Researching the NBN can be overwhelming; it's full of complex acronyms and confusing technical terms. But the info you actually need to know is simpler than you think. In this guide, we’ll explain what FTTC NBN, how to pick a plan that's right for for you, and what you’ll need to get online. But the first thing you need to know is this:
You can’t choose how your NBN is connected. Your NBN type depends on your address and the infrastructure that is being built in your area.
Even though there are seven NBN connection types, your house can only connect in one way and we’re betting that you’re reading this because you've got (or will have) a Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection.
What is Fibre to the Curb?
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) is a type of internet connection where fibre optic cable is laid directly to your property's kerb or driveway and connects to the copper phone line that runs into your home.
Because of the short distance of copper, FTTC is considered more reliable than many NBN technology types, but the maximum plan speeds are slower than those achievable by those with an FTTP or HFC NBN connection.
Before we start, here are some of the cheapest plans NBN plans in our database available to FTTC addresses.
|
#1
|
MATE
Crikey nbn 25/10
$40/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Basic
$45/mth
Min. cost $45
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Moose NBN
nbn 25/10 Value
$46.80/mth
Min. cost $46.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Internet
Bronze Unlimited
$46.90/mth
Min. cost $46.90
|
|
#5
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Entry 25
$47/mth
Min. cost $47
|
|
#6
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value NBN
$47.90/mth
Min. cost $47.90
|
|
#7
|
amaysim
Unlimited nbn Quick As
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Exetel
Everyday nbn25
$50.99/mth
Min. cost $50.99
|
|
#9
|
Buddy Telco
Standard nbn - Unlimited
$53/mth
Min. cost $53
|
|
#10
|
Dodo
nbn25 Unlimited Plan
$53.90/mth
Min. cost $53.90
|
|
#1
|
Kogan Internet
Silver Unlimited
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value Plus NBN
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
MATE
Ripper nbn 50/20
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Exetel
Extra-value nbn50
$60.99/mth
Min. cost $60.99
|
|
#5
|
Buddy Telco
Value nbn - Unlimited
$63/mth
Min. cost $63
|
|
#6
|
Moose NBN
nbn 50/20 Premium
$63.80/mth
Min. cost $63.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Superloop
Extra-value nbn50/20
$67/mth
Min. cost $67
|
|
#8
|
Dodo
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$68.90/mth
Min. cost $68.90
|
|
#9
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Everyday
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
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iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
|
#1
|
MATE
No Worries nbn 100/20
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
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#2
|
Southern Phone
nbn Fast
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Premium 100
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#4
|
Moose NBN
nbn 100/20 Elite
$65.80/mth
Min. cost $65.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Internet
Gold Unlimited
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#6
|
Tangerine Telecom
Speedy NBN
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#7
|
Exetel
Family nbn100/20
$65.99/mth
Min. cost $65.99
|
|
#8
|
amaysim
Unlimited nbn Fast As
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Fast
$72/mth
Min. cost $72
Link not supplied
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|
#10
|
Buddy Telco
Speedy nbn - Unlimited
$73/mth
Min. cost $73
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How fast are FTTC NBN plans?
When you're ordering an NBN plan, you'll be able to pick from six different speed tiers. Only speeds up to NBN 100 are available to those with an FTTC connection, however.
| NBN speed tier | Best for | Good speed | Avg speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBN 12 (Basic I) | Lone, low internet users | 12Mbps | 10-12Mbps |
| NBN 25 (Basic II) | Budget pick for 1-2 people | 25Mbps | 19-25Mbps |
| NBN 50 (Standard) | A great all-rounder for 2-4 people | 50Mbps | 42-50Mbps |
| NBN 100 (Fast) | Internet lovers and big households | 100Mbps | 90-100Mbps |
| NBN 250 (Superfast) | Got the need for speed | 248Mbps | 200-230Mbps |
| NBN 1000 (Ultrafast) | Fastest you can get if you can get it | 800Mbps | 200-700Mbps |
Some FTTC connections may struggle to achieve maximum speeds on an NBN 100 plan. This is because FTTC connections still use a bit of the original copper. The more copper in your connection, the slower its maximum capacity is. Most households will be able to get an NBN 100 plan on FTTC but your provider may contact you if it's not possible for your connection.
