FTTC NBN plans: Understanding Fibre to the Curb

What is FTTC?

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) is an NBN connection type that brings high-speed fibre cables right to a pit near your property, usually on the street.

From there it is connected to your house by copper wires to complete the connection to the NBN network.

If you're not sure what NBN connection type you have access to, simply input your address in the field below and we'll show you the NBN plans available for your home.

How fast is an FTTC connection?

The maximum download speed you can get is 100Mbps, which matches the NBN 100 plan.

Speeds of up to 100Mbps are good enough for internet users with a need for speed or bigger families.

The speed cap is due to FTTC using copper, which has physical limits. However, because the copper wire is relatively short, it doesn't lead to a significant drop in signal quality.

The good news is that some households on the FTTC footprint could be eligible for a free fibre upgrade to a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection.

You can pop in your address on NBN Co's website to check your eligibility. Just keep in mind that if you're eligible, you'll need to sign up for an NBN 100 plan or above to trigger the upgrade.

Compare FTTC plans

You can use the table sorter to filter plans based on your budget and need for speed. We've included NBN 12, NBN 25, NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans.

6 of 161 results

Updated regularlyShare

Finder Score	Internet speed	Monthly price	Special offer	Description	Rewards
Promoted Finder score 9.4Excellent Superloop NBN Extra Value NBN Month-to-month SAVE $180 $85 $55 per month for first 6 months $55 min. total cost	Finder score 9.4Excellent	Nbn50 50/17 Mbps	$85 per month	SAVE $180 $85 $55 per month for first 6 months $55 min. total cost	Black Friday offer: $55/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth. Ends 11 Dec 2025. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Finder score 9.5Excellent Dodo NBN 50 Finder Award NBN Month-to-month SAVE $240 $85.99 $65.99 per month for first 12 months $65.99 min. total cost	Finder score 9.5Excellent	Nbn50 50/17 Mbps	$85.99 per month	SAVE $240 $85.99 $65.99 per month for first 12 months $65.99 min. total cost	$65.99/mth for first 12 months, then $85.99/mth. Ends 24 Feb 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Finder score 9Excellent iiNet NBN 50 Liimitless NBN Month-to-month SAVE $120 $84.99 $74.99 per month for first 12 months $74.99 min. total cost	Finder score 9Excellent	Nbn50 50/17 Mbps	$84.99 per month	SAVE $120 $84.99 $74.99 per month for first 12 months $74.99 min. total cost	$74.99/mth for first 12 months, then $84.99/mth. Use promo code SAVE10FOR12. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 9.2Excellent Buddy Telco NBN Speedy NBN Month-to-month SAVE $85 $85 $0 for the first month $0 min. total cost	Finder score 9.2Excellent	Nbn100 100/17 Mbps	$85 per month	SAVE $85 $85 $0 for the first month $0 min. total cost	Black Friday offer: $0 for first month, then $85/mth. Ends 13 Jan 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 8.5Great Belong NBN Premium NBN Month-to-month SAVE $120 $95 $75 per month for first 6 months $75 min. total cost	Finder score 8.5Great	Nbn100 100/17 Mbps	$95 per month	SAVE $120 $95 $75 per month for first 6 months $75 min. total cost	$75/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth. Ends 21 Dec 2025. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 8.9Great Southern Phone NBN Fast NBN Month-to-month SAVE $60 $89 $79 per month for first 6 months $79 min. total cost	Finder score 8.9Great	Nbn100 87/18 Mbps	$89 per month	SAVE $60 $89 $79 per month for first 6 months $79 min. total cost	$79/mth for first 6 months, then $89/mth. Ends 17 Feb 2026. Fair Use Policy and T&Cs apply.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading

loading

Load More

Showing 6 of 161 results

Compare other products

We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:

How we picked these

How the Finder Score helps you find a better broadband plans

We designed the Finder Score to simplify your search for the best NBN and Home Wireless plans. By analysing hundreds of options from over 40 providers, we evaluate pricing, speeds, data allowances and plan features. Each factor is weighted and combined to generate a score out of 10 — helping you quickly spot the most competitive plans on the market. Read the full breakdown.

