- nbn® is moving selected copper-connected homes to full fibre
- The program will focus on specific circumstances where upgrading makes the most sense
- Wait for a notification letter or upgrade now via Fibre Connect
nbn® is moving selected copper-connected homes to full fibre. From July 2027 some households will start receiving formal notification letters about the nbn® forced upgrade.
Homes on Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connections are the primary targets. Here is what is happening, when, and what you can do right now.
What is the nbn® Targeted Upgrade Program?
The Targeted Upgrade program gives nbn® a way to move some copper-connected homes to full fibre (FTTP). This can happen without requiring those homes to switch to a high-speed plan. It runs alongside the Fibre Connect on-demand program already available to most FTTN and FTTC homes.
The program will focus on specific circumstances where upgrading makes the most sense:
- Homes with underperforming copper lines where speed and stability are poor
- Areas where nbn® fibre infrastructure is already in place nearby
- Network nodes flagged for retirement due to low usage
In the first year, nbn® is aiming to upgrade approximately 130,000 homes and businesses.
Who does it affect?
The program targets homes on copper-based nbn® connections and the nbn® copper disconnection 2027 is already underway.
- FTTN properties are the primary focus. There are approximately three million Fibre to the Node connected premises across Australia. FTTC homes are also in scope.
- HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) and existing FTTP connections are not part of the Targeted FTTP Upgrade program.
If you're not sure what connection type is at your address, check your nbn® connection type at Compare Broadband.
Currently on FTTN and want to compare your existing plan options? See FTTP plans at your address.
Key dates at a glance
- Now: Most FTTN and FTTC homes can already upgrade on demand via nbn®'s Fibre Connect program. No notification needed.
- July 2027: nbn® sends the first formal letters about nbn® node retirement. These letters go to homes chosen for the Targeted FTTP Upgrade program.
- January 2028: The first copper service suspensions begin. This applies only where no fibre upgrade order is placed. Multiple notifications will be sent.
- Year one target: approximately 130,000 homes and businesses.
nbn® and your internet provider will both contact you if you are in the program. Multiple notifications and the option to defer are built in before any copper suspension occurs.
Do you need to switch to a faster plan?
No.
One feature of the Targeted Upgrade Program is that you do not need a high-speed plan to get the upgrade. You can stay on your existing speed tier after moving to full fibre.
If you want to take advantage of the faster speeds that full fibre supports, you can choose a new plan.
What happens if you don't act after receiving a notification?
If you receive a notification and do not place a fibre upgrade order, nbn® may suspend your copper service. This is from January 2028 onwards and as a last resort. Multiple notifications and the option to defer are part of the process before any suspension occurs.
Your internet provider is responsible for contacting you and supporting the transition. If you have already received a notification letter, contact your provider to discuss your options.
What does moving from FTTN to FTTP mean for your internet?
FTTN uses a fibre cable that runs to a street cabinet (node), with copper phone lines covering the final stretch to your home. The speed and reliability of an FTTN connection depends heavily on the length and condition of that copper section. Long or degraded copper means slower, less stable internet.
Full fibre (FTTP) replaces the copper section entirely with fibre running directly to your premises. The result is a faster, more consistent connection that is also less affected by weather and environmental conditions.
For a full breakdown of how FTTN works and how it compares to FTTP, see our guide to FTTN connections.
Am I eligible for FTTP upgrade?
FTTP (also called FTTH or Fibre to the Home) is the fastest and most reliable type of NBN connection available. It works by running fibre optic cable directly from the NBN network straight into your home. It does this instead of relying on older copper wiring for part of the connection.
Whether you can get premises FTTP depends on your address. Some homes already have it installed. Others may qualify for a free or low-cost upgrade.
This can happen when they switch to a qualifying plan on the right nbn® technology. This is often the case for households currently on FTTB, FTTN, FTTC, or HFC connections.
The easiest way to check what’s available at your place is to use Compare Broadband. You’ll quickly see if fibre to the premises is already connected or if you can upgrade as part of your plan.
What should you do now?
You can choose to wait for a notification letter or upgrade now via Fibre Connect. This is the recommended option.
Notification letters are scheduled to start going out from July 2027. The nbn® will be sending multiple reminders to follow up, too. Copper service suspensions will only begin from January 2028 at the earliest. This is only going to happen where no upgrade order has been placed.
However, you don’t need to wait. Over one million homes have already made the switch to full fibre through Fibre Connect without needing a notification.
Upgrading is available now. You can check your address to confirm eligibility and get connected to a faster, more reliable service today. To find out more or get help switching, call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000.
Loading...