How to connect to the NBN in 4 simple steps

Getting connected to the NBN

Connecting to the NBN for the first time? It's a simple process that we'll break down for you in 4 simple steps.

1. Check your address is NBN ready
2. Compare NBN plans and sign up
3. Prepare for your NBN connection
4. Set up your modem and Wi-Fi

Step 1: Check your address is NBN ready

First things first. Check if your property can connect to the NBN and what technology is available to you.

The type of NBN connection you have can influence your internet speeds and the plans you can choose.

Pop in your address to get started.

If, for some reason, you're unable to connect to the NBN at your address, there are still alternatives for you to get online, such as home wireless internet or mobile broadband.

Step 2: Compare NBN plans and sign up

If you're at step two it's safe to assume you can connect to the NBN and know what technology type is available at your address.

Now for the fun bit. Compare NBN plans from a range of providers to find your perfect fit.

This is the step of the process where you have the most control over your NBN performance.

Click the blue button to start comparing plans. If you're unsure what to consider when choosing a plan or provider, the guide below the table will sort you out.

Step 3: Prepare for your NBN connection

After signing up for a plan that fits your budget, your new provider will take care of the installation part of the process.

They'll let you know if a technician needs to visit your property to finalise things, but if you already have an NBN connection, you can skip ahead.

• Do I need a technician to setup my NBN connection?

  The type of NBN technology at your place will also decide what kind of hardware you need and whether a technician is required.

  1. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): Usually requires a technician to install the NBN utility box outside your home and a connection box inside.
  2. FTTN (Fibre to the Node) or FTTB (Fibre to the Building): You may be able to skip the technician visit if your property already has a phone line connection.
  3. HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial): Often requires a technician to come and install or activate the connection using the existing cable TV infrastructure.
  4. Fixed Wireless or Satellite: Requires a technician to install an antenna or dish on your premises.

  If you're moving into a new home or if your premises haven't been connected before, a technician visit is more likely necessary.

• What hardware will I need to install?

  Here's a quick breakdown of what hardware might be involved during the installation:

  • Modem. This plugs into your connection box or the phone socket in your wall and allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet at once, either wired or through Wi-Fi.
  • NBN connection box (or network termination device). This is responsible for converting signals from your home devices into digital signals that can be sent through the NBN's cables. A typical termination device will have two voice channels for telephone connections and four data channels for devices like your modem. See our picture of a network termination device after our installation checklist.
  • Utility box. The utility box serves as a transition point between NBN fibre optic cables and those running to your house. It's installed outside your premises.
  • Power supply unit. This is a back-up battery for your NBN equipment, allowing it to keep functioning even if you have a power failure. It won't stop your connection disappearing if there's an issue with the NBN itself though.
  • Outdoor antenna/satellite dish. Both the antenna and dish serve the same purpose: sending and receiving remote signals from a signal tower or satellite. They are not directly wired into the NBN's fixed lines.

  If a technician is required to come to your place to connect you to the NBN, expect the appointment to last a few hours.

  You, or someone over the age of 18 who can act on your behalf, needs to be present on the day for the duration of the appointment.

  If you need equipment installed by a technician, you need to determine where it might be best to go. This would depend on where your power and cable outlets are located.

Step 4: Set up your modem and Wi-Fi

Once the installation is complete, all that's left to do is set up your modem and Wi-Fi to game, browse, work and doom scroll to your heart's content.

In most cases it's as simple as plugging your modem into a power socket and connecting it to an NBN cable connection.

Your NBN provider will provide you with detailed instructions on how to set up your modem. Some even have "how to" videos to help you through visual aids.

How much does it cost to switch to NBN?

Standard installation is usually free after the NBN is available in your area.

The only exception is if you happen to be in a new development or "greenfields" area, when you'll have to pay a one-time $300 fee.

There may also be extra charges if your home needs any wiring or cabling upgrades, or if you want something beyond a standard installation.

Or, if you want to upgrade to a faster type of NBN connection such as from FTTN to FTTP.

Costs vary depending on the type of property and the work needed, but expect to pay in the thousands for this.

"I've been with Telstra for 12+ years and 2 years ago, I tried to change to a cheaper provider. I was sold a great package by Optus, but when it came to connecting, Optus realised they didn't have a line in my street. They gave me the option of either going wireless or paying to install a connection line, which is very expensive. I ended up going back to Telstra. Always make sure you check the plan is available at your address before you leave your provider!"

Raj Lal

Publisher

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need a technician to connect to NBN?

  It will depend on what technology type you connect to the NBN to determine if you need a technician. Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) will most likely not require a technician. If your NBN connection is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fixed Wireless or Sky Muster satellite, it will require a technician.

• How long does it take to activate NBN?

  The time to activate NBN will depend on how it is delivered to your property and your property's NBN readiness. This could take anywhere from 1 day to a few weeks.

• Can a tenant get the NBN connected?

  If you are renting a property without the NBN, you will need to inform your landlord prior to installation and receive approval before any work is commenced on connecting the NBN. You can inform the landlord directly or via a real estate agent. You will have to pay for installation (although the landlord may agree to pay or contribute to the cost).

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

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Mariam has written 340 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Mark Neilsen

Journalist

Mark Neilsen is a journalist with over 20 years of experience specialising in the evolving landscape of entertainment and communications. He has contributed to Yahoo Finance, The New Daily, and news.com.au, and was an editor at The Drum Media and The Music. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Charles Sturt University. Mark was a TV Streaming and Utilities Writer at Finder from 2022 to 2024. See full bio

Mark's expertise

Mark has written 49 Finder guides across topics including:

• Entertainment streaming
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• Mobile