**NBN Co to Launch New Triggers for Quicker Fibre Upgrades**
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Summary
- NBN Co is broadening the criteria for fibre upgrades beyond just customer-initiated requests.
- New triggers for upgrades include copper damaged by storms, relocations, and regions with significant fibre uptake.
- The company is focused on phasing out fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) and fibre-to-the-curb (FTTC) systems.
- Upgrades are expected to accelerate between FY27 and FY29, potentially sooner with industry consensus.
- Multi-dwelling units (MDUs) may encounter revised upgrade protocols.
- This initiative follows global trends towards modernizing broadband infrastructure.
NBN Co Broadens Fibre Upgrade Criteria
NBN Co has revealed new eligibility conditions for fibre upgrades, moving away from the existing “on-demand” model. This change is intended to hasten the shift from outdated copper frameworks to fibre, enhancing both reliability and cost-effectiveness.
What Is Driving This Change?
Traditionally, fibre upgrades were accessible only to customers committing to a higher-tier service for a minimum of 12 months. However, NBN Co is now shifting towards enhancing broader fibre usage, citing reductions in operational costs and enhanced service dependability.
Storm-Damaged Copper as a Catalyst for Fibre Upgrades
One of the new conditions for upgrades is the “assurance-led” migration, which signifies that damaged copper infrastructure from storms or other factors will be replaced with fibre instead of repaired. This method has been tested in instances of vehicles harming NBN nodes or storms disrupting copper lines.
House Moves to Default to Fibre Connections
At present, when individuals relocate to a residence equipped with copper infrastructure, the connection defaults to copper. NBN Co intends to amend this policy such that reconnections in areas ready for fibre will initially provide fibre rather than copper.
Areas with High Fibre Adoption to Receive Automatic Upgrades
A significant strategic shift pertains to regions where most users have already adopted fibre. Maintaining both fibre and copper networks concurrently incurs considerable costs; therefore, at some point, NBN Co plans to transition remaining premises to fibre-only services.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
NBN Co has outlined a timeline between FY27 and FY29 for these transitions, but is willing to expedite the process if stakeholders in the industry agree. This could lead to quicker upgrades in certain locations.
What About Multi-Dwelling Units?
Enhancing internet connections in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) has historically been more complicated due to costs shared by strata bodies. NBN Co is aware of this challenge and is considering alternative strategies to promote quicker fibre adoption in multi-unit buildings.
Global Trends Comparison
NBN Co is aligning its migration strategy with international examples like New Zealand’s Chorus, which has already achieved notable progress in complete fibre adoption. The shift away from copper represents a move towards global best practices in broadband advancement.
Conclusion
NBN Co’s enlargement of fibre upgrade triggers signifies a major shift in Australia’s broadband strategy. By replacing damaged copper, making house transitions default to fibre, and eliminating dual networks in high-uptake regions, the company aims to enhance service quality and lower expenses. While full adoption may take several years, these updates signal a transition to a more resilient and advanced broadband network.
Q&A: Essential Information
Q: What is motivating NBN Co to advocate for fibre upgrades?
A:
Fibre provides greatly superior speed, reliability, and reduced maintenance costs compared to copper. Transitioning to a fully-fibre network will secure Australia’s broadband infrastructure for the future.
Q: Will there be costs associated with a fibre upgrade?
A:
If your upgrade meets one of NBN Co’s new conditions (such as storm damage, relocation, or high fibre adoption area), the cost should be covered by NBN Co.
Q: When will these upgrades commence?
A:
NBN Co targets the period from FY27 to FY29 for fibre migration, with the possibility of earlier upgrades in certain cases contingent on industry agreements.
Q: What if I reside in a multi-dwelling unit?
A:
Fibre upgrades within MDUs currently rely on contributions from strata owners. NBN Co is evaluating this approach, but there are no announced specific new strategies yet.
Q: How does this situation compare to that of other nations?
A:
New Zealand’s Chorus has made considerable advances in fibre adoption, and NBN Co is aiming to pursue a similar trajectory by phasing out copper connections.
Q: Will switching to fibre enhance my internet speed?
A:
Indeed. Fibre connections deliver higher speeds, improved reliability, and reduced latency compared to copper-based services like FTTN and FTTC.
Q: Is it possible to request a fibre upgrade if I do not meet these new criteria?
A:
Yes, you can still submit a request for an upgrade through NBN Co’s existing on-demand program, though it typically necessitates a commitment to a higher-tier service for a minimum of 12 months.