Here's a selection of the fastest NBN 100 plans you can get right now:
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#1
|
Southern Phone
nbn Fast
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
NBN Unlimited Premium 100
$65/mth
Min. cost $65
|
|
#3
|
Moose NBN
nbn 100/20 Elite
$65.80/mth
Min. cost $65.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Internet
Gold Unlimited
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#5
|
Tangerine Telecom
Speedy NBN
$65.90/mth
Min. cost $65.90
|
|
#6
|
Exetel
Family nbn100/20
$65.99/mth
Min. cost $65.99
|
|
#7
|
amaysim
Unlimited nbn Fast As
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Swoop
nbn® Home Fast
$72/mth
Min. cost $72
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
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Dodo
nbn100 Unlimited Plan
$73.90/mth
Min. cost $73.90
|
|
#10
|
Superloop
Family nbn100/20
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
|
What equipment will I need for an FTTC NBN?
When you connect to the National Broadband Network over FTTC, you'll need an NBN Connection Device and a wireless router. NBN Co will provide the NBN Connection Device for free, while your internet service provider will either give you or sell you a new router.
The NBN Connection Device will require a power outlet and a connection to a telephone wall socket using an RJ11 cable (the same kind of cable that connects your landline phone or ADSL modem to a wall socket).
You'll use an Ethernet cable (included in the box with your router) to connect the Connection Device to your wireless router, which also requires a power outlet. Your wireless router provides internet to the rest of your devices, and can also be used for an NBN-compatible telephone.
In most cases, NBN Co will not need to do any work inside your home to set up your FTTC connection.
How much does an FTTC NBN plan cost?
If you're looking at an FTTC NBN plan, expect to pay between $45 and $110 per month, depending on the provider and your speed tier. The cost depends on the speed you want and the provider you sign up with. The higher the speed, the more you'll pay.
An NBN 50 may be enough for many people, providing a good balance between speed and cost. You're often looking at around $80 per month at full price, but discounts can make them cheaper for your first six months.
Here are the cheapest NBN 50 plans available right now:
|
#1
|
Kogan Internet
Silver Unlimited
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
Value Plus NBN
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
MATE
Ripper nbn 50/20
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
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|
#4
|
Exetel
Extra-value nbn50
$60.99/mth
Min. cost $60.99
|
|
#5
|
Buddy Telco
Value nbn - Unlimited
$63/mth
Min. cost $63
|
|
#6
|
Moose NBN
nbn 50/20 Premium
$63.80/mth
Min. cost $63.80
Link not supplied
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|
#7
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Superloop
Extra-value nbn50/20
$67/mth
Min. cost $67
|
|
#8
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Dodo
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$68.90/mth
Min. cost $68.90
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#9
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Swoop
nbn® Home Everyday
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
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#10
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iiNet
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
|
How does FTTC NBN work?
The National Broadband Network is made up of fibre-optic cables that run out across the country from major hubs and into your neighbourhood. These cables are capable of delivering incredibly fast and reliable internet.
With an FTTC connection, this cable is laid directly to your property's kerb or driveway (a distribution point), and the final connection to your house or business is made with your existing copper phone line.
This makes for a fast and reliable connection because there is typically not enough copper used in the connection to affect internet speeds.
As you can see in the image above:
- The NBN has major hubs (known as Points of Interconnect) located all around the country
- Fibre optic cable connects the hub to a smaller connection point (known as a Node) near your home
- Fibre optic cable then runs as far as a distribution point under the street near the front of your house
- Your copper phone line connects the distribution point to your house
Can I change my NBN technology types?
Unfortunately, changing technology type isn’t a simple procedure, and for most people, it won’t be worth the effort. NBN Co has an upgrade program where you can get an instant quote for how much it would cost to change your current tech type to FTTP - but be warned these quotes are not cheap. We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars.
There is, however, a silver lining. NBN Co is currently undertaking major upgrades. While the focus is on FTTN addresses, over one million FTTC customers will also be able to request free upgrades once work in their area is finished. This work should be complete by the end of 2025 and will allow those currently on FTTC to order NBN 250 and NBN 1000 plans.
In addition to faster speeds, FTTP connections tend to be more reliable. They dropout less, have faster latency, and less packet loss.
How do I upgrade my FTTC NBN?
If you're on FTTC and want to upgrade to FTTP, you may be eligible for a free NBN upgrade. You'll first need to check whether the FTTP upgrades are already available in your area. You can do this by visiting the NBN Co website and entering your address.
If you find out you're eligible, the next step will be to contact your internet service provider and order an NBN 100 plan or faster.
Once you've chosen a new plan, an NBN Co technician will come to your property for a pre-installation visit. They'll assess your needs, identify any obstacles to installation and may do some light prep work. They'll then schedule a time to install your NBN equipment.
