How to connect to the NBN

The rollout of the NBN was declared complete in late 2020, and as of June 2023 more than 12 million premises are able to connect, and at least 8.5 million have an NBN connection.

If you're yet to connect for the first time, it's a simple process that can be done in just a few easy steps:

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

Step 1: Check your address is NBN ready

There are many different types of NBN connections available. The connection you have available at your premises will influence what speeds and technology you can access.

Not sure what connection type you have? Enter your address to find out which NBN technology you have and what plans you can get.

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

"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

Step 2: Compare NBN plans and sign up

Now that you know what connection type is available at your address, you can start to compare NBN plans from a range of providers.

This is the step of the process where you have the most control over your NBN performance, so it pays to be informed.

While offering the same service, there are many differences between providers. There are a few main things to keep an eye on when comparing plans.

Speed

The NBN offers 6 speed tiers. Measured in megabits per second (Mbps), each tier determines how fast your download and upload speeds can be.

Each provider will display a typical evening speed on its plan to show what speeds you'll be able to get during the busy hours of 7–11pm. This is a helpful comparison between plans on the same tier.

Cost

When it comes to NBN plans, some providers charge more for the same service. Make sure the price you're paying is worth it, whether it's getting you more included extras or because you're more comfortable with a certain provider.

The speed tier you choose will also affect the cost of your plan. Higher NBN speeds usually mean higher plan prices.

• Good to know: Keep an eye out for sign up deals. It is quite common for providers to provide a discounted price for the first 6 months, or maybe even your first month free.

Find out more on how to compare NBN plans with our editor in the video below.

Step 3: Prepare for your NBN connection

Once you've signed up to a plan that matches your budget and needs, your new provider will arrange the installation of your service. They will let you know if it's necessary for a technician to visit your property and finalise the installation.

If your property has an existing NBN connection, you can skip to step 4.

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

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 your provider has confirmed that your place is connected to the NBN, you'll need to set up your modem and Wi-Fi so you can start your online activities.

In most cases it's as simple as plugging your modem into a power socket and connecting it to an NBN cable connection. From there you just connect your devices to the modem to get online.

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.

Finder survey: How hard do Australians find it to switch internet plans?

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.

• Do I have to pay to connect to the NBN?

  No. The NBN is being installed at no cost to residents around Australia. The only thing you'll be paying for is your NBN plan itself and a modem if you've purchased it upfront.

  The only exception is if you happen to be in a very recent new development or "greenfields" area, when you'll have to pay a one-time $300 fee. Or you might have to pay a fee if you have what some providers call a "non-standard installation", where getting the NBN to your premises requires something beyond a normal installation.

  Additional payment is needed if you want to upgrade to a faster type of NBN connection (eg. 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.

  • Good to know: The FTTN network is being upgraded so more homes and businesses have the opportunity to connect to full fibre (FTTP) for free, but this isn't expected to be completed until 2025.

• 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).

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Michelle Kwong as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Mark Neilsen

Utilities writer

Mark Neilsen is a writer at Finder, specialising in streaming, broadband and mobile. He looks for deals on all those services and keeps you abreast of any changes to see what's worth it for you. He has over 20 years' experience in print and digital media and while at Finder, Mark’s expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, The New Daily, Ad News, Tech Guide and news.com.au. In his time at Finder he has done over 300 articles on streaming, mobile and broadband. In his time away from Finder he is trying to get through the watchlists of the 11 streaming services he is currently subscribed to. See full bio

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