- What is NBN FTTB?
- How fast is NBN FTTB?
- Can you change your NBN technology type?
Understanding the NBN can feel overwhelming due to all the confusing terms and technical jargon. But don't worry, we're here to simplify things for you.
First, it's important to know that you don't get to choose how your NBN is set up. The type of connection you have is determined by your location and the existing infrastructure in your area.
While there are seven different types of NBN connections, your home will only use one. If you're here, you're probably dealing with, or about to have, a Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connection. Let's break down what that means and how it affects your Internet experience.
What is NBN FTTB?
FTTB stands for Fibre to the Building. Fibre to the Building (FTTB), also known as "Fibre to the Basement," is an NBN connection type primarily used for apartment complexes and large office buildings.
With FTTB, a fibre optic cable is installed up to the basement or ground level of your building. From there, it connects to the existing copper phone lines that lead into each individual apartment or office.
But before we dive deeper, let’s look at some of the most affordable NBN plans available for the NBN 25, NBN 50, and NBN 100 speed tiers:
How does NBN FTTB work?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) uses fibre optic cables to deliver high-speed and reliable Internet across Australia, from central hubs to local neighbourhoods.
In a Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connection, these fibre optic cables run straight to a Main Distribution Frame (MDF) typically located at the base of a building. From there, the connection is extended to individual apartments or offices using existing copper wiring that was once used for landline phones and ADSL broadband.
Although there has been criticism of the NBN for utilising Australia's outdated copper network, buildings with FTTB connections generally experience faster and more stable Internet. This is because only a short stretch of copper is used, which minimises any potential slowdown—provided the building’s internal wiring is in good condition.
FTTB is often considered an improvement over Fibre to the Node (FTTN), where copper wiring can run up to a kilometre, potentially reducing Internet speeds. The shorter copper distance in FTTB connections not only helps maintain speeds but also makes it easier to upgrade the network for faster Internet in the future.
For instance, NBN Co has managed to achieve speeds of up to 600Mbps during trials of upgraded FTTB technology.
Is NBN FTTB fast?
Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connections can reach maximum speeds of up to 100Mbps, with typical evening speeds around 95Mbps.
If you have an FTTB connection, the highest NBN speed plan you can access is NBN 100.
Unfortunately, NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans are not available for this type of connection.
| NBN speed tier | Best for | Good speed | Avg speeds |
| NBN 12 | Single/low Internet users | 12 Mbps | 10-12 Mbps |
| NBN 25 | Budget pick for 1-2 users | 25 Mbps | 19-25 Mbps |
| NBN 50 | Great for 2-4 people | 50 Mbps | 42-50 Mbps |
| NBN 100 | Big households/Internet lovers | 100 Mbps | 90-100 Mbps |
| NBN 250 | Those who have the need for speed | 248 Mbps | 200-230 Mbps |
| NBN 1000 | Fastest to get if you can get it | 800 Mbps | 200-700 Mbps |
The table above shows what a good speed is and the average speeds for each NBN speed tier. However, the actual speeds you experience at home can vary depending on:
The NBN plan and provider you choose
Network congestion during peak hours (also referred to as 'typical evening speeds')
It's crucial to understand that your NBN speed is shared among all users and devices in your home. So, if you're on an NBN 50 plan, that 50Mbps is split among everyone in your household.
For instance, if you're watching a movie online, the Internet speed for other users in your home might slow down. Higher NBN speeds provide more bandwidth, allowing you to stream videos without affecting the speed for others.
Here are the top NBN 100 plans currently available.
Equipment needed for NBN FTTB
Since Fibre to the Building (FTTB) uses your existing copper wiring, you can keep using the same phone line that was previously used for an ADSL connection. The NBN does not require any new equipment to be installed in your home.
To connect with an FTTB setup, you’ll need a modem router that supports VDSL2. If your current modem doesn’t support VDSL2, it won't work with the NBN.
To check if your modem is compatible, look for a phone jack labelled VDSL on the back or check underneath for a label that mentions 'ADSL2+/VDSL2'. Most modems sold in recent years are VDSL2-ready.
When you sign up for a new NBN plan, you’ll usually have the option to purchase a VDSL2-compatible modem. If you already have a suitable modem, you can use it instead.
Several providers, such as Telstra, Optus, and TPG, offer a VDSL2-ready modem for free as part of its offered plans if you stay with them for a set period, usually 24 or 36 months.
Once you receive your modem, setting up your NBN connection is straightforward. When your service is activated, connect the modem router to the phone socket using an RJ11 phone cable, which is typically included with the modem. Make sure you have an available power outlet, as VDSL2 modems need their own power source.
You can then connect your other devices to the modem via Wi-Fi or using an Ethernet cable for a wired connection.
What does NBN FTTB cost?
The cost of an FTTB plan varies depending on the provider and the speed tier you choose. NBN plan prices frequently change, but this often means better deals for customers.
Major providers like Telstra, TPG, and Optus offer its own NBN plans, but you can often find the best prices from smaller providers you may not be familiar with.
Currently, many providers offer promotional discounts for the first six months. After that, the plans usually return to its regular prices. Most providers don’t charge setup fees if you bring your own modem and offer no-contract plans, allowing you to switch to a cheaper deal when the discount period ends. By keeping an eye on these deals, you can save money.
In general, higher speed tiers cost more per month. For most people, an NBN 50 plan is a good balance between cost and speed.
To help you get started, here are some of the cheapest NBN 50 plans currently available:
Can I change my NBN connection type?
If you’re not satisfied with your Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connection, you can switch to a different NBN technology type, but it can be expensive.
NBN Co provides free quotes for these upgrades, but the costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Upgrading an entire building isn’t currently available, although you can express your interest. If NBN determines that your property requires a complex manual assessment, you might not be eligible for a free quote.
There is an ongoing NBN upgrade program, but it mainly focuses on improving Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connections rather than FTTB. This program aims to upgrade up to three million FTTN households to direct fibre connections for free by 2025.
What are the NBN alternatives?
Since NBN 100 is the highest speed available for an FTTB connection, you might be interested in looking at other options. One alternative is an uncapped 5G home wireless plan, which can offer faster speeds. These plans use the same mobile networks that your phone connects to for Internet access.
Although 5G coverage isn’t widespread yet, some Australians already have access to 5G home Internet, and availability is expanding as the rollout continues. Currently, a few providers offer 5G home Internet plans with various speed limits.
Contact Compare Broadband today
To learn more about NBN FTTB or other NBN alternatives for your home, the best thing that you can do is contact Compare Broadband now on 1300 764 000.
Our team is happy to help you to achieve your NBN goals, ensuring you get the best plan for your budget and connection type.
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