How do I set up an FTTC connection?

You've got two options for setting up your FTTC connection: either an NBN-approved installer will do it for you, or you can set it up yourself, depending on your provider and eligibility.

If you need an installer, it usually takes up to 2 hours, but more complicated setups might take a bit longer.

For self-installation, you'll need:

• A modem-router (either purchased from your provider or you could BYO if it's compatible)
• An NBN connection box (supplied by your provider)

To complete the setup, simply plug the NBN connection box into a power outlet and a compatible telephone wall socket.

Or, connect the NBN box to your Wi-Fi modem using an ethernet cable.

How does FTTC compare to other NBN connection types?

FTTC is considered to be on the slower end of NBN connection types. Performance won't be as poor as Fibre to the Node (FTTN), but won't also be close to FTTP due to the copper involved in the connection type.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Wholesale Market Indicators report, there are just under 1 million residences using FTTC in Australia, or about 11.3% of NBN all connections, including fixed wireless and satellite.

Here's how FTTC stacks up against the other types of NBN connections:

FTTC vs FTTP

A Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection is what its name suggests – a fibre optic line runs from the node directly to your premises. As FTTP only uses fibre for the entirety of the connection, and not any copper wiring, it is generally considered the fastest and most reliable NBN you can get.

You will be able to achieve higher speeds with an FTTP connection as it allows you to get an NBN 250 or NBN 1000 plan, which you can't do with an FTTC connection.

FTTC vs FTTN

While FTTC and Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connections are similar in that they both use copper wire for the final part of the connection, the major difference between them is how much copper wire is used.

With FTTC, there is usually less than 300 metres of copper between the distribution point and any of the properties involved. On an FTTN connection, the node itself can be around a kilometre away from properties.

When signals go through copper cables, they lose strength. So the longer the distance, the slower your connection gets. This means that theoretically, FTTC offers more reliable speeds than FTTN.

FTTC vs HFC

A Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection uses the existing pay TV or cable network to connect your home from an NBN node. As HFC uses coaxial cable to make the final connection as opposed to less efficient copper wiring used in FTTC, HFC generally exhibits superior performance.

FTTC vs FTTB

For Fibre To The Building (FTTB) connections, a fibre optic cable is run to a node in a building's communications room and then existing technology in the building is used to connect to each apartment.

As there is less copper wiring used in an FTTB connection, it would be considered slightly better, especially if it's a newer building that has ethernet cable installed instead of copper wiring.

Frequently asked questions

• How much does FTTC cost?

  The cost of FTTC depends on your provider and plan.
   
  It's usually similar to other NBN connection types, so it's worth shopping around for the best deal.
   
  Prices usually start under $50 a month for the lowest speed tier, with higher speeds costing more.

• Is FTTC worth it?

  FTTC may be worth it if you're happy with download speeds up to 100Mbps.
   
  It's reliable, but if FTTP is available, that might be the better choice.

• Is FTTC better than FTTN?

  Yes, FTTC generally offers faster speeds and more reliable service than FTTN. Unfortunately, you don't get to pick and choose your NBN connection type.
   
  However, you may be eligible for a free fibre upgrade (to FTTP) which could see you get download speeds up to 1000Mbps. Pop in your address on NBN Co's address to see if your address qualifies.

• Is FTTC being phased out?

  FTTC isn't being phased out, but NBN Co is focusing on expanding FTTP in certain areas. That said, FTTC remains a reliable option for many users.

Written by

Mark Neilsen

Journalist

Mark Neilsen is a journalist with over 20 years of experience specialising in the evolving landscape of entertainment and communications. He has contributed to Yahoo Finance, The New Daily, and news.com.au, and was an editor at The Drum Media and The Music. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Charles Sturt University. Mark was a TV Streaming and Utilities Writer at Finder from 2022 to 2024. See full bio

Mark's expertise

Mark has written 48 Finder guides across topics including:

• Entertainment streaming
• Sports streaming
• Broadband
• Mobile

Co-written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 435 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
• Mobile
• Broadband
• Consumer tech