple devices, including a satellite dish, modem, power pack and more, depending on your premises 

To know exactly what is required and included for your home or business to be connected to the NBN, have a chat to your internet provider.  

What are the costs involved in an NBN installation?

Standard installation of NBN supplied equipment such as the power supply unit and network connection box are usually free.  However, if you’re connecting to the NBN for the first time, there may be a new development fee of up to $300 – although sometimes your internet provider kindly covers this cost.  

There may be additional charges if your property is considered a non-standard installation.  This could include additional technology and equipment, or cabling being required.  

Costs for an NBN-ready modem depend upon your chosen provider. There may also be additional fees should you choose a short-term or casual contract.

How will my NBN be installed?

If you’re moving into a new property, you may choose to pre-install the NBN connection box. You can submit a pre-installation request here. 

This will allow the NBN to work with your builder and organise the right equipment both inside and outside of your home.   

Once the infrastructure and equipment are complete, activating the NBN service in your home can be done remotely with the help of your chosen internet provider.  Easy peasy!

Connecting to the NBN if you’re renting

So, you’re renting and want to upgrade to the NBN?  If it’s available in your area, you’ll usually need to get the A-ok from your landlord before starting the NBN installation process. 

It’s important to note that when you vacate the premises, the NBN equipment must remain behind.  

While you can take your NBN-ready modem, the power supply unit and connection box are now equipment connected to that specific property.

Other things to consider when connecting to the NBN

As the NBN involves a range of new technologies, it’s important that you make sure your existing devices and services are fully compatible.  

Some important services to consider are: 

• Medical alarms 
• Monitored fire alarms 
• Security monitoring systems 
• Lift emergency phones 

What should I consider when comparing NBN plans?

• Speed: Providers typically offer plans with speeds of 25Mbps, 50Mbps, 100Mbps or 250Mbps.
• Devices: Consider how many devices you’ll be using the NBN to power.
• Extras and special offers: Some providers offer joint subscriptions to streaming services at either a discounted rate or as a complementary feature of the plan.
• Price: Plans are typically paid monthly and will vary depending on speed, number of devices, etc.

Comparing NBN plans

You probably have more exciting things to do than compare internet providers, so let someone else do that hard work for you. iSelect have partnered with CIMET to help you compare a range of internet plans and providers.* ​ 

To start comparing, you can jump online.