Over five million lucky Australians with Fibre to the Node (FTTN) NBN connections are able to request a free upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). That's a big win, considering FTTN is widely considered the worst fixed-line NBN connection type, while FTTP is easily the best.
While many FTTN connections can't even manage NBN 100 speeds, all FTTP connections can score gigabit connections like NBN 1000 and NBN 2000.
Here's a selection of the cheapest plans from telcos participating in the program:
How to get your free FTTP upgrade
The process of actually getting your free FTTP upgrade is a little bit more complicated than you might think.
To get your free FTTP upgrade, first you need to be at an FTTN or FTTC address that's ready to be upgraded.
Over five million addresses will be able to request an upgrade to FTTP by the end of 2025 and 95% of FTTN will be eligible premises for full fibre upgrade by 2030.
You can check your upgrade eligibility through any telco that's part of the upgrade program or, look up your address on the NBN Co website. You can also check the list of locations that have been announced as eligible so far.
Once you know you're eligible to upgrade to FTTP you'll then need to order a plan through your chosen provider. Both FTTN and FTTC addresses can pick from an NBN 500, NBN 750, NBN 1000 plan or NBN 2000 to upgrade.
Note: You'll need to order an NBN 500 plan at a minimum.
Businesses who wish to upgrade need to also pick from a Business NBN plan with at least 500Mbps maximum speeds as a minimum.
After your order is placed, the process is as follows:
- Pre-installation visit. An NBN technician may visit your home to prepare for installation and identify any obstacles. On average, an NBN technician visit should take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. If someone over the age of 18 is present the technician may perform some non-invasive construction work. However, if no one is home they may complete it either on or at another time before the installation date.
- Installation. An NBN technician will arrive to install NBN equipment both inside and outside your home, they'll also test it to make sure it's working. This appointment will take between three and four hours. Complex installations could take longer, however. This appointment will require someone over the age of 18 to be present at home.
- Connection. Once everything is installed, you'll need to connect your new NBN connection box and a compatible router. Once this is done, your provider will be able to finalise your connection.
- Cancelling your old plan. After your new service is live, you'll need to get in touch with the provider responsible for your previous NBN plan to cancel it. Since it's being delivered over a different technology type, it won't be cancelled automatically - no one wants to end up paying for two NBN plans.
How long will the FTTP upgrade take?
Due to the nature of the work, and how many upgrades are being requested the time it takes can vary. NBN Co aims to fulfil orders and complete FTTP upgrades within a matter of weeks. For FTTN customers in urban areas, NBN Co estimates 19 business days. This rises to 24 business days for remote and regional areas. For FTTC, NBN Co estimates 24 business days for urban areas, and 29 business days for remote and regional areas.
Which providers can facilitate FTTP upgrades?

While it might seem like it should be standard practice, not all NBN providers can kick off the FTTP upgrade process for you.
At the time of writing, there are around 40 telcos that offer the service.
If you’re hoping to upgrade to FTTP, you can order a new NBN plan from any of these providers:
- 2it Technology
- Activ8me
- AGL
- Atomic Systems
- Aussie Broadband
- Buroserv
- Commander
- Dodo
- Exetel
- FibreMax
- Flip
- ICTHUB
- iiNet
- Infinet Broadband
- iPrimus
- Kinetix Networks
- Launtel
- Leaptel
- Lightning IP
- MATE
- Mint Telecom
- More
- Nehos Communications
- NewSprout
- NodeOne
- Occom
- OceanDigi
- OnthenNet
- Optus
- Origin
- Plesi
- Rummage Connect
- Southern Phone
- SpinTel
- Superloop
- Swoop
- Tangerine
- Telstra
- TPG
- Veetel
- Vodafone
NBN Co has the full list of participating NBN providers here. As more telcos come on board the list will be updated.
Benefits of upgrading to FTTP NBN
As we've already mentioned, the FTTP NBN connection type is the best the NBN network has to offer.
