Getting a nbn® Fixed Line Connection

All types of nbn® network connections that work via a physical line running to the premises are considered Fixed Line connections. nbn® uses fibre optic lines in the ground to deliver both internet and voice (ordinary phone) services.

Fibre optic lines are optic cables that transfer data signals significantly faster than traditional electrical cables. nbn®, in some cases, will use a combination of the fibre optic lines alongside existing copper or fibre networks to deliver the best possible service.

You can find out more about nbn® Fixed Line connections using the following resources:

• nbn® Fixed Line connection
• ACMA
• Department of Communications

When nbn® Fixed Line fibre is installed in a region, the existing copper-based phone network will be turned off within 18 months. This update will impact your phone and internet services (such as ADSL).

That gives you 18 months to sign up for an nbn® plan to continue receiving voice and internet services; they will not be automatically switched across.

If you’re not eligible for an nbn® Fixed Wireless or nbn® Sky Muster® Satellite connection, you’ll likely qualify for an nbn® Fixed Line Connection.

Upgrades are happening for different nbn® services, especially with the nbn® Full Fibre rollout. You can check your address here to see if and when your area will be upgraded and what’s available.

Take me there

nbn® fixed line speeds come in six speed tiers. Speed impacts your service in different ways depending on what you want to use the internet for. The faster speed tiers may only be available in central metropolitan areas, on certain nbn® Fixed Line technologies, or with a business-grade connection.

For more information about business broadband, view this blog.

To learn more about internet speeds and choosing an internet plan, view this guide.

Take me there

An nbn® Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection occurs when a fibre optic line is installed directly from the nearest fibre node to your place.

For FTTP connections, you will require an nbn® network device inside your home. This device needs power to function and must be installed by an approved nbn® installer or your phone and internet provider.

Cable internet is a broadband connection that uses cable television infrastructure to provide Internet access. It runs through the same cables used for your cable TV. Because these copper cables deliver TV services, this type of internet is typically bundled with TV channels by RSPs.

An nbn® Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connection works by linking your place to the network using the existing copper phone and internet network from a nearby fibre node (central connection box).

The fibre node typically looks like a street cabinet. These cabinets allow the nbn® access network signal to travel through a fibre optic line to the cabinet. From there, it connects with the existing copper network and extends the connection to your home or business. The connection is then received by plugging your router into the existing phone connection, and then the router sends a wireless signal out to access on each of your devices.

All Fixed Line connections in the nbn® network involve a physical line that connects to your place. When setting up a Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connection, especially in apartment blocks, nbn® uses a ‘fibre optic line’ to link the building to the nbn® network.

This line connects to a ‘fibre node’ (central network box), typically found in a cabinet in the building’s communications room. From there, it connects to the building’s existing technology, serving each apartment.

An nbn® Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection is used where fibre is extended near your place and links to a small Distribution Point Unit (DPU), usually in a street pit. The existing copper network merges with the fibre to create the final nbn connection.

For your nbn® FTTC service to work, you’ll need an nbn® connection box inside your home or business. This box powers your service and provides internet access.