Are you looking to boost your internet speed and reliability with a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) upgrade?
Upgrading your NBN connection to FTTP fibre can provide you with faster, more reliable internet, ideal for everything from streaming to working from home.
In 2024, it’s clear that Australia needs to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of broadband speed, as we currently rank nearly 90th globally due to the NBN rollout.
Fortunately, the promised FTTP upgrade gives us the opportunity to significantly improve our broadband infrastructure and get many Aussies connected to a high-quality fibre network.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the switch, based on the latest information from NBN Co.
The Bungled NBN FTTN Rollout
Australia’s initial rollout of the NBN involved the use of Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) technologies.
While these approaches were intended to quickly expand broadband access, they have faced significant criticism and issues.
FTTN, in particular, relies on existing copper infrastructure, which can degrade over time and is prone to interference, resulting in inconsistent speeds and connectivity problems.
The initial rollout of the technology, caused incredible problems for many Australians, with horror stories appearing every week.
FTTC, while an improvement, still depends on a mix of fibre and copper, leading to similar issues in performance and reliability.
These bungled rollouts have left many consumers frustrated with subpar internet service.
Why FTTP is the Best Choice for Aussie Consumers
Upgrading to FTTP is an excellent choice for Australian consumers due to its numerous advantages:
- Faster Speeds: FTTP offers significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to other NBN technologies, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming 4K videos, online gaming, and large file uploads. For households with multiple users, FTTP ensures a seamless internet experience without lag or buffering.
- Greater Reliability: Fibre optic cables are less susceptible to interference and weather conditions, providing a more stable and reliable connection, which is crucial for remote work, online learning, and during peak usage times or adverse weather conditions. The enhanced reliability supports high-quality video conferencing, quick file transfers, and cloud-based applications, ensuring productivity and connectivity from home.
FTTP also future-proofs your home, preparing it for upcoming advancements in internet technology that demand even higher speeds and lower latency. This ensures your home network stays cutting-edge as new services and applications emerge.
In fact, the ACCC Broadband Report consistently shows that people with an FTTP connection have the best internet experience for browsing, streaming, and downloads.
The best part? It’s completely free! If you are eligible for the FTTP upgrade, it won’t cost you anything, thanks to a major initiative by NBN to improve Aussie connections.
Check Your Eligibility
To start, ensure your home qualifies for an FTTP upgrade. NBN Co is progressively rolling out these upgrades, so availability may vary by area.
Visit the NBN Co website and check your address to see if FTTP is offered in your location. Here is a screenshot of what it looks like when you can upgrade!
Choose Your Provider
Once eligibility is confirmed, You can either contact your current provider or explore other options.
Providers offer various deals, with many offering some great deals if you upgrade your FTTP connection through them.
Once you choose your provider, it’s time to sign up!
Order the Upgrade
With your provider selected, place an order for the FTTP upgrade through your chosen provider. Specifically search for “Fibre Upgrade” when signing up.
For example, we chose Telstra as the test provider, went to the Telstra Fibre Upgrade page, and then entered in our address.
They then performed an address check, to confirm we were eligible for the upgrade, and then we easily selected a plan.
Schedule and Installation
After your order is processed, NBN Co will schedule an installation date.
On the scheduled day, a technician will visit to install the necessary equipment, including running a fibre optic cable to your home and setting up a Network Termination Device (NTD) inside your property.
The appointment could take anywhere between 5-20 business days.
Set Up Your Equipment
Following installation, connect your modem or router to the NTD. Your internet service provider will provide instructions for this step.
Once connected, you can start enjoying your new FTTP connection, with incredibly high speeds.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You now have a clear understanding of how to upgrade to a Fibre connection through your telco provider.
Switching to an FTTP NBN connection can significantly enhance your internet experience, providing faster and more reliable service.
By following these steps, you can smoothly transition to a superior fibre connection, all for free, helping you stay in line with global standards.
For Australian consumers, the benefits of FTTP go beyond just speed, offering a robust, future-proof solution that can handle the demands of modern internet usage.
