Free FTTP NBN upgrades: Everything you need to know

Q: Do I need landlord approval for an FTTP upgrade?

If you're renting, you'll need your landlord's or property manager's approval to request an FTTP upgrade. Equipment will need to be wall mounted, which will involve drilling. A utility box will be installed on the outside of the premise, and a connection box and power supply will be installed internally.

Q: Will I need a new modem for my new FTTP connection?

Most NBN compatible modems and routers will work across multiple technology types. As such, you should be able to continue using your existing equipment. You may need to change some settings, however.

By Alex Choros

Last updated 26 July 2024

Contents

In this FTTP upgrade guide:

How to get your free FTTP upgrade
How long will the FTTP upgrade take?
Which providers can facilitate FTTP upgrades?
Are there any catches when upgrading to FTTP?
Free NBN upgrades FAQ

Over two million lucky Australians with Fibre to the Node (FTTN) NBN connections are able to request a free upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). That's a big win, considering FTTN is widely considered the worst fixed-line NBN connection type, while FTTP is easily the best. While many FTTN connections can't even manage NBN 100 speeds, all FTTP connections can score a gigabit connection (NBN 1000).

The process of actually getting your free FTTP upgrade is a little bit more complicated than you might think, however, and there are a few catches to be aware of - this guide covers those and more.

Here's a selection of the cheapest NBN 100, NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans from telcos participating in the program:

#1	MATE	MATE No Worries nbn 100/20 nbn® 97/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee + Bundle & Save $60/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#2	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Fast nbn® 100/19 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for 12 months! $65/mth for 12 months, then $89/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $65/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied
#3	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick NBN Unlimited Premium 100 nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $16.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $65/mth for first 6 months, then $81.95/mth $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#4	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Speedy NBN nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $65.90/mth for first 6 months, then $85.90/mth + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90 Go to Site	$65.90/mth Min. cost $65.90	Go to Site
#5	Exetel	Exetel Family nbn100/20 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $65.99/mth for first 6 months, then $84.99/mth $65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99 Go to Site	$65.99/mth Min. cost $65.99	Go to Site
#6	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Fast nbn® 100/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE22, $72/mth for first 6 mths then $94/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $72/mth Min. cost $72 Link not supplied	$72/mth Min. cost $72	Link not supplied
#7	Dodo	Dodo nbn100 Unlimited Plan nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $88.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply. $73.90/mth Min. cost $73.90 Go to Site*	$73.90/mth Min. cost $73.90	Go to Site
#8	Superloop	Superloop Family nbn100/20 nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off 6 months! $75/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $75/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
#9	Vodafone	Vodafone Home Fast nbn® nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $79/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#10	iiNet	iiNet nbn Home Fast Liimitless nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $79.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $79.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Go to Site	$79.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Go to Site

#1	MATE	MATE You Beaut nbn 100/40 nbn® 97/36 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save! $70/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom Speedy Plus NBN nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for the first 6 mths, $74.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $74.90/mth Min. cost $74.90 Go to Site	$74.90/mth Min. cost $74.90	Go to Site
#3	Exetel	Exetel Power Home nbn100/40 nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $19/mth off for first 6 months - $75.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. $75.99/mth Min. cost $75.99 Go to Site	$75.99/mth Min. cost $75.99	Go to Site
#4	Superloop	Superloop Power home nbn100/40 nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 6 months! $79/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $79/mth Min. cost $79 Go to Site	$79/mth Min. cost $79	Go to Site
#5	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Fast+ nbn® 100/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $22/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE22, $82/mth for first 6 mths then $104/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $82/mth Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#6	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Fast Plus nbn - Unlimited nbn® 99/33 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10 off for the first 6 months. Promo code BIG10. $105/mth after promo ends 30.04.25 $95/mth Min. cost $95 Link not supplied	$95/mth Min. cost $95	Link not supplied
#7	More	More Fast Plus NBN nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $80/mth for first 12 months for CommBank customers, then $90/mth ongoing $100/mth Min. cost $100 Go to Site	$100/mth Min. cost $100	Go to Site
#8	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband Enthusiast+ nbn® 100 nbn® 100/34 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Online only sign up includes 5,000 Everyday Rewards Points & 12mths of Paramount+ when you sign up to Origin internet $110/mth Min. cost $110 Link not supplied	$110/mth Min. cost $110	Link not supplied

