Once the nbn® has arrived in your area, you can start getting your home connected.

The expansion of the nbn is good news for Australians. This national network will use a combination of technologies to deliver faster, better Internet. In some parts of Australia, the nbn will bring broadband-level Internet speeds for the very first time. Because the nbn is designed to replace the existing broadband technologies, this means that all homes will be making a switch, in terms of Internet plans and equipment. The biggest changes are those happening outside your home, however, as nbn® Co alters the overall infrastructure of networks. The nbn will replace existing copper wiring (the type used for phone lines and for ADSL connections) with fibre optic wiring, installing a significant fibre optic network. This is the basis of the nbn. In combination with satellite, fixed wireless broadband, and some remaining copper cable, fibre is what will deliver top-tier Internet speeds to your home.
While most of the work is left to nbn® Co, you’ll play a small role as well. In addition to choosing your new plan on the nbn tiers, you may need to be present for your installation.

How long will it take? What does the process entail? Here’s what to expect when it comes to connecting to the nbn®.

nbn Basics - The First Steps

Is the nbn already in your area? If you’re not sure, you can use this site to check. The nbn® has extended to a great portion of Australia, but it’s not everywhere just yet. It is anticipated that the rollout will be complete by 2020.

Your nbn setup will differ depending on whether you rent or own your home, and what area of Australia you live in. There are a few different systems for connecting to the nbn®.

The next step is to contact your Internet service provider to get your installation scheduled. If you’re a homeowner, this process is generally quite straightforward. There are additional considerations for those in other circumstances. This includes those who are renting their property (you will need written permission from a landlord) or living in buildings with multiple dwellings. Homes currently being built as well as properties with granny flats or other outbuildings can certainly get connected to the nbn but there are some added steps. The nbn Co website offers more in-depth resources for those in these situations.

If you own your home, your first step will be to connect your phone/Internet service provider to start the installation process. You don’t need to call nbn Co directly, simply get in touch with your preferred telco.

Getting Your Property Ready

From the time you call, it can take up to six weeks for your nbn® installation to occur. This timeframe is the same despite your choice of provider. Currently, nbn® installation is free of charge.

Whether or not an appointment is necessary will depend on what type of connection your premises will be using. Those on FTTN (fibre to the node) may be lucky; this connection generally doesn’t require the installation of new hardware, so no appointment necessary. All you will need is a new router. If your nbn® installation does require an appointment, someone over the age of 18 will need to be present for the duration of the appointment.

Your Appointment

Many Australians will need to have an appointment in order to start using the nbn in their home. In most cases, installation won’t take more than one day. Your technician will advise you if additional appointments must be scheduled to accommodate a more complex situation.

On the day of your appointment, you will need to have an individual over the age of 18 present. The technician will arrive and work with you to determine the best place to put the nbn equipment. FTTP (fibre to the premises) is one of the most common configurations for homes on the nbn. An FTTP connection will require an nbn Utility Box which will be installed on the outside of your home. An nbn Connection Box will be installed inside the property. It is ultimately up to you to decide where the equipment should be installed, but the technician will recommend the optimal placement. Keep in mind that placement in other locations may bring additional costs or extended installation timeframes. Some homeowners may also elect to have an optional battery backup installed. This would be mounted next to your Connection Box, and it can provide backup power to a corded phone following a power outage or blackout. You can speak to your service provider about this possibility.

Where should the nbn equipment be placed

Your exterior Utility Box will be affixed in the best place for your nbn connection, but there are some recommendations for your interior Connection Box.

Ideally, you want your Connection Box placed in a spot where the equipment can be easily reached. The box should be installed within 1.5 metres of an electrical outlet for easy access to a power supply. It should be installed in less busy areas of your home to avoid accidental knocking or other damage. The area should also be dry, cool, and well-ventilated, far from sinks or other items which create a moist environment: cool, dry, and well-ventilated. An office or study is a perfect option for the Connection Box.

After installing your equipment, the nbn technician will activate and test the system to ensure it has been set up properly. They will provide you with a copy of an “End User Guide” to help you get started as an nbn user. Your technician may ask you to sign a Ticket of Work when the installation is complete, affirming your satisfaction with the finished work. It can take up to 48 hours after the nbn Technician has completed the installation for the service to be completed & ready to use.

Get Online

Now it’s time for you to use your exciting new nbn. Once the equipment has been correctly installed, getting online is as simple as setting up the modem and connecting your devices. This process is generally quite straightforward and intuitive. Instructions will come with your new router/modem or you can find an abundance of how-to resources online. If you’re still having trouble, get in touch with your service provider to request assistance.

What About My Phone?

When you’ve got your nbn equipment installed, you will be able to get online right away. However, your phone may be a little different. In areas where the nbn will rely heavily on satellite and fixed wireless (rural areas), users will have the option to retain their current copper wire landline. In all other areas, the copper infrastructure will eventually no longer support traditional landlines. In fact, once the nbn is available in your area, you have 18 months before the copper networks will be shut off. It is recommended that you get your landline connected via nbn, switching over switch over to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service on the nbn access network well before the cut-off date to avoid having your service disconnected and losing your number.

Wrapping Up

With the nbn fully installed you’ll be able to enjoy faster service on a national network. Please remember that moving to nbn broadband will not necessarily cancel your existing broadband and phone services. When your nbn service is active, don’t forget to call your existing provider to ensure your old services have been cancelled, otherwise, you may end up with an unexpected bill.

Do you have other questions regarding the nbn? Be sure to check out our additional resources for all nbn-related news and information.

Infographic: Factors that can affect your nbn™ experience

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