NBN FTTP: Everything you need to know

The NBN offers two main types of broadband connections: Fixed Line and Fixed Wireless.

A Fixed Line connection uses underground fibre optic cables to transmit data, while a Fixed Wireless connection relies on radio signals sent from a tower to your home.

FTTP, or Fibre-to-the-Premises, connects your home directly to the NBN network using fibre-optic cables. This direct link provides the fastest and most efficient Internet speed available in Australia, surpassing both fibre-to-the-node and fibre-to-the-curb options.

Currently, the NBN provides five types of Fixed Line broadband connections:

• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
• FTTN (Fibre to the Node)
• FTTB (Fibre to the Building/Basement)
• FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)
• HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of FTTP and explain how you can set it up for your home or office.

How fast is FTTP?

We’ve highlighted that FTTP is fast, but let’s put that speed into perspective.

FTTP NBN connections can achieve download speeds close to 1000 Mbps (megabits per second). While this might sound like technical jargon, it’s incredibly fast. To give you an idea, at these speeds, you can download large files quickly, making it ideal for high-demand Internet use. Here are a few examples:

How does FTTP work?

FTTP stands out for its efficiency because it relies solely on fibre-optic cables.

While the NBN network uses fibre optics to provide high-speed Internet, not all homes have the direct connection that FTTP offers. Other connection types often involve fibre running to a local hub, where it’s then distributed to customers through slower, older technologies like copper. Copper can diminish Internet speeds, especially if your home is far from the hub.

With FTTP, your home or business is directly linked to the NBN network via fibre-optic cables. This direct connection ensures more consistent high-speed Internet, thanks to the fibre optics forming the core of the NBN infrastructure.

Who can use FTTP?

By the end of 2025, up to 10 million homes and businesses across Australia will have access to FTTP.

In many instances, FTTP will be available in regions where the NBN rollout began before the 2013 government change or in places where cabling is already in place, such as new housing developments.

Currently, more than two million FTTN and FTTC properties can request a free upgrade to FTTP

Do I need special equipment for an FTTP connection?

For FTTP, you'll need a few things: in-home cabling, an NBN utility box installed outside, an NBN connection box (which can be either inside or outside), and a power supply unit inside.

These items are provided as part of the NBN installation. The only equipment you need to supply is a wireless router that connects to the NBN box with an Ethernet cable. If you're in a new building or development, there may be a one-time fee of $300 to get connected to the NBN.

The connection box includes two UNI-V phone ports, so you can connect your existing phone and keep your current phone number. Note that the connection box runs on 240V power, which means you won’t be able to use the phone during a power outage. However, with a battery backup and a corded phone, you could maintain phone service for up to five hours.

How can I upgrade to FTTP?

If you're currently using FTTN or FTTC and want to switch to FTTP, you might be eligible for a free upgrade.

Start by checking if FTTP is available in your area by calling our team on 1300 764 000.

If you're eligible, we can talk you through which plan is best for you and tell you all about the speed tiers available. For FTTP customers, the available speeds are:

After choosing a new plan, an NBN Co technician will visit your property for a pre-installation assessment. They will evaluate your setup, identify any potential issues, and may do some initial preparation. Then, they'll schedule the installation of your NBN equipment.

During the installation, the technician will run fibre optic cable from the street to your home, which might involve digging or drilling.

Once the upgrade is complete, you'll need to cancel your old NBN plan. Keep in mind that you must stay with the provider that facilitated your upgrade for 12 months, or you could face a fee.

If you’re not eligible for a free upgrade, you can still request an upgrade to FTTP, but it can be very expensive. Upgrading from FTTB to FTTP, for example, can cost over $10,000. For more details on the process, check out our full guide on upgrading your NBN connection.

Can I change my NBN type?

A $3.5 billion upgrade is in progress to enable up to 90% of Australians to access gigabit NBN plans by 2025. A significant part of this upgrade involves extending fibre Internet deeper into FTTN areas, allowing up to three million households to switch to FTTP. Most FTTC households will also be eligible for this upgrade.

Instead of upgrading all three million households at once, customers in eligible FTTN areas can request a fibre connection themselves. If you are a customer with FTTN or FTTC and you order an NBN 100 plan or higher, the upgrade to fibre will be provided at no cost.

Connect to FTTP with Compare Broadband

If you’re looking to chat about upgrading to FTTP, give our team a call on 1300 764 000 and we’ll walk you through the process and whether you’re eligible. Our Aussie-based team has everything you need to get you set up.