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Changing your nbn® connection technology

You may have received a message from us letting you know that nbn has identified that your current nbn connection may not be performing as expected, and we’d like to help. 

Some older nbn connections that use copper wiring can be affected by distance, interference and weather, which can impact the speed and reliability of your internet. 

To help improve your internet experience, nbn may offer you the option to upgrade your technology to Fibre to the premises (FTTP) at no charge (with standard installation). 

Who this upgrade is available to?

  • Existing Optus customers’ whose address currently uses Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC).
  • Customers whose address has been deemed eligible by nbn for an upgrade to FTTP, usually based on the performance of the current connection.

New Optus customers:

If you’re a new Optus customer, your address may be eligible for Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). You can check availability by entering your address to see which nbn technology is available and then placing a new nbn order with Optus. 

nbn® connection technologies:

What do I need to do?

If you’ve received an SMS or email from us in relation to upgrading your technology, and would like to proceed with this upgrade, please contact us on the number provided to you in the SMS or email.

The good news is, there are no additional installation cost to upgrade where a standard install applies, and you can upgrade on your current plan with no increase to your internet plan fees.

What does the nbn upgrade process involve?

If you advise us that you would like to proceed with the upgrade, we’ll arrange an installation appointment with nbnCo. You’ll need to provide access to the property so that the technician can install any new nbn equipment inside and/or outside the property. 

Permissions:

If you’re renting, you’ll need your landlord's approval before installation. This is because the upgrade may involve works such as drilling or digging. Once approval is confirmed, the technician can proceed with your upgrade. 

Installation appointment: 

  • You or someone over 18 will need to be home for this appointment.
  • The nbn technician will install the required equipment and may need access inside and outside the property. 
  • Appointments can take 3-4 hours but may take longer for complex connections. 
  • nbn aims to make the upgrade as smooth as possible, however there may be some noise or temporary service disruptions during installation. 

After installation:

Once your installation is complete, you’ll need to connect your modem to the new nbn equipment to start using your service.

If you have any questions, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. 

 

FAQs

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is an nbn connection type that uses fibre-optic cables running directly to your home or business, either underground or via overheard lines. Unlike connections that rely on copper for part of the connection journey, FTTP isn't impacted by distance, interference or weather in the same way copper is. FTTP is less prone to faults and interference, helping reduce dropouts and the need for ongoing maintenance. 

Do I need new equipment?

Yes, as part of the FTTP upgrade, nbn may install new equipment inside and outside your property.

This can include:

  • An nbn utility box installed outside the property, and
  • An nbn connection box inside the property

In some cases, nbn may connect the fibre directly to the nbn connection box inside your property, which helps reduce the amount of equipment installed. 

While nbn will try to accommodate your preference for installation locations, the new connection box may not be installed in the same room as your existing FTTN or FTTC service equipment. 

There’s no charge for the equipment or for a standard installation. 

Will I need to pay for my upgrade?

If you’re eligible and choose to upgrade to FTTP, the upgrade is at no extra cost with a standard installation. Your existing plan fees, features, and add-ons will stay the same unless you choose to make changes to your plan. 

What happens on the day of installation?

The technician will work with you on the day to agree on a suitable location, based on safety, accessibility, and installation standards. If the new connection box needs to be installed in a different room from your current FTTN or FTTC equipment, you may choose to engage a licensed cabler to add internal wiring.

If nbn can’t meet your preferred location or determines the work required falls outside a standard installation, they’ll let you know before any work begins, along with any additional costs, so that you can decide whether to proceed. 

Yes, as some trenching and drilling may be necessary it's important that the rental provider gives permission. In some instances it may not be possible for the FTTP equipment to be installed in the same location as the FTTN / FTTC equipment.

If you haven’t received the necessary approval, the installation will not proceed. To make this easier, download this Renters Permission Template and send it to your landlord or property manager, so they can complete and return to you. We recommend getting written approval before booking your appointment to ensure a smoother process.

What if I don’t want to upgrade?

Upgrading to FTTP is optional. 

However, if you choose not to upgrade, Optus and nbn may have limited ability to resolve performance issues with your current connection type, as it’s been identified as not performing as expected. 

Will I have downtime with my service?

The changeover to FTTP usually involves minimal downtime. Your internet service may be unavailable for up to 30 minutes during the transition.

If you have an Optus phone line as part of your internet connection, we recommend you have access to a mobile phone during the changeover. The phone line transition may take up to 4 hours to complete. 

Once your installation is complete, you’ll need to connect your modem to the new nbn equipment to start using your service.

Do I need a new modem for my Fibre upgrade?

Most nbn compatible modems will work with an FTTP connection. 

However, if you’re using an older modem, it may not support higher speeds, which could impact your experience. If you choose to use your own modem (BYO), we recommend checking the supported speeds with the manufacturer, as we can’t guarantee compatibility for all third-party equipment.

Who is this upgrade available to?

This upgrade is available to Optus customers who have been deemed eligible by nbn for an upgrade of their current FTTN or FTTC service to FTTP. Eligible customers will receive communications from us letting them know the upgrade is available. 

If you’re new to Optus, you can order a nbn service using FTTP technology if your address is eligible by placing a new nbn order with Optus.

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