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.
Compare NBN plans
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Ask a question
who is actually responsible for this – 7 months after moving into a new house neither Telstra nor the NBN can connect me – all they seem to do is lay more and more cable???? Even more frustrating is that I do not even have the internet connect to my house as when they laid the cable they cut everything – and the TIO is absolutely useless in helping with this claim – so someone tell – who do i have to now sue to get connected?
Hi Sean,
Thanks for your inquiry.
If that is the case, NBN may still not be ready at your location. Telstra cannot provide services at the moment because of the upgrade of the infrastructure that is going on. To check the status and development of the upgrades at your address, please fill in the name of the location using our NBN Tracker. The tracker also allows you to check the approximate time the upgrade will be done.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
In answer to Sean, he would be able to get 4g wireless services until the new services are available, Telstra and Vodafone (and Kogan) have this service now.
TIO would certainly be able to help with that. It’a matter of asking the right question to TIO, they only answer complaints directly.
I declined NBN connection because the Techs assured me my ADSL connection was superior. The dropout rate was so horrific they advised me to delay as long as possible. Now it appears the installing fibre to the curb for all those people who are not yet connected. Will I now have a new timetable?
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
That’s what we’re not sure of. I would suggest that you contact your ISP to confirm. Whether or not, in the future, your ADSL will still be disconnected. So in case you’d like to be installed with NBN fibre, best to get in touch with your ISP soon.
Cheers,
May
To put it bluntly – is the Federal Government blackmailing Australians? I see no reason to switch to the NBN when my present Internet service is perfectly adequate. But my present service will be disconnected. I’ve heard that the switch is compulsory because the Government wants to boost its political reputation by making it appear that nearly all Australians have voluntarily signed up for the NBN – thus making the present government responsible for a huge breakthrough like the government that initiated the Snowy Mountains Scheme. But the NBN isn’t voluntary – it’s compulsory if you want to keep using the Internet or your landline. Additionally – maybe the government, and all the other companies mentioned in “The NBN copper cut-off: Everything you need to know” (27 March 2018), see the NBN as a new way to indulge their greed and make more money.
Hi Rodney,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We’re hearing you 100%. While we can’t really give a personal opinion on this, switching to NBN will still take place in your area and yes, that’s compulsory for all consumers. So in case you will be delaying the switch, your ISP and NBN will still contact you later on and recommend you to switch. Best to contact your ISP in case you need more information about your plan options.
Cheers,
May
Can I remain on ADSL after NBN is connected in my area?
Hi KB,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder.
Yes, that’s possible, but for a limited period of time. Homes and businesses have 18 months to migrate to the NBN from the date a connection is made available. After this time, traditional copper and cable-based phone and Internet services will be severed. Ultimately, switching to the NBN will be compulsory.
In case you want to check the availability of NBN connection in your area, please go to our NBN Tracker Map. Just enter your address and press the “Go” button.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua