Learn about Australia’s broadband access network.
The nbn™ broadband access network is one of the most advanced technology projects in Australian history – understanding how it gets to you is easy.
Building the nbn™ access network.
Right now, across Australia, nbn™ is building and constructing the nbn™ access network. When it comes to your area, you may see our construction partners at work.
The groundwork is almost complete.
Using a variety of technologies, we’re laying the foundations so your phone and internet providers can offer fast broadband services.
Your provider now connects to the nbn™ access network.
Providers plug into the nbn™ access network in your area to give you access to the ‘World Wide Web’ – we call this the Point of Interconnect
(POI).
Contact a phone or internet provider.
Once construction is completed, you will need to talk to your provider about switching to an nbn™ plan.
It’s now time to select an nbn™ plan from a phone and internet provider.
To get the best experience, check your address and talk to your provider about the nbn™ plans available in your area, as well as the actual
speeds you can expect to experience, particularly during peak times like the evening.
Enjoy support from your provider.
You can now enjoy access to fast broadband through your phone and internet provider. Speak to your provider if you experience connectivity
problems such as buffering or drop-outs.
You have a choice of speeds.
When switching to a new nbn™ plan, you want to make sure you choose a retail speed that suits your specific needs.
Basic Evening Speed.
Designed for very basic usage. Ideal for:
• Home phone.
• Very basic internet usage.
The typical busy period download speed should be Less than 15Mbps*.
Standard Evening Speed.
Designed for a few people online. Ideal if you like to:
• Browse the web
• SD video streaming
• Send emails
The typical busy period download speed should be Minimum 15Mbps*.
Standard Plus Evening Speed.
Designed for many users/devices. Ideal for:
• HD video streaming
• Playing online games
• Working from home
The typical busy period download speed should be Minimum 30Mbps*.
Premium Evening Speed.
Designed for multiple users/devices. Ideal if you enjoy:
• 4K video streaming
• Uploading and downloading large files
• Multiple devices online at the same time
The typical busy period download speed should be Minimum 60Mbps*.
Before you connect
Some existing services may be affected.
The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies which some existing devices may not be compatible with such as Medical alarms, auto-diallers or emergency call buttons. Contact your device provider to find out if your alarm or device will work when connected to the nbn™ access network, and what alternative solutions are available. Make sure you also register your devices with nbn™. Registering helps nbn™ identify premises where support may be needed to help minimise a break in service. Other things to consider In some instances, switching may not be so straight forward. This includes new developments, granny flats, out-buildings and complex installations – particularly those that require trenching or additional cabling. A new development fee may be charged if you are the first connection in a newly developed area, or you are the first connection in an established area where the number of premises has increased.
The technology that connects your premises.
All types of nbn™ access network connections that utilise a physical line running to the premises (FTTP, FTTB, HFC, FTTC and FTTN) are considered Fixed Line connections. The difference between each type of connection simply comes down to how the nbn™ utilise existing network technology in connecting the nearest available fibre node to a specific premise.
nbn™ Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
Fibre optic line running from the nearest available fibre node, directly to your premises.
nbn™ Fibre to the Building (FTTB).
Fibre optic line running to a node within your building’s communication room, then copper cable wired to a wall socket inside your apartment.
nbn™ Fibre to the Curb (FTTC).
Fibre optic line running to a DPU in your street, then connected via an existing copper cable to your premises, wired to a wall socket.
nbn™ Fibre to the Node (FTTN).
Fibre optic line running to a node in the street, then connected via existing
copper cable to your address, wired to a wall socket.
nbn™ Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
Fibre optic line running to a node, then Coaxial Cable to your premises, with a nbn™ connection box (NTD1) inside your premises.