NBN cut-off date in your suburb
Make sure you switch from ADSL to NBN within 18 months so you can stay connected to the internet.
Key takeaways
- Your internet provider and NBN Co should notify you when the NBN becomes available in your suburb
- Your cut-off date is 18 months after receiving this notice
- The cut-off does not apply if you have access to NBN fixed wireless or Sky Muster
What is my NBN disconnection date?
When the NBN becomes available in your area, you'll be notified by NBN Co and your current internet provider that it's time to switch.
From the moment that you can switch to the NBN, you typically have 18 months to move your services to the new network before the old one is switched off.
If you don't arrange to switch to the NBN within that period, your existing internet and phone services will likely be disconnected without compensation or replacement.
You can enter your address in the Finder NBN tracker to view your planned cut-off date.
Is switching to the NBN compulsory?
No, it isn't. The NBN might be seen as the "normal" choice for home internet, but it doesn't mean it's your only choice.
Home wireless broadband is a relatively new connection type that allows you to wirelessly connect to the internet. It uses the same mobile networks as your phone plan to set up this connection.
Unlike NBN plans which are tied to your address, you can easily move around your home wireless – all that's needed is to plug in the modem it comes with.
- Keep in mind that because home wireless uses mobile networks, the connection is less stable than fixed-line NBN. Your connection quality will depend on factors such as weather and location.
What happens if I don't switch to the NBN?
Failing to switch over to the NBN or an alternative will lead to your ADSL being disconnected permanently, leaving you with no online access.
This applies to your home phone as well. If your phone gets disconnected because you didn't switch in time, there's a good chance your home phone number will be lost for good.
Will all suburbs eventually have their ADSL services cut off?
No. Only suburbs where fixed-line NBN is being rolled out will have their ADSL cut off.
The cut-off date doesn't apply to those in fixed wireless or Sky Muster NBN areas. ADSL and copper telephone line services will be left intact in those suburbs, with no current plans to cut these particular copper lines.
Finder survey: How many Australians would take advantage of a free NBN fibre upgrade if it became available
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Yes since it's free | 63.3% |
| Yes because I want faster internet | 23.06% |
| No I can't be bothered | 7.58% |
| No for other reason | 4.04% |
| Yes for other reason | 2.02% |
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1006 Australians, December 2023
What exactly gets cut off by the NBN?
Here are the copper services you won't be able to keep with the NBN rollout:
- Telstra home phone or landline services (excluding some Telstra Velocity lines)
- Other home phone or landlines using Telstra's copper network
- Any form of ADSL internet connection
- Existing Telstra BigPond cable internet connections
- Optus cable internet and cable phone services
- Security or fire alarms and fax machines connected to the existing copper network
But you do get to keep:
- Satellite and cable TV (cable TV can be switched across to the NBN)
- Fixed wireless or NBN Sky Muster satellite broadband
Services that are migrated to the NBN will stop working in the event of a power outage, unlike on the copper network.
- Why this matters: If you have critical devices that you need to function 24/7, you should contact the manufacturer or your internet provider to make arrangements.
How do I switch to the NBN?
Assuming you want to stay with your current provider, simply purchase one of its NBN plans and the rest will be handled – including getting you set up with a new modem, if necessary.
Otherwise, compare NBN plans to find a speed and price that suits you.
- Keep in mind that you will still need a technician to come and physically connect your property to the NBN. Since technicians can have lengthy queues, we highly recommend switching well before your disconnection date.
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Ask a question
What is the cut off date for copper in the Box Hill Victoria area
Hi Merily,
Thanks for your question! nbnco and your service provider should notify about the copper cut off in your area well ahead of time before they do. If you haven’t arranged for your ADSL/landline service to move to the NBN, it might be disconnected. You typically have 18 months to change networks once you’ve been notified.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
If your address is NBN-enabled, compare plans to find the best one for you.
In this document it states I may receive a phone call to advise when the cut-off is about to take place. This is not a good idea as already I, and many others, have received scam calls telling me to switch NOW or I will be cut off from everything. I think at least a letter should be sent to alleviate this serious problem.
Hi Audrey,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
Indeed, it’s annoying when you receive scam or prank calls especially when they’re just taking advantage of the recent NBN rollout. As much as we’d also want you to be emailed or sent a letter by post regarding the copper cut-off, we can’t, as we don’t represent NBN. If in case, you may want to contact NBN directly for this request instead.
Cheers,
May
Thanks for the response, May. I am indeed referring to a broadband service on the mobile network, but I note that while it has a number associated with it, it can only send and receive SMS, i.e. no phone capability exists on the contract. The data allowance is good,and is even better with a contract – I think it rises to 120GB.
With two of four bars of signal strength, I get better than 30Mb/s download and at least 6Mb/s upload speeds. When 5G arrives, this will apparently raise download speed to a minimum of 100Gb/s, but that’s some way off. As I see it, it’s faster than most people’s NBN service and it’s cheaper, and was available last year, while NBN is in the process of being installed in my area.
Hi NBN Alternative,
Thanks for getting back and apologies for the delayed reply.
Yes, true, while you’re waiting for the NBN to be rolled in your location, thanks to the availability of mobile broadband as an alternative! There may be pros and cons (e.g. phone service is limited to sending and receiving SMS only), nevertheless, your data needs will still be served, and I guess it’s more important if you’re consistently using the internet. :)
Thanks again for dropping by!
Cheers,
May
We just built a new house and I have all the leads at the front dangling from a pole to be connected to a pit. I’m told that we would have to pay hundreds of dollars to get this pit put in before we can have NBN. Telstra in the meantime has put us on wifi. I have a very sick husband whom needs a landline but they insist that it is up to us to put in the pit. The wifi service is shocking and we are limited to only 80g’s per month. Not happy with Telstra as I feel we have been stood over on this.
Hi Barb,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
I understand your frustration regarding this matter. You might want to use our NBN Rollout Tracker to know what other providers are available in your area. Once you have selected one, you may want to inquire directly to the provider on how they could make the connection to your address and for how much. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
You don’t include the alternative of a mobile-data-only service, which is faster and cheaper than NBN and available now. Optus has a 100GB service for $70 per month, and I am a satisfied user.
Hi NBN Alternative,
Thanks for your comment.
If you are pertaining to a mobile broadband, you can find out the plans available in the market from our comparison table. Indeed Optus offers 100GB service which was also included in the list, but as of this writing, they offer it for $80. Lucky you’ve got it at a lower price of $70. In case you’d like to compare the price of other providers, you can reset the filters found at the upper right corner of the panel just right on top of our list.
Hope this has helped.
Cheers,
May