Only premises on an HFC or FTTP connection can get NBN plans over 100Mbps. NBN speed increases in September saw wholesale speeds accelerated to 500Mbps on NBN 100, 750Mbps for NBN 250 and faster upload speeds on NBN 1000. NBN Co also introduced a whole new 2Gbps plan (NBN 2000).
While premises on FTTB will be stuck with 100Mbps for now, FTTN and FTTC customers can take advantage of the free upgrades to FTTP and enjoy faster speeds.
On top of offering the fastest speeds, FTTP is also more reliable with lower latency (the time it takes data to travel between the source and your device) and better resilience to damage, meaning the network has fewer outages.
Are there any catches when upgrading to FTTP?
There are a few bits of fine print worth being aware of if you're requesting a free FTTP upgrade.
The most important condition is that if you downgrade your NBN plan or change provider within the first 12 months of being upgraded, you may need to pay NBN Co a $200 fee. For existing FTTN and FTTC customers, this means downgrading below NBN 500.
Moving home within a year of upgrading may also incur a $200 fee.
It's also worth noting that in some complex cases, NBN Co may determine that extra infrastructure is required to complete the installation. If this is the case, that cost may be passed on to you if you want to proceed with the upgrade.
What if I'm not eligible to upgrade to FTTP for free?
If you can't wait for a free NBN FTTP upgrade or aren't eligible for one, you can request a paid upgrade via the NBN Technology Choice program.
- Use the new NBN Technology Choice Quote tool for a quick quote to see how much upgrade your property will cost.
- Accept or deny your quote.
- The construction process will start. Construction work will be required in your street, around and inside your property. It can take six months or more to complete.
- When construction is finished. Order your faster NBN plan.
Unfortunately, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how much switching to FTTP will cost you. Every household is different and will yield different prices. Thanks to the Technology Choice Quote Tool you can get a personalised quote within minutes.
We've seen prices of between $10,000 and $11,000 for an upgrade of FTTB to FTTP in apartment buildings, and close to $28,000 for an FTTN build. We're actually worried to see what a Sky Muster upgrade would set you back.
Free FTTP NBN upgrades FAQs
What is FTTP NBN?
FTTP uses fibre internet cables to deliver high-speed connectivity to your premises. Fibre-optic cables use light to transmit data and can achieve speeds that far exceed the capabilities of copper-based connections.
Do I need landlord approval for an FTTP upgrade?
Yes, if you're renting, you'll need your landlord's or property manager's approval to request an FTTP upgrade. Equipment will need to be wall-mounted, which will involve drilling. A utility box will be installed on the outside of the premises, and a connection box and power supply will be installed internally.
Do I need to be at home when the NBN technician visits?
You or an authorised person over the age of 18 needs to be present for the installation. No one needs to be at home for the pre-installation visit, however.
When do I start paying for my new plan?
You won't start paying for your new NBN plan until the FTTP upgrade is complete.
Do I need to cancel my old plan?
Once your FTTP plan is connected, you will need to arrange to have your previous plan cancelled. This will not happen automatically, and if you don't, you will be billed for two services.
Will there be any internet outages during the upgrade process
NBN Co says you may lose internet for up to half an hour on the day of your upgrade, but your technician will let you know if this is the case on the day. They also may need to isolate power temporarily, depending on the work they need to do.
Will I need a new modem for my new FTTP connection?
Most NBN-compatible modems and routers will work across multiple technology types, in the case of FTTP the NBN connection box serves as the modem. You should be able to continue using your existing modem router but you may need to change some settings.
To take advantage of the higher speeds available on an FTTP connection type, it's recommended that you have at least a WiFi 5 type modem. A WiFi 6 modem is even better as it will be more future-proof.
If you're still using a WiFi 4 modem or router (also known as WiFi 802.11n), you'll definitely want to upgrade.
Alex Choros
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