During installation, they'll also run fibre optic cable from the street to your property, which could involve digging a trench or drilling a hole through your wall.
Once the upgrades are finished, you'll need to cancel your old NBN plan. Note that you'll need to stay with the provider who facilitated your update for 12 months, or you may end up paying a fee.
NBN alternatives
If you're looking for an alternative to the NBN, the most viable option is Home Wireless Broadband. This connection type uses mobile networks, the same as those that connect you to the internet on your phone, in order to connect to your home network. Both 4G and 5G options are available.
While 5G coverage isn't widely available yet, some lucky Aussies can already get a 5G home internet connection right now, and more will be able to as the rollout continues.
If you decide to choose a plan capped at 50Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of NBN 50, however, you may experience
slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option if you're either conscious of the price
or you know you won't use over 50Mbps.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 50Mbps:
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#1
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SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit)
$49/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
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#2
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iiNet
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
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#3
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TPG
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#4
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Vodafone
5G Home Internet Plus Plan
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
Link not supplied
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#5
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Optus
Optus Plus Everyday 5G
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
Link not supplied
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|
#6
|
Yomojo
5G Internet 50
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
Link not supplied
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If you choose a plan capped at 100Mbps, this means it's the equivalent of an NBN 100 plan, however, you may
experience slightly slower speeds during peak hours. This is a great option for households with multiple
members who regularly connect to the internet at the same time.
Here's pricing for 5G home internet plans capped at 100Mbps:
|
#1
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TPG
5G Home Broadband Premium
$54.99/mth
Min. cost $54.99
|
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#2
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SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (100Mbit)
$59/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
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#3
|
iiNet
5G Home Broadband Premium
$59.99/mth
Min. cost $59.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
5G Home Internet Premium Plan
$60/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Yomojo
5G Internet 100
$75.90/mth
Min. cost $75.90
Link not supplied
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|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Fast 5G
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
Link not supplied
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Telstra, Optus, Yomojo and SpinTel currently offer uncapped plans. These can go as fast as network conditions allow but exact speeds will depend on your coverage and congestion. Generally, though we have found 200Mbps is a pretty safe average.
|
#1
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband
$79/mth
Min. cost $104
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
5G Home Internet - 1TB
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G
$89/mth
Min. cost $89
Link not supplied
|
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#4
|
Yomojo
5G Internet Max
$95.90/mth
Min. cost $95.90
Link not supplied
|
4G home wireless internet plans are more widely available but have much slower speeds. You'll typically get maximum download speeds of 20Mbps, which is far slower than what an FTTC connection is capable of.
|
#1
|
TPG
Home Wireless Broadband
$44.99/mth
Min. cost $44.99
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit)
$49/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
iiNet
5G Home Broadband Plus
$49.99/mth
Min. cost $49.99
|
|
#4
|
Vodafone
5G Home Internet Basic Plan
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Yomojo
4G Internet 25
$55.90/mth
Min. cost $55.90
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Telstra
5G Home Internet - 1TB
$85/mth
Min. cost $85
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Kogan Internet
4G Home Internet Plan
$149.70
Link not supplied
|
FTTC FAQs
Who is getting FTTC NBN?
According to NBN Co, up to 1.1 million Australian homes and businesses currently rely on NBN FTTC technology.
What happens in a power outage?
If you're connected to the NBN over FTTC, internet services won't work if there is a power outage at your place. Restoring power to your premises with an alternative power option won't do anything if the FTTC network is also experiencing an outage.
What are NBN evening speeds?
While all NBN providers resell access to the same network, maximum speeds during peak hours can vary between providers. As such, some providers have started advertising the speeds you can expect during peak hours. These are known as 'typical evening speeds'.
How much data should I get on my plan?
Unlimited data NBN plans are effectively the norm right now. It's very rare to see an NBN plan with a data cap these days.
Do I have to sign a contract for FTTC NBN?
Like many other NBN connection types, you can simply sign up for a month-to-month NBN plan as an FTTC customer without signing a contract.
Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.
Throughout his career as a journalist, Alex has covered international trade shows, spent three years co-hosting a tech show on community radio, and was awarded a highly commended in the Best Reviewer category of the 2018 IT Journalism awards and the 2021 IT Journalism awards. His work contributed to WhistleOut Australia winning the Best Consumer Technology Coverage award in the 2023 IT Journalism Awards.
He has regularly contributed to Gizmodo and Lifehacker, and he often pops up on 2GB and the Money Magazine podcast to talk telco. On weekends, you'll find Alex at a wine bar, on a hike, or in the middle of a mosh pit.
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