After completing the initial NBN rollout, NBN Co worked on fibre upgrades and increased the number of establishments using the fibre to the premises (FTTP) connection. 

As part of its network improvement efforts, the government-owned corporation targets making more than 3,000 households and businesses in the suburbs eligible for higher broadband speeds. At present, only those connected via FTTP and selected Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) are eligible for the NBN 250 and NBN 1000 speed tiers. Meanwhile, homes with other connection types are limited to lower speed tiers. 

In total, NBN Co plans to upgrade over 2 million homes with FTTP connections by the end of 2023. This continuous expansion is good news for Australians as the network is promised to deliver faster, better internet connections to the country. But, just how long does an NBN application take? What does the process entail?

Getting Connected to the NBN 

When you have applied for NBN, you should know that your current services will not be automatically replaced with NBN. While some ISPs can activate plans in as little as 48-72 hours after an approved application, others can take longer. This depends on various factors such as the availability of NBN connection in your area and the type of broadband plan you avail of. 

• Availability 

The NBN is an update to the existing broadband technologies in Australia. It’s designed to replace the copper wires—the type used for phone lines and ADSL connections—with fibre optic wiring that will deliver top-tier internet speeds to your premises. 

Once it’s available in your area, you have 18 months, at most, to switch to the NBN before your existing home phone and internet services are disconnected. However, if you’re not sure whether your area is NBN-ready, go to www.nbn.com.au to check and see which connection is available at your address. 

• Type of Connection 

How long it takes to get connected to the NBN will also depend on the type of connection you will be using. For example, the FTTN connection generally only needs a new router. It means it’s faster and easier to connect to than any other options that require an appointment with the ISP to install new hardware. 

Generally, it can take up to six weeks from when you call to get installed with NBN, and this applies to all ISPs. You should also factor in whether you’re activating a home phone as part of your NBN bundle as it will often take longer to install than if you avail a broadband-only plan. 

• Complexity of Installation 

In most cases, the installation can be completed in one day. However, your technician may advise you if additional appointments are required to accommodate a more complex situation. Often, this entails the installation of the utility box inside your property. 

While it’s up to you to determine where to place the utility box, your technician may recommend a better placement. However, keep in mind that where the equipment will be placed may necessitate additional costs or longer installation timeframes. 

Wrapping Up 

These rough estimates are exactly what they are: estimates. We can’t stress enough that how long it takes to set up an NBN connection will be affected by many factors. While it takes a bit of waiting, it’s also not unusual to get connected to the Internet faster than is estimated. 

Are you shopping for the best NBN connection in your area? Call us at Compare Broadband to compare providers and plans in your area.