
NBN utility box
(installed outside)

NBN connection box
(can be installed either inside or outside)

NBN backup battery
(installed inside)
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP, sometimes also called Fibre to the Home) is regarded as the best NBN connection type you can get. You can expect fast speeds, a reliable connection and access to almost any NBN plan you want.
Nearly all NBN providers offer FTTP plans, which is great news because it means you've got access to more deals and options so you can find the best plan for your needs.
FTTP connections run high-speed fibre optic cables from the wider network of the NBN all the way to your house, where a modem completes the connection.
Because FTTP connections don't require a mix of new and old Internet technologies (like FTTN which uses a mix of fibre optic cables and old copper phone lines), it's considered the fastest and most reliable NBN connection around.
With FTTP, you also get access to NBN 250 and NBN 1000 speeds, which are the two fastest NBN speed categories. These plans aren't currently available to all households in Australia, so if you live with 5 or more people, you might be interested in taking advantage of your FTTP luck and signing up to one of these.
FTTP connections are capable of reaching the highest speeds that the NBN has to offer, all the way up to NBN 1000. In theory, fibre optic cables can reach even higher speeds, but commercial and technical limitations mean that 1000Mbps (which is 1Gbps) is the fastest plan available in Australia.
As with any fixed-line Internet, your connection might slow down during busy periods, especially between 7pm and 11pm.
Fortunately, you don't need to do much of anything, since the installation is handled by an NBN technician. You or someone else may need to be home to give them access as they install the following:
(installed outside)
(can be installed either inside or outside)
(installed inside)
The only thing you need to do is hook up a modem, which is purchased separately or from your Internet provider. Plug the modem into one of the NBN connection box's yellow UNI-D ports with the included Ethernet cable. You can see this in the above image of the NBN connection box, where the Ethernet cable has been plugged into the UNI-D 2 port.
You can find out more about the NBN battery here.
The technology used to connect a property to the NBN is determined by NBN Co and isn't a choice. This means that if Fibre to the Premises hasn't been chosen for your property, then you won't have an FTTP connection.
There are no specific NBN FTTP suburbs or neighbourhoods – you have to check each address individually. You can check whether your address is capable of having an FTTP connection by popping your details into our NBN tracker.
If you're desperate for FTTP and are willing to pay for the privilege, the NBN Technology Choice program can give you a chance to upgrade. It's not available to everyone, and you must submit an application to NBN Co for a free quote on eligibility and upgrade costs.
However, expect to pay dearly for the upgrade. Costs depend on your property and existing connection type, ranging from about $2,000-$10,000 for FTTC connections and up to over $50,000 for some HFC and FTTN connections. The whole process can take in excess of six months, so don't expect a quick upgrade either.
An FTTP plan will cost you exactly the same as any other NBN plan since fixed-line plan costs don't change based on your connection type (only satellite and fixed wireless NBN plans cost more). Here's what goes into it:
The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is whether you have an NBN connection box or not. For an FTTN connection, your modem plugs directly into the telephone wall socket. For FTTP, your modem will plug into an NBN connection box, which is then connected to an external utility box.
With FTTP, fibre optic cables are run directly to your house. On an FTTN connection, fibre optic cables are run to a telephone exchange box, which is then connected to your house by older copper telephone wires.
The main difference that this creates is the speed you get on both connections. Since FTTP is fibre optic all the way, you get access to the best NBN speeds. But with FTTN connections, most of the distance to your house is covered by older wires that don't handle speed as well. This is why FTTN is regarded as being one of the slowest NBN connections around.
Fibre to the Premises is widely considered to be the best NBN connection you can get. Here's how it compares to other technologies:
FTTP runs fibre optic cables directly to your house from the wider NBN network. On FTTN, your house is connected to a telephone exchange by inferior copper cables, so the signal gets significantly worse the further you are from the node.
End result: FTTP is more reliable and faster than FTTN.
FTTC connections connect your home to a distribution point outside your house, and from there fibre optic cables connect you to the NBN. Some copper is worse than none, so FTTC suffers in comparison.
End result: FTTP is more reliable and faster than FTTC.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) uses "pay TV" coaxial cables to connect you to the greater fibre network. However, FTTP's fibre optic cables are overall better.
End result: FTTP is more reliable and faster than HFC.
In a Fibre to the Basement/Building (FTTB) connection, fibre optic cables go to the basement of a building, but individual apartments are connected by various other cables. Fibre optic cables remain better and more consistent than the alternatives.
End result: FTTP is more reliable and faster than FTTB.
Images: Finder, Aussie Broadband
A significant number of people experience weekly buffering issues, according to new research by Finder.
Read more…Finder’s Future of Telecommunications report explores the major trends shaping the future of mobile and broadband markets.
Read more…SPONSORED: Don’t let moving stress drag out for longer than it has to.
Read more…Plus $50 off selected devices, 50% off accessories and more.
Read more…If this NBN price hike goes through your Internet bill could double over the next decade.
Read more…Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney.
Bundling your Internet and mobile services can get you a nifty discount or bonus data on your plans.
If you're sick of slow speeds on the NBN, or just can't get connected, there are fast 4G/5G plans available for you.
Having a local support team can be helpful when you’re facing Internet troubles. We’ve compiled a list of NBN providers with Aussie call centres to help you out.
Happy with your current NBN plan? Find out what NBN relocation services are available for keeping your NBN provider when you’re moving.
Bringing your own modem across when you sign up to a new NBN plan could save you a couple hundred dollars.
Find the best Internet plans for renters with no contracts and low prices.
Find out where to buy a new NBN battery and easily install it yourself.
Gigabit Internet was introduced in Australia in May 2020 for people on certain NBN connection types.
We break down the different NBN connection types available, and who you need to contact in order install the NBN in your apartment.
Stay connected to the Internet during an Internet outage with an NBN plan that comes with a 4G backup modem.
Find out our expert picks for the best NBN plans this month.
See what Finder users are loving with our top 10 Internet providers.
We've rounded up the fastest Internet providers and plans around.
Grab a cheap deal with these NBN plans for under $50/month.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
How do I find out if the recent NBN connection to my home is FTTP or FTTN?
Hi John,
Easy. Enter your full address into our NBN Rollout Tracker to see if the NBN is available and compare plans instantly. This will also let you know what technology is available at your address.
Thanks,
Brodie
Does “fixed line” mean FTTP or FTTN?
Hi Paddo,
Thanks for your question.
All types of nbn network connections that use a physical line running to the premises are considered to be fixed line connections which include FTTP, FTTN and FTTB. The difference between each type of connection has to do with how your existing network technology will be used in connecting you to the nearest available fibre node to your specific premises.
Cheers,
Anndy