fbpx

Do I Have to Pay for NBN Installation?

NBN connections usually come with no installation costs, but there may be some instances where this isn’t the case.

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on August 6th, 2024       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Internet Banner - Internet technician installing a fibre optic cable

Are you gearing up to connect to the NBN and wondering about the costs associated with installation? In Savvy’s comprehensive guide, we'll break down the factors that influence the installation cost, as well as when you may not have to pay a cent. Read on to discover the ins and outs of NBN installation costs and how to navigate this essential step in upgrading your internet!

Do I have to pay for NBN installation at my home?

In most cases, standard NBN installation is provided free of charge. This typically includes connecting your premises to the network and installing the necessary equipment, such as the NBN connection box and NBN-compatible modem or router. However, there are a couple of instances where you may be required to pay for your installation, including:

  • New Development Fee: if you’re living in a newly constructed home, you may be charged a $300 New Development Fee to connect you to the internet by NBN Co.
  • Relocation: if you’re looking to transfer your connection to a new house, some providers may charge you for relocating your internet to a different address.

Aside from these, though, you can expect the installation of your NBN connection to be completed for free and your primary ongoing cost being your internet plan fees.

What NBN connection types are available in Australia?

Australia offers several NBN connection types to cater to various geographical and infrastructure needs. These are:

  1. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): this type is entirely made up of fibre optic cables connected directly to your home, offering the fastest and most reliable speeds.
  2. FTTN (Fibre to the Node): fibre is delivered to a node in your neighbourhood, with the remaining connection being made via copper phone lines to your premises.
  3. FTTC (Fibre to the Curb): FTTC involves fibre to a distribution point near your premises, such as on the street outside or in your driveway, with the last connection made through the existing copper cabling.
  4. FTTB (Fibre to the Building): designed for multi-level buildings such as apartment blocks, fibre optic cables are connected to the communications room and existing copper cables deliver the remaining connection to each apartment or office.
  5. HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial): HFC utilises existing pay TV coaxial cables in addition to fibre optic cables to deliver high-speed broadband.
  6. Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless uses radio signals to connect rural and remote areas to the NBN network via towers in your area.
  7. Satellite: Satellite NBN is designed for extremely remote areas with no other access to high-speed internet, with a satellite dish on your property connecting you to the internet.

The availability of these connection types depends on your location. To find out which connection type is available at your address, you can check the official NBN Co website or contact your chosen provider.

Can I upgrade my NBN connection type for free?

There are options available to some people to upgrade your existing NBN connection type for free. For example, some Australians may be eligible for a free upgrade from an existing FTTN or FTTC connection to FTTP through NBN Co as part of their program to upgrade existing infrastructure by 2025. This will usually involve upgrading to a higher-speed plan with your provider, such as NBN 250 or NBN 1000, to justify the upgrade.

However, if you aren’t eligible under this program or have another NBN type, you may still be able to upgrade to a FTTP connection, although this is likely to come at a high cost. For example, most Fixed Wireless, Satellite and FTTB connections aren’t able to be upgraded to FTTP as of September 2023. You can check your eligibility for this upgrade through NBN Co.

Helpful guides on internet plans

Internet Banner - Couple sitting at the table together conducting an NBN speed test on their laptop

NBN Speed Test

Test the speed for your NBN plan to find out your download and upload speeds, ping and more. Are you...

Internet Banner - A young woman using a tablet computer in a cafe

What is 5G?

5G is the latest in mobile technology available in Australia, providing better reception and faster internet. 5G is becoming more...

Internet Banner - Couple sitting on the couch looking at a tablet

What is the NBN?

The NBN is the newest fixed line internet infrastructure being rolled out by the Australian Government, transforming the online experience...

Internet Banner - Young couple sitting on the couch comparing internet plans on their tablet

How Much Does Internet Cost?

Find out the average cost of NBN plans and other factors which can impact your internet bills right here. Wondering...

Internet Banner - A woman typing on a laptop in a kitchen

NBN Battery Replacement

An NBN battery can serve as a backup connection for your home, but it’s important to know when to replace...

Internet Banner - Internet modem router sitting on a table while a woman uses her tablet in the background

Modem vs Router

Modems and routers are both important for your home internet connection, but what do they do? You might’ve heard the...

Internet Banner - Young woman sitting on the couch looking at a tablet

FTTB NBN Explained

Find out more about FTTB connections on the NBN, how they work and their potential speeds. If you live in...

Internet Banner - Woman looking at her laptop on a table in an airport

What is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile broadband is a popular connection type for those who need internet on the go. Mobile broadband is the main...

Compare internet plans with Savvy

Regardless of whether you're looking for an internet plan for a one-person household or a large family, you can compare a range of offers from leading Australian providers side by side with Savvy. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!
Internet Banner - Internet technician installing a fibre optic cable

We'd love to chat, how can we help?

By clicking "Submit", you agree to be contacted by a Savvy Agency Owner and to receive communications from Savvy which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.