- ACCC will release draft and final decisions on NBN Co’s replacement module in 2026.
- Changes could affect wholesale pricing, entry-level broadband definitions and service standards.
- For personalised broadband guidance, call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000.
Australia’s broadband landscape is preparing for another major shift as NBN Co moves through the next phase of its regulatory cycle, known as the Replacement Module process. This application outlines how NBN Co plans to structure wholesale pricing, service standards, and base-level broadband offerings for years ahead.
The next module is particularly important because it will influence how internet plans are constructed from the ground up - including the speeds available, what “basic” broadband must include, and how much retail providers pay for wholesale access.
With the ACCC currently assessing NBN Co’s application, the decisions expected in 2026 may have direct and widespread impacts on Australian households.
What the replacement module is and why it matters
Under the regulatory framework that governs Australia’s national broadband network, NBN Co is required to periodically submit a replacement module application. This document acts as the blueprint for:
- Wholesale price structures
- Minimum service standards (such as reliability, fault repair time and speed performance)
- Baseline broadband products that every provider must be able to offer
- How entry-level and mid-tier plans are shaped
In short, the replacement module determines how the wholesale side of the NBN operates - which then influences how retail providers design and price the plans that reach customers.
Because wholesale access is a major cost for ISPs, any change to this framework can result in shifts to consumer pricing, available speed tiers, or service bundles.
Key dates: draft and final decisions expected in 2026
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is now reviewing NBN Co’s application. The timeline for decisions is:
- Draft decision: March 2026
- Final decision: June 2026
The final decision will set the foundation for how NBN services are priced and regulated for the 2026/27 period and beyond.
As broadband usage continues to increase - particularly due to streaming, gaming, and remote work - this regulatory review comes at a critical time.
How the 2026 module could affect entry-level broadband
One of the major focuses of the replacement module is the definition of entry-level broadband. Currently, entry-level products are designed to offer a basic, affordable option for households that need only minimal internet performance.
However, the ACCC is expected to review whether the current definitions still meet community expectations. Possible outcomes include:
Higher minimum speed baselines
If the ACCC determines that the modern household now requires more than the existing minimum speeds, the definition of “basic broadband” may shift upward. This could mean higher performance becomes the new standard.
More inclusions or standardised service quality
There may be new expectations around reliability, peak-hour performance or upload speeds - especially given the growth of remote learning and working from home.
Changes to the wholesale costs of entry-level bundles
If baseline broadband becomes more capable, this could result in adjustments to wholesale price points. This may influence how much retail providers charge for their lowest-cost plans.
Any change to the foundations of entry-level broadband could reshape affordability and accessibility for households relying on lower-tier plans.
Potential impacts on wholesale price structures
Pricing remains one of the most important aspects of the replacement module. Wholesale pricing determines the cost for ISPs to access NBN speed tiers, bandwidth, and capacity, which directly impacts the final retail price paid by consumers.
The 2026 module may include:
Adjusted wholesale price caps
The ACCC might refine or enforce new caps to ensure wholesale prices remain fair and do not escalate beyond consumer reach.
Revised bandwidth charges
If demand for high-definition streaming and cloud usage continues to rise, the structure for bandwidth or capacity pricing may be updated.
Incentives for faster speeds
The ACCC and NBN Co have shown interest in promoting higher-speed tiers to future-proof the network. Incentives or rebalanced pricing could make faster plans more affordable or shift the market toward higher tiers.
Depending on the final configuration, Australians could see changes in retail plan pricing across entry-level, mid-tier and high-speed offerings.
What this could mean for broadband customers in 2026/27
Although the replacement module focuses on the wholesale market, customers may experience noticeable downstream effects:
Changes to plan tiers or inclusions
Retail providers may update or rebalance their line-up of plans depending on new wholesale costs and requirements.
Potential price shifts
Some plans may become more affordable, while others - depending on wholesale adjustments - could see modest increases.
Clearer performance expectations
If service standards tighten, customers may benefit from improvements in reliability, peak-hour speeds, and fault-handling times.
More consistent nationwide offerings
Revised baseline requirements may result in more uniform services across providers, helping customers compare plans more easily.
While the final outcome won't be known until mid-2026, the replacement module is expected to help modernise Australia’s broadband regulation in line with growing digital demands.
Talk to Compare Broadband for guidance
With major regulatory changes on the horizon, understanding your broadband options has never been more important. Whether you're reviewing your plan, comparing providers, or preparing for potential pricing changes, expert help is available.
Call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000 to get personalised, up-to-date advice on broadband plans, speed tiers, and modem options tailored to your home.
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