What is the nbn Free Fibre Upgrade?

The nbn free fibre upgrade is an ongoing program that replaces copper-based connections (FTTN and FTTC) with full fibre internet connection (FTTP) with no installation cost for eligible customers. What that basically means is faster and more reliable internet, without having to pay the cost of installing fibre to the premise.
Your upgraded connection will need two new physical boxes to be installed. After that, you’ll connect to the internet in the same way, but with much faster speeds. Just in case, your existing connection will be left in place until you’re satisfied with the new set up.

What’s included vs not included

Included (typically)	Not included / may still apply
Standard nbn FTTP installation for eligible premises	Non-standard/“complex” works if your premises isn’t classified as simple
Installation of FTTP connection equipment (external + internal boxes)	Optional upgrades to your home network/Wi-Fi equipment (router/mesh)
Provider coordination and booking process once you order an eligible plan	Landlord/building approvals (if renting / strata rules apply)
Keeping the old service active until FTTP is ready (commonly)	Monthly plan price changes if you move to a higher speed tier

Who Is Eligible for a Free FTTP Upgrade?

To get the free fibre upgrade, there are 4 requirements:

1. You’ll need to live in an eligible area
2. The property needs an existing fibre to the node or curb connection
3. You’ll need to put in an order for a plan with an eligible speed plan
4. The installation needs to be classified as simple

Is the FTTP Upgrade Really Free?

Yup, the nbn full fibre upgrade program offers totally free installation, assuming you meet the eligibility criteria. However, the free upgrade requires you to upgrade to a full fibre plan, which will change your monthly cost.

Monthly plan prices

Because full fibre plans are faster than plans using partial fibre connections, they can have slightly higher monthly fees. Of course, you might already be on the highest tier plan where new technology won’t change the price, as it is with the top SkyMesh plans. In this case, your monthly fee wouldn’t change. The exact impact on your monthly costs depends on your current plan and provider.

Equipment upgrades

You may not need a new modem or router to access FTTP internet if you’re already on a FTTN or FTTC connection, although the setup might need to change slightly.
However, if your router is particularly old, you might not get the full benefits of the faster speeds, especially on Wi-Fi. In this case, an upgrade might be worth the cost. The price of new routers can range from around $140 to $300, depending on what features you’re after. Your provider will be able to sell you one when you take out your new plan.

What Happens During Installation?

Once you’ve made an order for an eligible plan, a technician will be booked to install your full fibre internet service. An adult (18+) generally needs to be onsite to confirm access and agree to equipment placement. This will likely involve running conduit to your home, installing an external utility box and an internal connection box, and activating your new FTTP service.
Your internet provider will schedule installation as soon as possible, though the exact time will depend on technician availability. In any case, your existing internet service will stay active during that time. The installation itself should typically only take a few hours, assuming it’s a relatively straightforward install. You shouldn’t have much downtime for power, if any.

Installation steps

1. Order a qualifying plan (Skymesh confirms eligibility and submits the upgrade order).
2. Appointment booking is arranged with nbn (timing can vary by area and demand).
3. Technician visit: fibre is run to your premises, and nbn installs required FTTP equipment (external + internal).
4. Service activation: your new FTTP service is connected, with the old service typically kept live until the new one is working

Renting or strata?

It’s worth noting here that if you’re a renter (or you’re in a strata/managed building), you’re going to need explicit permission to get the installation done. That’s because the technician may need to drill, run cabling, and choose locations for the outside utility box and the inside connection box. Most landlords and body corporates shouldn’t have an issue with free installation of faster internet, but they’ll need to be consulted on the location of the utility and connection boxes.

What If My Address Isn’t Eligible?

If your place isn’t eligible for the free fibre upgrade, you can register with NBN Co for updates so that you’ll be informed as soon as that changes. Full fibre is the eventual aim, so it’s possible that you’ll be eligible in the near future.
If you want faster internet sooner you may be able to pay out of pocket for a fibre upgrade. You’ll likely need a nearby node or curbside fibre connection, but your installation technician will be able to give you more information about what’s available.

How Skymesh helps: If you’re unsure, our team can confirm what’s available at your address and explain the next best step.

Is the FTTP Upgrade Worth it?

For many people, upgrading to FTTP is worth it, especially if you can get the free full fibre upgrade. Generally, top FTTP plans are only a little more expensive than top FTTN or FTTC, but they offer a much faster and generally more reliable internet connection.
Here’s a quick comparison of the differences between partial fibre (FTTN/FTTC) and full fibre (FTTP) on Skymesh plans.

Feature	FTTN/FTTC	FTTP
Maximum Theoretical Attainable Speeds	100Mbps	500 Mbps
Typical evening speeds	96Mbps	–
Latency	Moderate	Lower
Reliability	Moderate – Copper dependent	Improved – Fibre direct
Future proof	Limited	High

Frequently Asked Questions