Still connected via FTTC?
Here’s what it means for your setup — and how to check if you’re ready for full fibre.
Approximately 1 million premises, or about 11.3% of all nbn® connections, still use Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) to get online. FTTC brings fibre close to your property, with the final stretch completed using the existing copper line.
But with the nbn® now expanding full fibre (FTTP) upgrades, FTTC is gradually being phased out as the preferred technology.
In this guide, we’ll explain how FTTC works, what equipment you’ll need (like the FTTC connection box and modem), what speeds to expect, and what your options are if FTTC is the only connection currently available at your address.
Quick links:
- What is FTTC
- What equipment do you need
- How FTTC installation works
- What speeds can you expect with FTTC
- Full fibre upgrade
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Enter your addressWhat is FTTC and how does it work?
Fibre to the curb is a type of nbn® connection where high-speed fibre optic cables are extended close to your property.
Rather than running fibre all the way into your home, it connects to a small device called a Distribution Point Unit (DPU), which is usually located in a pit out on the street near your home.
From there, the existing copper wiring from the street is used to complete the connection to your premises. This helps deliver fast, reliable internet with a simpler, faster installation process compared to other types of full-fibre connections.
To power the connection and link your home to the network, you will need a white nbn box installed inside. This is often called the FTTC nbn® box or sometimes referred to as the FTTC modem, although technically it works alongside your home router to get your devices online.
You may be eligible for a free upgrade to full fibre >
What equipment do you need for FTTC
To set up an FTTC connection, you will generally need two key pieces of equipment:
- FTTC nbn® box: This is the small, white device that powers the connection between the street and your home. It is sometimes simply called the white nbn® box.
- Home router or modem: After the FTTC box is installed, you will also need a compatible router or modem to create your home Wi-Fi network.
In some cases, the FTTC nbn® box is provided as part of a self-installation kit, allowing you to set up your service yourself without needing a technician visit.
If you’d like to see how the setup works, check out this FTTC connection diagram.
How FTTC installation works
When you place an order for an FTTC service with us, we will let you know if your property is eligible for self-installation or if an installer is required.
Professional installation
If an installation appointment is needed, an nbn® approved installer will contact you to arrange a visit. They will bring the FTTC nbn® box, set it up correctly, and make sure your FTTC connection is working before they leave.
You can prepare for the installation by watching this short video.
Self-installation
If your home is eligible, you might be able to install the FTTC box yourself. In this case, your provider will send you the equipment along with easy-to-follow instructions. Typically, self-installation involves plugging the FTTC modem into an existing telephone wall socket and powering on the white nbn box.
What speeds can you expect with FTTC
Many people want to know about FTTC speeds. Generally, FTTC can reach up to 100 Mbps download speeds, but your actual speeds will also depend on:
- The quality of the copper cabling from the street
- Your distance from the DPU (the street pit device)
- Network congestion
- Your internet speed
If you aren’t reaching the speed you expect with fibre to the curb, there are things you can do to speed up your Wi-Fi at home.
Ready for FTTP?
FTTC is now what NBN Co calls a ‘transitional technology’. As a result, they won’t be connecting new premises to FTTC. So newer builds in connected areas will automatically be connected to fibre to the premises.
If your property is already connected to FTTC it will stay that way unless you trigger an upgrade. You are eligible for a free upgrade simply by ordering a plan of 100 Mbps or higher.
You may be eligible for a free upgrade to full fibre >
Check out our nbn® plans
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Hear from happy customers!
Key message:
If FTTC is the connection type available at your address, here’s what to keep in mind:
- FTTC is still active in over 1 million Australian premises, offering a solid balance of fibre performance and straightforward setup.
- It uses fibre to the street and copper into your home, requiring a simple FTTC nbn® box and a compatible modem/router to get started.
- You may be eligible for a free upgrade to FTTP, giving you access to even faster and more stable internet, simply by switching to a higher-speed plan.
Whether you’re getting connected for the first time or considering an upgrade, we’re here to help.
Check your address now to get started with fast, reliable internet.
