NBN speed upgrades coming September 2025: what it means for your connection

Australia’s Internet network is about to get a serious boost. Starting 14 September 2025, NBN Co will roll out major wholesale speed upgrades across several popular plans allowing customers to enjoy faster speeds at no extra cost.

The goal? To support rising demand for data-heavy services like AI applications, VR, 4K streaming, and cloud computing - and to give customers faster NBN speeds without increasing prices.

These upgrades reflect a growing push to keep customers from switching to 5G home Internet, by ensuring that the NBN network remains competitive and future-ready.

What’s changing with NBN plans?

The most exciting news is for those on Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections. If you're already on an NBN 100 plan, expect a free upgrade to NBN 500 - that’s 500Mbps download and 50Mbps upload speeds, for the same cost.

This change will happen automatically for eligible customers, depending on your Retail Service Provider (RSP).

Here’s what the upgrade roadmap looks like:

• NBN 100 ➜ becomes NBN 500: 500Mbps download/50Mbps upload
• NBN 250 ➜ upgraded to 750Mbps download/50Mbps upload
• NBN 1000: Still 1000Mbps down, but now with 100Mbps upload speeds
• NBN 2000: A brand new tier offering 2Gbps download and 200Mbps upload

These enhanced speed tiers ensure that homes and businesses alike are ready for the next generation of digital tools, particularly those involving AI and VR readiness.

Who is eligible for the NBN speed upgrade?

If you're connected via FTTP or HFC, your current plan could automatically shift to a faster tier, like NBN 500, with no change to your monthly bill. This is possible because the wholesale cost for providers isn’t increasing - and most RSPs are expected to pass that value on.

For those on Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), eligibility depends on whether your address is part of the Fibre Connect programme. This scheme allows eligible homes to upgrade to FTTP at no extra cost, unlocking access to the new wholesale speed tiers.

The technology divide: What about FTTN, FTTC and FTTB?

While FTTP and HFC customers stand to benefit the most from these upgrades, those on FTTN, FTTC, or FTTB connections may feel left out. In many cases, customers on these older technologies will continue to pay the same price for a 100Mbps plan, despite being unable to achieve speeds anywhere near what FTTP and HFC users will enjoy.

This creates a growing “technology divide”, where those on outdated infrastructure may not get the same level of service even though they’re paying for similar plans. The good news is that NBN Co plans to upgrade all FTTN and FTTC connections to FTTP by 2030, though not all areas are eligible yet.

Modem compatibility: Can your modem handle the speed boost?

In order to take full advantage of the upgraded speeds, especially for 1000 Mbps and 2000 Mbps plans, your modem may need an upgrade. Higher-speed plans require modern modem-routers capable of handling the new, faster connections.

So far, Optus is the only major provider to confirm that their modem is ready for these faster speeds. If you’re using a BYO (Bring Your Own) modem, it’s essential to check whether it supports gigabit speeds or beyond. Many older modems won’t be compatible with these higher speed tiers, so you may need to purchase a new one.

If you’re unsure about whether your modem is up to the task, your provider will likely offer an upgrade package for those switching to the new high-speed plans.

Fibre upgrades: Why it’s worth considering

For those on FTTN or FTTC connections, there’s now even more reason to consider upgrading to FTTP. The speed improvements make fibre connections an attractive option, especially for those working from home, streaming in 4K, or using high-bandwidth applications like virtual reality.

With Fibre Connect, eligible homes can switch from copper-based FTTN/FTTC to full fibre without additional costs. This fibre upgrade could make a world of difference, especially as the NBN continues to roll out faster speed tiers across the network.

Many areas are seeing “force upgrades”, where NBN technicians will automatically upgrade certain FTTN/FTTC connections to FTTP without needing the customer to request it.

Why is NBN Co doing this?

Aside from staying ahead of 5G home Internet, these upgrades help futureproof the network. Faster connections support the growing use of AI tools, online collaboration, high-res streaming, and more.

With technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 becoming standard in modern modem-routers, customers are better equipped than ever to take advantage of multi-gigabit speeds, such as those offered by the new NBN 2000 plan.

What do you need to do?

If you’re already on a supported plan and have an eligible FTTP or HFC connection, there’s nothing you need to do - your Retail Service Provider should roll out the upgrade automatically after 14 September.

However, not all households are covered yet. If you’re unsure whether your property is eligible, or if you’d like to explore a new plan that supports NBN 500 or faster, get in touch with our team. We can:

• Check your connection type
• Confirm your eligibility for Fibre Connect
• Recommend the best plan based on your needs
• Help upgrade your modem-router for optimal performance

Unsure if you’re eligible for the NBN 500 speed upgrade?

The NBN speed upgrade in September 2025 is a major leap forward for Australian broadband. By switching to an upgraded plan through a participating provider, it’s now possible to enjoy ultra-fast Internet speeds at no extra cost.

Whether you work from home, stream in 4K, run smart home devices, or want to explore the world of AI and VR, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these changes.

The easiest next step is to call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000. Our team can quickly check your connection type, confirm your eligibility, and help you get connected to the best NBN plan for your home or business - all at no extra cost.