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Superfast nbn® 250/23 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $75/mth for 12 months, then $95/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $75/mth Min. cost $75 Link not supplied	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Link not supplied
#2	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited 250 nbn® 240/22 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $9.95/mth off for the life of the plan while you stay connected to this plan. T&Cs apply $80/mth Min. cost $80 Go to Site	$80/mth Min. cost $80	Go to Site
#3	Exetel	Exetel Superfast nbn250 nbn® 220/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $18/mth off for first 6 months - $80.99/mth for first 6 months, then $98.99/mth. $80.99/mth Min. cost $80.99 Go to Site	$80.99/mth Min. cost $80.99	Go to Site
#4	Swoop	Swoop nbn® Home Superfast nbn® 241/25 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $37/mth off for 6 months with code LOVE37, $82/mth for first 6 mths then $119/mth. Ends 30.04.25 $82/mth Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#5	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick nbn Home Superfast Plan nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data 12mths Deal: Incl. $15/mth discount for 12 months based on the standard price $98.90/mth. Ends 29.04.25. T&Cs apply $83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90 Go to Site*	$83.90/mth Min. cost $83.90	Go to Site
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone Home Superfast nbn® nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $84/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#7	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom SuperSpeedy NBN nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for the first 6 mths, $84.90/month for first 6 months, then $104.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Go to Site	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Go to Site
#8	iiNet	iiNet nbn Home Superfast Liimitless nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $99.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Go to Site	$84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99	Go to Site
#9	TPG	TPG nbn Home Superfast Unlimited Plan nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $84.99/mth for first 6 months, then $99.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99 Go to Site	$84.99/mth Min. cost $84.99	Go to Site
#10	Superloop	Superloop Superfast nbn250/25 nbn® 250/21 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 6 months! $85/mth for 6 mths, then $99/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $85/mth Min. cost $85 Go to Site	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Go to Site

#1	Southern Phone	Southern Phone nbn Ultrafast nbn® 860/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 12 months! $85/mth for 12 months, then $105/mth. Offer ends 05.08.25 $85/mth Min. cost $85 Link not supplied	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Link not supplied
#2	MATE	MATE Flamin' Fast nbn 1000/50 nbn® 831/49 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for the first 6 mths (use code MATE30) + 1-month money back guarantee on your Internet + Bundle & Save! $90/mth Min. cost $90 Link not supplied	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Link not supplied
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel NBN Unlimited 1000 nbn® 750/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10.95/mth off for the life of the plan while you stay connected to this plan. T&Cs apply $90/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone Home Ultrafast nbn® nbn® 800/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth for 6 mths + Speed upgrade at no extra cost if you have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $94/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied
#5	iiNet	iiNet nbn Home Ultrafast Liimitless nbn® 800/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 mths - $94.99/mth for first 6 months, then $109.99/mth. Use code SAVE15FOR6. Ends 06.05.25 $94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99 Go to Site	$94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99	Go to Site
#6	TPG	TPG nbn Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan nbn® 800/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get Price Beat Guarantee + $94.99/mth for first 6 months, then $109.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99 Go to Site	$94.99/mth Min. cost $94.99	Go to Site
#7	Superloop	Superloop Lightspeed nbn1000/50 nbn® 860/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $10/mth off for 6 mths! $99/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth + Free Amazon eero 6+ if you stay connected for 24 mths $99/mth Min. cost $99 Go to Site	$99/mth Min. cost $99	Go to Site
#8	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom UltraSpeedy NBN nbn® 700/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $99.90/month for first 6 months, then $124.90/month + 3 months BINGE. Ends 30.06.25 $99.90/mth Min. cost $99.90 Go to Site	$99.90/mth Min. cost $99.90	Go to Site
#9	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband Ultra-Fast nbn - Unlimited nbn® 875/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code BIG20. $129/mth after promo ends 30.04.25 $109/mth Min. cost $109 Link not supplied	$109/mth Min. cost $109	Link not supplied
#10	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Ultrafast nbn® nbn® 780/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Intro Offer - $109/mth for first 6 mths on Optus Plus Everyday Ultrafast nbn plan (normally $129/mth). T&Cs apply. $109/mth Min. cost $109 Link not supplied	$109/mth Min. cost $109	Link not supplied

How to get your free FTTP upgrade

To get your free FTTP upgrade, you first need to be at an FTTN or FTTC address that's ready to be upgraded. NBN Co announced back in February 2023 that it's on track to enable as many as 10 million premises to access high-speed NBN by the end of 2025.

