How to Upgrade to FTTP on nbn
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is the gold standard of nbn connections, delivering faster speeds and better reliability than older technologies like FTTN and FTTC.
If your current nbn connection struggles to keep up with your household’s internet needs, an nbn fibre upgrade could be closer (and easier) than you think.
This guide will walk you through what an FTTP connection is, how to check your eligibility, and what to expect when you upgrade.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is an FTTP Connection on the nbn?
- Why Many Australians Want to Upgrade to FTTP
- Can You Upgrade Your nbn Connection to FTTP?
- How to Check If Your Address Is Eligible
- Step-by-Step Process
- Challenges in Regional Australia
- How Activ8me Helps
- FAQ
What is an FTTP Connection on the nbn?
Fibre to the Premises means fibre-optic cable runs directly from the nbn network to your home. This network is different from FTTN (Fibre to the Node), where fibre runs to a street cabinet, and the final stretch to your home uses older copper wiring, or FTTC (Fibre to the Curb), where fibre reaches a pit outside your property before switching to copper.
That last stretch of copper is the weak link – it limits speeds and introduces reliability issues, particularly in older neighbourhoods and regional areas where the copper network is quite old.
With FTTP, copper is replaced entirely, resulting in faster speeds, lower latency, and a more consistent connection regardless of how far you are from the node.
Why Many Australians Want to Upgrade to FTTP
Households are using more bandwidth than ever. Remote work, video calls, streaming across multiple devices, and online learning all put pressure on connections manufactured for a different era. FTTN and FTTC connections can struggle to keep pace, particularly during peak hours.
FTTP supports much higher speed tiers. For regional Australians who already deal with fewer provider options and more variable infrastructure, upgrading to fibre can make a significant difference to everyday life.
Bonus! Once you upgrade from FTTN or FTTC, our Home Fast 500 (500 Mbps) plan becomes available at the same price as a 100 Mbps plan.
Can You Upgrade Your nbn Connection to FTTP?
Yes. However, not every property is eligible yet. nbn has been progressively rolling out its fibre upgrade program, which allows eligible FTTN, FTTC, and FTTB premises to upgrade to FTTP. Whether your address qualifies depends on whether nbn has completed or is planning infrastructure upgrades in your area.
How to Check If Your Address Is Eligible for an FTTP Upgrade
It’s worth knowing that for some properties, eligibility is triggered by ordering a qualifying plan rather than being automatically applied. This detail means your address might be upgrade-ready, but the process only begins once you sign up for an eligible speed tier.
Your address might be eligible, but the upgrade may only start after selecting a qualifying plan.
Many properties and plans are eligible for an nbn fibre upgrade right now. Call us on 13 22 88 to find out if your property is eligible.
Step-by-Step Process for an nbn FTTP Upgrade
- Check eligibility: Confirm your address can receive FTTP through an address check with a member of our team.
- Choose an eligible plan: In many cases, selecting a qualifying speed tier is what triggers the upgrade request to nbn.
- nbn schedules installation: Once the upgrade is confirmed, nbn will arrange a time to run fibre to your premises. You’ll need to be home for the appointment.
- Installation: A technician runs fibre cable to your home and installs a new nbn connection box inside the property.
- Activation: Once the physical installation is complete, we activate the service, and you’re ready to go.
The timeline from ordering to activation varies depending on your location and nbn’s scheduling in your area, but most upgrades are completed within a few weeks of the order.
Common Challenges When Upgrading to FTTP in Regional Australia
For regional and rural households, addressing issues is a common hurdle. E.g. properties with non-standard addresses, rural lots, or recent subdivisions can sometimes cause problems when nbn attempts to match your location to their records.
Installation can also be more difficult on regional properties due to long driveways, the property distance from the road, or unusual building layouts that can require additional planning or equipment.
In some cases, providers without experience in regional installs struggle to navigate these situations, leading to delays or even failed installations. Activ8me are experienced in dealing with these common challenges for regional and rural homes.
How Activ8me Helps Rural and Regional Homes Get Connected
We specialise in connecting rural, regional, and remote households in Australia. Our sales and support teams are experienced across all nbn technologies, which means whether your home is on FTTN, FTTC, fixed wireless, or satellite, we can help you understand your options, check your router compatibility and work through the upgrade process.
Contact us to start the process of upgrading to FTTP.
Frequently Asked Questions about FTTP
How do I upgrade to FTTP on nbn?
Contact Activ8me to run an address check to confirm eligibility and select a qualifying plan. In many cases, choosing an eligible speed tier triggers the upgrade request to nbn.
How do I get FTTP at my address?
The first step is checking whether your address is eligible. If you can get FTTP at your property, follow the steps to select a plan and arrange installation.
Is the nbn fibre upgrade free?
In many cases, yes. nbn Co has made the infrastructure upgrade free for eligible premises, meaning there is no charge for running fibre to your home and you can sign up on any FTTP plan. However other addresses require you to sign up on an eligible plan (The Home Fast 500 or above), and standard plan fees will apply.
How long does an FTTP upgrade take
Once an eligible plan is ordered and the upgrade is confirmed, most installations are set up and running in 1-2 weeks. Timing depends on nbn’s scheduling availability and your location. Regional properties can sometimes take longer.
What speed plans are required for an FTTP upgrade?
Some addresses need to order a plan at the 500 Mbps or higher speed tier to trigger a full fibre upgrade, others can upgrade on any speed tier. Activ8me can confirm which plans qualify at your address. Once upgraded, higher-speed tiers such as 500 Mbps and higher become available.
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