NBN to force broadband upgrades from next year: What you need to know

Homes and businesses on older NBN copper connections - Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) and Fibre to the Node (FTTN) - will need to upgrade to full fibre, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).

FTTP is widely considered the fastest and most reliable NBN connection type, and NBN Co wants to increase its uptake through its Targeted Upgrade program.

How will NBN's Targeted Upgrade program work?

The first phase kicks off in July 2027, affecting an initial batch of 130,000 premises, after which NBN Co plans to roll out upgrades to up to 20,000 premises per month.

From there, customers have 6 months to make the switch by contacting their internet provider - meaning the first affected group will face a deadline of January 2028.

You'll hear from your provider at 3 points: when the phase launches, at the 3-month mark, and again 1 month out.

Once the deadline passes and you fail to trigger the upgrade, your internet connection will be suspended for 30 days.

After the suspension period, internet services will be disconnected if no action is taken. Services will only resume once a fibre upgrade is requested.

Do I need to be worried?

It may be jarring to read that you could lose your internet connection.

However, the Targeted Upgrade program itself is a good thing.

Fibre is far more resilient than copper connections...and the upgrade is free.

The main downside is not getting the upgrade sorted before the deadline.

It's somewhat reminiscent of the 3G network shutdown, where a lag between the switch-off date and people upgrading their handsets left some users temporarily stranded.

However, Anna Perrin, chief customer officer at NBN Co, has tried to alleviate these concerns.

The program has been carefully designed in close consultation with phone and internet providers, consumer advocates, and stakeholders, and we'll continue working closely with them throughout the rollout to make sure customers are well supported. By taking a managed approach - with strong safeguards and clear timeframes - we're helping customers transition smoothly, while strengthening the network for the long term."

An NBN Co spokesperson also told Finder it will set up a dedicated Australian-based support centre for the program, offering general information, interpreter services, scam validation and referrals back to providers.

What's the installation process going to be like?

A technician will need to visit your property to carry out the installation, so you'll need to be home for the appointment.

Your internet may also be temporarily disrupted during the upgrade, which is worth keeping in mind if you work from home or run a business.

Additionally, if you are renting, you should notify and get formal permission from your landlord before the installation goes ahead, as the process involves minor drilling and mounting hardware to the property.

Are the fibre upgrades already available?

NBN's fibre upgrade program has been rolling out for a few years now.

You can check if your address is eligible for a free upgrade on NBN Co's website.

If your home qualifies, you can request the upgrade through a participating NBN provider - including your current one - as most providers are taking part in the program.

Right now, you'll generally need to sign up to an NBN 100 plan or faster to trigger the free upgrade.

However, these rules are easing independently of the 2027 forced rollout:

• From 1 July 2026: All customers on FTTC connections will be able to upgrade to full fibre without needing to choose a high-speed plan.
• Under the Targeted Upgrade program: Anyone contacted as part of the mandatory rollouts from July 2027 onwards will not be forced to pay for a faster tier. You will be allowed to keep your existing plan, whatever it may be.

How many people can upgrade right now?

Around 5 million premises are eligible for a free FTTP upgrade.

As of 31 December 2025, just over a million customers have taken advantage of the offer.

"Fibre is nbn's fastest and most reliable residential technology. For customers, NBN full fibre delivers a connection they can depend on...unlike legacy copper networks, fibre is also far less affected by weather and environmental conditions," Perrin said.