How to Check If Your Suburb Is Getting FTTP

NBN Co is investing billions of dollars to upgrade millions of Australian premises from older NBN technologies to FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) — the fastest and most reliable connection type available. If your suburb currently has FTTN, FTTC, or HFC, you may be eligible for a fibre upgrade that could dramatically improve your internet speed.

This guide explains how to check your suburb’s upgrade status and what to expect from the process.

What Is the FTTP Upgrade Program?

In 2020, NBN Co announced a major program to extend fibre optic cable directly to homes that were originally connected via FTTN, FTTC, or HFC. The program aims to bring full fibre to approximately 8 million premises that were built with the multi-technology mix.

The upgrade replaces the copper or coaxial “last mile” with fibre — the same technology used in new housing estates and greenfield developments. Once upgraded, your home can access all NBN speed tiers, including NBN 250 and NBN 1000.

Why the Upgrade Matters

The difference between an FTTN connection and an FTTP connection is substantial:

For example, Port Macquarie (NSW) — Australia’s largest FTTN suburb — scores 5.0 (C+). With an FTTP upgrade, similar suburbs have historically jumped to 9.0–10.0 (A+).

How to Check Your Suburb’s Status

Step 1: Search on PickNBN

The fastest way to check your suburb’s current technology is to search for it on PickNBN. Every suburb profile shows:

• Dominant technology type (FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, HFC, Fixed Wireless, or Satellite)
• Internet score (1–10 scale)
• FTTP upgrade announced status

If your suburb already shows FTTP as the dominant technology, you likely already have (or are scheduled to receive) full fibre. If it shows FTTN, FTTC, or HFC, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Check NBN Co’s Rollout Map

NBN Co maintains an official address checker where you can enter your specific address to see:

• Your current NBN technology
• Whether FTTP upgrade is available, planned, or under construction
• The estimated upgrade timeline (if available)

This gives address-level detail that goes beyond suburb-level data.

Step 3: Contact Your Internet Provider

Your RSP (Retail Service Provider — Telstra, Optus, TPG, Aussie Broadband, etc.) can confirm:

• Whether your address is eligible for an FTTP upgrade
• What the process involves and whether there’s any cost to you
• How long the upgrade typically takes in your area
• Whether you need a new plan to take advantage of higher speeds

What to Expect During the Upgrade

The FTTP upgrade process typically involves:

1. NBN Co schedules the work — You may receive notification that fibre installation is beginning in your area. This involves work in the street (laying fibre cables) before individual premises are connected.

2. Order through your RSP — In many cases, you need to place an order through your internet provider to have the fibre connected to your home. Some upgrades are automatic; others require you to opt in.

3. Technician visit — An NBN Co technician installs a fibre lead-in cable from the street to your home and fits a Network Termination Device (NTD) — usually on an exterior wall. This visit typically takes 2–4 hours.

4. Connection switchover — Your internet service is switched from the old technology (FTTN/FTTC/HFC) to FTTP. There may be a brief outage during the transition. Your existing modem may need to be connected to the NTD.

5. Plan upgrade (optional) — Once on FTTP, you can upgrade to higher speed tiers that weren’t available on your old technology. This is done through your RSP and usually takes effect within 24 hours.

Is the Upgrade Free?

For most premises included in the FTTP upgrade program, the physical installation is free — NBN Co covers the cost of the fibre extension and NTD installation. However:

• You may need to upgrade your internet plan to take advantage of faster speeds (which costs more per month)
• Complex installations (e.g., long driveways, heritage-listed buildings) may involve additional costs
• If you want to request an upgrade for a premise not yet scheduled, there may be a “technology choice” fee

Suburbs with Active Upgrades

Based on PickNBN data, thousands of suburbs currently on FTTN, FTTC, or HFC have FTTP upgrades announced. Here are some of the largest FTTN suburbs likely to benefit from upgrades:

• Port Macquarie (NSW) — 29,990 premises, currently C+
• Orange (NSW) — 22,739 premises, currently B
• Buderim (QLD) — 15,836 premises, currently B
• Mornington (VIC) — 15,384 premises, currently B
• Traralgon (VIC) — 14,841 premises, currently B

Each of these suburbs could see a 3–5 point improvement in their PickNBN internet score once upgraded to FTTP.

What If You Can’t Wait?

If your suburb isn’t scheduled for an upgrade yet, you have several options:

• Technology Choice program — You can request an FTTP connection through NBN Co’s Technology Choice program, but you may need to pay the installation cost (which can range from $300 to $3,000+ depending on the fibre distance).
• 5G home broadband — As an alternative to NBN, 5G home internet services from Telstra and Optus can deliver fast speeds in areas with 5G coverage, without needing fixed-line infrastructure.
• Fixed Wireless upgrade — If you’re on Fixed Wireless, NBN Co is also upgrading towers to deliver faster speeds (up to 75 Mbps and beyond).

Key Takeaways

• NBN Co is upgrading millions of FTTN, FTTC, and HFC premises to full FTTP
• Check your suburb’s technology and upgrade status on PickNBN, then verify at the address level through NBN Co
• The upgrade is typically free for eligible premises
• Once upgraded, you can access all speed tiers up to NBN 1000
• If not yet eligible, consider the Technology Choice program or 5G alternatives