Faster internet for thousands of NBN customers: Are you eligible?

The infrastructure upgrade across the NBN network is underway, with the aim for 10,000 homes to be eligible for faster internet speeds by the end of this year before extending to other households over 2022 and 2023.

The Network Investment Plan, first announced in September of last year, aims to make the top-tier NBN Ultrafast speeds available to 75% of households on fixed-line technology by the end of 2023. Upgrading the technology used in the connection of the individual premises allows access to the higher speed tiers available on the NBN network.

NBN Co have commenced the rollout to the first 100,000 homes receiving the upgrade. The upgrades include a transfer for FTTN customers to the FTTP technology, increasing the capabilities of HFC connections and installing new fibre cabling.

The infrastructure upgrades are being delivered free to customers and are expected to cost NBN Co roughly $4.5 million. NBN Co recorded $4.6 billion in total revenue for FY21.

How do I know if I get a free NBN upgrade?

First of all it’s important to note that only the infrastructure upgrade is free, not any increase in your plan tier. NBN Co are in charge of the infrastructure and wholesaling of the network, but it’s your internet service provider that gets you connected and online.

If NBN Co completes an upgrade in your area, it will then be up to you to upgrade plans with your service provider if you wish to take advantage of the new technology. As a result of the upgrades, over 2 million households should be able to access the maximum NBN 1000 speed tier.

The NBN 1000 speed tier allows customers to access the highest speeds available on the network, with download speeds reaching up to 1000Mbps, or 1GBps. If you’re interested in the Ultrafast speed tier, you can read our guide to find out everything you need to know about NBN 1000.

NBN Co are announcing which suburbs they’re working on ahead of time, however the eligible areas are being released in stages. Just because your suburb isn’t on the list now doesn’t mean an upgrade isn’t coming to your area at some point.

Unfortunately there isn’t a pattern on where the upgrades are occurring, so it can be hard to predict what areas will be next up. If you’re absolutely desperate to access the higher speeds as soon as possible, you can enquire with NBN Co about upgrading your technology, but it won’t be for free.

If you’re eligible for an upgrade, you may be interested in learning about the NBN speed tiers, including popular plans and providers for each. If your area isn’t yet listed for an upgrade, you can look for the best plans available for your current technology.

To compare NBN providers and plans, head over to our broadband hub or check out some popular plans below.