NBN Co has today released its financial results. Alongside placing an increase in revenue, the results reveal an increase in upgrades to the fiber to the connection type (FTTP) connection type, which finally overtakes the previously most common – and subordinate – fiber to the hub (FTTN) connection technology.
Specifically, NBN Co says there are now 2.66 million active FTTP compounds in Australia compared to 2.17 million per year. June 30, 2024. Conversely, FTTN connections have seen a constant decline in the same period, ranging from just over 2.78 million at the end of FY 2024 to approx. 2.5 million at the time they were in writing.
Why is it so interesting and important? This is because FTTP connections offer access to the fastest NBN plans, and it is the only connection type available to customers currently connecting via copper-based technology and wants to take advantage of the free NBN speed upgrades arriving in September.
Rooms connecting Fiber Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) technology are also able to take advantage of the incoming speed increases, but the technology is available as an upgrade option for those on copper -based infrastructure.
Why the need for a speed upgrade?
If this is the first time you hear about the suggested speed upgrades, houses that connect to the fixed line NBN network via FTTP or HFC will have access to brand new NBN 500, NBN 750 and NBN 2000 plans from September, which joins the Internet’s current NBN 1000 Tier (which sees an increase to its minimum rate) to give a Suite of Super High.
At a time when we demand more from our Internet connection in the home – NBN Co says the average Australian household has 25 connected devices – the need for faster speeds and larger bandwidth is more widespread than ever. The upgraded plans will be able to deliver in both counts.
For the past three years, NBN Co has been on a mission to make the elderly, copper-based fast-line network footprint that is eligible for the upgrade to FTTP at no cost. The vast majority of homes must be eligible for the free upgrade in December this year, with the remaining 622,000 houses on copper -based connections all are set to slowly be eligible by 2030.
What are the best high-speed nbn plans to get today?
If the idea of faster download speeds sounds exciting and you do not yet take advantage of the free fiber upgrade, you will be glad to know that you are not lacking in great options. We have already seen some providers launch NBN 500 plans ahead of NBN CO’s official roll -out date, including exetel, spintel and tangerine, and they represent all incredible value.
It is perhaps no surprise that the 500 Mbps plans have seen an early launch, as even NBN Co -CEO Ellie Soweney has stated that “If you look at the future, it is [NBN Co’s] Measure that our 500 Mbps wholesale speed level becomes Australia’s most popular NBN plan. “
It is also possible to sign up for an NBN 750 plan early via Spintel, which presents itself as great value when comparing the price that is in some cases better than some providers’ NBN 25 plans that are 30x slower.
We do not yet know how much the new ‘hyperfast’ NBN 2000 plans will cost, but we certainly keep our eyes peeled for the best deals when they officially arrive.
If your home is eligible for the free fiber upgrade, you can sign up for a high-speed NBN plan with your chosen service provider, which will then activate the upgrade on your behalf. You will get a date for a technician who will come and install the necessary cabling and equipment in your premises, and you will be able to enjoy lightning -fast download speeds shortly after.
