Your Guide to the NBN FTTP Upgrade with First Responder Broadband
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2
If you're currently with First Responder Broadband on an NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection, you may be eligible to upgrade to the gold standard of internet technology: Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
An FTTP connection brings a fibre optic cable all the way into your home, giving you access to faster, more reliable, and more consistent speeds. This is especially important for households with multiple people streaming, gaming, and working from home simultaneously.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from checking your eligibility to what happens on installation day, all through the lens of a First Responder Broadband customer.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility with NBN Co
The first and most important step is to confirm that your address is part of the NBN FTTP upgrade program. This program is being rolled out in stages, so not all FTTN and FTTC premises are eligible at the same time.
You can check your eligibility on the official NBN Co website. Simply use their address checker tool to see if you can order a full fibre upgrade.
Check your address on the NBN Co website: https://www.nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/more-fibre
Step 2: Place Your Upgrade Order with First Responder Broadband
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, you'll need to contact First Responder Broadband to choose a new plan. A key requirement for the upgrade is that you must order a plan with a minimum speed tier, typically NBN 100/20 Mbps or higher.
First Responder Broadband will handle the upgrade order with NBN Co on your behalf. They will also schedule a date for an NBN-approved technician to come to your home for the installation.
Step 3: Preparing for Installation Day
The time between placing your order and the installation can take a few weeks. During this period, there are a few things you should do to prepare:
Get Landlord Permission: If you are renting, you must get written permission from your landlord. The installation will involve drilling and possibly some digging, which requires their consent.
Clear the Area: The technician will need clear access to both the outside and inside of your home. Clear any obstacles, such as furniture, from the walls where you want the new equipment installed.
Make a Location Plan: The technician will install two new boxes:
NBN Utility Box: This is a small box installed on the outside of your home.
NBN Connection Box (NTD): This is a small box installed inside your home. Think about the best location for the indoor box. It should be:
Within 12 metres of the outside utility box.
Within 3 metres of a power outlet.
In a cool, dry, and easily accessible location.
Watch the Video: NBN Co provides a helpful video that gives a visual overview of the installation process. Watching it can give you a better idea of what to expect and help you plan your ideal equipment locations.
"How to set up nbn® Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ-wZLSZXSw
What to Expect on Installation Day
On the day of your appointment, a person over the age of 18 must be present for the entire duration, which typically takes between 2-4 hours.
Technician Arrival and Walk-Through: The NBN technician will arrive within the scheduled time slot. They will conduct a walk-through of your property to assess the best locations for the new equipment. You will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences with them and provide signed consent for the work.
Exterior Installation: The technician will run a fibre optic cable from the street to the exterior of your home, where they will install the NBN utility box. This may involve using existing cable pathways, mounting cable on the surface, or shallow burying it.
Interior Installation: The technician will drill a small hole through your wall to run the fibre cable inside, where they will install the NBN connection box.
Service Activation: Once the installation is physically complete, the technician will finish their work. They will then notify First Responder Broadband that the installation is complete. Your provider will take over to remotely activate your new service, which can take up to a few business days. Don't worry, you can continue using your existing internet service in the meantime.
Final Steps: After you receive a notification from First Responder Broadband that your service is active, you will need to connect your Wi-Fi router to the new NBN connection box and follow your provider's instructions to get online.
The FTTP upgrade is a significant improvement for your home internet, setting you up for years of high-speed, reliable connectivity. With a little preparation, the installation process will be smooth and seamless.