Since 1 July 2026, NBN Co no longer requires customers on Fibre to the Curb to order a high-speed plan to qualify for a full-fibre upgrade. Anyone in the 860,000-premises FTTC footprint can now ask their provider about moving to Fibre to the Premises on a speed tier that suits them.
Before 1 July, most FTTC customers had to order a service based on NBN Co’s wholesale 100/40 Mbps tier or above to qualify for an FTTP upgrade. That requirement is gone. The upgrade is still something you request through your provider, and the provider’s price and terms are still theirs to set.
This applies to FTTC only. Do not assume the same rule now applies to Fibre to the Node or any other access technology.
What Changes, and What Does Not
Three Questions FTTC Customers Ask
Must I choose a high-speed tier to qualify? No.
- NBN Co removed that FTTC requirement on 1 July 2026
Is the upgrade automatic? No.
- NBN Co directs customers to request it through their provider
Does this set my provider’s price? No.
- Get an offer for your own address; charges and terms vary by provider
FTTC uses fibre to a pit near the premises and copper for the last stretch. The FTTP upgrade replaces that copper section with fibre. Premises upgrading under NBN Co’s separate Full Fibre Upgrade for Complex Multi-Dwelling Properties programme were already exempt from the high-speed requirement, and NBN Co says that remains unchanged.
Source: NBN Co: nbn removes high speed plan requirement for upgrades from Fibre to the Curb, read 10 September 2026.
A Sensible Way to Request the Upgrade
Start with NBN Co’s address checker to confirm your technology, then ask your provider what can be ordered. Ask for a quote that separates the ongoing plan price, any promotional end date, equipment and installation charges. Keep it with the eligibility response so a cheaper speed tier does not distract from the total cost.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Source: NBN Co: Check your address, read 10 September 2026.
Choose the Plan Separately From the Connection
Ask your provider which speed tiers are available with the upgrade and what the full offer costs, including any equipment or installation charges. Compare the plans that meet your household’s needs.
Sources and How This Was Checked
The eligibility change, the previous 100/40 Mbps requirement, the 860,000 figure and the multi-dwelling exemption come from NBN Co’s statement dated 1 July 2026, read on 10 September 2026. No address eligibility, provider order or installation was tested. This is retrospective coverage published on 10 September 2026.
Related on Tech X Telco: NBN expands its remaining FTTN fibre upgrade target, for the separate Fibre to the Node programme.
David Everson is Tech X Telco's mobile and broadband writer. He compares Australian mobile plans, NBN providers and prepaid deals, and tests the recharge processes, apps and tools readers ask about most. His focus is simple: helping Australians pay less for their phone and internet without losing the coverage they need.
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