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Getting an nbn® Fibre or Fixed Line connection
nbn® Fibre or Fixed Line connections, once only mainly found in Australia’s larger cities, are rapidly expanding across regional communities. Accessing the Fixed Line network brings a range of connection plans, speeds, and prices.
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Understanding nbn® Fixed Line connections
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1 What is a nbn® Fixed Line connection?
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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:
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2 How does it work?
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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.
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3 How fast is it?
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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.
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nbn® Fixed Line Speed Comparison
As a general guide:
- 10-25Mbps: Moderate HD streaming, online gaming and downloading with approximately 1-3 connected devices.
- 25-40Mbps: Heavy HD streaming, online gaming and downloading with a higher number of connected devices.
- 40+Mbps: Intense streaming, gaming, and downloading with many connected devices.
Plan Name Download Speed Upload Speed nbn® 12/Home Basic I 12Mbps 1 Mbps nbn® 25/Home Basic II 25Mbps 5 Mbps nbn® 50/Home Standard 50Mbps 20 Mbps nbn® 100/Home Fast 100Mbps 20 Mbps nbn® 250/Home Superfast 250Mbps 25 Mbps -
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1 FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
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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.
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2 nbn® Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) cable connection
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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.
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How cable works
You can use an Ethernet cable for a direct cable connection or a Wi-Fi signal for a wireless connection. Direct connections can provide faster internet speeds and greater security. However, they can limit the location you need to connect from and the number of devices you’d like to use simultaneously.
Cable requires the following equipment to work:
- A modem – allows your computer and Internet Service Provider systems to communicate.
- A Wi-Fi router – connects to the modem to provide Internet access to wired and wireless devices, such as PCs, laptops, and tablets.
- Copper coaxial cables – Your Internet Service Provider will send internet data to your modem through these cables.
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Cable Internet speed
Cable is known for delivering a stable and fast internet connection. Typically, with fewer users on the network, it can reach speeds of up to 1000 Mbps or 1 Gbps. However, this ultimately depends on your plan, budget, and Internet usage habits.
As a general guide:
- 10-25Mbps: Moderate HD streaming, online gaming and downloading with approximately 1-3 connected devices.
- 25-40Mbps: Heavy HD streaming, online gaming and downloading with a higher number of connected devices.
- 40+Mbps: Intense streaming, gaming, and downloading with many connected devices
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Who can get cable
Some parts of the nbn® rollout use existing cable TV/broadband networks to supply internet services, but this is mainly in capital cities. In other areas, the cable network may be switched off when nbn® is installed.
In some regional areas, such as Geelong, Mildura and Ballarat, cable networks are available. These may be incorporated into the nbn® rollout, or provided by independent service providers, such as iiNet.
If it’s available to you, it provides a very fast, reliable, and cost-effective service, and may be worth investigating.
You can access further information at Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) | nbn (nbnco.com.au).
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3 FTTN (Fibre to the Node)
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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.
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4 FTTB (Fibre to the building)
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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.
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5 FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)
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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.
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Check out more resources here
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GuidesMarch 19, 2024
Make Calls Online: Wi-Fi Calling, VoIP, Video Conferencing
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Tech TipsNovember 8, 2023
Boosting your connection
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GuidesMarch 19, 2024
How to choose the best internet or phone provider and plan
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GuidesMarch 19, 2024
Important information for your provider to fix your connection issues
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1 How do I connect to a nbn® Fixed Line service?
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01Check Coverage
Use the nbn® rollout map to see what nbn® services are available for your property. If your address shows incorrectly, or not at all, contact a service provider. Or, request a connectivity report from us – we can work with nbn® to ensure your property gets mapped correctly.
Check to see if your property is eligible for the Full Fibre upgrade. To trigger an upgrade, customers at eligible premises need to:
- Check your address on the nbn® website www.nbn®.com.au/fibreupgrade.
- Contact a participating phone and internet provider and ask if you can order an eligible plan.
- Book an installation with your preferred phone and internet provider.
Visit this page to find further information and videos explaining the installation process, particularly with relation to FTTP connections.
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02Compare Plans and Providers
Plans are supplied by individual internet service providers (RSPs). View the full list of RSPs here.
You can check plans on the suppliers’ websites or use a comparison site such as:
*Note that while useful, comparison sites may be funded by providers advertising fees. They may not provide a comprehensive review of all available services in your area.
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