The Shift to Fibre-Only NBN: What It Means for Your Internet and Home Setup.
Big changes are happening across Australia’s internet infrastructure—and they could affect how your home or business connects online. The National Broadband Network (NBN) is phasing out ageing copper-based technologies like FTTN (Fibre to the Node) and FTTC (Fibre to the Curb), and replacing them with full fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections.
This upgrade is part of the NBN Fibre Connect program, which aims to deliver faster, more reliable broadband to millions of homes and businesses nationwide. So, what does it mean for you—and how can Jim’s Antennas help?
What’s Changing?
When the NBN was first rolled out, many properties received internet via a mix of technologies. Some homes had fibre all the way to the house (FTTP), while others were connected via copper wiring for the final stretch (FTTN or FTTC).
Now, NBN Co is retrofitting over 3 million premises with full fibre connections, eliminating the bottlenecks caused by outdated copper lines.
The old vs new:
| Technology | Description | Speed & Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| FTTN | Fibre to a street cabinet, then copper to the house | Limited by copper distance and quality |
| FTTC | Fibre to a pit near your curb, then copper into the house | Better than FTTN, but still copper-based |
| FTTP | Fibre runs directly into the property | Ultra-fast, reliable, and future-proof |
Why This Upgrade Matters
This shift to fibre isn’t just about speed—it’s about preparing your home for the connected future.
Key benefits:
- Faster speeds – Plans of 250 Mbps or more become possible with FTTP.
- Better reliability – Fibre is less prone to weather issues, electrical interference, or distance dropouts.
- Improved streaming & gaming – Smooth 4K video, faster downloads, and lag-free online play.
- Future-proof tech – Fibre can support upgrades without changing the physical cabling.
Whether you’re working from home, running a business, or streaming Netflix on multiple screens—fibre gives you the capacity to do more, faster.
Am I Eligible for a Fibre Upgrade?
Thousands of homes across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and regional areas are already eligible for a free FTTP upgrade—but many residents don’t know they qualify.
To find out if your address is eligible:
- Visit nbn.com.au/fibreupgrade
- Enter your address
- If eligible, you can request an upgrade through a participating internet provider when switching to a faster plan (typically 100 Mbps or higher)
Important: The upgrade is free for most homes, but it does require internal work, like installing a new fibre wall socket.
How Jim’s Antennas Can Help
While NBN Co handles the fibre installation itself, Jim’s Antennas can help with everything else, including:
- Optimising your internal setup after the upgrade
- Relocating your modem or NBN box to a more convenient or central location
- Installing new data points for smart TVs, computers, or home offices
- Upgrading your Wi-Fi to support faster speeds throughout the house
- Providing advice on the best home networking gear for your needs
We also help troubleshoot common post-upgrade issues, like:
- Interference or bottlenecks from old routers
- Poor Wi-Fi signal after the NBN box is installed in an awkward spot
- Devices struggling to keep up with new speed tiers
*Photo from InfiNET Broadband
Time to Prepare for the Future
The shift to fibre-only internet is a game-changer for Australian homes and businesses. Don’t get left behind. Even if you’re not eligible for an FTTP upgrade just yet, there are still steps you can take to future-proof your home network.
Jim’s Antennas is here to help you make the most of your connection—today and tomorrow.
