The National Broadband Network (NBN) provides Internet access to many Aussies. While it offers a range of connection types, not all connections are equal in terms of speed and reliability. If you’re facing slow Internet speeds or consistent dropouts, you may be considering to upgrade to your NBN connection.
Upgrading your NBN connection can improve speed, reliability and your overall online experience. This guide explains how to find your current connection type, upgrades available and the steps to take to improve your Internet.
Step 1: Understand Your Current NBN Connection
Before upgrading, it’s important to know what type of NBN connection you have at the moment. The NBN uses different technologies to provide Internet to homes and businesses and each comes with its own speed and reliability limits.
Common NBN Connection Types:
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): Full fibre connection, offering the highest speeds and reliability.
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Uses fibre to a street cabinet (node) and copper wires to your home, which may limit speed and performance.
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Fibre runs closer to your home than FTTN, user copper for the final connection.
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Uses existing pay-TV cables for Internet and offers moderate speeds.
- Fixed Wireless: Internet delivered via radio signals from a tower, common in rural areas.
- Satellite: Internet provided via satellite for remote areas often with lower speeds and higher latency.
You can check your current connection type by visiting the NBN Co website and entering your address in their address checker tool.
Step 2. Identify Upgrade Options
The upgrade options available to you depend on your current connection type and location. NBN Co offers different pathways to improve your connection.
Free Fibre Upgrades
NBN Co has introduced a program to upgrade homes with FTTN, FTTC or HFC to FTTP for free in certain areas. These upgrades are part of government-funded initiatives to improve the NBN network.
Eligibility
Free upgrades are usually offered in high-demand areas where faster speeds are needed. You can check eligibility through your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
How It Works
If eligible your provider will tell you about the upgrade. Once accepted a technician will install fibre to your home removing the existing copper or coaxial connection.
Paid On-Demand Upgrades
If you’re not eligible for a free upgrade you can still request an on-demand upgrade through the NBN Technology Choice Program
Costs
On-demand upgrades can cost anywhere from $2000 to over $10000 depending on the distance from existing fibre infrastructure and the complexity of the installation.
Application Process
You can apply for an upgrade directly through the NBN Co website. After submission of the application you will get a cost estimate. If you agree to the costs NBN Co will then move on to the installation process.
Change Plans for Higher Speeds
If your connection type already supports faster speeds, upgrading your Internet plan may be all you need. For example: FTTP connections can support speeds up to 1000Mbps so switching to a higher tier plan may resolve your issues.
Steps to Upgrade Your Plan
- Contact your ISP to check the maximum speeds supported by your connection.
- Choose a higher speed plan such NBN 100, NBN 250 or NBN 1000.
- Confirm the pricing and terms before upgrading.
Aslo Read: How to Compare NBN Plans For Your New Home
Step 3. Evaluate Your Internet Needs
Upgrading your NBN connection may involve additional costs so its important to check whether the upgrade is worth it for your home needs. Consider these:
Number of Users:
More people using the Internet at the same time can slow down your connection upgrading to a faster plan or connection type can help manage multiple devices.
Online Activities:
- Basic tasks like browsing and emails require minimum speed.
- Streaming in HD or 4K, online gaming and video calls need faster and more reliable Internet.
Current Speeds:
Run a speed test (Ookla Speed Test) to check your current Internet performance. Compare the results to your plan’s promised speeds to know if an upgrade is needed.
Also read: Best Way to Find a New NBN Connection for Your Home
Step 4: Contact Your Internet Provider
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) plays an important part in upgrading your NBN connection. Here’s how to work with your Internet provider:
Check for Available Upgrades
Contact your ISP to find out if free fibre upgrades or faster plans are available at your address.
Request a Plan Upgrade
If your current Internet connection supports higher speeds you can switch to a faster plan without changing the infrastructure. Your ISP will schedule an appointment for a technician to complete the work.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives to NBN Upgrades
If upgrading your NBN connection isn’t possible, there are other options that may help.
Fixed Wireless and Mobile Broadband
Wireless broadband uses mobile networks to provide Internet. It’s often a good option for homes in areas with poor NBN performance.
- Speeds
- Depending on your provider and location, wireless broadband can offer speeds the same as NBN.
- Flexibility
- Wireless connections don’t require fixed infrastructure, making them easy to set up and move.
Satellite Internet
For remote or rural areas where fibre or fixed wireless isn’t available, satellite Internet can give a reliable alternative.
- Limitations
- Satellite plans typically have lower speeds and higher latency than NBN or wireless connections. They may also cost more.
Aslo Read: What Are the Different Types of NBN?
Step 6: Improve Your Current Setup
Upgrading your NBN connection isn’t the only way to improve your Internet connection. Simple steps can make a huge difference.
Wi-Fi Placement
Place your modem in a central location away from walls and metal objects to make sure there’s a better signal throughout the home.
Use a Wi-Fi Extender
For bigger homes or areas with weak signals a Wi-Fi extender can boost coverage.
Upgrade Your Modem or Router
Older modems may not support faster speeds. Check with your ISP to see if a newer device is available.
Conclusion
Upgrading your NBN connection can drastically improve your Internet speed and reliability. Whether you’re moving from FTTN to FTTP or simply switching to a higher speed plan. By understanding your current connection type, exploring available upgrade options and working with your ISP, you can find a technology that is suited for your home.
If an NBN upgrade isn’t possible, consider wireless broadband or satellite Internet. Simple adjustments to your current setup like Wi-Fi placement or upgrading your modem can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading NBN Connections
How Long Does an Upgrade Take?
Free fibre upgrades normally take a few weeks to schedule and complete. On-demand upgrades may take even longer depending on the complexity.
Are There Any Costs for Free Upgrades?
Free upgrades don’t usually have upfront costs but you might need to switch to a higher-speed plan to access the benefits of the upgrade.
Can I upgrade to FTTP in a Regional Area?
Some regional areas included in NBN Co’s fibre upgrade programs. Check with your provider for the NBN Co website to see if your area is eligible.
With the right steps you can make sure your Internet connections keeps up with what you need now and in the future.
