NBN FTTC: The Middle Ground in Australia’s NBN

NBN FTTC FIBRE TO THE CURB

NBN Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) is one of the various technology types used in Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN).

If you’re connected to the internet via NBN FTTC, your internet performance may already be good, but there are key details worth knowing about its operation and potential future upgrades to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).

This article will explore what NBN FTTC is, the service classes it falls under, some early challenges, the speeds you can expect, and the pathway to transitioning from FTTC to FTTP

What is NBN FTTC?

NBN FTTC stands for Fibre to the Curb, and it connects fibre optic cables to a small distribution point near your home.

This distribution point is typically located in the street close to your property.

From this point, copper cables run the remaining distance to your house, which is much shorter compared to Fibre to the Node (FTTN) technology, thus resulting in improved speeds and reliability.

FTTC is a middle ground between FTTN and the superior FTTP. It uses the existing copper infrastructure but with less reliance on it, making it faster and more stable than older connection types.

FTTC Service Classes

The NBN FTTC technology is divided into different service classes that define the readiness of a property for connection. Here are the service classes for FTTC:

Service Class 30: The location will be serviceable by copper and fibre (FTTC) in the future, but it’s not ready yet. NBN hasn’t finished connecting the local area. You can pre-sign with a provider, but service will only be available once the area is ready.

Service Class 31: The location is ready to connect using copper and fibre technologies, but additional works are needed to install lead-in cabling. You can order a service, and an installation appointment will be arranged.

Service Class 32: The location is ready to connect using copper and fibre technologies, but more work is required to connect the premises to a distribution point. You can order a service, and installation will follow.

Service Class 33: The location is ready to connect using FTTC, but further work may be needed to install a network device. You can order a service, and an appointment will be made if a self-installation kit is not applicable.

Service Class 34: The location is fully ready for FTTC, with all cabling and equipment installed. You can order a service and expect activation within 1-5 days.

Initial Issues with FTTC

When FTTC was first rolled out, there were a few challenges. The biggest concern for many early adopters was the requirement for a Network Connection Device (NCD) inside the home.

This piece of hardware, supplied by NBN Co, is necessary for converting the fibre connection into a usable service inside your house.

Some users experienced delays in receiving the device, and there were reports of installation difficulties due to the reliance on copper infrastructure.

Another challenge was the variability in performance, with some households experiencing lower speeds than expected due to the copper line conditions in their area.

Speeds You Can Expect FTTC

In general, NBN FTTC can offer decent speeds, with most households achieving between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps, depending on their internet plan and the quality of the copper lines leading into the house.

While these speeds are sufficient for everyday use, including streaming, gaming, and working from home, they may not be as fast or reliable as a full fibre connection.

Transition from FTTC to FTTP

For those looking to future-proof their internet connection, upgrading from FTTC to FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is becoming more common as part of NBN Co's network upgrade plans.

With FTTP, the fibre optic cables run directly into your home, eliminating the need for copper wires and providing significantly faster, more reliable internet.

The transition from FTTC to FTTP is part of the NBN’s ongoing effort to offer improved connectivity, and many areas are gradually being upgraded to support full fibre connections.

This upgrade often requires some additional work at the property level, but the benefits in terms of speed and stability are well worth it.

To upgrade to FTTP, reach out to your service provider. Many providers are now offering free upgrades to Fibre to the Premises, making it easier than ever to enhance your connection with faster speeds and improved reliability.

Conclusion

NBN FTTC is a solid step up from older copper-based technologies and provides decent speeds for most households.

However, if you're looking for even faster, more reliable internet, the transition from FTTC to FTTP offers a compelling option for future-proofing your connectivity.

As NBN Co continues to upgrade its network, more Australians will have access to FTTP, unlocking the full potential of fibre technology.

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  • Telecommunications & Technology enthusiast, I have worked multiple years in the telco and tech space, so have a strong passion towards delivering terrific insights.

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