Are you eligible for an FTTP upgrade?

You can check your upgrade eligibility through any telco that's part of the upgrade program or, look up your address on the NBN Co website. You can also check the list of locations that have been announced as eligible so far.

Once you know you're eligible to upgrade to FTTP you'll then need to order a plan through your chosen provider. Both FTTN and FTTC addresses can pick from an NBN 100, NBN 250, or NBN 1000 plan.

After your order is placed, the process is as follows:

NBN upgrade process

Pre-installation visit. An NBN technician may visit your home to prepare for installation and identify any obstacles. On average, an NBN technician visit should take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. If someone over the age of 18 is present the technician may perform some non-invasive construction work. However, if no one is home they may complete it either on or at another time before the installation date.
Installation. An NBN technician will arrive to install NBN equipment both inside and outside your home, they'll also test it to make sure it's working. This appointment will take between three and four hours. Complex installations could take longer, however. This appointment will require someone over the age of 18 to be present at home.
Connection. Once everything is installed, you'll need to connect your new NBN connection box and a compatible router. Once this is done, your provider will be able to finalise your connection.
Cancelling your old plan. After your new service is live, you'll need to get in touch with the provider responsible for your previous NBN plan to cancel it. Since it's being delivered over a different technology type, it won't be cancelled automatically - no one wants to end up paying for two NBN plans.

How long will the FTTP upgrade take?

Due to the nature of the work, and how many upgrades are being requested the time it takes can vary. NBN Co aims to fulfil orders and complete FTTP upgrades within a matter of weeks. For FTTN customers in urban areas, NBN Co estimates 19 business days. This rises to 24 business days for remote and regional areas. For FTTC, NBN Co estimates 24 business days for urban areas, and 29 business days for remote and regional.

Which providers can facilitate FTTP upgrades?

While it might seem like it should be standard practice, not all NBN providers can kick off the FTTP upgrade process for you.

At the time of writing, there are around 40 telcos that offer the service.

If you’re hoping to upgrade to FTTP, you can order a new NBN plan from any of these major providers:

NBN Co has the full list of participating NBN providers here, including several smaller options. As more telcos come on board the list will be updated.

Are there any catches when upgrading to FTTP?

There are a few bits of fine print worth being aware of if you're requesting a free FTTP upgrade.

The most important condition is that if you downgrade your NBN plan or change provider within the first 12 months of being upgraded, you may need to pay NBN Co a $200 fee. For existing FTTN and FTTC customers this means downgrading below NBN 100.

Moving home within a year of upgrading may also incur a $200 fee.

It's also worth noting that in some complex cases, NBN Co may determine that extra infrastructure is required to complete the installation. If this is the case, that cost may be passed on to you if you want to proceed with the upgrade.

Free NBN upgrades FAQ

Do I need landlord approval for an FTTP upgrade?

Yes, if you're renting, you'll need your landlord's or property manager's approval to request an FTTP upgrade. Equipment will need to be wall-mounted, which will involve drilling. A utility box will be installed on the outside of the premise, and a connection box and power supply will be installed internally.

Do I need to be at home when the NBN technician visits?

You or an authorised person over the age of 18 need to be present for the installation. No one needs to be at home for the pre-installation visit, however.

When do I start paying for my new plan?

You won't start paying for your new NBN plan until the FTTP upgrade is complete.

Do I need to cancel my old plan?

Once your FTTP plan is connected, you will need to arrange to have your previous plan cancelled. This will not happen automatically, and if you don't, you will be billed for two services.

Will there be any internet outages during the upgrade process

NBN Co says you may lose internet for up to half an hour on the day of your upgrade, but your technician will let you know if this is the case on the day. They also may need to isolate power temporarily depending on the work they need to do.

Will I need a new modem for my new FTTP connection?

Most NBN-compatible modems and routers will work across multiple technology types, in the case of FTTP the NBN connection box serves as the modem. You should be able to continue using your existing router but you may need to change some settings.