NBN Co hits speeds of 230Gbps for FTTP in new lab trials

Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 23 March 2026

NBN Co announced today it achieved 230Gbps in lab trials using its existing FTTP network cabling, with the potential to eventually boost that figure to terabit speeds. For those not keeping score, 230Gbps is more than a hundred times the maximum speed limit of NBN 2000 plans – the current fastest option for residential households (as long as you have an FTTP or HFC connection).

But don’t get too excited. As with all early trials like this, there’s no date or current timeline to implement this tech for real-world use. The trial’s purpose was purely to test the network's existing cabling for FTTP premises and no other hardware.

Essentially, the cables are good to support significantly more traffic and speed than they currently do, meaning they’re well-positioned to support increased future demand. But other aspects of the network would need to be replaced or upgraded to facilitate speeds like this. For example, hardware at the exchange and at every FTTP premises would need upgrading.

NBN Co was also clear these figures only apply to full-fibre connections – more commonly known as FTTP. Other technologies were not part of the trial

While disappointing for the majority of Aussies, who don't have full fibre, it's worth noting millions of premises are eligible for upgrades from FTTN and FTTC to FTTP free of charge as part of the network builder's fibre upgrade program. Though there are some caveats with regard to plan selection, which you can learn more about in our FTTP upgrade guide if you're interested.

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Alex Angove-Plumb

Digital Content Editor

Alex Angove-Plumb is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut and an award-winning journalist. He's been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him a few short years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home.

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