How to Connect to the NBN

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Updated 03/10/2023
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Added step-by-step guide to setting up the NBN and included more up-to-date information on NBN rollout.
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Written by

Mel Basta

Updated 03/10/2023

What changed?

Added step-by-step guide to setting up the NBN and included more up-to-date information on NBN rollout.
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Edited by

Laura Crowden

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Compare NBN plans the easy way

Save time and effort by comparing a range of NBN plans and providers online*

What is the NBN?
Is your home NBN ready?
What are the latest NBN updates?
What equipment is required to install the NBN?
What are the costs involved in an NBN installation?
How will my NBN be installed?
Connecting to the NBN if you’re renting
Other things to consider when connecting to the NBN
What should I consider when comparing NBN plans?
Comparing NBN plans

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.1Parliament of Australia – Media Release, New National Broadband Network

Australia’s existing network was 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 ADSL2Nbn Co – Which services will be switched off? with a multi-technology mix (MTM) 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 2020.3Paul Fletcher MP – NBN declared built and fully operational

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.

What are the latest NBN updates?

By the end of 2023, up to 8 million premises in total will be eligible to access NBN Home Ultrafast, offering wholesale download speeds of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps.4Nbn co – NBN Co offers further fibre upgrades as part of $4.5 billion plan That’s fast!

In fact, 4.4 million Aussie homes and businesses are already using the NBN Home Ultrafast speed tier through HFC and FTTP networks.5As above

What equipment is required to install the NBN?

The NBN is delivered via a Multi Technology Mix.6Nbn co – Network technology 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:7As above

Fixed NBN

Below are the different types of wireless connections (mostly used in remote and regional areas):9Nbn co – Network technology

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.10NBN – Government Policy for New Developments

There may be additional charges if your property is considered a non-standard installation.11Nbn co – Price list, nbn Ethernet Product Module, Wholesale Broadband Agreementpage 10. This could include additional technology and equipment, or cabling being required.12As abovepage 12.

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.13Nbn co – Pre-installing your NBN connection box

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.14Nbn co – Renters and landlords

It’s important to note that when you vacate the premises, the NBN equipment must remain behind.15Nbn co – Moving home and nbn

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.16Nbn co – Device compatibility

Some important services to consider are:17As above.

  • 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 or call our friendly team on 13 19 20.

Get started on comparing NBN plans today!

Save time and effort by comparing a range of NBN plans and providers online*

*iSelect’s partnered with CIMET Sales Pty Ltd (ABN 72 620 395 726) to help you compare a range of internet plans and providers. Not all internet plan providers or plans in the market are compared. The availability of plans may change from time to time. Not all plans available from CIMET providers are compared. Due to commercial arrangements, area or availability, not all plans compared will be available to all customers. Some plans and special offers are available only from iSelect’s call centre or website. Click here to view CIMET’s range of providers. iSelect and CIMET earn a commission for every internet plan sold.