NBN – National Broadband Network – Types of connections in order of performance :
- FTTP – Fibre to the Premises
- HFC – Hybrid Fibre Coaxial
- FTTB – Fibre to the Building
- FTTC – Fibre to the Curb
- FTTN – Fibre to the Node
There are also Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster Satellite but these are limited by the technology.
I recently noticed that the Telstra Communication Pits (now owned by NBN) in my suburb had all been identified and marked with painted arrows. This piqued my curiosity and I searched the NBN site for a reason. I found this https://www.nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers . Certain areas with FTTC & FTTN are being upgraded to FTTP. It is unclear, but it seems that Fibre will be connected to the outside pit and if you want the fibre into the house, you may have to arrange with your retailer (Telstra / Optus etc) for a high speed plan and either :-
- Pay for the installation – Said to be $200 (Seems too cheap);or
- Enter into a fixed term contract for a high speed tier (More likely) and/or;
- Pay extra with the plan for the connection.
BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR.
My suburb is on the list to be upgraded to FTTP.
As my current FTTN will provide speeds for the 100/40 20 plan (100Mbps down / 40 20Mbps up ## See Update) which is the minimum speed to qualify for the FTTP upgrade, I have altered my existing 50/20 plan to 100/20. It does not cost much extra – $15 per month.
But I must say that I have had no issues with my current connection and plan. In fact, I just did a speed check and my current speeds are 55 down / 19.1 up. Also I can’t remember any dropouts or problems (touch wood). The 50/20 plan is probably enough for most people but I have more money than sense.
The people I know who have FTTP all have the equipment in the garage. However apparently you can put it almost anywhere inside, so I intend to have mine mounted next to my modem router set up.
I have also registered for NBN updates via Email. Now I will wait.
UPDATE – UPLOAD SPEED
I made a mistake with the Upload Speed. Even though I could get 40Mbps up, the plan has a speed cap of 20 Mbps up. It seems to be the same for the next plan – 250/20. I recall that it used to be 40 Mbps up, but that must have changed.
These are my speeds now:
This article provides some more information https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2022/03/nbn-fibre-upgrade-eligibility/
NBN Links
https://www.nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers
NOTE! On the above link, you can check your address AND, after you input the address, a section becomes visible to provide an Email to be kept informed.
https://www.nbnco.com.au/blog/the-nbn-project/australias-digital-backbone-is-evolving
https://www.nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/fttp-upgrade-with-higher-speed-tiers